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page-break-before: always; } - .ol_1 li {font-size: .9em; } - @media handheld {.ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: 0em; } } - body {font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify; } - table {font-size: .9em; } - .footnote {font-size: .9em; } - div.footnote p {text-indent: 2em; margin-bottom: .5em; } - .figcenter {font-size: .9em; } - div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; } - div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Floyd's Flowers Or Duty and Beauty For -Colored Children, by Silas X. Floyd - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Floyd's Flowers Or Duty and Beauty For Colored Children - Being One Hundred Short Stories Gleaned from the Storehouse - of Human Knowledge and Experience Simple Amusing Elevating - -Author: Silas X. Floyd - -Release Date: August 16, 2019 [EBook #60109] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOYD'S FLOWERS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, hekula03, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><b>Transcriber’s Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div id='Frontispiece' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='SILAS X. FLOYD _AUTHOR_ JOHN HENRY ADAMS _ARTIST_' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>FLOYD’S FLOWERS<br /> <span class='c002'>OR</span><br /> <span class='c003'>DUTY AND BEAUTY</span><br /> <span class='c002'>FOR</span><br /> <span class='c004'>COLORED CHILDREN</span><br /> <br /> <span class='c005'>BEING ONE HUNDRED SHORT STORIES</span><br /> <span class='c002'>GLEANED FROM THE STOREHOUSE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE</span><br /> <span class='c004'>SIMPLE AMUSING ELEVATING</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c007'><span class='large'>PROF. SILAS X. FLOYD, A. M., D. D.,</span></div> - <div class='c007'><span class='sc'>Author of “The Gospel of Service and other Sermons,” “Life of Charles T. Walker, D. D.,” “National Perils,” etc.</span></div> - <div class='c006'>ILLUSTRATED BY</div> - <div class='c007'><span class='large'>JOHN HENRY ADAMS</span></div> - <div class='c007'><span class='sc'>Professor of Art at Morris Brown College, Atlanta</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><span class='sc'>Copyright 1905</span></div> - <div class='c007'>BY</div> - <div class='c007'>HERTEL, JENKINS & CO.</div> - <div class='c006'><span class='sc'>All Rights Reserved</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>I FEEL A PROFOUNDER REVERENCE FOR A BOY THAN A -MAN. I NEVER MEET A RAGGED BOY ON THE STREET WITHOUT -FEELING THAT I OWE HIM A SALUTE, FOR I KNOW -NOT WHAT POSSIBILITIES MAY BE BUTTONED UP UNDER -HIS SHABBY COAT.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>—JAMES A. GARFIELD.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/frontis2.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Gen. Samuel C. Armstrong.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span> - <h2 class='c010'>PUBLISHER’S NOTE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The publishers of this book have spared neither -pains nor expense in trying to make it as nearly -perfect as a book of this kind can be. The typographical -appearance and the illustrations will -speak for themselves.</p> - -<p class='c012'>We consider ourselves fortunate in having -been able to secure the services of the Rev. Dr. -Silas X. Floyd as the author of this volume. Mr. -Floyd’s life work, aside from his literary training, -has made him the ideal man to speak to the -colored boys and girls of the South. Soon after -graduating from Atlanta University in 1891, Mr. -Floyd became Principal of a Public School at -Augusta, Ga., and remained in that city for five -years consecutively as a teacher. In June, 1896, -he was called from the school room into the Sunday-school -work, having been appointed by the -International Sunday School Convention as one -of its Field Workers throughout the South. He -continued in this work for three years, retiring -from it to become Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist -Church, Augusta, Ga., one of the largest churches -in the South. After a year and a half in the pastorate, -he returned to the Sunday-school work, -becoming Sunday-school Missionary for Georgia -and Alabama under appointment of the American -Baptist Publication Society. Two years ago, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>he re-entered the school room, and is now once -more Principal of a Public School at Augusta. -His school is one of the largest in the State of -Georgia.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Floyd’s work, as the record shows, has -been conspicuously for and in behalf of the children, -and he is known far and wide as a competent -writer and speaker on topics concerning -young people. He has contributed to the Sunday -School Times, the International Evangel, the New -York Independent, The World’s Work, Lippincott’s -Magazine, and many other journals and -periodicals. He is the author of a volume of sermons -published by the American Baptist Publication -Society and listed in their catalogue as -among their standard works, and is also the -author of the Life of the leading colored Baptist -preacher in America, published by the National -Baptist Publishing Board. From the beginning -of the Voice of the Negro, Mr. Floyd has had -charge of the Wayside Department as Editor, -and his work as a humorist and writer of negro -dialect is known to many through that medium.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In 1894, Atlanta University, his alma mater, -conferred upon Mr. Floyd the degree of Master -of Arts, and in 1902, Morris Brown College conferred -upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c010'>THE PICTURES AND WHO MADE THEM</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A distinctive feature of this volume is the -inclusion of more than half a hundred of original -drawings by a young artist. Every boy and -every girl delights in pictures. There is something -in pictures, even though the subjects be -foreign to us, which readily takes hold of our -innermost feelings and becomes companionable to -the extent that we find ourselves loving that -<i>something</i> whatever it is:—a man, or an humble -dog, or an old homestead, or what not. We seldom -think that some great mind has been hard at -work to produce that picture and that it takes -years and years of application and deep study -to prepare even a genius in art.</p> - -<p class='c012'>While you are enjoying the pleasures to be -derived from the “rough sketches” in this book -it is hoped that at the same time you will catch -the inspiration of the artist who made them. The -negro race has produced very few artists of note, -for very few of them have made a success in the -profession. Of that few, John Henry Adams is -second only to Tanner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Coming up with little in his favor other than a -determination to “win” and the prayerfulness of -loving parents, John Adams kept himself in -school until he was thoroughly prepared to enter -upon life’s sea as a thinker for and a master of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>himself. Acquiring his art education at The -Drexel Institute, Philadelphia, Adams returned to -Atlanta and found a place to utilize his training -at the Morris Brown College, where he has been -eminently successful as a teacher, and where he -is loved and honored by all.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The lapse of twenty-six years is a very short -time to begin to measure a man’s success, but Mr. -Adams has already succeeded. The demand for -his work is large and plenteous. If there is such -a thing as having more work than one can do, it -applies pointedly to him. Besides the many -fine and costly paintings which Mr. Adams makes -and sells, his “rough sketches” are quite popular -and “go like hot cakes.” And, with all of this -he is a regular contributor to one daily paper, -two weekly papers and a monthly magazine. -This is but a glimpse of the man. His work as -trustee of city charities, his visitations to mission -houses and his liberal pocket-book show the more -tender side of the artist. When a football game -is in progress there’s another side of the man—the -enthusiast. But all the way through Mr. -Adams is ever the amiable gentleman, the vigorous -thinker and worker, the friend of children -and a constant source of gladness to the poor of -Atlanta.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>PUBLISHERS.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span> - <h2 class='c010'>PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Truly the boys and girls of to-day ought to be -thankful that they are alive. There never was -such a golden age for childhood and youth as the -present. To say nothing of the rich opportunities -for mental and spiritual development, what a -multitude of things have been provided for the -innocent pleasure, the wholesome recreation of -the young people of to-day; inventions that -remind one of the magic of the “Arabian -Nights”; tools of sport so perfect that one cannot -imagine how they could be bettered; fascinating -games, all unknown in the days gone by; -books and papers upon which science, art and -literary skill have lavished modern resources—all -these and many other wonderful things have -fallen to the lot of the favored boys and girls of -to-day.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And now enterprising publishers of our grand -country are going to put the boys and -girls of America—and especially the colored -boys and girls of America—under obligation to -them, because they have decided to add to the -list of good books for children and youths -already on the market. I use the word “good” -advisedly; for from the day that I was engaged -to write this book I have had in mind constantly -the thought of making it such a book as would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>tell for good. It is an old saying that “evil communications -corrupt good manners,” but evil -reading does more than this: for evil reading -corrupts good morals.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I have endeavored to put into this book of -stories for children only such things as might be -freely admitted into the best homes of the land, -and I have written with the hope that many -young minds may be elevated by means of these -stories and many hearts filled with high and holy -aspirations. Our nation has a right to expect -that our boys and girls shall turn out to be good -men and good women, and this book is meant to -help in this process.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>SILAS X. FLOYD.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span> - <h2 class='c010'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='CONTENTS'> - <tr> - <th class='c013'></th> - <th class='c014'> </th> - <th class='c015'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>I.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Spelling Lesson</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_19'>19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>II.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Truth About Luck</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_22'>22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>III.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>An Evening at Home</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_26'>26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>IV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Making of a Man</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>V.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>False Pride</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_33'>33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>VI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Thanksgiving at Piney Grove</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_37'>37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>VII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Loud Girl</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Rowdy Boy</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_51'>51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>IX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Honesty</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_53'>53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>X.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Uncle Ned and the Insurance Solicitor</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_56'>56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Strenuous Life</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_61'>61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Humbug</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_64'>64</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Candidate for Baptism</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_66'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Going with the Crowd</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_72'>72</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Mary and Her Dolls</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_75'>75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Jaky Tolbert’s Playmates</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_79'>79</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Valentine Party</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_83'>83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>No Money Down</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Tommy’s Baby Brother</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_90'>90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Keeping School</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_93'>93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The School of the Street</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_96'>96</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Fox Hunt</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_100'>100</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Bold Venture</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_105'>105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Hero in Black</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_108'>108</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Road to Success</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_111'>111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Samuel C. Armstrong</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_114'>114</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>How to be Handsome</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_117'>117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>XXVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Patience</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Biter Bit</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_122'>122</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Alphabet of Success</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_124'>124</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Easter Monday in Washington</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_125'>125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Keeping One’s Engagements</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Midnight Mishap</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_131'>131</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Frederick Douglass</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_133'>133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Our Dumb Animals</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_136'>136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Plucky Boy</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_138'>138</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Heart-to-Heart Talk</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Ghost Story</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_144'>144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XXXIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Good Cheer</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XL.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Life a Battle</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_152'>152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Ruled by Primitive Methods</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_155'>155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Hunting an Easy Place</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_159'>159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Burt Bankston’s Bequest</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_162'>162</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Big Black Burglar</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_166'>166</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Pin-Money Made with the Needle</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Self-Help</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Henry Ward Beecher’s Testimony</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_177'>177</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Rounding up a Chicken Thief</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_180'>180</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XLIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Shields Green, the Martyr</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_184'>184</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>L.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Aiming at Something</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_186'>186</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Black Sheep of the Reynolds Family</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_188'>188</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Holy Bible</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_196'>196</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Andrew Carnegie’s Advice to Young Men</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_198'>198</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Gentlemen</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_200'>200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Letter of the Law</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_202'>202</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Best Books for Children</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_204'>204</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Right to Play</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_207'>207</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Christmas Present</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_209'>209</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>LIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Drinking and Smoking</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_211'>211</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Nickel that Burned in Frank’s Pocket</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_214'>214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Monument to a Black Man</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Bad Boy—Who He Is</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_219'>219</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Bad Boy—How to Help Him</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_221'>221</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Thomas Greene Bethune</span> (“<span class='sc'>Blind Tom</span>”)</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_226'>226</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Not Fit to Know</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Right Way</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_231'>231</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Keeping Friendship in Repair</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_234'>234</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Little Annie’s Christmas</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Velocipede Race</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_239'>239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Fault-Finding</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_241'>241</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Puritans’ Sabbath</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_244'>244</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Devil on an Excursion</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_247'>247</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Random Remarks</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_250'>250</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Benjamin Banneker, the Negro Astronomer</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_254'>254</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXV.</td> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>A Little Child Shall Lead Them</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_258'>258</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Ladies</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_264'>264</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Three Words to Young People</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_266'>266</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>A Lamp Unto My Feet</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_272'>272</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Three Brigades</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_275'>275</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXX.</td> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Home, Sweet Home</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_277'>277</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Edmund Asa Ware</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_280'>280</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>An Ante-Bellum Negro Preacher</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_284'>284</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Purity of Character</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_287'>287</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Each One of Us of Importance</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_289'>289</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Poetry of Life</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_290'>290</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>On Being in Earnest</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Young People and Life Insurance</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_294'>294</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>LXXXVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Little Sailor Cat</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_297'>297</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>LXXXIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Advice to Little Christians</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_299'>299</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XC.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Word to Parents</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_301'>301</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Helpful Message</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_302'>302</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Unseen Charmer</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_304'>304</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Our Country</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_307'>307</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCIV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The “Don’t-Care” Girl</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_309'>309</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCV.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Negro Heroes</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_312'>312</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCVI.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Frederick Douglass to Young People</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_315'>315</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCVII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Too High a Dam</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_318'>318</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCVIII.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Good Fellow</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_320'>320</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>XCIX.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Future of the Negro</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_321'>321</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c013'>C.</td> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Training of Children</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_323'>323</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_014.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS'> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c015'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'><a href='#Frontispiece'>Frontispiece.</a></span></td> - <td class='c015'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Spelling Class</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_20'>20</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>That’s a Very Pretty Way to Spell “Love”</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_21'>21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>How Many Papers Have You Sold To-day, Tommy?</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_23'>23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>An Evening at Home</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_27'>27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Bobby and His “Man”</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_30'>30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Here is the Carpet, Young Man; I Hope I Have not Kept You Waiting.</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_34'>34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Grace Before Going to School</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_38'>38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Grace’s Graduation</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_42'>42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Blab-Mouthed and Noisy</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_47'>47</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Modest and Quiet</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>He Stuffs Both Hands in His Trousers Pockets</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_52'>52</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>How Much for the Melon?