88 ENGLAND'S BEST HOPE. ful discipline of religious and moral habits ? Parents are naturally and honourably anxious about advancing the interests of their sons ; but they do not always ex- tend this anxiety to their best interests. They prepare them for the world, but neglect to prepare them for eternity. We recal our words ; they do not even make the best preparation for the world. Their affection is warm, but it is short- sighted ; for surely that principle which is the root of all virtuous action, of all the great qualities of the heart, of inte- grity, of sober-mindedness, of patience, ofself-denial, ofveracity, offortitude, of perseverance in a right pursuit, is likely to produce a character not unqualified for the best services to society, for advancement in life, for fitness for the most useful employments, for adorning the most honourable situations : for we do not recommend such a religion as would make ascetics, as would abstract men from the business or the duties of life, 6
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=