The next day came, and with it Julia's purpose of reform,
but with a new subject for agitating reflection; her spirits
depressed; her mind perturbed and restless, she felt very unfit
for the task she proposed. A task which however it
may be recommended and adorned by the past, is one that
requires the strongest motives of duty, the greatest self-
command; the most enduring patience and continued
perserverance. It would indeed be a
delightful task to rear the tender mind
and teach the young idea how to shoot.
If the mind yielded to the instructor, with as little
resistance, as the plant does to the gardener--the twig is bent
without difficulty and the tree fashioned at will--but not so the human plant,
the training of which is a task, for whose performance
affection and duty only can impart sufficient perseve-
rance. Often not only wearisome to the teacher, but likewise
to the pupil. The restlessness and gaiety of childhood are
difficult to regulate, and yet more so, its indolence and
caprice. But this like every other duty brings its own
reward and { ?} of {trial?} and perseverance are well repaid
by the improvement of a beloved child. This satisfaction
Julia had once enjoyed, when with all her thoughts at
home, her passions calm, her affections fixed, she found
a charm in every duty and happiness in a tranquil
and self approving mind.--But now how attuned.
All within her bosom was conflict and tumult and
she found it impossible so to command her attention
and pin her thoughts as to perform this simple task.
EN