Let the evil be traced to its source. It will be found to have its rise in the present illconducted education of youth. The instructers of both sexes seek to load the memory of their pupils with a variety of languages; to direct their judgement to different things, without any reference to the most important duties; and to make them shine in the world by dazzling accomplishments but the instruction tending to promote the divine laws of religion, and the practice of virtue, finds no place in the moderm system of education. If youth can be made to become brilliant, wealthy, and admired a 2 mired members of this world, the place they should be taught to expect in the next, is not even thought of. In the instruction of the young, it seems necessary to unite gayety with seriousness. The lively temper of youth requires that even serious truths should be told them in an amusing manner. If this little work, in which a young fa mily in real life is represented, and not mere imaginary characters are drawn, can interest and amuse, while it conveys some just notions to other young persons, the author will rejoice that her pen has not lain inactive, and and that the youthful scenes she has traced, are made publick. To her feeble attempt, success seems already in some sort ensured, by the patronage of a young Princess, who derives greater lustre from the virtues of the family of which she is a member, than from the glory of having received her birth in one of the most splendid courts of Europe. It may justly be the boast of the British nation, that those who by their royal dignity are raised to the most conspicuous station, are not less distinguished for goodness than for rank. May their virtues descend to each branch of their numerous offspring! may the British British crown long adorn the head it now graces! and when, at a late period, sharing the fate of all earthly honours, it is laid aside, may it be exchanged for a crown of glory in immortality! Since your Royal Highness is willing to stand forward as the youthful friend of virtue, by permitting me to dedicate this little work to you, I beg to offer my publick testimony of gratitude for the honour of your patronage, That your Royal Highness may have the happiness of seeing your good example imitated by all around you, and that your virtues may |