University of Virginia Library

This is self-evident: Nor can any thing else be reasonably required, if we but reflect what Sort of Beings, and how utterly destitute of every necessary Qualification, they generally are, who assume the Province of educating Children. Is it a Business to be attained by Intuition? And by what previous Course of Institution have they been prepared for it? In Building, it is usual to apply to the skilful Architect for a Design or Plan of the intended Habitation; every Part of which is diligently and accurately scrutinized; Dispositions altered, new ones contrived, and all Things modelled, and calculated with the most elaborate Exactness, before a Stone is laid: But, what rational, consistent, and well-digested Plan is ever formed, or pursued, in building up the Mind of the future Inhabitant? This, the most extensive and complicated of all Objects, is most commonly left to Casualty, and the varying, unconcocted Whim of each succeeding Moment. Does not the Character of complete Instructors imply, that, in the first Instance, they themselves have been well and liberally educated; that, they are themselves thoroughly versed in the Theory, and perfect in the Practice, of what they undertake to teach; and, withal, possessed of a happy Facility of communicating their Ideas to others; that, with an active, generous Mind, they have a deep and penetrating Insight into the human Heart, its Operations and Propensities, aided by an extensive Knowlege of the Manners and Customs of the World, not gleaned from Books merely, but from Observation in real Life; that, they have a corrected Imagination, unbiassed by Prejudice, untinctured with Caprice; and, that, though their Disposition be quick in discerning, yet affable and polite, slow to Anger, and patient in Reproof; that, they be particularly assiduous in the Cultivation of their own Minds, and ever free and open to Conviction; and, yet, at the same Time, with all due Deference to the Opinion of others, that they be so circumstanced and self-possessed, as not to sacrifice their own Judgement to the Petulance of officious Inexperience, or the Bickerings of paternal Partiality: To sum up all, that, with a clear and cool Head, they possess the warmest, and most benevolent Heart? 'Tis true, it might be difficult to find many, every Way answerable to this Description;—the Reasons are obvious—It would be well, however, to keep such a Character always in View; and, to chuse, only, where these Requisites considerably prevail. And, it will be allowed that, if those who undertake the important Charge, would endeavour to form themselves on some such Principles, it would be extremely happy for the Community: For, if they, who ought to have the first Authority and Confidence with our Children, and whom they should be taught to love, respect, and esteem, be groveling and despicable in their Notions and Sentiments, and have imbibed their Principles from impure and corrupted Sources, what else can we expect from the Objects of their Influence?

It cannot be supposed, the Writer is actuated by any selfish Motives in what he here advances; it is the Result of Reason and Experience: He has had many Opportunities of observing the injudicious Treatment of Children, particularly, those of Quality, and of the Fair-sex; and flatters himself the Importance of this Note will plead its Excuse.