</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_54'>54</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>“Dat’s Jes’ What My ’ligion Does,” Said the Old Man</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_57'>57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>I Don’t Break Easy</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_62'>62</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>O, Get Out of the Way, Can’t You?</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_65'>65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Mother, I’m so Happy. Teacher Forgave Me</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Mary and Her Dolls</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_76'>76</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>I’m Going Over to Jaky’s, Mamma</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_80'>80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Old Mrs. Gray</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_84'>84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Papa I Ain’t Got no Little Baby Brother to Play with</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_91'>91</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Tootsie</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_94'>94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Little Joe</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_97'>97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span><span class='sc'>Uncle Hambright</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_101'>101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>You All Wait Until I Come Back and Then We’ll Play at Fox-Hunting</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_103'>103</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Lend Me Five Dollars</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_106'>106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Hero in Black</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_109'>109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Road to Success</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_112'>112</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>How to be Handsome</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_118'>118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Patience</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Biter Bit</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_123'>123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Keeping One’s Engagements</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_130'>130</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Midnight Mishap</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_132'>132</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Our Dumb Animals</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>The Boy Marched Straight up to the Counter</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_140'>140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Heart-to-Heart Talk</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_142'>142</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Huh! Huh! There Don’t Seem to be But Two of Us Here To-night</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_145'>145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Charged with Kissing a Girl on the Street</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_157'>157</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>I Have Just Finished My Course in the High School</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_161'>161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Gambler</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_163'>163</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Gambler in Old Age</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_165'>165</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Big Black Burglar</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_168'>168</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Pin-Money Made with the Needle</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_172'>172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Washing Dollie’s Clothes</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_175'>175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Son, It’s a Mighty Lucky Thing for You and Nannie that I Didn’t Have My Gun</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_182'>182</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Aiming at Something</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_187'>187</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>He Carried with Him Some Wild Flowers and Green Leaves</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_190'>190</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Well, John, I Suppose Sister Is Dead</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_194'>194</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Gentlemen</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_201'>201</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>“<span class='sc'>Mamma Told Me Not to Ask for Any More Cream</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_203'>203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Best Books for Children</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_205'>205</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Mamma, I Hear Old Santa’s Bells, and of Course This Is the Present He Brought</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_210'>210</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Drink and Tobacco</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>A Quarter, Ma’am</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_215'>215</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Monument to a Black Man</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>“Play Fantastic” on the Fourth of July</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Bad Boy—How to Help Him</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_222'>222</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Frances</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>I Got in the Hall Last Night for Nothing</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_232'>232</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Two Paths</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_235'>235</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>She Put Out Her Thin Little Hand and Felt It</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_237'>237</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Velocipede Race</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_240'>240</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Fault-Finding</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_242'>242</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Goodnis Gracious! I See dat Old Cycloom Comin’ Back Ag’in. He Look Blackah and Wussah dan He Done Befo. Run, Isaac, Run!</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_248'>248</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>I Wish I Could Have My Way with Those Boys for About Two Minutes</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_251'>251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Girls</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_265'>265</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>A Lamp Unto My Feet</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_273'>273</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Members of the Rainy-Weather Brigade</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_276'>276</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Home, Sweet Home</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_278'>278</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Saint Paul Was a Much Better Man dan I Is, an’ Dey Whupped Him Mos’ Ev’ywhar He Went</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_285'>285</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Each One of Us of Importance</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_289'>289</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Poetry of Life</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_290'>290</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Being in Earnest</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_293'>293</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span><span class='sc'>Taking Out a Policy</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_295'>295</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Little Sailor Cat</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_298'>298</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Advice to Little Christians</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_299'>299</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>A Word to Parents</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_301'>301</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Is—er—er—Mr. Hopegood in?</span>”</td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_305'>305</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>The “Don’t-Care” Girl</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_310'>310</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Negro Heroes</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_313'>313</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='sc'>Frederick Douglass</span></td> - <td class='c015'><a href='#Page_316'>316</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_018.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span></div> -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>FLOYD’S FLOWERS</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>I.<br /> <span class='large'>A SPELLING LESSON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The boys and girls of Public School No. 10 -were glad to have a new girl, whose name -was Bertha Dent, enter their spelling class. The -little girl’s mother told the teacher that the child -could probably keep up with the First Grade in -spelling, because she could spell such words as -“dog” and “hog” and “cat” and “rat” and -“bat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was not a great while before the teacher -called the spelling class. She asked Bertha, the -new girl, to stand with the class.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You may spell ‘dog,’ Mary,” said the teacher -to one of the girls, “and tell us what kind of noise -little dogs make.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“D-o-g, dog,” said Mary, “and our little dog -says ‘bow-wow-wow!’”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That was very well done,” said the teacher. -“Now, Annie, you may spell ‘cat,’ and tell us -what kind of noise little kittens make.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“C-a-t, cat,” replied Annie, “and the little kitties -sometimes say ‘mew-mew,’ and when the little -doggies come ’round they bristle up and hiss -at the doggies.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>“That’s very well,” responded the teacher. -“Sadie, you may spell ‘bird,’ and tell us what the -little birds do.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“B-i-r-d, bird,” said Sadie. “We have a -pretty mocking bird that sings for us all the time; -most birds sing, but mama says there are some -birds which are good to keep bugs and worms off -the vegetables and flowers.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_020.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Spelling Class.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“That is correct,” the teacher made answer. -“Now, Bertha Dent, you may spell ‘love’ for us, -and tell us what love does.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh,” said the new pupil, “I know very well -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>how to spell ‘love.’” And then Bertha ran to -the teacher, threw her arms around the teacher’s -neck, and gave her a sweet little kiss. “That is -the way mama told me to spell ‘love,’” said -Bertha quietly, while the teacher and all the members -of the spelling class smiled.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_021.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>That’s a Very Pretty Way to Spell “Love.”</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>“That is a very pretty way to spell ‘love,’” -said the teacher. “But don’t you know any other -way to spell ‘love’?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why, yes,” answered Bertha looking around. -“I spell ‘love’ this way, too.” Then she brushed -a fleck of dust from the teacher’s sleeve, picked -up some papers that were scattered around on the -platform and arranged them on the desk. She, -also, pulled a tiny bit of thread off the teacher’s -skirt. “I spell ‘love’” said Bertha, “by working -for mama and papa and little brother, and trying -to make everybody happy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The teacher drew the little girl close to her -side, threw one arm around the child’s neck and -said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is the very best way to spell ‘love’; but -can’t you spell ‘love’ the way the book spells it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, yes,” said Bertha. “L-o-v-e, love.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The teacher hugged Bertha, called her a dear -little girl, and then dismissed the class.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>II.<br /> <span class='large'>THE TRUTH ABOUT LUCK.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span> -<img src='images/i_023.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>How Many Papers Have You Sold To-day, Tommy?</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>This is a world of order and system. There is -nothing haphazard about it. The sun rises and -sets according to a regular and unchanging law. -The tides come in and the tides go out not by -accident or chance, but in accordance with well-defined -laws. Winter and Summer, sunshine and -rain, follow each other in well-ordered succession. -What is true in the natural world is also -true in the moral and business worlds. A boy -reaps that which he sows and gains the prizes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>for which he is willing to pay the price in labor -and self-denial. A divine law controls success -and defeat in this life and no strategem or trick -can take the place of hard work.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Some years ago, I happened to find myself near -the terminal of the great East River Bridge in -New York City. Two little boys were standing -near one of the large iron posts crying their -afternoon papers. I tarried near them because -I was waiting for a particular car. One little -fellow said to the other,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How many papers have you sold to-day, Tommie?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Nearly one hundred an’ fifty,” was Tommie’s -quick reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Honor bright?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes; honor bright.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Whoopee! but ain’t you in big luck, Tommie?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Luck!” exclaimed Tommie, wiping the perspiration -from his brow. “There ain’t no luck -about it; I’ve just been everlastingly at it since -four o’clock this morning—that’s all!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And that is the <i>all</i> of real success. Those who -achieve success are “everlastingly at” what they -are trying to do. Tommie was right in declining -to have his hard and honest work cheapened by -calling the result of it luck.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are the luckiest chap I ever saw,” I once -heard a little boy about sixteen years say to -another boy of about the same age.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>“Why do you say that?” asked the other.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Because you have had your salary raised -twice in the same year.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” was the reply, “you may call it luck; -but I don’t. I have always done my work the -very best I knew how. I have never once in the -whole year been a single minute late in getting to -the office, nor have I ever left a single minute -before it was time for me to leave. When I have -worked over-time, I have not made any fuss about -it. My boss said when he raised my salary last -week that he had taken these things into account. -So, I don’t see where the luck comes in.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“All the same,” said the first boy, “some -bosses wouldn’t have raised your salary.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I would have the satisfaction of knowing -that I had done my duty.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Boys, I tell you that’s right. Nine out of ten -employers know that it is to their advantage -to show appreciation of faithful work and they -show it. When this appreciation comes luck has -had nothing to do with it. The thing that passes -for luck is in nearly all cases the just reward of -honest endeavor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Do not, therefore, start out in life with the -expectation that some “lucky turn” will bring -you sudden honor or wealth or position without -any effort on your part. Substitute that fine old -word “<i>work</i>” for that deceitful word “<i>luck</i>,” -and base your hopes of future success and usefulness -upon the honorable labor that it is a God-given -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>privilege for every well and strong and -right-minded boy to give his heart and hands to -performing.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>III.<br /> <span class='large'>AN EVENING AT HOME.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls between the ages of eleven and -seventeen ought to spend their evenings at home, -as much as possible. In these busy, bustling twentieth -century days, there are many families—so -much the worse for them—that scarcely know -what it is to spend an evening at home together. -Not only the young people but the older people -are “on the go.” The evenings are crowded -with calls and invitations, which come from far -and near. It is nothing to go five or even ten -miles to an evening concert or social gathering, -the trolley is so near, so cheap and so universal. -But I tell you, boys and girls, no matter -what the pleasure or amusement afforded—no -matter what the instruction or culture received—there -are no social or similar opportunities good -enough to displace the home circle. The sooner -young people realize this the happier they will be.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> -<img src='images/i_027.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>An Evening at Home.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Boys and girls ought to plan for some evenings -at home. Let other things have a share, but do -not give up all the time to other things. Once a -week the young people ought to arrange for an -evening at home. Decline everything else for -that evening, the same as you would for any -other engagement. Gather the family together. -Make a special place for grandma and grandpa. -Sing merry songs; play innocent and amusing -games; take time to tell the home folks about -some of the things that you do and that you have -seen in the world; get acquainted with the home -folks; be delighted in their delight; by special -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>appointment, spend one or two cheerful hours -with the folks at home each week.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The young folks themselves should take the -lead in this matter. A home is not merely a -place with four walls where people meet to eat -and drink and sleep securely beneath a roof. -Nay, boys and girls, a house is reared to be a -<i>home</i>—the center where a family may gather -into one; to be a serene retreat where the tenderest -affections may find rest; where love may have a -dwelling place, and the <i>amenities</i> of life gain -ample scope; where parents and children may -press one another heart to heart; where sorrows -and joys may be freely shared in sacred -confidence; in a word, where the great work of -training human beings for the duties of the present -life, and the perfection of another, may be -begun and carried on.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There is one special reason for making much -of the evenings at home that young people are -not likely to think of. <i>Inevitably</i> the <i>family</i> circle -will be broken up very soon. Perhaps not by -death, but most certainly by change. When Fred -goes to college that is the beginning of new ties -and new associations, and the home privileges -can never be quite so complete to him again. -The years of the complete unity of the home -are very few indeed. While these years are passing, -young people especially should make the -most of them. My dear boys and girls, get the -benefit of these years; get their joys; store up -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>memories of home life, for they will be in future -years the most beautiful pictures of the heart. -However some may sneer at it, the memory of -home and mother is a great power for righteousness. -It has saved many a person to God and -native land and race.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Be it ever so humble—</div> - <div class='line'>There’s no place like home.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>IV.<br /> <span class='large'>THE MAKING OF A MAN.<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c017'><sup>[1]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Mr. Stamps, seated near the table, was glancing -over the afternoon paper. Mrs. Stamps, in -an easy chair, was doing some fancy work. Little -Bobby, six years old, more or less, was playing -with his toys on the floor. All at once the precocious -little boy stopped short in the middle of -his sport and, looking up at his mother, asked,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mama, who made the world?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“God,” replied Mrs. Stamps, sweetly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who made the sea?” continued Bobby.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mrs. Stamps answered, “God.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said Bobby, “did God make everything?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, my son; the Lord made everything.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And did he make everybody?”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>“Yes; the Lord made everybody.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Bobby was silent for a moment. Presently he -looked anxiously at his father, and then, turning -to his mother, he asked,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mama, did God make papa, too?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes; God made papa also.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>After a lengthy pause Bobby asked,—</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_030.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Bobby and His “Man.”</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Mama, do you think that I could make a man, -if I was to try real hard?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You had better run out to play now, Bobby,” -said Mrs. Stamps, somewhat non-plused by her -son’s curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Bobby left the room almost immediately. He -went straight to the beach in front of the house, -and labored long and earnestly in piling up some -wet sand. Pretty soon he was joined in his work -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>by two other little boys. For some time the three -little fellows worked vigorously in piling up the -mud. Mrs. Stamps called her husband to the -window, so that he might see what the boys were -doing.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Wife,” said Mr. Stamps, “I believe those little -Satans are trying to make a man.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Toward sunset Bobby ran into the house and -exclaimed with delight,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mama, we’ve got our man almost finished. -We didn’t have but one marble, and we used that -for one of his eyes. I came in to ask you to give -me a marble, so that we might put in his other -eye.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It’s too late to bother now, Bobby,” said Mrs. -Stamps. “Wait until to-morrow morning; then I -will give you a marble and let you finish your -man.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next morning, bright and early, Bobby went -out to look for his man. Lo and behold! the sea -had washed the man away during the night. But, -Bobby, of course, did not suspect that. He thought -that the man had gone away of his own accord. -So the little fellow spent the entire morning looking -for his man. He looked under the house; he -looked in the stable; he went up to the garret; he -walked up and down the beach; he went into the -woods—looking for his man. But his man was -nowhere to be found.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Two or three weeks later an African Methodist -Episcopal Conference assembled in Bobby’s town. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>Among the ministers present there happened to -be a short, chubby, tan-colored brother with only -one eye. When Bobby spied him he examined the -man curiously and cautiously from head to foot. -The examination ended, Bobby concluded that that -was his man. At once the little fellow left his -mother and went over and took a seat beside -the man. Bobby’s mother was somewhat embarrassed. -The man was evidently pleased, although, -to be sure, he himself was not quite certain -why he should be an object of special interest -to the little boy. The man went to the secretary’s -table to have his name enrolled—Bobby went with -him. He went into the vestibule to get a drink of -water—and Bobby followed him there. But all -the while the man was still in doubt as to the -cause of the little boy’s apparent affection. By -this time, thoroughly exasperated, Bobby’s mother -decided to go home. She approached the pew in -a very ladylike manner and said,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bobby, dear, come; we must be going home -now.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“All right, Mama,” said Bobby in dead earnest, -“but you will please let me take my man -home with me—won’t you? I just found him -to-day, and you know I’ve been looking for him -for over two weeks!