1. I gave you, in the last lesson, the history of George Jones, an idle
boy, and showed you the consequences of his idleness. I shall now give you
the history of Charles Bullard, a classmate of George. Charles was about
the same age as George, and did not possess superior talents. Indeed, I
doubt whether he was equal to him in natural powers of mind.
2. But Charles was a hard student. When quite young, he was always careful
and diligent in school. Sometimes, when there was a very hard lesson,
instead of going out to play during recess, he would stay in to study. He
had resolved that his first object should be to get his lessons well, and
then he could play with a good conscience. He loved play as well as
anybody, and was one of the best players on the ground. I hardly ever saw
any boy catch a ball better than he could. When playing any game, everyone
was glad to get Charles on his side.
3. I have said that Charles would sometimes stay in at recess. This,
however, was very seldom; it was only when the lessons were very hard
indeed. Generally, he was among the first on the playground, and he was
also among the first to go into school when called. Hard study gave him a
relish for play, and play again gave him a relish for hard study; so he
was happy both in school and out. The preceptor could not help liking him,
for he always had his lessons well committed, and never gave him any
trouble.
4. When he went to enter college, the preceptor gave him a good
recommendation. He was able to answer all the questions which were put to
him when he was examined. He had studied so well when he was in the
academy, and was so thoroughly prepared for college, that he found it very
easy to keep up with his class, and had much time for reading interesting
books.
5. But he would always get his lesson well before he did anything else,
and would review it just before recitation. When called upon to recite, he
rose tranquil and happy, and very seldom made mistakes. The officers of
the college had a high opinion of him, and he was respected by all the
students.
6. There was, in the college, a society made up of all the best scholars.
Charles was chosen a member of that society. It was the custom to choose
some one of the society to deliver a public address every year. This honor
was conferred on Charles; and he had studied so diligently, and read so
much, that he delivered an address which was very interesting to all who
heard it.
7. At last he graduated, as it is called; that is, he finished his
collegiate course, and received his degree. It was known by all that he
was a good scholar, and by all that he was respected. His father and
mother, brothers and sisters, came on the commencement day to hear him
speak.
8. They all felt gratified, and loved Charles more than ever. Many
situations of usefulness and profit were opened to him; for Charles was
now an intelligent man, and universally respected. He is still a useful
and a happy man. He has a cheerful home, and is esteemed by all who know
him.
9. Such are the rewards of industry. How strange it is that any person
should be willing to live in idleness when it will certainly make him
unhappy! The idle boy is almost invariably poor and miserable; the
industrious boy is happy and prosperous.
10. But perhaps some child who reads this, asks, "Does God notice little
children in school?" He certainly does. And if you are not diligent in the
improvement of your time, it is one of the surest evidences that your
heart is not right with God. You are placed in this world to improve your
time. In youth you must be preparing for future usefulness. And if you do
not improve the advantages you enjoy, you sin against your Maker.
With books, or work, or healthful play,
Let your first years be passed;
That you may give, for every day,
Some good account, at last.
DEFINITIONS.--l. His'to-ry, a description or a narration of events. 2.
Con'science, our own knowledge of right and wrong. Game, play, sport. 3.
Com-mit'ted, fixed in mind. 4. Rec-om-men-da'tion, what is said in praise
of anyone. 5. Re view', to examine again. Tran'quil, quiet, calm. 6.
Con-ferred', given to or bestowed upon anyone. 7. Grad'u-a-ted, received a
degree from a college. Com-mence'ment, the day when students receive their
degree. 8. U-ni-ver'sal-ly, by all, without exception. 9. In-va'ri-a-bly,
always, uniformly. 10. Ev'i-den-ces, proofs. Ad-van'ta-ges, opportunities
for improvement.
EXERCISES.--What was the character of George Jones? Of Charles Bullard?
How did George appear in the class at school? How did he behave at recess?
How did Charles differ from him in these respects? Relate what happened
when George went to college. What became of him? Did Charles succeed at
college? Which of them do you think more worthy of imitation? What is said
of the idle? What is said of the industrious? Who watches all our actions
wherever we may be? For what are we placed in this world? Should you not
then be diligent in your studies?