soms, and sparkling with the morning sunshine upon the dew of youth. But this first feeling of pleasure is succeeded by a deeper and more sober interest, when we recollect that the characters of those whom we now regard but as children, are rapidly forming; and that they are fast advancing to take their places by our side, and to engage with us in the duties of life. The habit of distinctly contemplating what we certainly know concerning the future, is one of the most importance to be acquired, and one of the last which we acquire. They can hardly feel or imagine, and we are too apt to forget, that in a few years they may meet us as associates and friends; that we may look to them for assistance in honourable exertion; and that in the strength of manhood they may minister to the old age of those from whom they now receive protection. The children who are present with us may, some of them, be among those who will, in our day, give a tone and character to society, and will leave the impress of their minds upon the age in which we live. They who are now so sensible to our praise, may hereafter be among those whose approbation we shall most value; and if we should leave a name behind us that men will love to cherish, they may be among the first to pay honour to our memory. In looking thus forward, our thoughts spread themselves over that future scene into which we are ad |