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then, for the first time, it suddenly dawned -upon Mrs. Stamps what was the matter with -Bobby. In spite of herself she laughed heartily at -the boy’s perversity. Finding that his mother -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>hesitated to reply, Bobby turned to the man and -said,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come on: we’re going home now. Why did -you leave before I finished you?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>V.<br /> <span class='large'>FALSE PRIDE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Once upon a time the head clerk in a carpet -store requested one of his junior clerks to go to -a patron’s home to measure a room, and suggested -that he take along a five-yard sample. The junior -clerk objected to “carting” such a big bundle, as -he said, “all over town,” and asked that one of -the boys be sent with it. The proprietor of the -establishment, who happened to overhear the remark, -privately told the head clerk to inform the -proud young fellow that a boy would be sent on -after him with the roll. Shortly after the young -man reached the house, the proprietor of the establishment -covered him with confusion by appearing -at the house in person with the roll of carpet under -his arm. Handing the bundle to the bewildered -young man, the proprietor remarked:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Here is the carpet, young man. I hope I have -not kept you waiting for it. If you have any other -orders, I’ll take them now.”</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span> -<img src='images/i_034.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Here is the Carpet, Young Man. I Hope I Have Not Kept You Waiting.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>A young woman of my acquaintance refused to -carry home a yeast cake, though it was needed at -once for the family baking and she was bound -directly homeward. She said that she wasn’t a -delivery wagon, and so the yeast cake had to be -sent to her home.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A great many foolish young people are so absorbingly -regardful of their trim appearance on -the street that they will never under any circumstances -carry a basket or bundle, however much -inconvenience they may cause others by refusing -to do so.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c012'>Now, it is not proper pride or self-respect which -prompts people to act as the young folks acted -whom I have just referred to. It is silliness which -prompts them to act so. Any honest work is honorable -that is honorably done, and you will notice -that young people of good social position and -strength of character are above such pettiness. -Only inferior people act that way. Superior people -do not act so, because they are well aware that -they cannot be compromised by doing straightforwardly, -without fuss or apology, whatever needs -to be done. Yet, I admit, that it seems to be -human nature that whatever is distasteful or supposedly -menial should be done by somebody else. -When young people, or old people for that matter, -are tempted to be foolish in such things they -should remember the lesson of humility that Christ -taught his disciples, when in that warm Oriental -country, where only sandals are worn, He performed -the necessary service of washing the disciples’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>feet. For us to be above our business—for -us to think ourselves too good or too dainty -to soil our hands with honest toil—for us to feel -that it is a lowering of our dignity to carry a bundle -through the street, is to prove by our conduct -that we are not up to the level of our business, that -we are possessed of a great amount of false pride, -and, in a higher sense, it shows that we have a foolish -and wicked distaste of true service. There is -nothing low, nothing degrading, nothing disgraceful, -in honest labor, in honest work of any kind, -whether it be to boil an egg properly, to sweep a -floor well, to carry a bundle or package through -the streets, or bring a pail of water. In fact, if -somebody were to say that “chores” done or undone -are the making or the unmaking of boys and -girls, it would be a homely way of putting an important -truth. Bringing up coal or bringing in -wood, weeding the garden bed, running errands, -washing dishes, sewing seams, dusting furniture, -doing any odd jobs where there is need, cheerfully, -faithfully—these lead to the highway of -greater opportunities and are the usual avenues to -the only manhood and womanhood that is worth -having. My young friends, the castle of your -noblest dream is built out of what lies nearest at -hand. It is the uncommonly good use of common -things, the everyday opportunities, that makes -honored lives, and helps us, and helps us to help -others, along the sun-road. “He that is faithful -in that which is least is faithful also in much.” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty -spirit before a fall.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>VI.<br /> <span class='large'>THANKSGIVING AT PINEY GROVE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The people of the Piney Grove settlement, both -white and black, had been free for nearly a generation. -The whites had been freed from the curse -of being slave-holders, and the blacks had been -freed from the curse of being held in bondage. -But never in the history of this little town, in the -very heart of the so-called “Black Belt” of -Georgia, had the people known anything about the -proper observance of Thanksgiving Day until -189–. And in that year the revolution was -brought about by a young colored woman named -Grace Wilkins.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Grace Wilkins was the only daughter of Solomon -and Amanda Wilkins. Solomon and his wife -were farmers—plain, simple, ordinary country -folk. Amanda was literally her husband’s helpmeet. -She went along with him every morning to -the field, and, in season, chopped as much wood, -picked as much cotton, hoed as much corn, pulled -as much fodder, and plowed as much as her husband -did. Up to her fourteenth year Grace had -been reared on a farm, and had learned to do all -the things that any farmer’s child has to do—such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>as milking cows, feeding hogs and chickens, hoeing -cotton and corn, picking cotton, pulling fodder -and the like. In her fourteenth year, acting upon -the advice of an uneducated colored preacher, her -parents sent Grace away from home to attend one -of the great normal and industrial institutes for -the training of the black boys and girls of the -South.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_038.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Grace Before Going to School.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>At first her mother and father were filled with -forebodings. It was the first time that they had -ever allowed their daughter to be away from them, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>and they missed her so much and longed for her -so constantly that they thought that they had -made a mistake in sending her off to “boardin’ -school.” Ignorant and superstitious neighbors, -though they knew as little about such matters as -did Solomon and Amanda, were loud in saying -that “Sol” and “Mandy” would live to regret the -step they had taken in sending Grace away from -home. The only rays of sunshine that came in to -brighten these periods of mental unrest and gloom -on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins were found -in the letters which they received regularly from -their daughter. Grace invariably informed her -parents, whenever she wrote, that she was “well -an’ doin’ well.” Thus reassured from time to -time, Solomon and Amanda managed somehow to -undergo the terrible strain of having their daughter -absent from them for eight months. But meantime -they were firmly of the opinion that, once -they got their hands on her again, they would -never allow Grace to return to school.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With glad and thankful hearts Mr. and Mrs. -Wilkins joyously embraced their daughter when -she came home at the close of her first year in -school. With keen and genuine interest, they listened -to her wonderful accounts of the great school -and of the great man at the head of it. Grace -dressed differently and talked differently; and her -mother said, speaking one day in confidence to her -husband shortly after Grace’s return, “Dat gal’s -sho got a new walk on her!”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>Grace Wilkins brought back a toothbrush with -her from school. That was something which she -had never had before. She used that toothbrush -every morning and night. That was something -that she had never done before. She was now careful -to keep her hair well combed every day. That -was something that she had been accustomed to do -on Sundays only or on special occasions. She -washed her face two or three times a day now, as -her mother and father noticed. Before she went to -school she had been in the habit of giving her face, -as the old people say, “a lick and a promise” early -each morning. Besides, Grace kept the house -cleaner than she had kept it before. She brought -home with her a brand-new Bible which she read -regularly at home and always carried to church -and Sunday school. She also had a song book -called “Jubilee Songs and Plantation Melodies,” -and it gladdened the hearts of the good “old folks -at home” to hear their daughter sing from a book -some of the very songs that they had sung all their -lifetime and which were so dear to them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>All these things and others made a deep and -abiding impression upon Solomon and his wife. -And finding that withal their daughter was just as -loving and kind as she had been before, and that -she was just as industrious and faithful as formerly, -Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins were not long in deciding -that their daughter should go back to that -school another year, and that they would work -hard and stint themselves in order that they might -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>keep her there until she had finished the normal -course.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So back to school Grace Wilkins went—that -year, and the next year, and the next. It was the -proudest day in Solomon’s and Amanda’s lives -when they sat in the magnificent chapel of the -school and heard their daughter read her graduation -essay on “The Gospel of Service.” Glad tears -welled up in their eyes when they heard the principal -call their daughter’s name, and then saw -Grace step up to receive her certificate of graduation.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Coming back to Piney Grove to live, “Miss -Gracie”—everybody called her that after graduation—established -a little school which she called -“The Piney Grove Academy.” It was the first -public school for colored children ever opened -within the corporate limits of the little village. -Before that the schools were district schools or -county schools, which were taught about in different -places for only three or four months in the -year, mainly during the summer. Miss Gracie began -her school the first day of October. By special -arrangement she used the first three months for -the public term allowed by the state, and supplemented -that with a five-months term, for which the -pupils were required to pay fifty cents each per -month. The plan worked well, the parents joining -in heartily in the movement, and the Piney Grove -Academy soon became the model school for the -surrounding counties.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span> -<img src='images/i_042.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Grace’s Graduation.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Among other things Miss Gracie had learned -at school what was the import of our national -Thanksgiving Day. At the opening of the second -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>year of the Piney Grove Academy she decided -that she would inaugurate an annual Thanksgiving -service. Accordingly on the opening day of the -second year Miss Gracie informed the pupils of her -plan, and told them that she would begin the very -next day to prepare a suitable program for the -exercises. Afterwards Miss Gracie secured the cooperation -of the village pastor—the same man who -had been instrumental in having her parents send -her away to school. Through him she was permitted -to talk to the people at the church two or -three times about the proposed celebration. She -was careful to tell them that the Thanksgiving -festival was meant specially to be a home festival -in addition to being a time for the people to come -together in their accustomed places of worship to -thank God for the blessings of the year. She urged -them, therefore, as far as they were able without -going to unnecessary expense, to have family dinners -and bring together at one time and in one -place as many members of the family as possible. -She explained to them how this might be done -successfully and economically, and with pleasure -and profit to all concerned. She also urged them -to be planning beforehand so that nothing might -prevent their attending church Thanksgiving Day -morning. She was going to hold the exercises in -the church, because her little school was not large -enough to furnish an assembly hall for the people -who would be likely to be present.</p> - -<p class='c012'>On Thanksgiving Day nearly everybody in town -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>went to the exercises. Many white people attended, -including the county school commissioner and the -school trustees. It was the first Thanksgiving -service that any of them had ever witnessed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The program was made up, for the most part, -of choice selections from negro authors, composers, -orators, and so forth. A selection from Frederick -Douglass on “Patriotism” was declaimed; one -from Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition -speech was also delivered. Paul Laurence Dunbar’s -poem entitled “Signs of the Times” (a -Thanksgiving poem) was read by one of the -pupils, and also “The Party,” another of Dunbar’s -pieces, was rendered. “The Negro National -Hymn,” words by James W. Johnson and music -by his brother, Rosamond Johnson, was sung by a -chorus of fifty voices. At the opening of the service -the president’s Thanksgiving proclamation -was read and appropriate remarks were made by -Miss Wilkins. The closing remarks were made by -the Rev. John Jones, the village pastor. The remarks -of Mr. Jones were in the congratulatory -mood. He was naturally proud of Miss Gracie’s -achievements, because he had had something to do -with putting her on the road to an education. He -spoke of the teacher as the leaven that was leavening -the whole lump, and the applause which followed -the statement showed plainly the high -esteem in which the teacher was held by all the -people. Everyone enjoyed the service. None of -the villagers had ever seen anything like it before. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>After singing “America” all of them went away -happy, many of them, in obedience to Miss Gracie’s -previous counsel, going home to eat for the first -time, well knowing what they were doing, a -Thanksgiving dinner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At the home of Miss Wilkins there was an excellent -spread of ’possum, potatoes, rice, chicken, -pickles, macaroni, bread, a precious Thanksgiving -turkey, and the inevitable mincemeat pie. Besides -Miss Gracie, there sat at the table that day her -parents, Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Wilkins, John and -Joseph Wilkins, brothers of Solomon who had -come from a distance, Mary Andrews, a sister of -Mrs. Wilkins, who also came from a distance, -Grandma Wilkins, Grandma and Grandpa Andrews, -the Rev. John Jones, his wife, his daughter, -and his only son, Jasper Jones.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Jasper had gone to school at T—— one year -after Gracie went, and, of course, was one year -later in finishing the course there. On this Thanksgiving -Day, nevertheless, he had been out of school -long enough to have successfully established himself -in the business of poultry raising and dairying.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Just before the dinner party was dismissed the -Rev. Mr. Jones arose and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is another little ceremony you’all is -invited to witness befo’ you go out to see the baseball -game. I am authorized by these credentials -which I hol’ in my hands to unite in the holy bonds -of matrimony Miss Grace Wilkins and Mr. Jasper -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>Jones. If there is no objection, these two persons -will please stan’ up, an’ I’ll tie the knot.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Of course there were no objections. The knot -was tied. And when the villagers learned of the -occurrence not long afterwards they had additional -reason for believing that they were right -when they voted that Piney Grove had never seen -the like of such a Thanksgiving Day, and that -Miss Gracie Wilkins was one of the best women -in all the world.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>VII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE LOUD GIRL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I do not know of a more sorrowful spectacle than -that of a girl who is loud in her dress, loud in her -manners, and loud in her speech. It is a great mistake -for a girl to suppose that this loudness will be -mistaken by her friends and acquaintances for -smartness. The desire to be regarded as bright and -witty has led many a girl into the folly of being -loud in her manners. She often cherishes the illusion -that the attention such manners attract is -combined with admiration, when the truth is that -those who witness her strange conduct are simply -wondering how it is possible for her to throw to -the winds that charm of all girlhood—modesty.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One afternoon not long ago I saw a group of -girls of the loud type. They came into the street -car in which I was sitting. They all wore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>boys’ hats. One wore a vivid red jacket with brass -buttons, and another had on a brass belt. A third -one had on a most conspicuous plaid skirt. This -third one had a box of bonbons, and when the three -were seated she opened the box and offered it to -her companions, saying as she did so, in a voice -loud enough and shrill enough to be heard in -every part of the car:</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_047.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Blab-Mouthed and Noisy.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>“It’s my treat; have some, chums!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Upon this invitation one of the girls dived down -into the box like a hungry bear, and held up a -piece of the candy in triumph and then dashed it -into her mouth with a great guffaw. “O, Mame!” -said one of the girls, “if you ain’t just horrid to -go and take the very piece I wanted!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mame” laughed and, taking the candy from -her mouth, offered it to the other girl, saying as -she did so:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, here it is, Lulu!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Lulu” struck the candy from “Mame’s” hand, -and it flew across the aisle into the lap of a lady -sitting opposite the girls. This set all three of the -girls to giggling and tittering, and they seemed -in danger of convulsions when the owner of the -box of candy let it fall and a part of the candy -rolled out on the floor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The conductor came forward and picked up the -box and candy and handed them to the owner. -She giggled out her thanks, and “Lulu” said: -“Why didn’t you give him a gumdrop for his -trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This seemed to impress the other girls as a most -brilliant witticism, and they fell to tittering violently -over it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Presently a gentleman came in and stumbled -slightly over the feet of one of the girls thrust -out into the aisle.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span> -<img src='images/i_049.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Modest and Quiet.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“I beg your pardon,” said the gentleman, as he -lifted his hat, whereupon the three girls grinned -and giggled and giggled and grinned immoderately, -and one of them said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Roxy, you had better ride out on the platform, -where there is more room for your feet!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Roxy” then struck “Lulu” for making this -speech. “Lulu” pretended to be much offended -and flung herself over to the other side of the car, -where she made a grimace at the other girls.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The conduct of these girls during the half hour -that they were on the car was such as caused every -father and mother who saw them to regard them -with pity. The loud girl, my dear readers, is -always an object of pity. She should be a -sorry object for her own contemplation. An old -writer has said: “You little know what you have -done when you have first broken the bounds of -modesty; you have set open the door of your fancy -to the devil, so that he can represent the same sinful -pleasure to you anew.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, the loud girl may be entirely innocent of -any actual wrong-doing, but she is regarded with -dislike, distrust, and even disdain, by the better -class of people. She acquires a reputation for rudeness -and coarseness, and the people of refinement -will not associate with her. Her character suffers, -no matter how innocent she may be of any intention -of doing wrong. Delicacy, modesty, is the certain -sign of sweetness, purity and gentleness of -character, just as indelicacy is the certain sign of a -lack of these beautiful traits.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span> - <h2 class='c010'>VIII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE ROWDY BOY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>You can tell him wherever you see him. There -are certain marks or appearances which he carries -about with him and which are never absent. For -one thing you will find him with a cigarette stuck -in his mouth, and a cigarette is one of the deadliest -poisons in the world for boy or man. He wears his -hat on the side or cocked back on his head. Frequently -he stuffs both hands in his trousers’ pockets. -He doesn’t attend school regularly; sometimes -he starts for school and ends at the bathing pond -or the baseball park. He is late at Sunday school, -if he goes at all, and he stands ’round on the outside -at church while the service is going on inside. -He steals rides on trains and on trolley cars, and on -passing vehicles of all descriptions. He is saucy -and impudent to older people, and is always ready -and willing to quarrel or fight with his mates. He -is what the boys call a “bully.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The loud girl and the rowdy boy are two things -of which we have seen enough in this world. They -are things; they are hardly worth the dignity of -being called human beings.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I saw one of these rowdy boys in his own home -not a great while ago. His mother said to him:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Johnnie, you must always take off your hat -whenever you come into the house.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Good gracious alive,” he said, “I can’t do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>anything right. What is the use of grabbing off -your hat every time you come into your own -house?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_052.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>He Stuffs Both Hands in His Trousers Pockets.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>His mother looked sad, but said nothing. Presently -she discovered that her little boy had -brought some mud into the house on his shoes. -In her sweetest tones she said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Johnnie, you must go to the door and wipe -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>your feet now. See how you are tracking up the -floor there!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said the rowdy boy with a snarl, “can’t -the old floor be scoured? You must think this old -house is gold.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, I am a preacher, boys, and, being a preacher, -of course I am what is called a “man of peace,” -but I tell you that that was one time I came pretty -near wishing that I wasn’t a preacher so that I -might have given that boy what he deserved. I -was sorry, for the time being, that he wasn’t my -son. No manly little boy will ever talk to his -mother in any such way. I suppose that boy -thought it made him appear to be a very important -personage, but he was very much mistaken. -Don’t be rowdy, boys; don’t be rough; don’t be -rude. You were made for better things.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>IX.<br /> <span class='large'>HONESTY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Early in the morning two little boys came to -the market place. They arranged their little stands -and spread out their wares, and sat down to wait -for customers. One sold watermelons and fruit, -and the other sold fish and oysters. The hours -passed on and both were doing well. By-and-by -Sammie had only one melon left on his stand. A -gentleman came along and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>“What a fine, large melon! I think I will buy -that one. What do you ask for it, my boy?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_054.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>How Much for the Melon?</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“This is my last melon, sir; and though it looks -fair, there is an unsound spot on the other side,” -said the boy, turning the melon over.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“So there is,” said the man. “I don’t believe I’ll -take it. But,” he added, looking straight at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>boy, “is it very good business for you to point out -the defects of your goods to customers?