tirely remove these restraints. And, not unfrequently, under the very plea of the children themselves, that the yard is too small, and the self-denial too great, they are sent forth to be entertained and educated by the ignorant and vicious multitude, their parents not knowing but the very first influence under which they fall, shall be the vilest of the vile.

But compelling a child to remain at home does not fully meet the obligation referred to. Something more than compulsion is

called for.

2. Home must be made attractive. This direction is given irrespectively of the pecuniary circumstances of the parents; because for the accomplishment of this end, there are some things which the poorest as well as the rich can do, and which, being done, will add to the satisfaction and comfort of each member of the family, of the children as well as others.

(1.) Take care of the home itself. There is all the difference possible between a neglected and a cared-for house. And you seek this difference not between the poor and rich alone, for it is not altogether dependent upon such a contingency. There may be great neglect both within and without, even where great wealth has crowded the house with costly furniture and adornments, or where there is pecuniary ability to supply them. On the other hand, who has not occasionally been permitted to enter the home of one very destitute, and at once been struck with the air of neatness and apparent comfort prevailing there? Everything is plain, but clean; articles are few, but appropriate and well arranged. So without-instead of a lordly lawn, it may be a contracted yard; but why not have it clean and cared for? Why not adorn it with simple flowers and the rose bush, at least cover it with the beautifully green and grassy sod? A well-kept home is admired by strangers, and brings honour to the inmates. And yet, how marvellous that so many make no attempt of mind or body to gather around themselves the means of comfort, which the God of nature and of providence has so bountifully placed within the reach of all. How many parents seem to prefer rags and filth, and all that is forbidding, when it is in their power to mend, and cleanse, and make inviting. The influence of such habits is silently but constantly going out upon the young of that family. And, where so much indifference reigns, the tendency is to make them reckless in behaviour, and to harbour the feeling that there is nothing peculiar to allure them from other places and associations. The opposite course, besides having a most happy influence over the children, would be also cultivating their taste and knowledge, and preparing them to care for homes of their own.

(2.) Care should be taken to provide means, according to their years, for the entertainment of the children at home. It need not be expensive. Even though the pecuniary ability might exist, the appearance of being extravagant should be avoided here, both as the parent's duty because extravagance is wrong, and for a practi

cal lesson to the children, that for mere gratification too large outlays should not be made. The poorest can help their children to the means for sport, even though not a cent should be expended for the purpose. Let them have something, however plain, however cheap, which they may regard as a toy, and as their own. Let them have time and place freely to use ball, hoop, "horse," dolls of rags or paper, rope for jumping, grace-hoops, &c. &c. And ever let them feel that their happiness is studied by their parents, and affords real delight. Do not be too nervous at childish merriment, chafing and frowning upon their gambols and laughter. True, there will be a limit separating between actual rudeness and that which is merely and appropriately merry sport. We must bear in mind, not only that it is their nature, but, because it is their nature, children need to run, and jump, and shout aloud, for the full development of their physical powers. Remembering this, we shall be more ready to permit and assist in securing the delights at home, which they would long for, but we deny them on the street, or too frequently at another's home. By all means labour to have them feel that while they are at home they are among their best friends, and that though the laughter and mirth of other places may be loud and noisy, yet at home are the truest smiles and friendship. This friendship will be due as a law of nature. It will also be due as a substitute for that which they regard as sport elsewhere, yet, from which we feel it to be our duty to call and keep them in. This restraint is a discharge of only one part of the obligation. To mollify that restraint, by seeking their happiness at home, is essential, in order to meet fully this part of our parental debt.

Thus far there has been an especial reference to those parents whose children are neglected. But there is another class to whom a word may be in season,-those who would too strictly confine their children to study or to laborious toil. At a suitable age, without doubt, children should be at school, and should be forming habits of industry. But, both from school and work, they need ample time for holidays; otherwise both mind and body will become dwarfed, and the parent fail of the end of his ardent hopes, simply through mistake as to how he is to employ the means. At too early an age placing them regularly at books should be avoided. At the same time, by way of compensation, let it be remembered, that the first years of life is a season of vast acquirement, even without a book. As to industry, it is recommended. Actual service, equal to their capacity, may be required of very young children. They are much happier when employed than when idle; but do not break them down with drudgery. Besides, industry may be cultivated even in connection with their pastime. The boy who loves to use the hammer, or a knife, may be so directed as to give his very amusement a turn toward mechanics. The girl, by the pleasing employment of dressing her doll, may be so taught,

even then, as to prepare her to use her needle skilfully and usefully

in after life.

