2 FABLES. 



otherwise, I beg you would be so good as to prac- 

 tise it first, and shew me by your own example how 

 you would have me to conduct myself. 



APPLICATION. 



ILL examples corrupt even the best natural dis- 

 position, and it is in vain to instruct our children, 

 their talents being only imitation, to walk by one 

 rule, if we ourselves go by another. The good pre- 

 cepts which we may lay down to them, will be 

 bestowed in vain, if they see by our own conduct, 

 that we pursue a contrary course to that which we 

 recommend to them. Parents, therefore, who are 

 desirous of working an effectual reformation in 

 their children, should begin by making a visible 

 amendment in themselves; and this is a duty they 

 owe to society, as well as to their offspring, it being 

 of the utmost importance to both, that probity and 

 honour be early instilled into their youthful minds, 

 as these grow with their growth, and while at the 

 same time they command respect, they lay the foun- 

 dation of their individual happiness through life. 