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps not, sir,” said the boy with becoming -modesty, “but it is better than being dishonest.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are right, my boy; always speak the truth -and you will find favor with God and man. I shall -not forget your little stand in the future.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then turning to the other boy’s stand the man -asked:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Are those fresh oysters?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sir,” said Freddie, “these are fresh this -morning—just arrived.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The gentleman bought them and went away.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Sammie,” said Freddie, “you never will learn -any sense. What did you want to show that man -that spot on the melon for? He never would have -looked at it until he got home. I’ve got an eye to -business, myself. You see how I got rid of those -stale oysters—sold them for just the same price -as fresh oysters.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Freddie,” said the other boy, “I wouldn’t tell -a lie, or act one either, for twice the money we have -both earned to-day. Besides I have gained a customer -and you have lost one.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And it turned out just as Sammie said. The next -day the gentleman bought a large supply of fruit -from Sammie, but he never spent another penny -at Freddie’s stand. It continued that way through -all the summer. At the close of the season he took -Sammie into his store, and, after awhile, gave him -a share in the business.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span> - <h2 class='c010'>X.<br /> <span class='large'>UNCLE NED AND THE INSURANCE SOLICITOR.<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c017'><sup>[2]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Turner Tanksley, a representative of the Workingmen’s -Industrial Aid Insurance Company, -called upon Edmund Grant, an elderly colored -man, with a view to getting him to insure his life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Good morning, Uncle Ned,” said Mr. Tanksley.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mawnin’, Boss,” said the old man, raising his -hat and making a low courtesy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Uncle Ned, do you carry any insurance?” inquired -the solicitor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Does I car’y what?” asked Uncle Ned in great -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you carry any insurance? Is your life insured?” -asked the solicitor by way of explanation.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bless Gawd! Yas, yas,” replied the colored -man, “long ago—long ago.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the solicitor asked: “In what company?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Uncle Ned answered: “I’m a Baptis’, sah; I’m -a Baptis’—a deep-watah Baptis’.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Tanksley realized that the old man had not -understood the question, but, anyhow, he asked:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How long has it been since you joined?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span> -<img src='images/i_057.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>“Dat’s jes’ what My ’ligion Does,” said the Old Man.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>“I j’ined,” replied Uncle Ned, “de same year -dat de stars fell—I reckon you know how long -dat’s been?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s a long while,” commented the insurance -man; “quite a long while. Does your company -pay any dividends?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Boss,” said Uncle Ned with a broad grin, “dat -question is plumb out uv my reach. What is you -tryin’ to git at?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why, Uncle Ned,” said Mr. Tanksley, “a dividend -is interest paid on your money; and if you -have been paying your money into one company -for more than thirty years surely you ought to -have been receiving your dividends long before -now, especially if it’s an old-line company.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said Uncle Ned, “hit sho is de ole-line -comp’ny—hit sho is. De Lawd sot hit up Hisse’f -’way back yondah on Calvaree’s tree. But I ain’t -nevah hyeahed tell uv no intrus’ nor no divverdens -ner nothin’ uv dat sawt; an’ you ain’t hyeah -me say nothin’ ’tall ’bout payin’ in no money fer -thirty yeahs—you know you ain’t. Salvation’s -free, white man; salvation’s free—you knows dat -ez well ez I does.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The way Uncle Ned laughed when he had delivered -himself of this remarkable speech would -have done your soul good.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, I see,” said Mr. Tanksley with much condescension, -“I see that I’ve misunderstood you. -You’re talking about your soul’s salvation.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dat’s what I is,” chimed in Uncle Ned, “dat’s -what I is.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>“I came,” resumed the solicitor, “to talk to you -about insuring your body in case of accident, sickness -or death.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Accerdents is fer us all,” said Uncle Ned, with -a far-away expression on his face, “accerdents is -fer us all, an’ dah ain’t no gittin’ ’roun’ death.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s true,” responded the patient solicitor, -“that’s true; insurance companies can’t prevent -sickness and accidents and death any more than -you can, Uncle Ned, but insurance companies can -and do help you to bear your burdens in the time -of trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dat’s jes’ what my ’ligion does,” said the old -man with supreme satisfaction, “dat’s jes’ what -my ’ligion does.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But we do it in a different way,” persisted the -solicitor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, how does y’all do?” asked Uncle Ned.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the solicitor went over the details of the -Workingmen’s Industrial Aid Insurance Company -with his accustomed rapidity, telling about the -initiation fees, monthly premiums, accident benefits, -sick benefits, etc., etc., laying much stress -especially upon the “endowment fund” that -would be paid upon the death of the insured. -When he had finished the elaborate narrative -Uncle Ned, who had given the most earnest attention -to the speaker, inquired:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Boss, who you say de money goes to w’en I -dies?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To your wife,” answered the solicitor, “or -your children, or anybody you might name.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>“Well, Boss,” said the old man, “lemme ax you -one question: Don’t you think dat would he’p de -uddah fellah mo’n hit would me?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What other fellow?” asked Mr. Tanksley.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“My ole ’oman’s secon’ husban’,” replied Ned; -“you know des ez good ez I does dat ef I wuz to -die an’ leave my ole ’oman two hundred or three -hundred dollars, dah’d be some cullud gent’man -done changed her name ’fo’ ole Ned got cole in de -groun’.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Uncle Ned’s originality made it very hard for -Turner Tanksley to suppress a smile. Without -giving the solicitor a chance to speak, Uncle Ned -continued:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“An’ dah’s anuddah way to look at hit. Wimmins -is mighty cu’ious. Yas, sah; wimmins is -mighty cu’ious. Ef I wuz to go into dis thing -you’s tellin’ me ’bout, I dasn’t let Dinah know hit. -White man, you don’t know—no, sah, you don’t -know. Ef dat ’oman knowed she’d git all dat -money w’en I died, she would sho put a spidah -in my dumplin’—she sho would, an’ fuss thing I -know I’d wake up some mawnin’ an’ fine myse’f -dead, an’ all on account uv dis thing dat you calls -’showance. No, sah, I don’t want nothin’ to do -wid hit. De Baptis’ church is good ’nuff fer me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the solicitor turned the corner he heard -Uncle Ned singing some kind of religious song -with the following refrain:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“I’m Baptis’ bred, an’ Baptis’ bo’n.</div> - <div class='line'>An’ w’en I die, dah’s a Baptis’ gone.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE STRENUOUS LIFE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>They were having a rough-and-tumble time of it -and Pansy was getting some pretty hard blows. -She took them all good-naturedly, nevertheless, -and tried to give as good as she received, much to -the delight of her little boy friends. A lady who -was standing near, afraid for the little girl, chided -the boys and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You shouldn’t handle Pansy so roughly—you -might hurt her.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And then Pansy looked up in sweet surprise and -said with amusing seriousness:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No; they won’t hurt me. I don’t break easy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was a thoroughly childlike expression, but it -had more wisdom in it than Pansy knew. She -spoke out of a little girl’s experience with dolls, -some of which, as she had learned, broke very easily. -Pansy knew how delightful it was to have a -doll that didn’t break so easily. Though she was -not a homely girl by any means, and though she -was not a wicked little girl, yet she wanted it understood -that she was not like a piece of china. -That was why the other children liked her so -much—because she knew how to rough it without -crying or complaining at every turn. Pansy was -not a cry-baby.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span> -<img src='images/i_062.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>“I Don’t Break Easy.”</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>There is all the time, my dear boys and girls, -a great demand everywhere all through life for -people who don’t break easily—people who know -how to take hard knocks without going all to -pieces. The game of life is sometimes rough, even -among those who mean to play fair. It is very -trying when we have to deal with people who -break easily, and are always getting hurt and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>spoiling the game with their tears and complaints. -It is so much better when we have to deal with -people who, like little Pansy, do not break easily. -Some of them will laugh off the hardest words -without wincing at all. You can jostle them as -you will, but they don’t fall down every time you -shove them, and they don’t cry every time they -are pushed aside. You can’t but like them, they -take life so heartily and so sensibly. You don’t -have to hold yourself in with them all the time. -You can let yourself out freely without being on -pins as to the result. Young people of this class -make good playmates or good work-fellows, as the -case may be.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So, boys and girls, you must learn to rough it -a little. Don’t be a china doll, going to smash at -every hard knock. If you get hard blows take -them cheerily and as easily as you can. Even if -some blow comes when you least expect it, and -knocks you off your feet for a minute, don’t let it -floor you long. Everybody likes the fellow who -can get up when he is knocked down and blink the -tears away and pitch in again. Learning to get -yourself accustomed to a little hard treatment will -be good for you. Hard words and hard fortune -often make us—if we don’t let them break us. -Stand up to your work or play courageously, and -when you hear words that hurt, when you are hit -hard with the blunders or misdeeds of others, -when life goes roughly with you, keep right on in -a happy, companionable, courageous, helpful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>spirit, and let the world know that you don’t -break easily.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XII.<br /> <span class='large'>A HUMBUG.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A boy or girl who is pleasant and agreeable -everywhere except at home is a humbug. I know -one boy who is a good deal of a humbug, although -you would never think so if you were to see him in -any place outside of his home. He is good-looking, -neat and tidy, and carries himself like a little man. -I do not know of a boy who can tip his hat more -gracefully to a lady, or who can say, “I beg your -pardon,” or “excuse me, please,” more pleasantly -than he can. But, for all that, he is a humbug.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I visited his home the other day. I heard his -mother speak to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Alexander,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, what do you want?” he asked in a voice -which plainly indicated his displeasure.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want you to do something for me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, you are always wanting me to do something -just when I want to be doing something -else,” said Alexander, and this time he was whining.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In departing on his errand Alexander accidentally -ran against his little sister in the hall. I expected -to hear him say, “I beg your pardon” in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>the pleasant way that I knew he could say it, but -he snapped out instead:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, get out of the way, can’t you?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_065.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>“Oh, get out of the way, can’t you?”</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>When he returned from the postoffice Alexander’s -mother was out in the yard trimming the -flowers. While Alexander was reporting to her, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>she happened to drop her scissors. I expected to -see her polite and dutiful son pick them up, as he -was close by when the scissors fell; but the boy -paid no attention to the scissors. When his mother -said: “Please pick up my scissors for me, Alexander,” -he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What did you drop ’em for?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>I spent the best part of one whole day at Alexander’s -home, and never once during all that day -did I hear him speak politely to his mother or -sisters, nor did he observe the ordinary rules of -courtesy and good behavior in their presence. He -was continually grumbling and complaining and -finding fault. So I think I have a right to say -that this boy is a good deal of a humbug. Any -boy is a humbug who is polite and gracious to -others and in every way discourteous and disagreeable -at home. Don’t you think so, too?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A CANDIDATE FOR BAPTISM.<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c017'><sup>[3]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>At the close of the regular prayer-meeting service -the pastor of the New Mount Zion Colored Baptist -Church, according to custom, stepped to the -front of the platform and inquired:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is dar anybody present to-night who would like -to jine dis church? Ef so, please stan’ up.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>Whereupon a little girl, apparently fourteen or -fifteen years old, stood. The parson said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Take yo’ seat. Dah’s one; de church will set -togeddah atter dismission an’ hyeah f’um dis little -lamb.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The benediction having been pronounced, all -the sinners were asked to leave the room. Only -church members are allowed to remain for these -“after meetings.” When the room was cleared -of all “the goats” a pompous-looking individual, -perhaps a deacon of the church, arose and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bruddah Pastur, de house is in ordah an’ -ready fur business.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The pastor then asked the little girl who was -seeking admission to come forward. She gave her -name to a one-eyed man seated at a table in front, -who, after a laborious effort, passed it up on a -piece of paper to the preacher. The preacher, readjusting -his brass-rimmed spectacles, looked at -the piece of paper for a long while, and then raised -his head and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bruddahs an’ sistahs, dis is little Queen Victoria -Davis, who comes to tell us what de Lawd -has done fur her soul.” Then, turning to the girl, -he said: “My daughtah, we wants you to tell us -what fuss started you to prayin’, and how you -foun’ de Lawd, an’ so on an’ so fo’th. Speak loud -so all kin hyeah.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The little girl began as follows:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, bruddahs and sistahs, what fuss started -me to prayin’ was dat I knowed dat I had a soul -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>to save, an’ ef I didn’t git religion hell would sho -be my home.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“True! True!” exclaimed a number of men -and women in chorus.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“An’ den,” continued Queen Victoria, “I wanted -to start to servin’ de Lawd while I was young: -I wanted to give Him my bes’ days.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Amen,” said one old brother.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” asked the pastor, “how did you feel -while you was seekin’ de Lawd?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The girl hesitated a moment, evidently in doubt -as to the exact purport of the question. Finally -she said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I felt like I wanted to be saved.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This answer not exactly suiting the parson, he -put the question in a different way. Said he:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Did you feel light er did you feel heavy while -you was a-prayin’?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I felt both,” said the little girl in unaffected -innocence. Funereal groans of pity swept through -the congregation. The preacher tried again. This -time he asked:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Did you feel light de mos’ er did you feel -heavy de mos’?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Queen Victoria responded, “I felt heavy -de mos’,” a wave of approval greeted the remark.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“W’en did dat heavy load leave you?” asked -the parson.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Las’ Friday night,” said Queen Victoria; -“las’ Friday night. I kep’ on a-prayin’ an’ -a-prayin’, an’ I didn’t feel no bettah untell I made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>up my min’ dat I was a-gwine tah fin’ de Lawd er -die a-tryin’. An’ las’ Friday night de Sperrit met -me an’ spoke peace to my soul. I hyeahed a little -voice, but I saw no man, an’ de little voice said to -me, ‘Go in peace an’ sin no mo’: yo’ sins is furgiven -an’ yo’ soul sot free’.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>At this everybody shouted assent. “Glory! Hallelujah!” -exclaimed an elderly sister.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Now, my daughtah,” said the preacher, “how -did you feel atter dat?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I felt light ez a feathah,” said the child. There -was another shout of approval, Queen Victoria -having hit upon the regulation answer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Ef you was to die now, whar would you go?” -inquired the examiner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To heaven,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Ef you had ’a’ died in yo’ sins, whar would -you ’a’ went?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I would ’a’ went to hell,” said the girl.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Would Gawd ’a’ been jest in sendin’ you to -hell?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, sah!” exclaimed the applicant. Many of -the hearers laughed. The preacher raised his -hand and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Don’t laff; don’t laff; de chile is young yit, -an’ she’s got to learn.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then by a series of leading questions, mainly -concerning parental government, the old pastor -brought the child around to the point where she -saw, or where she was willing to say that she saw, -that it was just for God to send people to hell.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>“Do you want to jine dis church?” continued -the questioner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sah,” said the applicant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dis is a Baptis’ church, you know,” explained -the pastor; “we baptize hyeah by putting people -deep down undah de watah. Ain’t you sheered uv -cole watah in de wintah time?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Watah can’t git too cole fur me,” said the little -girl, “I got de grace uv Gawd in my heart.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The people fairly whooped at this (as in their -superstition they supposed) supreme manifestation -of faith.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The pastor then turned to the congregation and -said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is dah any uddah questions?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>An old brother near the stove arose and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bruddah Pastur, I ain’t hyeahed de chile say -whar she was at w’en de change took place.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Queen Victoria responded:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I was at de Bridge Street church las’ Friday -night.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The old brother nodded, as if completely satisfied -with the answer. Then he asked:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How long is you willin’ to trus’ dis hope?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Tell I dies,” said the applicant. Down sat the -questioner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Any mo’ questions?” asked the pastor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A sister stood.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Honey,” she said, “is you got any parrunts -livin’?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yas’m,” was the reply; “my ma an’ my pa is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>both livin’, an’ dey’s both out in de ole fiel’ uv -sin.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Lawd ’a’ mussy!” exclaimed several of the -hearers. The sister who asked the question sat -bathed in tears.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A brother in the rear arose and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I has a question dat I wants to ax: I wants -to know, daughtah, ef you was convertid at de -Bridge Street church, huccom you wants to jine -dis church?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“De Speerit sent me to dis church,” exultantly -exclaimed the girl.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Glory to Gawd!” said the pastor. “Bless de -Lamb!” exclaimed someone else. “Honah! Honah! -Honah!” hallooed many others, and there was a -general shout.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The examination ended, two sisters came forward -and took Queen Victoria into the anteroom. -When the applicant had been carried out a brother -arose, the same pompous individual who had originally -announced the house in “ordah an’ ready -fur business.” Clearing his throat, he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bruddah Pastur, I sho b’lieves dis is de works -uv grace.” There was a loud chorus of “Amens.” -“An’ I motions,” continued the speaker, “ef I kin -git a secon’, dat she be ’ceptid ez er candidate fur -baptism, an’ on baptism ’come a full membah uv -dis church.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Secon’ de motion!” “Secon’ de motion!” exclaimed -several at one and the same time.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The motion was put and carried. Queen Victoria -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>was brought in once more. The pastor informed -her of the unanimous vote of the church, and instructed -her to be ready for baptism the following -Sunday night. Then the meeting adjourned, -the members singing as they dispersed:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Ole sheep, you know de road,</div> - <div class='line'>Ole sheep, you know de road,</div> - <div class='line'>Ole sheep, you know de road,</div> - <div class='line'>Young lambs mus’ learn de way.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XIV.<br /> <span class='large'>GOING WITH THE CROWD.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>“But all the girls went, mother. I didn’t like -to be the only one left out. Besides, when I said I -wouldn’t go they all laughed at me and said that -I was a coward.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was Wednesday morning, before school time, -and Anna was dreading to go back to school—dreading -to meet her teacher. The day before a -circus had been in town. At recess, while the -children were on the playground, they heard the -noise of the band, and one of the girls said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Let’s go and see the parade.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“All right,” said Anna. “I’ll go and ask the -teacher if we may.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No; don’t ask her—she might say no. We can -get back before the bell rings, and she will never -know that we left the grounds.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>Anna and one or two other girls held back. They -all knew that it was against the rules to go off the -playground at recess without permission.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, come on! Come on!” insisted one of the -girls. “You’re afraid; you’re afraid! Come on! -Don’t be such a coward; all the rest are going.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And so Anna went.