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THE RELATIVE DUTIES OF MANKIND. [Pakt III.

world. The competition of other persons just entering thesame branch of business with himself, and, still more, of thosewell established in it, must be met; experience must be acquired,and the confidence of the public, always slowly and reluctantlygiven, must be secured. These remarks apply particularly tothe case of sons ; but I believe it may be said with great truth,that even a daughter acquires additional dignity and respect inthe eyes of her husband, if she brings something to the commonstock with which they are to begin the world.

In discharging this duty of aiding their children, the ability ofparents must be consulted, and of course, the duty itself, as inall other cases, must be limited by the ability to discharge it.When the ability is not wanting, the aim of the parents shouldbe, to give aid enough to encourage , without relaxing , thepersonal exertions, or impairing the self-reliance, of their chil-dren. A strong conviction of the necessity of self-reliance andpersonal endeavours, combined with sufficient parental aid tostimulate and encourage, is the most desirable and promisingoutfit in life.

It is sometimes alleged, that parental aid in the outset of life isof no advantage ; and, to sustain this opinion, those instances arecited in which young men, who began life with a large outfit,have been overtaken and outstripped in their career of usefulness,honor, and success, by those who began life with no other aidthan a parental blessing, a good conscience, hope in Heaven,and free opportunity on earth. Without delaying to discussthis question, it may be observed, that both these classes ofpersons attract our special attention. In the latter we admirethe ardor, firmness, and perseverance, which have carried themthrough so many discouragements; but, in our admiration, weforget how many young men of the best promise, sink under thedifficulties which beset their way, and, for the want of a littleencouragement, come to a premature death, and bury theirblasted hopes and expectations in the same grave with themselves.If some fail by setting out in life with too much aid, it is proba-ble that a manifold greater number are ruined for want of sometimely aid.*

See 2 Corinthians xii. 14.