It was Saturday afternoon. The boys were enjoying their sports, when one
of them espied Uncle Jimmy coming towards them. "Look, boys," said he,
"Uncle Jimmy is coming. We will ask him to stop and tell us some
stories."
Now Uncle Jimmy was a very aged man, bowed down with years, and so
feeble that he could not walk without the aid of his cane. When the
weather was mild, he used to take short walks, and the children were
always happy to see him. They all claimed the privilege of calling him
Uncle. One little boy ran forward to assist him, and led him to a seat
beneath a shady tree. Ball and hoop were soon forgotten, as they eagerly
pressed round the old man, to show him their respect; for he always had
a word for each of them.
"Do not let me interrupt your sports, boys; I am fond of seeing you at
your plays. I had once as many playmates as yourselves, and enjoyed them
as well."
The little boy who assisted him to his seat, replied, "We had rather
hear you talk to us, if you please, sir; for we have not seen you for so
long a time."
"True, true, I have been housed up, and it is rare, nowadays, that I
walk so far as this. I'm glad to see you all so well and happy. If you
wish to keep so, be always temperate, and do not neglect your duties.
Whenever conscience whispers to you, 'I have done my duty,' you will
enjoy the sports allowed you.
"I have now in my mind the memory of an old friend. It is indeed
pleasant to think of him. He was remarkable for his industry, even when
very young; yet at play he was as merry as the merriest of us. His mind
and his heart were in it. He became a very superior scholar. Some of you
may think that it was because he had superior talents, that he thus
excelled in scholarship. It is true, he had rare talents; but by his
industry he made every talent ten talents; and he always exercised his
powers for the good of others, for he was benevolent in his disposition.
I am proud to think of him, when in his prime. Young and old were
benefited by his instruction, and he was universally beloved and
respected; for he had become a useful preacher of the word of God, and a
devoted minister. His example of industry and perseverance exerted an
extensive influence upon others, and changed in some measure the whole
face of society in the community in which he lived."
Many more stories did Uncle Jimmy relate to the children, which I have
not time to repeat now. The afternoon was far spent ere any of them
wearied of hearing him; and many a good lesson did they receive, which I
trust was as "good seed, sown on good ground." I trust my little readers
will as readily listen to the counsels of the aged, and as respectfully
heed their advice, as did these children. In this way, you will give
promise of becoming wise and good.
The children waited on Uncle Jimmy to his home; and, when they left him,
he prayed God to bless them.