children, and thereby rendering them useful and happy members of society. Should I but partially succeed in attaining this desirable object, I shall consider myself amply rewarded. CHAP. I. The manner in which the Instruction of the Infant Deaf and Dumb is to commence by teaching them the Alphabet, and the meaning of Words. I HAVE a brother, as I have before observed, who was born deaf and dumb at Newent, in the county of Gloucester. My mother had three children, who lived to be educated, besides him. In a few months after he was born, it was discovered that he could not hear; but, in every other respect, he was perfect and sensible. My mother was a woman of a firm mind, and could not be discouraged by a circumstance which was the will of her heavenly Father. No; He had endowed her with sense and wisdom sufficient to enable her to submit with patience to his divine will. I should be happy to see a similar disposition more prevalent. If parents in general would but recollect that we did not make ourselves, but that the formation of man was the noble work of God, who never made one in vain, I think they would at all times submit with patience to his decrees, and endeavour to alleviate what cannot be effectually cured. I never heard my mother say she was sorry he could not hear. On the contrary, I have often heard her declare, as he grew up with us, that she was less afraid of his welfare than that of any other of her children. I remember when I was about three or four years old, I was sent to school, more to be out of the way than for any thing that conld be taught me at that age. This school was kept by an old lady, to whose care the education of my brother was also intrusted. Indeed we went together, and carried our horn books with us, whereon was the alphabet, in large and small letters, figures, and the Lord's prayer. My mother was laughed at by her neighbours for send |