ured a teacher for himself, and in a short time was
enabled to claim the promised reward. And such was his thirst for
knowledge, that, in after years, he became one of the most learned men
of his nation. Bacon, Cuvier, Sir William Jones and many other prodigies
of learning, received their first impulse in the path of study from
their mothers. Who is that mother, that thinks lightly of her influence
on the minds of her children? Let her know that on her it may now be
depending, whether a son is to pass through life, ignorant of this
world, of his duties as a man, a citizen, and a Christian; or to be so
educated as to adorn the stations he may hereafter fill, to be a
blessing to his country, an honor to his race, and better than all,
trained up to know and to serve the Great Father of lights.

This leads me to observe, that woman affects vitally the interests of
Society, from the transcendent influence she exerts on the Domestic
relations in general. The prosperity of nations depends intimately on
the prevalence of the fireside virtues. Unless the foundations of order,
peace, and a genuine benevolence be laid in our homes, we can hope for
none of these essential blessings. Let there be discord in our families,
and the same spirit that creates it, will lead to public, civil, social,
and political, dissensions. If our sons are trained up in an allowed
disrespect to their parents, the retribution will be felt, not only in
the privacy of our homes, but everywhere around us. And the daughter,
who demeans herself irreverently toward the guardians of her life, will
not fail to manifest the same melancholy trait in her intercourse with
all her superiors.

Nor may we confine these remarks to this one aspect. We desire kind
neighbors, men who will regard the rights and the happiness of others,
and who will strive to promote them in their daily walk. But from what
school do these virtues usually proceed? Where are generous,
conciliatory, obliging dispositions first formed? In the family circle.
The faithful and affectionate husband, the tender, yet wise and
judicious father, the considerate and kind brother, these are the
elements which constitute both the good citizen and the good neighbor.
He who is false to the claims of home, may shine on splendid occasions,
and attract the admiration of a distant world of spectators. But his
heart is hollow, and the more he is known, the less will he be loved or
esteemed, and the feebler will