PREFACE.

AFTER Some hesitation, I am induced to adopt a mode of narrative as that whereby alone the attention of the young can be engaged, or their hearts interested; and the heart it is of the utmost importance for the instructor to secure on his side; nothing being more certain, than that we never really improve in our moral state but by the operation of those influences which engage the affections on the side of virtue.

I have therefore endeavoured, in this little work, to appeal to the feelings, and especially

such as are of a tender and humbling kind, these being, as I conceive, best fitted to awaken the deep and touching sensibilities, which, as they form the loveliest, form also the truest link of connexion between the helpless creature and the all-powerful and compassionate Creator.

PECKHAM,

Feb. 14th, 1843.

M.A. K.

GENTLE GERTRUDE.

CHAPTER I.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

FEW observers of human nature can have failed to remark, that a disposition to be violent is one of the first indications which children betray of their fallen condition; and it is one which should be far more seriously regarded and vigorously opposed, than is commonly the case. I confess, I seldom see an angry, screaming child, and persons amusing themselves by smiling at its futile but furious efforts to obtain its object, without being disposed to shudder at the mistaken view of the case which such pleasantry evinces. Alas! how numerous are the instances, where, in after life, those smiles have

B

been exchanged for tears, when the unchecked tempers of infancy and childhood, having acquired a strength that no human curb can restrain, remind the too indulgent parent that education and control were begun too late! To "begin at the beginning" is good counsel with respect to every undertaking, and especially in the education of children, whose discipline, to be effectual, should commence with the earliest dawning of intelligence, and the first manifestation of self-will; for a child that is capable of knowing that it wants a thing, is also capable of being made to know that it cannot have what it wants. And in order that you, dear children, who read this book, may see the advantage of being rightly controlled and advised by your parents and instructors, I shall relate to you the history of three little girls; one of whom went through some severe trials for one so young; but who, through the grace of God, which is promised to those who ask for it, was enabled to get a great blessing out of all of them, and for the sweetness of her temper, and the kindness of her behaviour, was often spoken of as "Gentle Gertrude."