they meet with in the course of six days must have upon the good they hear on the seventh, and it will be seen how little comparatively is really practicable.  I do not say this to dishearten those who are engaged in this labour of love, or to abate the zeal of its promoters.  At the same time that their experience confirms the truth of my observations—­and I know they would candidly confess that it does so—­they must have many gratifying instances of a contrary nature, in children, who from evil habits have been won to a love of goodness and religion, shewn not merely in a punctual attendance at their school, but in that good-will toward their fellow-scholars, and grateful love to their teachers, which are the only infallible signs of a change in the affections.  These things encourage them, in spite of many difficulties and mortifications, to persevere in well doing; and may the God of love bless their labours with an increase of fruitfulness!  It is only my purpose here to state, that the most likely human means to produce such an increase, is the establishment of infant schools;—­schools designed, particularly, for the cultivation of the affections,—­for preparing the heart to receive that wisdom which teaches us to love God supremely, and to love our neighbour as ourselves.  As to the system of instruction pursued in Sunday schools, as well as other free schools, it is, indeed, my opinion, that some alteration for the better might be made, but as I intend to speak of this matter in a future place, I shall say no more on the subject at present, but pass on to notice prison discipline—­which is, I fear, entitled to any term but that of a remedy.

That the end of punishment should be the prevention of future crime, rather than the gratification of vindictive feelings—­whether those of states or of injured individuals—­but few will venture to deny; and yet how little calculated is the punishment usually inflicted on young offenders in this country, to answer that end!  They are shut up in a prison, in company with other thieves, perhaps older and more experienced than themselves, and all that was wanting to complete their education in dishonesty is here attained.  Previously to their confinement within the walls of one of these places, in spite of the assertions of their hardened associates, that it was nothing to fear, it is probable, dread or apprehension hung over their minds; the last vestige of shame had not been banished by a public appearance as criminals—­and this, properly taken advantage of, might have made their reformation possible!  But, having encountered the object of their fears, and endured the shame of a trial—­shame and fear are alike gone for ever; and when once they find their way into those sinks of iniquity, there is very little hope of amendment.  From that period a prison has not the least terror for them.  Being a place of idleness while there, it calls forth the evil inclinations of its inmates, and as they have opportunities of indulging those