The expectation in the two cases would be equally vain.
The only difference would be that, in the failure which would inevitably result from the trial, it would be in the one case the body that would suffer, and in the other the soul.
_The Judgment more slowly developed than the Strength_.
Indeed, the necessity that the conduct of the child should be controlled by the reason of the parents is in one point of view greater, or at least more protracted, than that his wants should be supplied by their power; for the development of the thinking and reasoning powers is late and slow in comparison with the advancement toward maturity of the physical powers.

It is considered that a boy attains, in this country, to a sufficient degree of strength at the age of from _seven to ten_ years to earn his living; but his reason is not sufficiently mature to make it safe to intrust him with the care of himself and of his affairs, in the judgment of the law, till he is of more than twice that age.

The parents can actually thus sooner look to the _strength_ of the child for his support than they can to his _reason_ for his guidance.
_What Parents have to do in Respect to the Reasoning Powers of Children_.
To aid in the development and cultivation of the thinking and reasoning powers is doubtless a very important part of a parent's duty.

But to cultivate these faculties is one thing, while to make any control which may be procured for them over the mind of the child the basis of government, is another.

To explain the reasons of our commands is excellent, if it is done in the right time and manner.