And as with the patriotism of the youth, so with his religion. Its first appearance is generally at the home fire-side. And it is there that the first impression of his religious character is made. The Christian mother teaches her child that there is a God for him to worship. And his first and earliest prayers to Him, as the only object of his adoration, are taught from her lips. And religion comes not to the boy, as does his patriotism, seemingly by innate impulse. It has to be taught him, or he never learns it. It is something that comes not by nature, but by the Revelation of God. And coming thus, it has to be communicated to the individual. And the American boy should study, as a most important part of his education, the broad principles of the Christian faith, and the creed of the Christian church. And he should learn to hold his religious views in respect to God and to his church, and not in any wise in respect to the opinions of men. And how important is the place of the parent and the teacher in its view of this duty? The infidel is utterly unqualified for the employment. An infidel mother is unfit for the training of an American boy. If she neglect to teach him love to his God, she will hardly be able to teach him how to exhibit his love to his country. And, as I have before remarked, the character of the American is incomplete, it is unfinished without religion. And the religion which perfects the American character, is love to the Almighty Object of its worship, which is recognised in all the American institutions; and love to mankind, which is so necessary for the well being of the state. Alas! that the training of an American child should ever be placed in the hands of an unbeliever! It is his principle, as a Christian, that renders the man a truly social being, and a pure patriot, and the true American must of necessity be a Christian. WASHINGTON THE BOY.