Induce not precocity of intellect, for so shouldst thou nourish vanity;
Neither can a plant, forced in the hot-bed, stand against the frozen breath of winter.
The mind is made wealthy by ideas, but the multitude of words is a clogging weight:
Therefore be understood in thy teaching, and instruct to the measure of capacity.
Analogy is milk for babes, but abstract truths are strong meat;
Precepts and rules are repulsive to a child, but happy illustration winneth him:
In vain shalt thou preach of industry and prudence, till he learn of the bee and the ant;
Dimly will he think of his soul, till the acorn and the chrysalis have taught him;
He will fear God in thunder, and worship His loveliness in flowers;
And parables shall charm his heart, while doctrines seem dead mystery: