parties concerned, and such therefore it should be esteemed by him who is the arbitrator of their rights and the legislator and judge of the infant state.  He will have, indeed, to act the part of counsel, judge, and jury; and although the children cannot find words to plead their own cause, yet by their looks and gestures, they will convince you that they know when you have rightly decided; and it appears to me, that the future conduct of the children in the world, will depend, in a great measure, upon the correctness of the master’s decisions.

One would suppose, to hear the observations of some persons, that mere automatons would do for masters and mistresses.  By them the system is considered as every thing, while the persons who are to teach it, have been considered as secondary objects; but a system, however perfect in itself, will be productive of little good, unless it be committed to persons possessed of some degree of skill; as the best watch will go wrong, if not properly attended to.  We cannot, therefore, be too circumspect in the choice of the persons to whom we commit the care and education of the rising generation.  There is something so powerful in correctness of deportment, that even infants respect it; and this will operate more on their minds than many imagine.  It does not appear necessary to me, that children should be kept under excessive restraint by their tutors; they should rather be encouraged to make their teacher their confidant, for by this means he will become acquainted with many things, the knowledge of which it is essential he should possess, both as it regards himself; and the welfare of his pupils.  If the child be enthralled, he will seek some other persons to whom he may open his little mind, and should that person be ill-disposed, the most serious consequences will not unfrequently follow.  I know the source from whence all assistance is derived, and I am taught to believe, that such assistance will not be withheld from those who diligently seek it.  I am well aware that I shall have to render an account of my stewardship to the Almighty, for every child that may have been placed under my care, and I feel that to do so unblameably, requires much assistance from above.

Let not those, then, who are similarly circumstanced with myself; think that I address them in the spirit of arrogance, with a pre-conceived opinion of my own sufficiency.  I wish that all who teach may be more fit for the situation than I am.  I know many who are an honour to their profession, as well as the situation they fill; but, I am sorry to say, I think they do not all meet with the encouragement they merit.  It is not always those who do their duty the best that are most valued; but if a man’s conscience do not upbraid him, he has in its approval a high reward.