INTRODUCTORY NOTICE ΤΟ THE PRESENT EDITION. HAD other engagements not prevented, another impression of these pages might have been issued long ago, as the book, though frequently inquired for, has been out of print for more than ten years. The subject here enforced, however, has not been disregarded; the edition of 1826 having been repeatedly laid under tribute, by different authors, both in this country and in the northern States of America. It was employed, in 1827, to explain parental obligations, in "The Parents' Monitor," by the Rev. D. Barker, issued by Baynes of London; and, in 1828, numerous extracts were given by the Rev. J. A. James of Birmingham, in his "Family Monitor," published by Hamilton, Adams, & Co. The same use was made of the volume, in a publication by Seeley in 1833-"The Gift for Mothers," by the author of "Aids to Development." Among other writers, the perusal of the work itself has been recommended by Mr. James, by the late Mr. Jones, historian of the Waldenses, and by John Dunlop, Esq., in his "Tendency to Association in Mankind,” published in 1840, by Houlston & Stoneman. Although this volume be intended for perusal by the young also, the American reprints have, in some instances, been specially pointed out as a "BOOK FOR PARENTS ;" and under this title it is quoted in the American Mothers' Magazine, if not elsewhere. In that country, during the last twelve years, there have been various editions at Boston, New York, &c., so that it has even come to be recommended at home, by a member of the Church of England, as though it were an American production. In the Boston reprint of 1834, from the Edinburgh edition," the editor, Dr. Wisner, since deceased, after referring to works which exhibit the details of the obligations and duties of the various Family relations, has added, 66 "In connexion with these, there is still wanting to be read and studied, an exhibition of the principles on which these obligations and duties rest, and by which they are enforced. To exhibit these is the design of the following treatise. And this most important design its author has ably and successfully accomplished. A bare inspection of the table of contents will show that the discussions in the work are fundamental. Its exhibitions are eminently Scriptural, presenting a richness and variety of iliustration, drawn from that inexhaustible storehouse, often new, and always pleasing and instructive. Its reasonings are sober and conclusive; its appeals to observation and experience just and convincing. To thinking persons, both its argument and its style will be acceptable, and its conclusions and counsels highly satisfactory."-" The volume, which it is the object of these remarks to introduce to the American public, is a very able discussion of a most important subject, nowhere else, within my knowledge, treated in the same radical and thorough manner. It is eminently adapted to be useful; and I cannot but hope that it will be highly acceptable, especially to those sustaining the solemn and weighty responsibilities of the Parental relation." When this work was composed, in the season of deep domestic affliction and bereavement, the author, in addition to his own children, had not presumed to look beyond the families of this kingdom; nor was he then aware, as he has been repeatedly informed since, that there existed the same urgent necessity for addressing the Fathers and Mothers of the American continent. Twenty years have since passed away, yet he cannot resist the conviction, that, on both sides of the Atlantic, there is even now still greater importance to be attached to this subject than there ever was at any former period. Britain and America unquestionably present a different aspect, in their forms of civil government, their public institutions, and their schools of learning; but this very diversity only magnifies the importance of the Domestic Constitution. Far advanced as both these countries are in point of civilization, and in many other respects so highly favoured, still they must ever remain on the same level as the families of the wide earth, with regard to this universal providential arrangement. As its obligations cannot be transferred from the Parents without vital injury, so its peculiar advantages can be gained only through itself. An order of things, formed by our Creator, from age to age, which springs from our constitution as the creatures of his hand, and one inseparable from our being, admits of no change, no expedient, no interference or neglect, save such as must ever prove injurious in itself, and so far even perilous to any nation. Let the Parents, therefore, whether in this kingdom, in Canada, or the free States of North America, only look to other nations, and, grateful for their exalted privileges, take warning by them, to guard with a jealous eye, and tend, the Family circle. Let them receive the loud monition furnished to them by other nations, and cast an eye, for example, over Spain, or even France. What was it that originally brought down Spain to her present state of disorganization? When baffled in explaining the existing turmoil, to what cause can we trace the heart-rending cycle of discontent and agitation, of insurrection and civil war, of misrule and revolution? Simply, we presume, to the invasion of the Domestic Constitution. The great originating cause of her fall was the interference of her government, on the one hand, and of her privileged priest, so called, on the other, with the domestic affairs of her people. Spain, containing fourteen ancient principalities, or kingdoms, now fused into one monarchy, still indeed exhibits singular variety as to character; while it has also been affirmed, that the Spaniards generally, in their habits and opinions, are less affected by their government than any other people. But, with all this diversity, and although the domestic visits of the ecclesiastic have lost much of that baneful power which they once possessed, it is yet far from being extinct; while there is, besides, in certain circles, the intrusions of the cortejo or gallant; and between these two parties, the family, in thousands of instances, has not only been invaded, but disorganized and ruined. What wonder is it, if the jealousy of the husband has but too often lapsed into laxity of morals? In such circumstances, let the form of civil government be what it may-Actum est de republica—it is all over with the commonwealth, as far as national harmony and genuine happiness are concerned. |