INTRODUCTION. 11
The most important part of life is childhood, and
during this period, impressions may most easily be
made, and with the greatest difficulty effaced. We
may carelessly sketch characters upon the sand of the
sea-shore, and the next dash of the returning surge
may obliterate them. But impressions made by the
mother on the tender mind of the child shall never
be effaced. It may appear paradoxical, but I venture
the remark that more of the human family are ruined
in the nursery than in subsequent life, and the senti¬
ment is in harmony with revelation, which offers a
happy and useful life as the reward of early training.
The child's mind is receptive, and the wrong feelings
of the parent are reproduced in the child and become
a part of its being. There is not a cloud of anger
that flits over the countenance of the parent that
does not disturb the gentle spirit of the watchful
child.
The power of early training is recognized in the
bitter condemnation of those who break away from
its restraints and become vile, and in the praise
awarded to those who in spite of its neglect become
good and useful citizens.
It is axiomatic in education that what is first in
point of time is first in importance, and the interest
that gathers around the subject of early training should
exceed that of any subsequent period of life. Early
culture should not be intrusted to inexperienced
strangers; the love and solicitude of the parents are
demanded. Of all the eloquence of earth there is
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