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the girls saw the parade pass one point -they wanted to see it once more, and away they -went through the cross street to get to another -corner ahead of the procession. School was forgotten; -and when they did remember, recess time -was long past and it was too late to go back.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next morning, as Anna stood in the kitchen -talking it over with her mother, her little heart -was very heavy. She knew she had done wrong; -she dreaded to go to school; and she was very -unhappy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps,” said her mother, “if you had been -brave about not going, the other girls would have -stayed on the school grounds too. Or, if you had -asked the teacher, I think she would have let you -all go. But whether she did or not, it is never safe -to do a thing just because ‘all the rest do it.’ Going -with the crowd is not a good plan unless you -are sure that the crowd is going in the right direction. -The only wise thing for you to do is to be -sure you are right, and then stick to it and never -mind what the crowd does.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I didn’t mean to do wrong,” said Anna, as the -tears started in her eyes.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span> -<img src='images/i_074.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Mother, I’m so Happy. Teacher Forgave Me.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“I know that, my dear,” said her mother, “but -you were more afraid of being teased than you -were of doing wrong. I hope you will remember -from this day forward that the brave girl is not -the girl who dares to do wrong, but the brave girl -is the one who does what she knows to be right, -in spite of the taunts and jeers of her playmates.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What shall I tell my teacher?” asked Anna in -a low voice, as she dropped her head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh,” said her mother, kissing her, “you go -right straight to your teacher and tell her that -you have done wrong, and that you are sorry for -it. Ask her to let you say so to the whole school. -Be sure to beg her pardon, and promise not to do -so again.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Little Anna did as her mother told her. That -afternoon, when she came back from school, she -ran into her mother’s arms and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mother, I’m so happy. Teacher forgave me, -and I mean to be good.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And the smile on Anna’s face spoke plainly of a -happy heart.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XV.<br /> <span class='large'>MARY AND HER DOLLS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span> -<img src='images/i_076.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Mary and Her Dolls.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Was there ever a time when the first doll was -born? Was there ever a time when little boys -and girls, especially little girls, did not love dolls -and did not have something of that nature to play -with? It would appear that dolls, or playthings -somewhat like unto dolls, are as old as babies -themselves—that is to say, boys and girls, that -ever since there have been little children in the -world there have been little things for them to -play with. And I never saw a sane person in my -life who regrets that it is so. It is not only amusing, -it is inspiring to see the little children making -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>merry with their dolls and their toy animals and -their little express wagons and their wooden guns -and their toy steam engines and their whistles and -their balloons and their brownies and their jumping-jacks -and their hobby-horses and a hundred -and one other things.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mary had put away her dolls for the night and -was cleaning the doll house when papa came in.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How many doll babies have you now, Mary?” -he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have five dolls now, papa,” said Mary, “but -only one is a baby—that is little Flossie. Robbie -and Nell are three years old now; Mattie is two -and Jerusha is one year old. Flossie is now the -only little baby.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Rev. Dr. Smithson smiled.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” he said after a time, “five dolls make -a big family, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I don’t,” said Mary quickly. “Rolla Mays -has thirteen girls and two boys in her doll family, -and I haven’t but five in all!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I shouldn’t think,” said Dr. Smithson, “that -Rolla would know what to do with so many.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why, papa, of course she does!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mary,” said Dr. Smithson, looking thoughtfully -at his little daughter, “I have a little girl in -my Sunday school class who hasn’t a single doll. -I thought you might like to give her one of yours. -You could spare one—couldn’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, papa, I couldn’t—not a one,” exclaimed -Mary.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>“Not one—when this poor little girl hasn’t -any?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, papa, I love my dolls so—how can I give -them away?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You’d have four left—wouldn’t that be -enough?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mary thought a long while before speaking. She -looked distressed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Papa,” she said at last, “Mrs. Grant was over -here the other day, and she said that she wished -you and mamma would give me to her because she -didn’t have any little girl of her own. You’ve got -five children yourself, papa—but would you give -any of ’em away just because you would have four -left?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dr. Smithson took his little daughter in his -arms and kissed her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, dear,” he said; “papa wouldn’t give any -one of his children away. You may keep all of -your dollies, and we’ll think of some other way -to help poor little Hattie.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next morning Mary said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Papa, I have thought it all out for Hattie. -You know I have been saving up a little money -to buy me a little iron bank—but I can wait for -that. I have saved up fifty cents—don’t you think -that will be enough to buy a nice little dolly for -Hattie, and let me keep my babies?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dr. Smithson knew that Mary had long been -planning for the bank. So he asked:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>“Are you quite sure that you want to spend -your money in this way?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, papa, I’m very sure,” said Mary with a -smile, though there was a hint of sadness in her -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dr. Smithson and Mary bought Hattie a pretty -doll. Hattie was overjoyed when she saw it. Mary -went back home, glad that her papa had understood -how she loved her dolls, and glad to find -that not one of her beloved children was missing.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XVI.<br /> <span class='large'>JAKY TOLBERT’S PLAYMATES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, Johnnie, where are you going this morning?” -asked Mrs. Jones as her little boy started -towards the gate.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m goin’ over to Jaky’s, mamma; you know -I must go over to Jaky’s every day.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What do you find at Jaky’s to make you so -anxious to go over there every day almost before -you are out of bed good?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, mamma, Jaky has the nicest playmates -over to his house you ’most ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who else goes over to Jaky’s besides you?” -asked Mrs. Jones.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Jaky don’t have no reg’lar visitor but me,” -said Johnnie proudly. “Me an’ Jaky is the whole -thing.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>“Well, you are saying a good deal for yourself -when you say that Jaky has the nicest playmates -in the world—don’t you think so?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_080.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>I’m Going Over to Jaky’s, Mamma.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“I didn’t mean me,” explained Johnnie. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>“Jaky’s playmates ain’t folks at all. Jaky’s playmates -is animals—just animals, but I do believe -that they have got as much sense as some folks I -know.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What kind of animals?” asked Mrs. Jones, becoming -interested.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Johnnie went on to explain. He said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Jaky’s got chickens and dogs and cats and -birds. He’s got names for all of ’em, and they -all know their names and they just run to Jaky -when he calls them. The chickens and birds, too, -will just walk right up and eat out of Jaky’s hand. -And his trained dogs and cats are just the funniest -things I ever saw. His little dog, Trip, can carry -a gun and obey the commands, “Carry arms!” -“Present arms!” “Parade rest!” just like a little -soldier. One time at a fair he saw trained dogs -and horses, elephants, and even lions. Then he -decided that he would train some animals himself. -And, mamma, he has done well. Why, he’s got a -cat that can spell some words. Jaky printed some -letters of the alphabet on separate cards, and he’s -got a cat that will pick out the right ones every -time. One of his little dogs can play the fiddle. -It may seem strange, but he certainly can do it. -He can hold the fiddle, and draw the bow across it -just the right way, and he can play a little tune. -Jaky calls it a dog tune, and I think he ought to -know.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You just ought to see Jaky’s chickens—he’s -got six of ’em. He calls them and they all come -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>running. Then he holds out his arm, and calls -them by name, and they will jump up on his little -arm, one after the other, and will sit there until -Jaky tells them to jump down. And Jaky is so -kind to his two birds that they won’t fly away -when he lets them out of their cages for a little -while. He can take them up in his arms and pat -them gently, and then he puts them down, and -they will lie still right by Jaky until Jaky calls -them by name and tells them to go into the house—that -is, I mean, into their cages.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“By the way, mama, I forgot to tell you. Jaky -is getting up an animal show, and he says -that I am to be his manager. He’s going to print -the cards to-day. He’s going to call his circus, -“JAKY TOLBERT’S GREAT ANIMAL SHOW—THE -GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH,” and -he’s going to make me the manager of his circus. -Won’t that be fine? You’ll come and see it—won’t -you? We’re going to charge only one cent -for you to come in. Oh, it’s going to be great, -and I don’t want you to miss it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To be sure, I’ll come,” said Mrs. Jones. “Tell -Jaky I’m glad to hear about how much he loves -the dumb animals—every manly boy ought to -love and protect them.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I tell you,” said Johnnie, as he hurried out of -the gate, “Jaky will fight anybody who hallooes -at one of his pets or mistreats one in the least. -He’s just as kind to them as he can be. Don’t -you forget the show. It’ll come off next week.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XVII.<br /> <span class='large'>A VALENTINE PARTY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>It was one week from St. Valentine’s Day, and -the Berry children had already provided a number -of the tokens, comic and otherwise, which -they meant to send to their friends. Jack produced -a grotesque and awfully exaggerated caricature -of a withered, stoop-shouldered old woman, -with some cruel lines of doggerel printed beneath -it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m going to send this to old Mrs. Gray,” said -Jack, as he exhibited the comic picture.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Nearly all the children laughed, and said that -the picture and the words beneath it would just -suit the old woman. Mrs. Gray was an old and -poverty-stricken widow woman, and many of the -children of the little village took delight in playing -tricks on her on Hallowe’en and Valentine -nights. In this way, the children, especially the -boys, had made her life so miserable that the old -woman often said that she hated even the sight of -a boy. In the midst of the merriment over the proposed -venture of Jack Berry, it was Lillie Berry -who spoke up, saying,——</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span> -<img src='images/i_084.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Old Mrs. Gray.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“Jack, I tell you what I think. I think we -ought to give Mrs. Gray a genuine surprise next -week. She has had so many ups and downs in this -life, I really believe that we can give her a little -pleasure if we give her a true—true surprise. Of -course, all the boys and girls will be invited to -join in, but it is not going to be like a regular -party, but something like the ‘surprise’ parties -or donation parties that we sometimes give the -preacher; we’ll just put the things on the doorstep -and run, the way we do with valentines, you -know. What do you say to that, Jack? And what -do the rest of you think?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Very quickly the Berry children agreed with -what Lillie had said, and immediately they set -about planning for the valentine party.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The night of February fourteenth was clear, -cold and moonless. Across the fields in the darkness, -a throng of merry young children, with a -wagon or two (little goat wagons) piled high with -baskets and bundles and wood, slipped silently -toward the little house where old Mrs. Gray sat -shivering over her scanty fire. A sudden knock -at the door aroused Mrs. Gray from her musing. -She hobbled painfully to the door. Opening it, -she saw by the light of the tallow candle a basket -of rosy apples and another of potatoes. Nothing -else was in sight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A second knock followed almost as soon as the -door had closed on the two baskets which were -hurriedly drawn inside. This time a can of kerosene -oil held a lonely vigil on the doorstep.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I haven’t had a drop in my lamp for two -weeks,” Jack heard the old lady say, as she peered -out eagerly into the darkness before closing the -door.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>As she was busy filling her lamp, she was interrupted -by a third knock, which resulted in a -basket filled with groceries in parcels in all shapes -and sizes. Great tears stood in Mrs. Gray’s eyes, -and a great lump arose in her throat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At last knock number four revealed the real -Saint Valentine—a group of laughing boys and -girls, every one of whom carried an armful either -of pine or oak wood for the stove.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where shall we put it?” asked Jack Berry, -as eager now to help as he had been the week -before to tease. Mrs. Gray was rubbing her eyes, -and wondering if she could possibly be awake and -in her right mind.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Wish you many happy returns of Valentine’s -Day!” said Lillie Berry, as she slipped into the -withered hand a small purse containing the valentine -money of the boys and girls; and before the -bewildered woman could say more than a fervent -“God bless you,” her guests had melted away in -the darkness, and she was left to weep tears of -thankfulness among her new possessions.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>“NO MONEY DOWN.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls, I suppose you are quite familiar -with what is known as buying things on the instalment -plan. You have seen people in your own -neighborhood—perhaps in your own homes—buy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>things that way. Chairs, tables, bed-steads, rugs, -pictures, things for the kitchen and things to -wear, and many other things are bought that way. -Most people think they are getting a great bargain -when they are able to buy things by paying -a small amount in cash as the first payment—say -fifty cents or a dollar—and then pay the balance -in small weekly or monthly payments. And especially -do some of our mothers and fathers think -that they are getting a great bargain, if they are -able to buy things they want for “no money -down” and so much a week. In such matters, my -dear boys and girls, your parents are making a -terrible mistake and are setting you a wrong -example. They lose sight of the fact, when they -fall into the habit of buying anything and everything -on the instalment plan or on the “no money -down” plan, that a day of reckoning is sure to -come; that the time comes when they must pay for -everything that they have been led into buying. -Thoughtful people—wise people—prefer to pay -“money down” when they buy anything; and -this habit of paying as they go helps them in at -least two ways. First, it saves money in their -pockets, and, secondly, it keeps them from running -in debt.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Children, these men who come to your homes -with great packs on their backs always charge -you double for whatever they may sell you on the -“no money down” plan—no matter what it is! -That is why they are willing to make the terms so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>“easy,” as they say. In the end they profit by -their schemes, and nobody else does profit by their -schemes except these peddlers. You ought to -avoid them as you would a wild beast. You do -not know now, boys and girls, what a terrible -thing debt is. I honestly hope that you may never -know, and if you will take the advice of older and -wiser persons I am sure you will always be free -from the bondage of debt.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Not long ago, I saw two women standing at the -window of one of these “no money down” or -“hand-me-down” stores. One said to the other—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I just believe I’ll get me a new cloak this winter. -My cloak didn’t cost but three dollars, and -it is so old and shabby that I am ashamed to wear -it in the street. Look at that beauty over there in -the corner. Only ten dollars and ‘no money -down’.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes;” said her companion, “but I guess the -money will have to come down sometime.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, of course; but, you know, I won’t have to -pay it all at once. I could probably get it for fifty -cents a week.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, why don’t you just save the fifty cents a -week until you have enough to pay ‘cash down’ for -the cloak, and in that way you would save, I am -sure, three or four dollars; because you can buy -that same cloak for six dollars or seven dollars in -cash.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh,” said the woman, “I’d never save it as I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>would if I had the cloak and knew that I just had -to pay for it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But, Delia, the cloak would not really be yours -until you had paid for it, and I would feel kind of -cheap wearing a cloak that didn’t belong to me. -If I were you I would stick to the old cloak until -I could pay the money down for a new one. That’s -what I would do.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And that is exactly what anybody should do -who wants a new cloak. It is what people should -do, no matter what they want. I know a boy -fifteen or sixteen years old who had the courage -and the manliness and the honesty to wear a very -shabby old overcoat all of last winter rather than -buy one on the “no money down” plan. It is his -plan always to “pay as he goes,” and be debtor -to no one.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I heard the other day of a young fellow who -goes two or three blocks out of his way to avoid -passing certain stores because he owes the proprietors -of those stores money that he cannot pay. -That boy, I know, is miserable night and day. -Mr. Longfellow, in his “The Village Blacksmith,” -tells us that the honest old blacksmith could look -“the whole world in the face,” because he did not -owe anybody anything—he was out of debt. And -boys and girls, if you are level-headed, you will -fight shy of the “no money down” plan. By -choosing the “money down” plan, you will save -your self-respect and your good name.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XIX.<br /> <span class='large'>TOMMY’S BABY BROTHER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>For several months Deacon Tadpole’s little son, -Tommy, had made constant and repeated reference -to the fact that he had no little baby brother or -sister to play with. One day, when he was feeling -unusually sad over his misfortune, he said to his -father,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Papa, I ain’t got no little baby brother to play -with—you might at least buy me a little pony.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Papa can’t buy a pony, son;” said the deacon. -“A pony costs too much. I thought you wanted -a little brother or sister.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I do,” said Tommy, “but if I can’t get what I -want I’m willing to take what I can get.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But, you would rather have a little brother -than a pony, wouldn’t you?” asked Mr. Tadpole.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Tommy thought awhile and then said he -thought he would rather have a little baby brother -than to have a pony.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You see,” he said, “it costs so much to keep -a pony, and we would have to build a stable for -him, wouldn’t we, papa?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes,” answered his father, “and we haven’t -got any room in the backyard for a stable.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And we’d have to buy hay, too,” said the -child.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes,” said his father.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, I’d rather have the little brother.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span> -<img src='images/i_091.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Papa, I Aint Got No Little Baby Brother to Play with.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>So the matter was left in abeyance until a month -ago when little Tommy was told one morning that -a little brother had come to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was delighted. He danced around in the hall -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>and made such a racket on the stairs that the -nurse threatened to have him sent away. When -he was permitted to see the baby, Tommy went -into ecstasies. He asked a thousand questions -about the little one, and was very anxious to know -why God had taken so long to send him down -from heaven. He wanted to kiss the baby, and -cried because they wouldn’t let him hold it in his -arms.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Tommy’s enthusiasm for the new baby -began to wear off in about a week’s time. It was -always, “Sh-sh! Sh-sh! You’ll wake the baby,” -or “Tommy, you must be more quiet!” or “You -can’t come in this room, now!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>In fact the little baby brother seemed to be interfering -with little Tommy’s fun to such an -extent that he decided to go to his father and see -if some new arrangement could not be made. -Tommy found his father in the library. He ran to -Deacon Tadpole and climbed upon his knee, and -said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Papa, I don’t believe I want my little brother -any more. I can’t have any fun with him. I’ll -tell you what let’s do. Let’s trade him for a -pony.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, we couldn’t do that,” said the deacon.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Tommy was silent for a time. Then he said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, I don’t suppose we could find anybody -that would want to trade a pony for him, but don’t -you think you could trade him for a goat?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XX.<br /> <span class='large'>KEEPING SCHOOL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Every boy and girl in America ought to go to -school. The public school is one of the best institutions -connected with the life of our nation. But -did you ever hear of a little girl who went to -school to herself? I have, and I want to tell you -about it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>We will call her Tootsie.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was no school house, and no teachers; -nothing only just little Tootsie; not even her dolls; -just simply Tootsie sitting all alone on the couch -near the window. That was all there was to this -little school, so far as anybody could see.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Tootsie said she had a large school, with -some sixty pupils. Sometimes she would say that -her scholars had been naughty and that they -would have to stay in at recess; and then again -she would say that they had been promoted to a -higher grade; she often talked to her pupils as if -they were real live people, telling them how they -should stand and how they should sit and giving -them permission to be excused, and so on. So you -see it seemed in Tootsie’s mind very much more -like a real school than it could to us.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span> -<img src='images/i_094.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Tootsie.