CHAPTER II.

THE DEVELOPEMENT OF MIND AND ITS CAPABILITY OF KNOWING.

In presenting this subject to you, it is my design, not in strictness to follow any one theory, as we find it laid down in the works of philosophers, but simply to search for the operations of the soul as we perceive them exhibited in the history of mankind, and more especially as we find them within ourselves. Let us seek to understand what we can of the origin of thought, while we learn to combine, to arrange and to guard it properly. Let us enquire into the springs of action within us, and seek to know how these may be so controlled and directed, that all the movements of the soul may harmonize with the will of Him, in whom all its "springs" should be.

May this investigation of the mental powers, assist you, young ladies, in forming a true estimate of the abilities you possess to direct your thoughts to important objects, and so to govern your words and actions, as that through Divine Grace, your characters may be formed to "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are · just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely."

Properly to employ the powers or faculties

with which by nature we are provided, is, or should be, our great object; and to examine our own resources, will be the first step in our endeavour to use them profitably. In this, reason, assisted by experience, and enlightened by Revelation, must be our guide. Should you desire to become acquainted with the construction of a watch, you would take it in pieces, you would separately examine how each part is made, how one part acts upon another, how the movement communicated by a spring, passes from wheel to wheel, to the hand, or index which points the hour. Thus with the mind. To gain a knowledge of ourselves we must examine or analyze what passes within us, for in this way only, can we come at a correct understanding of the science of mind, and thus may rules be established to guide our practice.

The body is made up of parts, and distinct actions belong to every organ. In walking, the muscles which move the limbs are the acting power; in writing, those which move the hand and arm; in seeing, the eye alone is employed; in hearing, the ear. But the mind has no parts, it is one, indivisible; having the power or ability, to know, to feel, to reason, and to act; the body with which it is connected, being the agent by which it exhibits all these operations. The infant opens his eyes, and soon the light attracts

him, a sudden sound startles him; this is the first expression of the intelligence and emotions of the mind. Now he seeks the light and smiles indicate his pleasure. Objects, motion and sounds engage his attention, quiet his restlessness and often soothe him to repose. The mind feels, or is moved as soon as it perceives. A few months more and the infant knows his mother or his nurse; he distinguishes her from others, and remembers the object of his special attention. He also knows the persons with whom he is constantly conversant, all of whom he remembers, and towards these objects are his feelings strongly drawn; he would utter cries should he be resigned to the arms of a stranger, though the appearance of the stranger is very like that of his own friends. These actions show in the mind a capability of comparing objects, of understanding relations, of retaining knowledge, and of feeling a preference.

As the mind of the child developes itself, he seeks variety in his playthings; they soon tire and he turns away in distaste, but a new one, will for a while, quiet his loudest cries. Glaring colours, noisy sounds, odd figures, attract his attention, and motion above all gives him pleasure. The refusal of any object that thus excites him, will rouse his anger and draw forth passionate cries. Here we discern the germ of

emotions, desires, passions and will. In a year or two the mental powers become more developed. When objects are presented to the child he compares and decides with preference between them, and soon he learns to distinguish the things that belong to him, from those which do not. He also learns that there are certain things which he must not touch; experience teaches him that the flame of a candle will burn his fingers, also, that his father will not allow him to play with the book he is reading; but that his mother during the absence of the father will let him look at it, and the child acts in accordance. In the presence of one parent he offers not to touch an object which he imperatively demands when alone with her, of the other. Here is the exercise of reasoning and of will.

The association of qualities with objects to which they do not really belong, is awakened in children at an early age by others, sometimes to quiet, sometimes to amuse them. The little one is noisy or otherwise troublesome, and those who have the care of him assure him, that if he is not soon quiet, some ugly creature will be called to carry him off; frequently an old man or a dreadful beast. At other times, the child is entertained with the story of a fairy who has her palace in the clouds, or with the moving

account of the burial of Cock Robin. Thus in infancy is developed the power of combining and forming from realities, ideas and associations which are unreal.

Perceptions of improprieties and wrong we find to exist in the minds of young children: witness in such, the anger and retaliation shewn when offences are offered them, also the shame and fear displayed when they themselves have offended. Here is moral sense and conscience developed. Lastly, the continual enquiry of children, who made it? what did it? this search after cause when effects are discovered, amounting often to troublesome curiosity, clearly shows that reason has commenced its operation.

Wherever there is life, there is a principle of developement or growth. Thus in plants, from the seed commences germination, and the sprout in a suitable soil, with genial influences, grows up to a tree bearing flowers and fruit. So does the body develope itself; for with proper care and nourishment, from a helpless nursling, will it acquire the size and strength of a man. Thus also the mind, from the first faint glimmerings of reason, if carefully cultivated, will unfold its powers, until it shines with brightness almost celestial.

The plant has in its vegetable life all that is necessary to its complete developement, so in