And the mother who would
cultivate the taste, the imagination of the child, must give him, with
the exercise of his own inventive powers, the rich food of the past.
It need not be feared that there will not be originality in the mind of
one thus stored with the wealth which others have left. Where there is a
native vigor, and invention, it will remould truth into new forms, and
add a value of its own, having received an inspiration from the great
masters of thought.
If, then, you would bless your child, persuade him to make Milton and
Cowper, and other authors of immortal verse, his familiar friends. They
shall be companions in solitude, ministers of joy in hours of sadness.
And let the "songs of Zion" mould the young affections, and be
associated with a mother's love, and the dear delights of home. Perhaps
in a strange land, and in a dying hour, when far from counselor and
friend, they may lead even the prodigal to think upon his ways, and be
his guide to Heaven.
* * * * *
NOTICES OF BOOKS.
"THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD."--This is a charming book, written by
one of our own countrywomen, which we think may be safely and
appropriately given to a pure-minded and simple-hearted daughter. If it
is fictitious, it is only so as the ideal landscape of an artist, which,
though unreal, compels us to exclaim, How true to nature! If the
delineation of true religious character is not its main object, that of
piety and benevolence is as truly a part of it, as is its fragrance a
part of the rose.
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