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Every morning, when Tootsie’s sister would -start for school, Tootsie would watch her until -she was out of sight, and then she would go and -sit down on the couch. Not having a true-true -school book, she would take her Christmas story -books. At first she would only look at the pictures -and try to think what the story about them -must be. Then she would ask mama or grandma, -or whoever happened to be nearest, what the -words of the picture-story were. She would then -say the words of the story over to herself, and look -at the picture. Next day she would read over the -words of the same story as far as she could remember -them, and when she came to a word that she -did not know, up she would jump and go and ask -some one what it was. When she had learned a -story herself, she would then talk to her sixty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>imaginary scholars about it, showing them the -picture and explaining the story to them just as -though the children were all there before her in -her little school room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In this way Tootsie went through one after -another of her story books, picking out the stories -that had pleasing pictures.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But the nice thing of it all was that Tootsie was -really learning to read, and she did get so that she -read real well; for she knew just what she was -reading about, and often, when she would find a -story that was funny, she would laugh right out -even if she was at school, and then she would find -mama or grandma and read the funny part to -them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Maybe one reason why Tootsie learned so fast -was because her school was just like play to her -and not like work. Of course, it is easier to play -than it is to work. But could you think of any -better thing to play than to play keeping school? -Why not try it? It helped Tootsie wonderfully, -and I believe it would help many other boys and -girls. What do you think about it?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE SCHOOL OF THE STREET.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Little Joe, ten years old, had followed his business -as a newsboy and bootblack in Smutville for -three or four years, and, of course, had turned out -to be a first-class little citizen of the street. He -could curse and swear, and drink and smoke, just -the same as any old hardened sinner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One day, after Joe had finished one of his daily -fights with some other small boy, a kind-hearted -gentleman stepped up to him and said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“My little man, do you go to school?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Nope,” said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you go to Sunday-school?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Nope.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said the gentleman, “what do you -expect to do when you are grown?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I ain’t going to wait till I’m grown—I’m -going to be a jockey; that’s what I’m going to -be.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How would you like to be bank cashier or -president of a great bank? Wouldn’t you like -that better?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yep,” said the boy, “but a poor boy can’t get -no job like that—now you know he couldn’t.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, yes; he could if he were to prepare himself -for it. But a poor boy, and no other boy, will ever -be a great business man if he is going to live forever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>in the street—cursing -and swearing -and fighting and, it -may be, stealing, and -having no higher ambition -than to be a -jockey.”</p> - -<div class='figright id005'> -<img src='images/i_097.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Little Joe.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Are you a parson?” -asked the boy, -becoming interested.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, but I am interested -in little boys. -I am the secretary of -the Young Men’s -Christian Association -and we have a boys’ department. I want you to -join it. I have found out about your habits and -your surroundings; I was told of the death of -your mother and father; and I made up my mind -to come and ask you to come over to the Young -Men’s Christian Association and live with us. -You may continue to sell your papers and black -boots, but, you see, living with us, you can go to -school at night, and some day you will have a good -education—and you might be a bank cashier.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Little Joe took this good man’s advice and went -to live in the Y. M. C. A. building. He did not -turn out to be a bank cashier or president, but -what was better, Joe turned out to be a General -Secretary of one of the largest Y. M. C. A.’s among -the colored people of this country, and in that way -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>has been instrumental in saving a great many -other boys from the gutter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Joe would never have amounted to anything -if he had not been taken away from the wicked -influences of the street, and placed on the road to -higher things. The worst school in this world -that any boy can go to is the school of the street. -The school of the street turns out the most impure, -the most dishonest and the most illiterate boys, -and those boys and girls who ever rise to be anything -or anybody in the world are the ones who -leave the influences of the street in due time, as -Little Joe did. The street offers most of its work -and most of its attractions at night, as many boys -can tell. The life of the street leads to no career -that is worth following. The good careers are made -by those whom the street has not had a chance to -spoil, or by those who are taken out of the streets -before they become hopeless cases.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There is no greater error than the common -notion that it is a good thing to let a boy run the -streets and become “hard” and “tough” and -“have his wits sharpened” and make “a little -man” of himself, as some foolish people say. A -boy learns more downright mischief in one night -in the street than he can unlearn in the home in six -months. And so, what will the teaching of the -home, the public school and the Sunday-school -amount to, if we are going to give our boys in -their young and tender years the freedom of the -streets? If now and then a street boy—that is to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>say, a boy hardened in the ways of the street—does -get a good place, in most cases he will lose it -and fall back to the old, free life of the gutter. -The boys who succeed are the boys who get away -from, or who are taken away from, the influences -of the street and who are surrounded by better -and more wholesome influences. Those who remain -under the influences of the street become in -the course of time members of the great army of -beggars, tramps and criminals. It is a great pity -that there should be so many stories going the -rounds which tell about newsboys and messenger -boys and so on rising to be bank clerks and telegraph-operators -and so forth. On the whole, these -stories are misleading, and for the reason that -they seem to give the impression to many innocent -boys and to many thoughtless parents that the -surest way to give a boy a good start in life is to -send him out into the streets to “rough it” and -fight his way to the front over beer bottles, games -of chance, the race-track, and the pool room, to -the accompaniment of vulgar jokes, profane -swearing and evil associates. I repeat: The school -of the street is the worst school in the world, and -the sooner boys get out of it the better it will be -for them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE FOX HUNT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Uncle Hambright used to pride himself upon his -ability to invent amusing games for the children. -Sometimes he found it hard to think of anything -new, but the demands of the children were so -insistent and his desire to please them always was -so intense that it often happened that Uncle Hambright -could almost make a way out of no way.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dinner-time was fast approaching. All the -morning, the half-dozen little children, who were -spending the day with Uncle Hambright at the -Sunday-school picnic, had been playing every conceivable -sort of game and had been enjoying every -imaginable kind of story told in Uncle Ham’s -inimitable way,—but still the children were not -satisfied. “Just one more story,” or “Just one -more game,” or “Give us your best game now for -the last before dinner,”—the children clamored -one after another.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Very well,” said Uncle Ham. “You all wait -until I come back, and then we’ll play fox-hunting.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Uncle Ham went and told his sister and her -husband, the parents of the little children, to take -the dinner-baskets far into the woods to the place -which they had already agreed upon as the spot -where the dinner-table should be spread. Coming -back to the children, Uncle Ham said,——</p> - -<div class='figright id005'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span> -<img src='images/i_101.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Uncle Hambright.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Now, we are ready. -Come close and listen -while I explain.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>With anxious hearts -and eager faces, and -clapping their glad -hands, the children -gathered around Uncle -Ham.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Now,” said he, “I -have a piece of chalk -here in my hand. I am -going to make something like this wherever I -go along.” While he was speaking he made a -round ring on the fence close by. He put marks -for the ears and feet and a mark for the tail. -Then he continued: “This is the fox. I’m -going to make foxes along the path that I take -into the woods—sometimes these foxes may be on -fences, sometimes on trees, sometimes on rocks, or -anywhere I wish to place them. Whenever you -find a fox you will know that you are on the right -road, and you must be sure each time to follow in -the direction that the head of the fox points. Then -you won’t lose your way. You must give me a -little start, because I must be out of sight before -you all begin the hunt. At the end of the hunt, if -you follow carefully, you will find a large present -waiting for each one of you. You may help yourself -to whatever you like, and then we shall all -come back together, because, you know, I will be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>at the end myself waiting for you when you come.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It seemed that the ten minutes start that the -children had agreed to give Uncle Hambright -would never come to an end, so eager were they -to begin the hunt. By-and-by the time came, and -they were off. The first few foxes had been drawn -on the board-walk, so the hunters had easy sailing -for a little while. Pretty soon, however, one of the -girls discovered a fox on a tree, and the head of -the fox pointed right into the woods. At first the -children halted. The eldest girl said finally, after -studying a few minutes,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Let’s go on; Uncle Hambright wouldn’t take -us where anything could hurt us, and, besides, he -said he would be waiting at the end.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thus reassured, all of them plunged into the -woods. Once in the woods the little foxes drawn -on trees and stumps carried them right along by -the side of a babbling brook for a long distance. -Sometimes they would find one fox, and then they -would find it very hard to locate the next one. It -was great fun for them to scurry about in the -woods, examining trees, stumps, rocks and everything, -hunting for the foxes. Finally one of the -little girls found a fox on a fence. The head of -the fox pointed upwards. The little child said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“This little fox seems to be pointing to heaven; -I’m sure we can’t go up there.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, no;” said the oldest girl, again coming to -the rescue,—“I think that that little fox leads over -the fence—that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>So, over the fence they jumped and continued -the chase.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_103.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>You All Wait until I Come Back, and then We’ll Play at Fox-Hunting.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The course proved to be zig-zag now for a few -minutes, and the children found the foxes more -and more difficult to locate. They felt safe again, -when the foxes were found on stones or rocks leading -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>up the side of a hill. The woods began to thin -out, and the children were no longer timid. Up -the hill they went with a merry laugh and a shout. -Once on top of the hill, they lost their course again. -After a time, they found a fox, though, and that -fox pointed straight down the hill. The children -bravely followed. At the foot of the hill, they -came suddenly upon an open space, and close by -there was a great big fox marked upon a piece of -black paste-board and standing right over a bubbling -spring of water.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Uncle Hambright must have meant for us to -stop here,” said one.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Maybe, he meant for us to stop and get some -water,” said another.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One or two of the fox-hunters stopped and -drank some water. Then the oldest one said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come on now, let’s look for another fox; I -guess we are most through now.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>About twenty yards away from the spring, the -children came to another open space that was well -shaded. What was their delight and surprise to -find there stretched out before them on a large -white table cloth, laid on the bare ground, a sumptuous -picnic-dinner. And in the middle of the -table there was a true-true stuffed fox with a large -red apple in his mouth. For a few moments the -children stood around the table in bewilderment. -But they were not to be kept in suspense a great -while. Pretty soon, Uncle Hambright and mama -and papa came out of the woods near by, and such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>a laugh as went around that picnic-dinner was -never heard before or since!</p> - -<p class='c012'>At the close of the meal, the children all voted -that that was the best game that Uncle Ham had -played during the day.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A BOLD VENTURE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>“Mr. Slocum, good morning, sir; I came around -to ask you to lend me five dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Slocum, Manager of the Harlem Steamboat -Company, looked up from his desk in surprise -when he heard this abrupt announcement.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What’s that?” he asked curtly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Lend me five dollars,” said the little boy who -had first addressed him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who are you?” demanded Mr. Slocum.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m nobody,” said the boy,—“nobody, but I -want you to lend me five dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Slocum, who was generally said to be a hard -man to deal with, was surprised at the boy’s presumption, -yet, nevertheless, he was secretly -pleased at the boy’s frank and open manner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you know what borrowing money means?” -asked Mr. Slocum, rising and looking down upon -the diminutive figure standing before him. The -boy was barefooted, held his hat in his hand, and -his hair was nicely combed. Mr. Slocum continued: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>“Don’t you know when a person borrows -money he is supposed to pay it back?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, yes;” said the boy, “I know that. You -lend me the money, and I’ll pay it back all right. -I only want it for three months. I’ll pay it back.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_106.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Lend Me Five Dollars.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>There was something about the boy’s face and -general deportment that won Mr. Slocum’s favor. -He ran his hand into his pocket, pulled out a five-dollar -bill and handed it to the boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Thank you, sir;” said the boy, as he turned to -go,—“thank you sir; I’ll pay it back.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>Three months later, the same little boy entered -Mr. Slocum’s office.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Here’s your five dollars, Mr. Slocum,” said the -little boy. “I’m much obliged to you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who are you?” asked Mr. Slocum, as he reached -out and took the money.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m nobody,” said the boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, why do you bring me this money?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Because I owe it to you,” explained the little -fellow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy told Mr. Slocum of the loan made three -months before, and made Mr. Slocum recall the -transaction. Mr. Slocum asked him to have a -seat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, what did you do with that money?” -asked Mr. Slocum.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said the boy, “I was hard up when I -called on you. Me and my ma had been selling -papers for a living up to that time, but somehow -we had got behind with our expenses. House rent -was due, and we didn’t have nothing to eat. I had -to find a friend somewhere. So, after trying two -or three places where I was known and failing to -get any help, I decided to drop in here and see -you. You know the result. Well, I paid my rent -for a week; rented a little stand for my ma to sell -papers on the corner, while I continued to hustle -in the street. That five dollars you lent me give me -good luck, and I’ve been going right up ever since. -Me and ma are living in a better place now; we’ve -got a plenty to eat; and we’ve got a plenty of fine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>customers. I told you when I came here before -that I was nobody then, but I’m somebody now, -Mr. Slocum,—anyhow, I feel so—and I want to -thank you again for the help you gave me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy’s story pleased Mr. Slocum very much. -It is needless to say that he took an interest in that -boy, and continued to befriend him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This happened many years ago. To-day Tommy -Tolliver—that was the boy’s name—is the Assistant -General Manager of the Harlem Steamboat -Company, and a very well-to-do man. Mr. Slocum -says that there is nobody in the world like him. -Tommy’s mother died some years ago, but she -lived long enough to see her little boy taken out of -the streets, put to school, and started on his career -of usefulness.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXIV.<br /> <span class='large'>A HERO IN BLACK.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I read some years ago, boys and girls, a story -in McClure’s Magazine, which I think should be of -interest to every boy and girl in the world. The -story was taken from the records of the Royal -Humane Society of Great Britain. It told about -an obscure negro seaman whose brave deed was -discovered and honored by two of the great -nations of the earth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One tropical night, the steamer Dolphin rested -almost motionless off the Cayman rocks in Nicaragua. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>Crew and passengers, some twenty in all, -were asleep about the deck, for it was too hot to -go below. Then came such a squall as comes only -in those Southern seas. The sails, all set, furnished -ample leverage. Within ten seconds, the -Dolphin was bottom up, her passengers and crew -struggling in the water.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_109.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Hero in Black.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Wilson McField, a negro and a subject of Great -Britain, was the first to come to the surface. All -his twenty-seven years of life he had known these -waters, and he swam like a fish. He soon succeeded -in climbing upon the bottom of the vessel. -Then he shouted to the others, and one by one -pulled up five of the crew.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>Fortunately the squall was soon over, although -the sea was high. After they had drifted two -hours the men heard strange sounds, like pounding -within the vessel. Some thought they heard -voices. The more superstitious were afraid. The -night dragged on, and by daylight the sounds had -grown fainter. The crew concluded that men were -imprisoned within the boat, but none could devise -a way to save them. Then the negro proposed to -dive under and into the ship. They assured him -he would never get out again, but carrying between -his teeth one end of a rope that had been -dragging from the vessel, McField dived, passed -under the gunwale and rose in the hatch.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was pitch-dark, and the interior of the vessel -was full of the floating cargo, but he kept on -steadily. Finally concluding that he had reached -the cabin, he rose, and in an instant his head was -above water. Yet so foul was the air, and so narrow -the space between the water and the ship’s -bottom, that he could hardly breathe. He could -see no one, but he heard the knocking again, and -called out. Then came voices faint but familiar.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Swimming in the direction of the sound, he -found two men braced against the cabin sides and -holding their heads above water. One was a -young rubber cutter, named Mallitz, the other a -native Spanish-Nicaraguan, called Ovando. Both -were panic-stricken, and McField was obliged to -threaten them with instant death if they did not -obey him. He fastened the rope round Mallitz and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>gave the signal to pull. McField dived into the -water along with his man. In his fright Mallitz -entangled himself in the hatchway, and precious -time was lost in freeing him. When they reached -the surface Mallitz was unconscious, and McField -more dead than alive.</p> - -<p class='c012'>They pulled Mallitz aboard but McField would -not follow. As soon as the rope was free he took -it in his teeth and went under, found the hatch -and entered the cabin. Ovando was almost uncontrollable -with fear and exhaustion, but McField -finally secured him with the rope, and gave the -signal to pull up. This time the trip was made -without accident, and both men were drawn on -board. All the men were saved.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The United States government awarded McField -a medal and a sum of money in gold, and the -Royal Humane Society of Great Britain gave him -a medal of silver.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXV.<br /> <span class='large'>THE ROAD TO SUCCESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The world is constantly looking for the man -who knows the most, and it pays little regard to -those who are proficient in the usual degree in the -same things. One must excel, or, in other words, -know more than his associates in order to succeed -notably. The world will bid high for you if you -know more than other men.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span> -<img src='images/i_112.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Road to Success.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>So that boys and girls who are preparing themselves -for the duties of life should not aim simply -at being as good as somebody else, but they should -aim at being the best that it is possible to be in -any chosen line of life or business. I have noticed -in my short lifetime that there is a great tendency -on the part of -young people to -cut short their -education. Being -able to shine in -the intellectual -and social worlds with the small attainments made -in some college or normal school or industrial -school, the average young negro man is content to -stop with a diploma or certificate from one or another -of these institutions. They will never realize -what injury they have done themselves by so doing -until it is too late. On the other hand, there is -another large class of young people that stop -short even before they have finished the course in -even any one of the normal or industrial schools. -They must go out to work; they know enough to -make a living; what’s the use of so much education, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>anyhow? This is the way some of them talk. -This is what some of them believe. Boys and -girls, no man or woman with such low ideals will -ever reach the topmost round of the ladder of -fame. Such boys and girls will always play a -second-rate part in the great drama of life. The -boys and girls who are going to the front—the -boys and girls who are going to have the leading -parts—are the boys and girls who are willing to -take time to prepare themselves. And preparation -means hard work; and not only hard work, -but hard and long-continued work. A person can -learn a good deal in one year; a person can learn a -good deal in two years; but nobody can learn -enough in one or two years, or in three or four -years, to make it at all likely that he will ever be -sought by the great world.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Aside from the rudimentary training, it ought -to take at least ten years to make a good doctor, -or a good lawyer, or a good electrician, or a good -preacher. Four of these years ought to be spent -in college; and four in the professional school; -and the other two ought to be spent in picking up -a practical or working knowledge of the calling—whatever -it may be. The young doctor obtains -this practical knowledge in hospitals and in practice -among the poor. The electrician obtains it by -entering some large electrical industry or manufactory, -in which a thoroughly practical knowledge -of mechanical engineering and electricity -can be secured. It is true that some men have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>become distinguished in these callings without -this long preparation of which I have spoken; yet -it is, also, true that they would have been better -off—they would have been more likely to have -become eminent—if they had taken the longer -course. College is a little world which every one, -other things being equal, ought to enter and pass -through before launching in the great world.