Year: 1863

An Essay read betorctse Bedford Union Institute,


January 10, 1868, by lNiss Maggie OCOnaer.


AS this is my first connection with an Insti-
tute, very naturally feel some difiidence in


preparing an essay to be read before its men,


bcrs; and were it not for the hope that they
will kindly overlook its many imperfections, l
would gladly petition to be excused and resign


tie task allotted TO me; especially as the theme
naturally leads to moralizing, accompanied by
comments, which may not prove agreeable or
suitable. For, to comment well, requires much
experience and an intimate knowledge not only
OF books, but Of human nature, a knowledge
which, am sorry to say, possess very slight


ly, and therefore would have preferred a sub
Ejeet disconnected with education, either moral


or Intellectual; had | not been impressed with
the idea that the members Of the institute pre-
fcrred educational topics, and as the proper
training of the mind has so frequently formed
the burtLen of other essays, l concluded to vary
mine by adopting as my subject, the training OF
the heart in preference to that Of the mind. 1t


is generally admitted that true and proper cul-
tivation of the heart will inevitably produce
good morals; and moral worth, accompanied
by u highly and well developed intellect produ-
es4 what all must admire: perfect belug.-
Now as purity Of heart and not perfection of
intellect is our true and only passport to heaven,
does it not seem just, right and reasonable that
our hearts should be our first care in preference
to cur minds, since on the state OF our hearts
will depend our eternal election TO happiness or
misery. | have often asked myself the ques-
ton, what is the true course to pursue in order
A., 4I.,+, &c hoorf xrl,ch rrn1u-
ces such happy results, by making us so cheer
ful whilst here below, and fitting us at the same


time TO be citizens of a better and brighter
world! To my frequent queries, have never
received any other answer than this strict


and steady compliance with the laws laid down


by God, combined with a cheerful submission


to the will of those whom he has placed over


us as guides, in the form of our Pastors, Pa
rents and Teachers. If larger proportion Of
persons, and particularly the young, could be
induced to view their pastors in the true light,


how smooth would the way appear which now,


perhaps, seems dark and drear, and instead ot
stunning those duly appointed guides, they


would listen to their voices, how differently
would they feel. To them they would become


as beacon lights placed on dangerous coast to


warn the unwary and inexperienced traveller OF


the pers Of his path, directing and guiding lllm


safely over the shoals and sandbars OF life, into


an eternal haven of rest. Since, then, we owe
so much to our pastoral guides, let us reflect
well upon the nature of our duty towards them
and in future resolve to practice it. If children


owe implicit obedience to their parents, IN COM
pliance with the law laid down-Honor thy
father and thy mothcr-how great must be the
responsibility of parents towards their children,


and how criminal the neglect Of those parents
who seem to be perfectly Indifferent to the task


assigned them, or else perform it in murmur-
ing unchristian manner. Upon mothers, espe-
cally, devolve the onerous duty of developing
our first ideas, and making those holy, tender
impressions which cling to us so tenaclousy IN
after life; no matter how far we are departed
from the beloved parents, who labored SO
zealously for our Improvement, we can never
forget them, but will always remember their I'M
firing care, their practice of self-denial, which


is not only the great characteristic OF every
good MOTHER but of every true woman; find
her in whatever sphere Of life you WILL she is
ever characterized by the love of duty and right.
To no particular station in life is this impulse
confined, as we see it diffused amongst the low
ly, as well as amidst the more highly gifted ones
of earth. And oh! were it not so, how cheer
less and bleak would the homes of the poor be-
come, if maternal love and watchfulness were
the offspring of education and refinement, or a
we'll tutored intellect, in place of the warm
hearts which God gives TO each and every one
Of us if we pervert them not from their orgi-
nal design. Too great degree of refinement,
or in other words an overstrained and misgu-
ded education, sometimes tends to weaken this
natural impulse, but in no instance have ever
heard that want of educated culture had i'm
peded its growth or weakened its course. No,
the love which begins with our birth ends only
in death, exhaling ever afterwards sweet re-
membrancc of the loved and lost, who, from