It is a mark of a good scholar to be prompt and studious. Such were the
habits of little Jane Sumner. She was the youngest of three sisters, and
from her first being able to read, she was very fond of reading; and at
school her teacher became much interested in little Jane on account of
her interest in study, and the promptness she manifested in reciting her
lessons. Jane had a quiet little home and was allowed considerable time
for study, although she had to devote some time in assisting her mother
about house.
There was a very fine garden attached to Mrs. Sumner's residence, where
she took much pleasure in cultivating the flowers. In the centre of the
garden was built a summer house all covered over with grape vine. The
broad leaves of the vine made a refreshing shade to it, and thereby
shielded the warm sun from persons under it. This little summer house
Jane frequently occupied for her study. In the picture you see her with
book in hand getting her lesson. She arose very early in the morning,
and by this means gained much time.
Up in the morning early,
By daylight's earliest ray,
With our books prepared to study
The lessons of the day.
Little Jane, for her industry and good scholarship, obtained quite a
number of "rewards of merit," which her schoolmates said she justly
deserved. There is one of them with these lines:
For conduct good and lessons learned,
Your teacher can commend;
Good scholarship has richly earned
This tribute from your friend.
On one day, she came running home very much pleased with her card,
which her teacher gave herself and her little sister Emma, for their
good conduct and attention to their studies. The card contained these
lines:
See, Father! mother, see!
To my sister and me,
Has our teacher given a card,
To show that we have studied hard.
To you we think it must be pleasant,
To see us both with such a present.
Every good boy and girl will be rewarded, and all such as are studious,
and respectful to their teachers, will always get a reward.
* * * * *
God never allowed any man to do nothing. How miserable is the condition
of those men who spend their time as if it were _given_ them, and not
lent.--_Bishop Hall_.