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXVI.<br /> <span class='large'>SAMUEL C. ARMSTRONG.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls, I wonder how many of you have -heard of Samuel C. Armstrong—General Armstrong, -the founder of Hampton Institute in Virginia? -General Armstrong was one of the best -men who ever lived, and he was the friend of all -mankind. His special services were rendered in -behalf of Indians and Negroes—the weaker races. -You ought to go to Hampton Institute sometimes -and see that place, and go over to the little cemetery -in one corner of the grounds and stand uncovered -by the side of General Armstrong’s grave. -He died in 1892.</p> - -<p class='c012'>You ought to get the story of his life and read -it. It will bear to you a thrilling message; for to -read that book is to enter the presence of a man -of magnificent courage and indomitable faith.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A general at twenty-six, with a brilliant war record -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>behind him, the quality of his courage had -been already proved; but the future was to test it -far more severely. The responsibility for the experiment -at Hampton was a terrible one, presenting -problems which no nation had been called -upon to solve before. He had to face isolation, ignorance, -indifference, misrepresentation. At the -best, after he had conquered prejudice and won -friends for the work, he had to spend half his time -begging for money, for he had to raise by personal -efforts from fifty thousand to eighty thousand dollars -annually for the current expenses. Yet in all -that time and under all his burdens no one ever -saw him discouraged. He used to explain his -position by a story which he called his “rule of -conduct.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Once there was an old colored man who could -not be dissuaded from working at an empty ’possum -hole. ‘Ain’t no ’possum in dat hole? Dey’s -jest got to be, ’cause dey’s nuffin’ in de house fer -supper’.” Or, as he used to tell his children, -“Once there was a woodchuck. Now woodchucks -can’t climb trees. Well, this woodchuck was -chased by a dog, and came to a tree. He knew that -if he could get up this tree the dog could not -catch him. Now woodchucks can’t climb trees, -but this one had to, so he did.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He had to, so he did, was the motto of General -Armstrong’s life. “Doing what can’t be done is -the glory of living,” he once said. “For most -people,” said one of General Armstrong’s friends, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“an obstacle is something in the way to stop one -from going on, but for General Armstrong it merely -meant something to climb over; and if he could -not climb all the way over, he would get up as -high as possible, and then crow!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When you come to read the story of General -Armstrong’s life you will find that there is no finer -picture in it than that of an evening when he -spoke at a little suburban church far down a side -street. It was a bitter winter night, with a driving -storm of sleet, and when it was time for the meeting -to begin the audience consisted of a score or -so of humble people who evidently enough had -no means to contribute, and a dozen restless boys -kicking their heels in the front pew. Then “in -the midst of the bleakness and emptiness rose the -worn, gaunt soldier, as bravely and gladly as if a -multitude were hanging upon his words. His deep-sunk -eyes looked out beyond the bleakness of the -scene into the world of his ideals, and the cold -little place was aglow with the fire that was in -him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dangers, hardships, obstacles—upon these he -had tried “his soul’s stuff” all his life, but here -was another and a more difficult test. Triumphant -in faith and unflinching in duty, he could meet -even defeat in the spirit of victory.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXVII.<br /> <span class='large'>HOW TO BE HANDSOME.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Do you want to be handsome? I’ll tell you how.</p> - -<p class='c012'>First, look well to your health. Eat regularly -and simply, and take proper rest, in order to be -healthy. Do not crowd the stomach. The stomach -can no more work all the time, night and day, -than a horse; it must have regular rest. The body -must have proper rest also. Do not keep late -hours. Go to bed early. If you have work which -must be done, it is a good deal better to rise early -in the morning and do it than it is to sit up late -at night and work.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Secondly, good teeth are essential to good looks. -Brush the teeth regularly with a soft brush morning -and night, especially at night. Be sure to go -to bed at night with clean teeth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thirdly, look well to the ventilation of your -bed-rooms. No one can have a clear skin who -breathes bad air. Fresh air is a preventive of a -multitude of diseases. Bad air is the cause of a -great many premature deaths.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Fourthly, cleanliness of the entire body is of -vast importance. Some one has said that “Cleanliness -is next to godliness,” and some one else has -added, “And soap is a means of grace.” Handsome -people not only eat regularly and simply; -they not only sleep regularly and look well to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>proper ventilation; but handsome people will take -regular baths.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Fifthly, more than all else, in order to look well -you must wake up the mind and soul. When the -mind is awake, the dull, sleepy look passes away -from the eyes. Keep thinking pleasant and noble -thoughts; do not read trashy novels or books; read -books which have something good in them. Talk -with people who know something. Be often in the -company of those who know more than you do. -Hear lectures and sermons and profit by them. If -we listen and understand and heed, the mind and -soul are awakened. So much the better if the spiritual -nature is aroused. Sometimes a plain face -is really glorified with the love of God and of man -which shines through it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Lastly, keep a strong and vigorous body by taking -plenty of wholesome outdoor exercise, and do -all the good you can.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Why not begin to grow handsome to-day?</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_118.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>PATIENCE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figright id005'> -<img src='images/i_120.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Patience.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Patience is one of the marks of a high character. -It might well be called the habit of closing -the mind against disagreeable and annoying conditions. -To acquire this habit so effectually as to -hide even from one’s self any sense of suffering -or offense from contact with such conditions is -what the truly cultivated aim at. Life, it is true, -is full of trying things, but to let the mind dwell -upon them only serves to increase their offense to -the feelings or the senses.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There are people, of course, who are incapable -of self-concentration, and whose imagination, if -left free to gad about, seems always to fix upon -and exaggerate every element of disturbance. They -live in what is called an elementary stage of moral -discipline, and are perpetually fretting about -things they cannot help. They are never able to -shut down the will against any unpleasantness. -They permit merely accidental conditions to exercise -a kind of tyrannical sway over them, which, if -their minds were once bent to the practice of putting -up with things, would cease to present any -annoyance whatever.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is difficult, no doubt, to acquire this habit, but -this is what patience means in its highest sense. It -is spiritual endurance, and its chief power consists -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>not so much in adding to the number of our -joys as in lessening the number of our sufferings. -It is, therefore, a mark of power over one’s self -and a means of power over others. With patience -the outward success or failure of a man is a small -thing compared with that -success which he has achieved -within himself. And that -kind of success—the success -which enables a man to -laugh at failure and rise superior -to discouragements -and difficulties—that kind of -success is a means of help -and inspiration to all those -about him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>If we consider the works -of nature we shall see -that nature’s most -beneficent operations -are the results of patience. -Anything -which grows must -have time, and the -best things in the -world are generally those things which demand the -longest time for their growth and development. -The rank and short-lived weed reaches its full development -in the shortest possible time, but the -oak, which is to stand for centuries, demands the -sunshine and the storm of years before its strength -is fully developed.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>Now, boys and girls, one of the hardest demands -which nature makes upon people (especially upon -young people, full of strength and energy and ambition) -is to wait for the results of growth. No -man becomes instantly strong morally; he must -grow into strength. However great his ambition -and his zeal may be, no man becomes a scholar in -a year. It takes time, and lots of it. No man -reaches at a single bound the full development of -his whole nature. He grows into strength. A -good soldier cannot be made without war, nor can -a skillful seaman be made on land.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So in the race of life we must fight hard for all -we get and be patient. Whatever else may be true, -or may not be true, only patient and continued -efforts—not hasty efforts—lead to success.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Before me lies a block of wood. It is full of -knots. It seems to me I can never split it. But -I bravely make the attempt. The first blow makes -little impression. The axe springs back with a -bound. Again and again I strike. Then a tiny -crack appears. A few more licks—and the block -yields. I have succeeded. Can you tell me which -blow did the work? Was it not the first blow and -the last and all between? You have tried something -and failed. Try again. If you fail, try once -more. And on and on, keep trying until you win -the victory.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXIX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE BITER BIT.<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c017'><sup>[4]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In the broad light of day a would-be highwayman -sprang from the bushes that skirted the “Big -Road,” and with a pistol pointed at Eli’s head -commanded the wayfarer to hold up his hands. -Without hesitation Eli obeyed, grabbing his hat -from his head while his hands were making the -ascent. Then he stood trembling, as if in great -fear, and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Lawdy, Boss, what is dat you got?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The highwayman replied: “It’s a bulldog.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Kin he bark, Boss?” asked poor Eli.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Certainly,” was the answer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Boss, I’ll give you a dollar des to hyeah dat -dawg bark wunst,” said humble Eli.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bang!” went the gun, and the ball went crashing -through the woods. Eli pulled out a silver -dollar and handed it over to the would-be robber.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do hit ag’in, Boss,” said Eli.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth time -the dog barked, and each time Eli paid a dollar for -the fun. When the revolver had been emptied the -old negro asked pitifully:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Boss, can’t he bark no mo’?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>On being assured that the dog could bark no -more Eli said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>“Well, Boss, ain’t you got anuddah dawg?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The robber said he was sorry, but he did not -have another. Then Uncle Eli said, as he ran his -hand into his hip pocket:</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_123.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Biter Bit.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Boss, I got one uv dem dawgs myse’f, an’ I -’spec’ I’ll let you hyeah mine bark some. Drap -yo’ dawg, Boss, an’ drap hit quick,” he commanded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>as he pointed his gun at the would-be robber’s -head. Down went the other man’s gun.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Now drap dem dollars right ’long side uv dat -gun. Be quick,” said Eli. Down went the dollars.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Now you git, an’ don’t you look back. Step -lively, an’ ef you das’ to look back you sho will -hyeah sump’n impawtunt!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE ALPHABET OF SUCCESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Attend carefully to details.</div> - <div class='line'>Be prompt in all things.</div> - <div class='line'>Consider well, then decide positively.</div> - <div class='line'>Dare to do right, fear to do wrong.</div> - <div class='line'>Endure trials patiently.</div> - <div class='line'>Fight life’s battles bravely.</div> - <div class='line'>Go not into the society of the vicious.</div> - <div class='line'>Hold integrity sacred.</div> - <div class='line'>Injure not another’s reputation.</div> - <div class='line'>Join hands only with the virtuous.</div> - <div class='line'>Keep your mind free from evil thoughts.</div> - <div class='line'>Lie not for any consideration.</div> - <div class='line'>Make few special acquaintances.</div> - <div class='line'>Never try to appear what you are not.</div> - <div class='line'>Observe good manners.</div> - <div class='line'>Pay your debts promptly.</div> - <div class='line'>Question not the veracity of a friend.</div> - <div class='line'>Respect the counsel of your parents.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>Sacrifice money rather than principle.</div> - <div class='line'>Touch not, taste not, handle not, intoxicating drinks.</div> - <div class='line'>Use your leisure for improvement.</div> - <div class='line'>Venture not upon the threshold of wrong.</div> - <div class='line'>Watch carefully over your passions.</div> - <div class='line'>X-tend to everyone a kindly greeting.</div> - <div class='line'>Young people should read “FLOYD’S FLOWERS FOR COLORED CHILDREN.”</div> - <div class='line'>Zealously labor for the right, and success is certain.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXI.<br /> <span class='large'>EASTER MONDAY IN WASHINGTON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The approach of Easter arouses delightful expectations -in the hearts of the little children in -the great city of Washington, the nation’s capital. -On Easter Monday there is an event which -places the day among the great holidays of the -year. The United States government is drawn -into the observance of the day because it furnishes -the country’s greatest band to play the music -and the government pays the bills. The president -of the United States, whoever he may happen to be -when the day rolls around, wins the gratitude of -the children, for he lets them play in his back -yard. The president’s back yard is called the -White Lot; it covers many acres, and stretches -from the back porch of the White House way out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>to the great white Washington monument, which -towers for more than five hundred feet in the air -a half mile away. The lawns of the White Lot -are always green and inviting, and are covered -with the prettiest flowers and trees that you ever -saw. The ground is not low and level, except in -spots. There are many little hills which serve to -make it a beautiful place. Really the president’s -back yard is a great big park.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Bright and early Easter Monday morning happy -little groups of children may be seen proudly -marching toward the White House. Their mothers -and nurses or some grown-up sisters are with -them. All the trolley cars are filled with them, -coming from every section of the city. Their little -tongues are very busy chattering about the -pleasures that are in store for them. Some, whose -memories stretch back over a long, long expanse -of time, are relating some glowing incident of the -year before, for those who are yet unacquainted -with the joys that are to come. The little ones -listen with open mouths and wide-open eyes, and -hurry along all the faster.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I have been in Washington on two occasions at -these great celebrations—once while the sturdy -Grover Cleveland was president and once while -the great and good William McKinley occupied -the White House. In all my experience I have -never seen anything that has made me feel -prouder of my country than these feast days for -the children; for, in the president’s back yard, all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>the children meet on a common level—children -of all races and of all classes. Neither their father’s -position nor their mother’s social standing -concerns them. Two little strangers will meet and -play and romp together as if they had been companions -all their days.</p> - -<p class='c012'>All the little children carry with them little baskets -and in the baskets are the prettiest Easter -eggs that can be made. Some are painted and -striped and spotted with bright colors; others are -covered with silver and gilt paper. When the -merry-makers get to the great big gates, where -the policemen always stand, they march right -through, because they know the policemen won’t -stop them this time. The little fellows hold their -heads high and feel very important, and the policemen -smile as they pass by. The children keep -coming and coming until by-and-by the lot is almost -filled, all the way from the White House to -the tall white monument, with laughing children—and -with eggs! It would seem that there were no -children left anywhere in Washington. The children -are allowed to run on the grass just as much -as they please for this one day.</p> - -<p class='c012'>If you go near one of the little hills or long -banks you may hear one small girl say to another, -“My egg’ll ’oll furver ’an your egg.” And the -other small girl will answer, “No; mine’ll ’oll -furvest.” And then they will start their eggs -rolling down the hills and go racing after them -to see whose egg goes the farthest.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>Many of the boys throw their eggs along the -ground like ninepin balls, and see whose will go -the farthest. When they get tired of this they -stand a little distance apart and roll their eggs -against each other’s to see whose will break. -There is another way that they try to break each -other’s eggs. One holds an egg in his hand so that -the top is uncovered, and another takes his egg -and taps it gently against the first one. He keeps -hitting a little harder and harder until one of them -breaks, and the one whose egg doesn’t break is -the winner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Most of the eggs are boiled hard first, so that -the children are not very sorry, after all, if their -eggs do break, because they can eat them. And -their mothers or nurses will give them crackers -and salt to go with them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In such a great crowd, where the children are -allowed to run where they please, there are sure -to be some little ones who will wander away from -their guardians. All the little “lost” children, as -fast as the officers find them, are taken to a small -house in the center of the lot, and the mothers -know just where to look for them. Often there -are twenty or thirty little tots, all tired out, waiting -to be claimed by their guardians.</p> - -<p class='c012'>On the highest mound of all there is a band—the -United States Marine Band—and they play -some of their nicest music on this day. So when -the little ones get weary from running after their -eggs they can go and watch the man pound the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>big bass drum, and listen to the music. Sometimes, -while the music is playing, the president will come -out on the back porch, high over all, and watch the -festivities. A mighty shout, from old and young -alike, always greets the appearance of the president. -No wonder this is one of the big days for -the little folks.</p> - -<p class='c012'>By-and-by all the eggs are broken or eaten, and -then it is time for the tired and happy little fairies -to go home.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXII.<br /> <span class='large'>KEEPING ONE’S ENGAGEMENTS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>What would happen if everybody should begin -to-morrow to keep all his promises and fulfill all -his engagements? I think it would make a new -world at once. There is great need that the attention -of young people should be called to the importance -of keeping engagements. Much of the -confusion and annoyance and trouble of this world -would be done away with if people would learn -to keep their promises. The oft-repeated excuse, -“I forgot,” is not reasonable. If the memory is in -the habit of playing tricks with you, then you -ought to make notes of your engagements, write -them down in some way, so that you will not -forget them. Arnold of Rugby said: “Thoughtlessness -is a crime,” and he was right. The great -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>Ruskin has also uttered strong words in condemnation -of thoughtlessness in youth. He said: -“But what excuse can you find for willfulness of -thought at the very time when every crisis of -future fortune hangs on your decisions? A youth -thoughtless! when the career of all his days depends -on the opportunity of a moment. A youth -thoughtless! when his every act is a foundation-stone -of future conduct, and every imagination a -fountain of life or death. Be thoughtless in any -after years rather than now, though, indeed, there -is only one place where a man may be nobly -thoughtless—his deathbed. No thinking should -ever be left to be done there.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_130.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Keeping One’s Engagements.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>And, then, boys and girls should remember that -promptness should always accompany the fulfilling -of an engagement, otherwise the engagement -is not really kept. A person’s time is a valuable -possession, which should be respected by all. Who -has not been exasperated by some one with apparent -indifference keeping (?) an engagement a half -or three-quarters of an hour late! And often a -whole train of troubles will follow in the wake of -tardiness. The punctual boy or girl in this life -is the one who advances most rapidly. The punctual -boy or girl will make a punctual man or -woman. A promise-breaker, or one who is late in -keeping his appointments, cannot in the true sense -of the term be considered a first-class person.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A MIDNIGHT MISHAP.<a id='r5' /><a href='#f5' class='c017'><sup>[5]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figleft id006'> -<img src='images/i_132.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Midnight Mishap.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Uncle Ned returned from his ’possum hunt about -midnight, bringing with him a fine, fat ’possum. -He built a glowing fire, dressed the ’possum, pared -and split the sweet potatoes, and pretty soon he -had the “’possum an’ ’taters” in the oven. While -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>the meal was cooking Uncle Ned amused himself -with his favorite old banjo. When the ’possum -had been baked brown and -crisp he took it out of the -oven and set it on the -hearth to give it time to -cool. Mentally congratulating -himself upon the -glorious repast he thought -soon to enjoy, he sat -silently for awhile in the -old armchair, but presently -he was snugly wrapped -in the arms of “tired -nature’s sweet restorer—balmy -sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It happened that two -young fellows who were -pretty well acquainted -with Uncle Ned’s habits -had been stealthily watching -about the house waiting -this particular chance. -As soon as they were convinced -that the old man -was safe in the arms of -Morpheus, they crept into the house and hurriedly -helped themselves to Uncle Ned’s supper, including -even the coffee and bread. When they finished -the hasty meal, by way of attempting to -cover up their tracks, they smeared Uncle Ned’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>hands and mouth with the ’possum gravy and -then beat a retreat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>After a time Uncle Ned aroused from his peaceful -slumber. It is needless to say that he had -dreamed about his supper. At once he dived down -to inspect the viands, when, lo and behold, the -hearth was empty! Uncle Ned steadied himself -and studied awhile.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said he finally, “I must ’a’ et dat ’possum; -I must ’a’ et dat ’possum in my sleep!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He looked at his hands. They were greasy. He -smelt his hands. As he did so he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dat smells like ’possum grease! I sho must ’a’ -et dat ’possum.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He discovered grease on his lips. Out went his -tongue.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dat tas’es like ’possum grease,” he said. He -got up. He looked about the house. There was -no sign of intruders. He rubbed his stomach. He -resumed his seat, and, giving up all for lost, he -said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, ef I did eat dat ’possum, hit sets lightah -on my appertite dan any ’possum I evah et befo’.