Gazette Of The United States

If the following remarks are not predicated on the idea that "GOVERNMENT IS A NECESSARY EVIL"—they are sanctioned by the sentiment, that "ORDER IS HEAVEN'S FIRST LAW."

FROM THOMAS's MASSACHUSETTS SPY, &c.

Sutton, January 11, 1792.

To Mr. KIDDER.

SIR,

It is a common report, that a school district engaged you to teach their school this winter; which school you set up and taught some days; but in the mean while another teacher was consulted, and a district meeting appointed to answer the request of a certain gentleman; but his request was totally disregarded, and the time spent in disputing, whether your government should be regarded by their children, or not. And when the vote was taken, four appeared for your government, and four against it. Then one of your scholars, who was under age, put in the casting vote, which turned you out of the district; or you must give up your government, which, by judicious men, is supposed to be good.—Now, Sir, whether this report be true, or false, I know not; and who the gentlemen are, is none of my business: But the abovementioned report, is the occasion of my writing to you upon government. Neither do I wish to apply my observations upon government, to those gentlemen in particular; but to the character deserving.

Government is an institution of Heaven. When man was first formed, he was put under law and government; the violation of which, has introduced into the world, all the evil which now is, or perhaps will be; which was effected by the instigation of the devil; and by him and his emissaries, this rebellion is still going on. But the seed of the woman hath undertaken to put a check to it, and to introduce good order and government again; which he will do effectually among his children, which apparently distinguishes them from the children of the devil. Now wherever you find godly parents, the man, according to the order of Heaven, takes the lead, and the wife is in subjection; and their utmost endeavor is to subject their children to good order. For the welfare of this rising nation, depends much upon the good government of parents and school teachers, toward the blooming youth: For the want of which, the Sabbath may be violated, gaols crowded. whipping posts employed, and gallowses loaded, &c.

Now, Sir, a Washington placed for the defence of this nation. will be of no avail, if children may govern their parents; for parents must govern in state and town matters; and if they are governed by their children, and their children by the devil, then on whose shoulders is government?

To conclude, Sir, I was informed, that with all modesty, you stood your ground like a hero: And a hero in the field, cannot better serve his country, than you can in your school, by subjecting your pupils to good order and government.

From your friend.

SAMUEL WATERS.

Mr. ASHBEL KIDDER.

P. S. If children can rule their parents and school teachers while under age, who is there whom they cannot rule when they come to years? They feel every way qualified to rule kingdoms and states: and all must bow to them, or there are disturbances in neighbourhoods, noisy town-meetings, mobs, insurrections; and kingdoms and states, by them are disquieted. This ground also produces tavern-haunting, horse-jockeying, card-playing, thieving, robbing, rioting, murder, and all manner of vicious practices. But, will not God shorten their days? Will not the earth open her mouth quickly, and swallow them up, as she did Korah? For by them the government of Heaven is struck at: So, the neglect of proper government, by parents, masters and school teachers, "is no less than a wicked conspiracy, against both God and man."

I have only given you a general sketch of my simple thoughts upon the education of children; and more especially, some of the ill consequences which accrue from the neglect of it.—Therefore. let us, by our examples, teach them every point of piety, especially benevolence toward our enemies.