They were wrought in with the elements of his character, until his
_goodness became greatness_, and his _greatness, goodness_. Is there any
thing, in these three precepts of _obedience_, _diligence_, and _truth_,
which those who read this work are unwilling or careless to observe?
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.
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.
Once, from an indiscretion of his boyhood, a considerable loss was
incurred. He knew that it would interfere with favorite 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.”
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. Labors
were sometimes assigned him, which the children of wealthy parents might
have accounted severe. Thus he acquired strength, firmness of frame, and
disregard of hardship.
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.
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.
His habits of early rising, and strict attention to order, gave him time
for every thing, 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.
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 a
law.
THE END.
End of Project Gutenberg's The Juvenile Scrap-book for 1849, by Various