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I have already taken frequent oppor-
tunities, said I, of making you acquainted with my ideas respecting the proper method of training your children at home; but it is of so much importance that you should have correct views on this subject, that I could not feel satisfied were I to neglect this opportunity of repeating them. This is the more necessary, as I have by my illness been prevented from committing my thoughts to writing as I intended. The great difficulty in the education of children, as it seems to me, is to hit the proper medium between gentleness and severity. Harshness breaks and sours the temper; too much indulgence enfeebles the mind, or sets the passions loose from all restraint. Let it be your constant aim, therefore, to hold the reins of authority with a gentle but steady hand. Be the friend and not the tyrant of your family. Show your children that you love them, and they will love you in return. Treat them with con- fidence, and they will open their hearts to you. At the same time, do not let a mistaken tenderness prevent you from ad- ministering correction when necessary. Remember, that ‘he that spareth the rod hateth the child; but take care that reason, not passion, direct the punishment. For a simple accident, however vexatious and
