chiefly through her that we are enabled to arrive at virtue.

The respective influences of the father and the mother on the
training and development of character, are remarkably illustrated
in the life of St. Augustine. While Augustine's father, a poor
freeman of Thagaste, proud of his son's abilities, endeavoured to
furnish his mind with the highest learning of the schools, and was
extolled by his neighbours for the sacrifices he made with that
object "beyond the ability of his means"--his mother Monica, on
the other hand, sought to lead her son's mind in the direction of
the highest good, and with pious care counselled him, entreated
him, advised him to chastity, and, amidst much anguish and
tribulation, because of his wicked life, never ceased to pray for
him until her prayers were heard and answered. Thus her love at
last triumphed, and the patience and goodness of the mother were
rewarded, not only by the conversion of her gifted son, but also
of her husband. Later in life, and after her husband's death,
Monica, drawn by her affection, followed her son to Milan, to
watch over him; and there she died, when he was in his thirty-
third year. But it was in the earlier period of his life that her
example and instruction made the deepest impression upon his mind,
and determined his future character.

There are many similar instances of early impressions made upon a
child's mind, springing up into good acts late in life, after an
intervening period of selfishness and vice. Parents may do all
that they can to develope an upright and virtuous character in
their children, and apparently in vain. It seems like bread cast
upon the waters and lost. And yet sometimes it happens that long
after the parents have gone to their Rest--it may be twenty years