Thoughts on moral and spiritual culture

Preface

Tue title of this book was first given toa Lecture which the author was requested - to deliver before the American Institute in 1835. It is now given to this volume, because, though not strictly appropriate to all its pages, it covers the general idea of the book. Four of the

Addresses have already been published, and

‘were received with unexpected favor by many who had long devoted themselves to the cause of Education. It is partly at the suggestion of such, that the additional essays have been prepared, and are now presented to the public. For the last ten years, the writer has felt a deep interest in the religious instruction of the young, and hopes that what has been gathered from personal experience may give more pervi PREFACE.

manent value to the following pages. The poetry scattered through the volume has been the natural expression of feeling at various times, and is now published, not without some hesitation, as connecting links between the chapters. Miscellaneous as the volume may at first appear, it is trusted that there will be seen throughout a unity of design, and that some thoughts may be suggested which will be of service to others.

Boston, January, 1842.

PREFACE

Havine been called upon for a second edition of this hook, the Author has revised it and made such improvements as have suggested themselves. The former edition met with a most kind reception in this country. It has also been republished in London ; and, from the favorable notice it has received on both sides of the water, the writer is encouraged to hope, that, as it has awakened some interest, so it may also have accomplished some good.

It has been no small gratification to know that those who have given time and attention to the subject of Education have not only testified their strong sympathy with the views vill PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

expressed in these pages, but have made efforts to extend them.

May this little volume continue to suggest useful hints to inquiring minds. As far as its thoughts are good may they be scattered like seeds upon the wind, until they shall fall upon hearts ready to receive them. If such should be the result, the writer will have nothing more to desire.

Boston, December, 1843.

Contents

pe PAGE * InrRopvuction : : ; : : : : 5 1 Song of the Angels . : : : 3 13 CHILDHOOD . ‘ 7 ; 3 c é ; ae etl? My Early Days. A : ‘ : ; 32 GrowrTH or tHE Minp . : es 2 5 88) Thoughts on the Soul. 5 A : A 50 Reticious Epucation : : , ye . 53 Lines toa Child. : é 5 i 3 83 Dirrusion or CHRISTIANITY THROUGH SuNDAY Scnoots 85 Sunday School Instruction . : : A 114 Morat and Spirirvat Cotture 1n Day Scnoots . 117 To a Young Friend ; : : : ; 148 ADDRESS BEFORE THE TEACHERS OF Boston . he Ay! The Mother and Child . : : : , 186 Tue Ivyetvuences or Home : ; : : . 189 The Poor but Godly Man ‘ : 4 204 Tue Cutture oF THE IMaGINATION . 5 f . 209 Familiar Things. : : i j , 237 b x CONTENTS.

Tue Love or Nature . ; ; ase 2 23d) Influences of Nature . : 5 : é 258 Autumn ‘ : 5 5 3 ; 5 col Nature . : 3 . : ¢ as 264

Deatu or CHILDREN . : : ; 5 : OM A Sister’s Grave. : : A : ; 285 Death of a Child , ; : ; ; e287) Hymn on the Death ofa Child . ; 5 289