All that is desired and now aimed at is to have the parent strive to mingle pleasure with duty. To make for his children a pleasant, happy home, which they will love in childhood, and think of with delight through all their after years.

L. H. C.

Biographical and Bistorical.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE REV. ROBERT SMITH, D.D., OF PEQUEA, PA.*

[Concluded from p. 586.]

I SHALL proceed to a conclusion of this discourse, by giving a brief sketch of the character of our dear deceased reverend father and brother, Dr. Smith, as far as I am capable, and, indeed, something of this nature the subject requires on this occasion. For if Abel and the departed saints speak to us, and we are to hear and imitate them, it is needful to recount their virtues, and to acquaint ourselves with their amiable qualifications. I am very sensible that I am utterly unqualified to give a finished character of this learned, pious, and excellent man of God, or to do entire justice to that merit which is so highly celebrated by every tongue. This requires genius and abilities like his own. His picture, I fear, will suffer so much by the rough touches of my unskilful hand, that the features will appear disfigured which I shall attempt to delineate.

All who knew, must acknowledge that, in the present case, uncommon gifts, superior accomplishments, high attainments in grace, and a widespreading usefulness, not only render an apology for such a design needless, but, in justice, call for an offering of gratitude and praise to the great Fountain of all these, and, at the same time, a proper tribute of respect to the memory of him whom his Lord thus delighted both to honour and improve.

The friendship with which he was pleased to honour me, as we lived neighbours during the space of eight years of the latter part of his useful life, the esteem and veneration I had for him while he lived, with the just sense I still entertain of his uncommon worth, informs me that he was thoughtful and concerned about his eternal interests at a very early period of life, and that, between the years of twelve and fourteen of his age,

* The value of this Biographical Sketch consists in the fact that it forms a part of the regular Funeral Discourse preached, at the death of Dr. Smith, by the Pastor of the neighbouring Church. We are not aware that Mr. Mitchel's sermon has ever been published. Dr. Smith was born in 1730, and died, April 15th, 1793. The Rev. A. Mitchell was ordained in 1780, and at the time of his death, was Pastor of the Upper Octorara Church, and lived about eight miles from Pequea.-Ed.

he had comfortable hopes and evidences, founded on the word of God, that he received the finishing touches of the Divine hand of grace and mercy in forming Christ in his soul, the hope of glory, and seizing all the faculties of his active and capacious soul for His service.

He had an early and strong inclination to learning, which was happily indulged and promoted by a worthy, pious person, who stood in the relation of a father to him. And as the God of Nature saw fit to endow him with great powers of mind, a large intellectual capacity, an apprehension surprisingly quick, and a genius truly penetrating, he made himself, with wonderful ease and celerity, master of subjects which would cost others much labor and pains. A lively imagination and invention, joined to a sound understanding, tenacious memory meeting with a good judgment, laid the foundation for great acquirements. Hence he also made swift advances in academical literature, was a laudable proficient in the liberal arts and sciences, and excelled in the learned languages, as is acknowledged by those who were his contemporaries. He ever thirsted for knowledge, read the best authors, and applied himself to study, which, in conjunction with that extraordinary quickness of parts, which peculiarly distinguished his natural character, were the means of his treasuring up a great stock of useful knowledge, both human and divine. Having, therefore, finished the course of his preparatory studies, and passed, with much applause and full approbation, through his presbyterial trials, he was licensed by the New Castle Presbytery to preach the everlasting Gospel, December, 1750.

