As the character is biassed in early life, so it generally remains, gradually assuming its permanent form as manhood is reached.

"Live as long as you may," said Southey, "the first twenty years are the longest half of your life," and they are by far the most pregnant in consequences.

When the worn-out slanderer and voluptuary, Dr.Wolcot, lay on his deathbed, one of his friends asked if he could do anything to gratify him.

"Yes," said the dying man, eagerly, "give me back my youth." Give him but that, and he would repent--he would reform.

But it was all too late! His life had become bound and enthralled by the chains of habit.' [113] Gretry, the musical composer, thought so highly of the importance of woman as an educator of character, that he described a good mother as "Nature's CHEF-D'OEUVRE." And he was right: for good mothers, far more than fathers, tend to the perpetual renovation of mankind, creating, as they do, the moral atmosphere of the home, which is the nutriment of man's moral being, as the physical atmosphere is of his corporeal frame.
By good temper, suavity, and kindness, directed by intelligence, woman surrounds the indwellers with a pervading atmosphere of cheerfulness, contentment, and peace, suitable for the growth of the purest as of the manliest natures.
The poorest dwelling, presided over by a virtuous, thrifty, cheerful, and cleanly woman, may thus be the abode of comfort, virtue, and happiness; it may be the scene of every ennobling relation in family life; it may be endeared to a man by many delightful associations; furnishing a sanctuary for the heart, a refuge from the storms of life, a sweet resting-place after labour, a consolation in misfortune, a pride in prosperity, and a joy at all times.
The good home is thus the best of schools, not only in youth but in age.
There young and old best learn cheerfulness, patience, self-control, and the spirit of service and of duty.