affairs than the father, she has frequently an opportunity of interfering with the children in a way which he has not. Business and various avocations generally so occupy his time, that he seldom enjoys the company of his children, except at the stated seasons of meals and retirement. The mother, however, is usually privy to almost all their ways; has many opportunities, peculiar to herself, of becoming acquainted with their dispositions; and is in the habit of hearing numerous things respecting them, to which the father is a stranger. Hence her situation is particularly responsible. She is however in more than ordinary danger of losing sight of the responsibility which is attached to her. The delicate and tender feelings of which she is susceptible, render her liable to conceal the faults of her children from the father, with a view to shield them from the severity of his corrections. Her natural fondness for them induces her to construe their glaring offences into mere trifling failings; and her delusive hopes, that they will grow better as they grow older, have ruined many a child. Be then persuaded, ye mothers, never to treat with indifference any evil tempers, or improper inclinations, which your children may manifest. Begin very early to check the self-will, the obstinacy, the petulance, and other sinful dispo sitions, which are so prevalent in childhood. As you value the present and eternal wel

*

fare of your offspring, exert your utmost influence to suppress every evil propensity in them, from the moment it becomes visible. While they are very young, give them to understand that they must never venture to act contrary to your wishes. The earlier

children are made sensible of this the better. It will prove a preventive of many future contensions, it will suppress the risings of a dissatisfied disposition on many occasions when their wishes are denied, and remove that hankering inclination after sundry trifles which is so peculiar to childhood.

The early age of childhood having elapsed, affectionate admonitions and plain advice should be given, with a view to restrain any wrong dispositions or any improper conduct. When children have arrived at the years of thinking in some degree for themselves, it seems far more probable that this method will produce the desired effect, than that of having recourse to external correction. Bodily punishment however ought to be inflicted, if milder methods prove unavailable. The nature both of the diposition and offence should be well considered, and be the chief guide both in the manner and degree of administering correction. And in all cases in which a deliberate judgment dictates the propriety of using corporeal chastisement, the tender feelings of nature should never be permitted to prevent its

infliction. But still it is of the highest importance, that every mother should endeavour to secure the affections of her children by kind treatment. It becomes her so to act towards them as to secure, if possible, their love as well as obedience, and to induce them to reverence her authority, and yet to feel freedom of access to her with confidence and attachment. May God grant that every mother in this congregation, may do what she can in this important branch of duty!

Again, a mother has opportunities, peculiar to herself, of teaching the younger branches of the family. While the father is busily occupied in providing the necessaries of life, she is confined to the house, and is frequently surrounded by her little ones, and enjoys a peculiar pleasure in their company. These are favourable opportunities for improving their open minds. A variety of affectionate and plain remarks may be made to them, on the God who reigns above -on his beholding them every moment on his abhorrence of every bad temper and evil way, and on his taking delight in those children that are good. Frequently they might be drawn to listen to an easy and simple narrative of the character, sufferings, death, and resurrection of the Saviour of the fall of Adam, and the ruined state of mankind by sin-of the glories and happiness of heaven, and of the awful miseries of

hell. Plain and affectionate conversation on such subjects as these, opportunely introduced, would necessarily arrest their attention, fix a lasting impression on their minds, and gradually communicate information respecting the most important realities. Has every mother before me, done what she could in these respects? Alas! it is much to be lamented, that there is an awful deficiency in the conduct of some mothers. And to

this neglect is to be ascribed that gross ignorance of the very first principles of religion, which is too visible in many of our young people.

Allow me to add, that when a mother's authority does not prove sufficient to restrain her children from improprieties, it becomes her to make the circumstances known to her husband. A partial and weak fondness for her children, has induced many a mother to hide their faults from the partner of her cares. From this imprudent conduct innumerable evils have arisen. The father possessing greater power and authority than the mother, is of course capable of producing that subjection in children, for which she is incompetent. Were he therefore made acquainted with their improprieties, he might be instrumental in checking and removing them before they become habitual; and thus prevent a train of distressing consequences. Owing however to his being

kept in ignorance respecting their misconduct, some have soon grown bold and hardened in their evil ways, and have become too stubborn to be reformed even by the father himself. How necessary therefore is it, that he should be timely informed of any misconduct in his children, which their mother is unable to correct!

Thus far, my female friends, your duty is pointed out. In every branch of it, its importance demands your closest and most conscientious attention. On the due observance of it, humanly speaking, the present and eternal welfare of your offspring depends. Be then persuaded, I beseech you, to shake off your former indifference. May God help you from this moment heartily to engage in this important work! And may the future endeavours of each of you justify every observer in saying, "She hath done what she could" in performing the duties of a wife and a mother! The next point of discussion is,..

III. The duty of a mistress.

The time is too far elapsed to enlarge much on this part of our subject. Indeed, since the duty of a master is quite similar to that of a mistress, and since that duty has been already copiously discussed, it will be deemed unnecessary to dwell much on