The congregation of Pequea quickly cast their eyes on so promising a plant, which since hath proved of great renown through the land, and in a short time gave him a unanimous call to the pastoral office. Mr. Smith took the call under his consideration, and, with the Presbytery's license, took a tour into Virginia, where, preaching Christ, the civil government became alarmed, and threatened him with persecution, bonds, and imprisonment, even in the morning of his ministry; but attending to the directions of his Divine Master, viz., when persecuted in one place or city to flee to another, he returned to Pequea, accepted their call, was ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry, and installed their pastor in March, 1751, where he continued to serve that branch of Christ's Church with increasing usefulness and reputation until he was, by his Lord and Master, discharged from his work and service here, and took his seat in the Church triumphant on April 15th, 1793.

He was a watchful shepherd over his flock, and, like a pastor after God's own heart, he fed you carefully with knowledge and understanding. He by no means neglected the gifts that were in him, but meditated on the things of his ministry, being much given up to them, and his profiting appeared very evident to all. You were not insensible of his great worth, and in general regretted his occasional absence, although at times you were not meanly supplied by others. You thought yourselves so well entertained by your stated steward of the mysteries of God, that you could scarce have a tolerable relish for any change of spiritual fare. There was the most entire harmony between him and you. He had your affections, and he deserved them, and he discovered an affectionate regard to you in return; and this was a circumstance that tended much to your mutual edification and advantage.

It may not be improper here to take a more distinct view of Dr. Smith's character as a divine, and his qualifications as a preacher.

Divinity was his favourite study, to which his mind was early bent. In this he was certainly an adept,-a scribe well instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, who, out of his plentiful treasure, could bring forth things new and old. Matt. 13: 52. In the Scriptures of truth he was thoroughly versed; read them by turns with the eye of a critic, to search out their sense, and in a devotional way, to obtain their salutary influence on his own heart. The oracles of God were the standard of his divinity, his ultimate confession of faith, the measure of his practice, and the man of his counsel in all the parts of his ministry. In sentiment he was strictly Calvinistic, and adhered firmly to our received standards, yet of a truly catholic temper. He was greatly a master of systematic, casuistical, and practical divinity; understood polemical, but cared not much to wield the sword of controversy. His inclination led him to a field which wore a more benign aspect, and where there was less danger of hurting the faith which is our own, and losing a good conscience ourselves, while we are attempting to rectify the faith and mend the consciences of others.

In the pulpit, and as a preacher, he was profitable and instructive; his style being plain, nervous, manly, and striking. He dwelt upon things of the highest moment, and cautiously built, not with wood, hay, and stubble, but with gold, silver, and precious stones. His public discourses generally tended to promote the grand end of preaching, the advancement of the Divine glory, and the eternal interests of the soul; his aim was to teach his hearers to know God, Christ, and themselves. He was very careful and accurate in describing the nature of true religion, and in distinguishing the reality from the base appearances, and as the practice of piety is of more importance and use to mankind than refined theory, his subjects were chiefly practical. In the application of his sermons, he was warm, pathetic, and pungent; he levelled his artillery at the conscience of the secure sinner, and marshalled the terrors of Jehovah in array against the rebel. He dealt plainly and honestly, and was not one that prophesied smooth things in the name of the Lord. And as he might be called a son of thunder, so was he truly a son of consolation, for he was very capable of administering the balm of the Gospel to the wounded spirit in a skilful manner.

In short, he acted like one intrusted not with the lives and fortunes, but the eternal interests of his fellow-mortals, and, therefore, he made it his business to enlighten the understanding, to inform the judgment, to regulate the passions, to rectify the will, to advance the divine life, and restore the moral image of God, defaced by man's apostasy.

In the gift of prayer he much excelled; for the spirit of prayer and the grace of prayer seemed always to rest upon him; and there appeared such marks of unfeigned sincerity, suitable affection and fervency, added to a rich variety and exact pertinency of expression, on all occasions, in his performance of this duty, that few, if any, were more fit to lead in public acts of devotion, or be the mouth of others to God.

Let us take a view of this great and good man in another weighty and important employment, and the figure he made there,-I mean that of an instructor of youth in the learned languages and liberal arts, and his training up young gentlemen for the Gospel ministry,-and we shall find no less cause to admire his character, revere his memory, and lament his death. The progress he had made in all the branches of science, with his capacity and industry to acquire new improvements, enabled him to con