That thoughtless word is a random dart, It may rankle long in some tender heart- 3. Is it a trifle-the first false step 'Tis treacherous ground; one little slip One light temptation, and we may wear 4. Drops of water are little things, Little voices, now scarcely heard, In heaven shall bear their part; And a little grave in the green churchyard 5. This world is but little, if rightly weighed, And trifling its joy or care; But not while we linger beneath its shade- The lightest burden may weigh like lead In the uphill path it perforce must tread, 6. Cease, then, to speak of a "little thing," Shun little sins, lest they haply bring So, when thou hearest thy Master's call, WASHINGTON AND HIS MOTHER. 1. Some of the most interesting anecdotes of the early years of Washington, are such as connect him with his mother, or were derived from her narrations. She was a dignified and excellent woman, and remembered with respect and love by all who had the honour of her acquaintance. 2. Her husband died while their children were young; so she had the sole care of their training and education. For this great charge she was eminently qualified. She was often asked what course. she had pursued in training up her illustrious son, and her reply was: "I only required obedience, diligence, and truth." 3. These were the simple rules by which Washington became good and great. They were wrought in with the elements of his character, until his goodness became greatness, and his greatness goodness. Is there anything in these three precepts of obedience, diligence, and truth which those who read this are unwilling or careless to observe? 4. Washington, when a boy, was taught to be accurate in all his statements. He told things exactly as they were, and repeated words just as they had been spoken. If he had committed a fault, he did not try to conceal it, or lay the blame upon others. 5. Whatever his errors were-and the best child in the world sometimes does wrong-he always spoke of them to his mother without disguise and without delay. This was the foundation of that noble frankness and contempt of deceit which distinguished him through life, and made him revered by all. 6. Once, from an indiscretion of his boyhood, a considerable loss was incurred. He knew that it would interfere with some favourite plans of his mother, give pain to her feelings, and perhaps awaken her severe displeasure. But he did not hesitate in his duty. He went immediately to her, and made a full acknowledgment; and she said, "I had rather this should have taken place than my son should be guilty of a falsehood." 7. She was careful not to injure him by indulgence or luxurious food. She required him to rise early, and never permitted him to be idle. Labours were sometimes assigned him which the children of wealthy parents might have accounted severe. Thus he ac quired strength, firmness of frame, and disregard of hardship. 8. He was taught to have certain hours for certain employments, and to be punctual. The systematic improvement of time thus early taught, was of immense service when the mighty concerns of a nation devolved on him. Then he found leisure for the transaction of the smallest affairs in the midst of the most important and conflicting duties. 9. It was observed by those who surrounded his person, that he neglected nothing, and was never known to be in a hurry. He was remarkable for neatness, yet spent but little time in arranging his dress. 10. His habits of early rising and strict attention to order, gave him time for everything; so that the pressure of public business never rendered him inattentive to private duty, domestic courtesy, or kind hospitality. In winter he rose two hours before day, and in summer was ready to enjoy the freshness and beauty of the dawn. 11. Such benefits did a man, whom the world beheld with admiration, derive from the counsels of a mother, who accustomed him to habits of early rising, order, and industry. His obedience to her was cheerful and unvarying. Even after he attained mature years, and a nation regarded him as its deliverer and ruler, the expression of her slightest wish was law. 12. From childhood he repaid her care with the deepest affection, and yielded his will to hers without a murmur. At the age of fourteen, having read many voyages, he conceived a desire to go to sea. The office of a midshipman had been obtained for him, and everything was in readiness for his departure. 13. Preparing to take leave of his mother, he found her more distressed than he had ever seen her, and discovered that she had not fully stated to him her objections to this mode of life. He threw himself into her arms, and offered to relinquish his favourite purpose, if she desired. She accepted the noble sacrifice. 14. He watched from the window the boat which was conveying the officers to the ship, and in which his own baggage was placed. The bright anticipations which he had long cherished faded away. His mother inquired if he regretted his resolution to remain. "Indeed," said he, "I wished to go; but I cannot make you unhappy." God will reward your filial affection, my son," was the answer. 66 15. When a grateful nation, by electing him its first President, conferred on him the highest gift in its power to bestow, he waited on his mother, at her residence in Fredericksburg, to inform her of his appointment. He was now illustrious, and applauded both by the Old and New World. He had lived more than half a century without a stain upon his fame. 16. Yet he bowed down with the same deep reverence to his maternal guide, as when in childhood he learned his lessons at her knee, or repeated from the Bible, "My son, forsake not the law of thy mother." |