Transcriber’s Note:
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These conversations and tales areaccommodated to the present state of society;which obliges the author to attemptto cure those faults by reason, which oughtnever to have taken root in the infant mind.Good habits, imperceptibly fixed, are farpreferable to the precepts of reason; but,as this task requires more judgment thangenerally falls to the lot of parents, substitutesmust be sought for, and medicinesgiven, when regimen would have answeredthe purpose much better. I believe thosewho examine their own minds will readilyagree with me, that reason, with difficulty,conquers settled habits, even when it isarrived at some degree of maturity: whythen do we suffer children to be bound withfetters, which their half-formed facultiescannot break.
In writing the following work, I aim atperspicuity and simplicity of style; and tryivto avoid those unmeaning compliments,which slip from the tongue, but have notthe least connection with the affections thatshould warm the heart, and animate theconduct. By this false politeness, sincerityis sacrificed, and truth violated; and thusartificial manners are necessarily taught.For true politeness is a polish, not a varnish;and should rather be acquired by observationthan admonition. And we may remark,by way of illustration, that men donot attempt to polish precious stones, tillage and air have given them that degree ofsolidity, which will enable them to bear thenecessary friction, without destroying themain substance.
The way to render instruction most usefulcannot always be adopted; knowledgeshould be gradually imparted, and flowmore from example than teaching: exampledirectly addresses the senses, the firstinlets to the heart; and the improvementof those instruments of the understanding isthe object education should have constantlyvin view, and over which we have mostpower. But to wish that parents would,themselves, mould the ductile passions, isa chimerical wish, for the present generationhave their own passions to combat with,and fastidious pleasures to pursue, neglectingthose pointed out by nature: we musttherefore pour premature knowledge intothe succeeding one; and, teaching virtue,explain the nature of vice. Cruel necessity!
The Conversations are intended to assistthe teacher as well as the pupil; and thiswill obviate an objection which some maystart, that the sentiments are not quite ona level with the capacity of a child. Everychild requires a different mode of treatment;but a writer can only choose one, and thatmust be modified by those who are actuallyengaged with young people in their studies.
The tendency of the reasoning obviouslyte