the immortal nature of the child shall be brought within the action of those influences,-each at its appointed time,-which have been graciously prepared for training it up in the way it should go, then may we be sure, that God will clothe its spirit in garments of amianthus, that it may not be corrupted, and of asbestos, that it may not be consumed, and that it will be able to walk through the pools of earthly pollution, and through the furnace of earthly temptation, and come forth white as linen that has been washed by the fuller, and pure as the golden wedge of Ophir that has been refined in the refiner's fire. LECTURE V. AN HISTORICAL VIEW OF EDUCATION; SHOWING ITS DIGNITY AND ITS DEGRADATION. GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: In treating any important and comprehensive subject, it will inevitably happen that some portions of it will be found less interesting than others; -inferior in beauty, dignity, elevation. In every book we read, some chapters will be less animating and instructive than the rest; in every landscape we survey, some features less impressive and grand; in every journey we take, some stages more dreary and laborious. Yet we must accept them together, as a whole,-the poor with the good. This is my apology for presenting to you, at the present time, a class of views, which,-whether they excite more or less interest,-will derive none of it from flattering our self-complacency. In In attempting a series of lectures on the great subJect of Education, I have arrived at a topic which must be discussed, however far it may fall below the average in interest and attractiveness. previous lectures, I have spoken of the general state and condition of education amongst us; and have pointed out some of the more urgent and immediate wants which it enjoins us to supply. I have endeavored to unfold some of the more vital principles of this great science; I have spoken of its objects; of its importance in all countries and in all times; and, more especially, of its absolute and unconditional necessity under social and political institutions like ours. Under this |