Page:Letters to Mothers (1839).djvu/157

SCHOOLS. 145 in procession to the church, accompanied by vocal musick from his pupils, of the most sweet and touching character. Then the Prefect, in the presence of a large assembly, presented him the medal and the autograph, and in an address proffered the gratitude which the State felt was due, for his services to its children. After prayers, and devotional music, they returned to a festive repast, still enlivened with appropriate musick, and with expressions of applause and affection for the grey-haired instructor. The effect of the whole, was not only to breathe new life into the winter of age, but to impress on the minds of all present, that a pious, faithful teacher, was one of the best friends of the nation, and worthy of honour, from all true patriots. Demonstrations of a regard thus publick, would be repugnant to the delicacy of female instructors. Yet those mothers who commit their heart's jewels to their keeping, should treat them as friends and counsellors, and cheer them with their confidence. Their influence is sometimes stronger in correcting faults of character, than even that of the parent. Let them be selected with the most careful discrimination, and then considered as adjuncts in a high and holy work. Young ladies of affluence need not consider it beneath them, to engage in the work of instruction. It is one of the best modes to complete