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXIV.<br /> <span class='large'>FREDERICK DOUGLASS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In 1893 the World’s Columbian Exposition, or -World’s Fair, was held in Chicago in commemoration -of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery -of America. A negro man, the Hon. Frederick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Douglass, attended that exposition and delivered -an address on negro day. Speaking of this -great man’s visit the Advance, one of Chicago’s -great religious papers, said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was fine to see at the Congress on Africa -the tall form and magnificent head of the grand -old man, Frederick Douglass, now seventy-five -years of age, perfectly erect, kindly, majestic, the -‘ancient fires of inspiration welling up through all -his being yet’; affable to all; finding it still to be -as natural to be eloquent as to speak at all; sympathetic -to the core with the people of his own -race, yet none the less loyal to the common interests -of all the people of his country; neither blind -to the obstacles in their path and the cruel social -injustice and meanness to which they are often -exposed, nor, on the other hand, unmindful of the -friends they have in the South as also in the -North, or above all to the over-shining care and -purpose of God Himself, with the ‘far-off divine -intent’ that so clearly takes in the future of both -the American and African continents. Few Americans -have had a more conspicuously providential -mission than Frederick Douglass. And hardly -anything in this remarkable congress was more -eloquent or more convincing than his personal -presence.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Frederick Douglass was born a slave, and his -life as a slave was one of peculiar hardship. Of -it he himself says in his autobiography:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I suffered little from any punishment I received, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>except from hunger and cold. I could get -enough neither of food or clothing, but suffered -more from cold than hunger. In the heat of summer -or the cold of winter alike, I was kept almost -in a state of nudity—no shoes, jackets, trousers, or -stockings—nothing but a coarse tow linen shirt -reaching to the knee. That I wore night and day. -In the day time I could protect myself by keeping -on the sunny side of the house, and in bad weather -in the corner of the kitchen chimney. The great -difficulty was to keep warm at night. I had no -bed. The pigs in the pen had leaves, and the -horses in the stable had straw, but the children -had nothing. In very cold weather I sometimes -got down the bag in which corn was carried to -the mill and got into that. My feet have been so -cracked by frost that the pen with which I am -writing might have been laid in the gashes.” With -regard to his food he said that he often disputed -with the dogs over the crumbs that fell from his -master’s table.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now this man, born so lowly and surrounded -by such circumstances, turned out to be in the -course of time by hard work and self-application -one of the most influential American citizens and -one of the greatest orators that this country has -ever known. Among other high offices of trust -and responsibility, he was once marshal of the -District of Columbia, recorder of deeds of the District -of Columbia, and United States minister to -Hayti.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>He died February 20th, 1895, at his home in -Anacostia, D. C., at the age of seventy-seven years. -A monument to his memory has been erected in -Rochester, N. Y., where he once lived.</p> - -<p class='c012'>What Frederick Douglass made of himself is -possible for any American boy with grit. Every -boy and girl in America should read the life of -this pre-eminent negro and strive to emulate his -virtues. His memory is worthy to be honored to -the last day of time.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXV.<br /> <span class='large'>OUR DUMB ANIMALS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Domestic animals—like horses, cats and dogs—seem -to be almost as dependent upon kind treatment -and affection as human beings. Horses and -dogs especially are the most keenly intelligent of -our dumb friends, and are alike sensitive to -cruelty in any form. They are influenced to an -equal degree by kind and affectionate treatment.</p> - -<p class='c012'>If there is any form of cruelty that is more -reprehensible than another, it is abuse of a faithful -horse who has given his whole life to the service -of the owner. When a horse is pulling a heavy -load with all his might, doing the best he can to -move under it, to strike him, spur him, or swear -at him is simply barbarous. To kick a dog around, -to tie tin cans to his tail, or strike him with sticks, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>just for the fun of hearing him yelp or seeing him -run, is equally barbarous. No high-minded man, -no high-minded boy or girl, would do such a thing. -We should never forget how helpless, in a large -sense, dumb animals are—and how absolutely dependent -upon the humanity and kindness of their -owners. They are really the slaves of man, having -no language by which to express their feelings or -needs.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_137.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Our Dumb Animals.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The poet Cowper said:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“I would not enter on my list of friends,</div> - <div class='line'>Though graced with polished manners and fine sense,</div> - <div class='line'>Yet wanting sensibility, the man</div> - <div class='line'>Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Every boy and girl should be willing to pledge -himself to be kind to all harmless living creatures, -and every boy and girl should strive to protect -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>such, creatures from cruel usage on the part of -others. It is noble, boys and girls, for us to speak -for those that cannot speak for themselves, and it -is noble, also, for us to protect those that cannot -protect themselves.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXVI.<br /> <span class='large'>A PLUCKY BOY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The boy marched straight up to the counter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, my little man,” said the merchant, -“what can I do for you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you please,” said the boy, “I came in to -see if you wouldn’t let me work for you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy was not yet ten years old, and he was -small for his age. But there was something in his -speech, or manner that held the man’s attention.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do some work for me, eh?” said the man. -“What kind of work could you do? You can -hardly look over the counter.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, yes; I can,” said the little fellow, as he -stood on tiptoe and peeped over the counter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Out of sheer curiosity the merchant came from -behind the counter, so as to get a good look at the -boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh,” he said, “I see you’ve got copper taps -on your shoes; I suppose your mother couldn’t -keep you in shoes if they didn’t have taps on -them!”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>“She can’t keep me in shoes anyway, sir,” and -the little boy’s voice hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How old are you?” asked the merchant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m older than I look; folks say that I’m small -for my age.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, what is your age?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m going on ten,” said Davie, with a look -of great importance. “You see,” he continued, -“my mother hasn’t anybody but me, and this -morning I saw her crying because she could not -find five cents in her pocket-book, and she thinks -she must have lost it—and it was—the—last cent—that -she had—in the world; and—I—have—not—had—any—breakfast, -sir.” The voice again -hesitated, and tears came into the little boy’s eyes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, don’t cry, my little man; I guess I can -help you to a breakfast. Here, take this quarter!” -He pulled a quarter from his vest pocket and -handed it to the boy. The boy shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mother wouldn’t let me beg,” was his simple -answer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Humph!” said the merchant. “Where is your -father?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We never heard of him, sir, after he went -away. He was lost in the steamer City of New -York.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s too bad. But you’re a plucky little fellow, -anyhow. Let me see,” and he looked straight -down into the boy’s eyes, and the boy looked -straight up at him. Turning to the head man, -after awhile, the merchant said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>“Palmer, is cash boy No. 5 still sick?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dead, sir; died last night,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m sorry; but here’s a boy you might use. -Put him down in No. 5’s place. We’ll try him for -awhile, anyhow. What is your name, my little -man?” he asked, turning again to the boy.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_140.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>The Boy Marched Straight up to the Counter.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Davie Thomas.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, Davie, we’ll give you three dollars a -week to start with; you come to-morrow morning -and I’ll tell you what to do. Here’s a dollar of -your wages in advance. I’ll take it out of your -first week’s pay. Do you understand?”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>“Yes, sir; I understand, and I thank you, too. -I’ll be back in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Davie shot out of the store, and lost no time in -getting home. The old creaky steps in the old -ram-shackle house fairly sang with delight as the -weight of the little boy hurried up them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ve got it, mother;” exclaimed Davie. “I’m -a cash boy! The man’s going to give me three -dollars a week, and he says I’ve got pluck, too; -and here’s a dollar to get some breakfast with, and -don’t you cry any more, for I’m going to be the -man of this house now.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>At first the mother was dumfounded; then she -looked confused; and then she looked—well, it -passes my power to tell how she did look as she -took Davie in her arms and hugged him and -kissed him, the tears streaming down her cheeks. -But they were tears of joy and thankfulness!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXVII.<br /> <span class='large'>A HEART-TO-HEART TALK.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>“Henry, I asked you to remain after school a -few minutes because I wanted you to help me rearrange -the desks and furniture, but I had another -reason for asking you to remain, and I think -it is more important than the one I have just -stated.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The desks had all been arranged according to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>the teacher’s notion, and Henry Holt had gathered -up his books to go home. It was then that his -teacher, Miss Ada Johnson, addressed him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Won’t you sit down here a minute, David?” -she continued. “I wish to speak to you a minute -or two.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>David quietly took a seat. He was one of the -largest boys in school, and had been giving an -unusual amount of trouble during the day. In -fact he had been a source of annoyance ever since -the new teacher had taken charge.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_142.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Heart-to-Heart Talk.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“David,” the teacher went on, “I wonder if you -realize how hard you have made it for me in -school to-day? Is there any reason why we cannot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>be friends and work together? And I wish to be -a friend to you, if you will let me. You could -help me so much and you could help your schoolmates -so much if you only would. I want to ask -you if you think your conduct has been manly to-day? -Has it been kind?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>David said nothing, but hung his head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I heard before I came here that you were an -unruly boy. People say that you will neither -study nor work, and some people say that you -are a very mean boy. Some of these things may be -true, David, I am sorry to say, but I want to tell -you that you are the only hope of a widowed -mother, and I want to say, also, that I think that -you are breaking her heart.” The teacher’s voice -faltered at the last words.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I know that your father,” the low voice went -on, “was a brave and noble man; and when I hear -people say, ‘It is a good thing that Henry Oliver -died before he knew what his son was coming to,’ -I think what a pity it is that they cannot say, -‘How sad it is that Henry Oliver died before he -could know what a fine, manly fellow his son -would be, and what a stay and comfort to his -mother’.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy’s head dropped to the desk in front of -him, and he began to sob. The teacher went over -to him and said gently:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You can be all this. It is in your power to -be all that your father would have you, all that -your mother would have you. Will you not turn -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>over a new leaf now, not only in your behavior and -work in school, but in your whole life as well?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>David raised his head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am with you—I’ll do it, teacher,” he replied, -a new resolve shining in his face. All that day -he did some of the most serious thinking of his -life. And he kept his promise.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The years have been many since then. The little -teacher has long since passed to her rest, but -David Oliver is a living monument to the power -of a few searching words, the potency of a little -personal interest and kindliness manifested at a -critical time.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A GHOST STORY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Uncle Mose, an old-time colored man, once said -in a company of people who were talking about -ghosts that he wasn’t afraid of any ghost that ever -walked the earth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, sah; not me,” he said; “I’se got my fuss -time to be skeered uv anyt’ing dat’s dead.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Whereupon Noah Johnson told Uncle Mose that -he would bet him a load of watermelons that he -couldn’t spend one night in the “Widder Smith’s -house.” Now, the Widow Smith’s house was said -to be haunted, or, in other words, it was filled with -ghosts.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>“Des name de night,” said Uncle Mose. “I’ll -stay dar; no ha’nts won’t bodder wid me. No, sah; -no ha’nts won’t bodder wid me, an’ yo’ watermillions -is des ez good ez gone already!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The details were arranged; judges were appointed; -and Uncle Mose was to stay in the haunted -house that very night. He got him some pine-knots -to keep a good blaze in the old-fashioned -fireplace, carried along an extra plug of tobacco, -secured a large dry-goods box to be used for a -chair, and then he set out for the house.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_145.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Huh! Huh! There don’t Seem to be but Two of Us Here To-night.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>He made a blaze and seated himself on the pine -box. For a time he sung a number of old plantation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>songs for his own amusement, as well as to -keep him company. About midnight, feeling somewhat -drowsy, Uncle Mose got up, took a light -and went on a tour of inspection. He examined -every room in the house. His search revealed -nothing unusual. He wound up his search chuckling -to himself:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I sho is makin’ dis load uv watermillions easy. -Noah Johnsing didn’t know who he’s foolin’ wid. -I’m a man myse’f; I ain’t afeared uv nothin’—I -ain’t!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Down he sat on the box, and pretty soon he was -dozing. It was not very long before he suddenly -awoke. He was at once seized with strange and -sudden fear. He was too frightened to move. Although -he did not look around, he was conscious -that there was another presence in the room. His -hair stood on ends. He felt a cold chill run up and -down his back. By that time he knew that the -object in the room, whatever it was, was moving -towards him. Still he did not move, because he -could not. The ghost (for that was what all the -people said it was) stood over Uncle Mose for a -little while, and then quietly sat down on the box -beside him. Uncle Mose looked straight into the -fireplace, but his heart was beating like a runaway -horse. The silence in the room at that moment -was like unto the silence of death. Everything -was still and solemn. Uncle Mose could almost -hear his own heart beating. The ghost finally -broke the silence by saying, with a loud sigh:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>“Huh! Huh! There don’t seem to be but two -of us here to-night!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was then that Uncle Mose looked around for -the first time. As he did so he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yas; an’ f’um dis out dah won’t be but one!” -And with that he jumped through the window, -taking a part of the sash with him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The judges had been waiting in the open air -near the house, so as to watch the proceedings. -They called to the fleeing Uncle Mose, as he passed -them, and ordered him to stop. They said that -they were all there and would protect him. But -Uncle Mose, as he kept on running, hallooed back:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll see y’all later!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He ran at the top of his speed for more than a -mile, for he was well nigh scared to death. By-and-by, -from sheer exhaustion, he was compelled -to stop for a little rest. He was wet with perspiration -from head to foot, and his clothes were as -limp as a wet dishrag. But the poor old man had -no sooner seated himself on a stone by the roadside -than up jumps the ghost and sits down beside -him once more.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Huh!” said the ghost. “You seem to have -made pretty good time to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yas,” said Uncle Mose; “but what I hase done -ain’t nothin’ to what I’se gwinter do!” And up -he jumped and lit out once more.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He had not gone far on his second trip before an -old rabbit ran out of the bushes and took out down -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>the road ahead of him. Uncle Mose hallooed at -the rabbit and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Git out uv de way, rabbit, an’ let somebody -run what kin run!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>On and on the poor old man, almost scared to -death, ran and ran. Perhaps he would have been -running until now but for a very unfortunate accident. -About five miles from the Widow Smith’s -house he came in contact with the limb of a weeping -willow tree that hung across the road. The -poor old fellow, already tired out, was knocked -speechless and senseless. Toward the break of day -the judges, who had followed him, found him lying -on the ground doubled up near the tree. Dim -consciousness was slowly returning when they -picked him up. They rubbed him, and walked him -around for a little while, and soon he was able to -move himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The first thing Uncle Mose said was:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Tell Noah not to min’ ’bout dem watermillions. -I stayed in dat house des ez long ez I could -keep my conscience quiet. My ole mammy allus -tole me dat hit wuz a sin an’ a shame to bet, an’ -now I b’lieves hit!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And to this day, boys and girls, if you want to -see a really mad man, you just ask Uncle Mose if -he ever saw a ghost.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XXXIX.<br /> <span class='large'>GOOD CHEER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Everybody loves the cheerful boy or girl, the -cheerful man or woman; and everybody ought to -love such people. I wish all the boys and girls in -America would organize one grand SUNSHINE -SOCIETY, whose chief object should be the promotion -of good feeling, good cheer, peace and happiness -among all the people everywhere. But, first, -a boy or girl, man or woman, must have sunshine -in their own souls before they can communicate -sunshine to others. And, boys and girls, it would -greatly assist us in securing sunshine in our souls -if we looked at our mercies with both eyes, as I -might say, and at our troubles and trials with only -one eye. What we enjoy in this world is always -a good deal more than that which we do not enjoy; -but we do not magnify our blessings sufficiently. -We do not make as much of them as we ought. -We do not rejoice because of them as we ought. -We ought to keep daily a record of God’s goodness -and kindness and patience and love. The -Lord’s mercies are new every morning and fresh -every evening; but we do not realize that they are -so, because we do not stop to count them up; we do -not think about them. If we stopped to weigh the -matter I think we should find more in our lives -to be happy about than to be sorry about. Our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>good fortunes always outweigh our misfortunes; -and we should find it so if we only acquired the -habit of remembering God’s goodness to us as well -as the disappointments and sorrows and afflictions -which are for us all.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then we should study contentment. We should -study to be content. We must cultivate the habit -of being satisfied with what we have at present, -and we should not worry about those things which -we do not possess. Worry because of things they -did not possess has made countless thousands -mourn. Let us enjoy what we have. Let us make -the most of what we have. And let us not worry -about things which we do not possess. No matter -how miserable our own lot may be, there is -always some one whose lot is more miserable still. -Worry kills more people than work. In fact worry -unfits a man for work. The man who has learned -the philosophy of being content in whatsoever -state he is is the man who is and will be happy. -One of the things in this world that pays a hundred-fold -is contentment, and there is nothing that -casts so much blight and mildew upon life’s fairest -flowers as discontent.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Again, it would help us to keep cheerful if we -kept steadily engaged in some work of usefulness. -Let us go about doing good. Let us go about -seeking opportunities of doing good. Doing good -makes the heart healthy, and heart-health makes -sunshine, happiness and good cheer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A little thought will convince you, boys and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>girls, that your own happiness in this world depends -very largely on the way other people bear -themselves toward you. The looks and tones at -your breakfast table, the conduct of your playmates, -the faithful or unreliable people that you -deal with, what people say to you on the street, -the letters you get, the friends or foes you meet—these -things make up very much of the pleasure -or misery of your day. Turn the thought around, -and remember that just so much are you adding to -the pleasure or misery of other people’s days. And -this is the half of the matter that you can control. -Whether any particular day shall bring to -you more of happiness or of suffering is largely -beyond your power to determine. Whether each -day of your life shall give happiness or suffering -to others rests with yourself. And there is where -the test of character comes. We must be continually -sacrificing our wills to the wills of others, -bearing without notice sights and sounds that annoy -us, setting about this or that task when we -would rather be doing something else, persevering -in it often when we are very tired of it, keeping -company for duty’s sake when it would be -a great joy to us to be by ourselves; and then -there are all the trifling and outward accidents -of life, bodily pain and weakness, it may be, long -continued, losing what we value, missing what we -desire, deceit, ingratitude and treachery where we -least expected them; folly, rashness and willfulness -in ourselves. All these little worries which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>we meet each day may lie as stumbling-blocks -across our way, or we may make of them, if we -choose, stepping-stones of grace.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I want all the little boys and girls who read -this book to be joy-makers, to be burden-bearers, -to be among those who shall assist in filling the -whole world with good cheer. It is our duty to -cheer and comfort others; it is our duty to make -the world not only better but happier—happier because -better—for our having lived in it. To all -the other beatitudes might well be added this one: -Blessed are the cheerful people, for they shall inherit -the earth.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XL.<br /> <span class='large'>LIFE A BATTLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls, I want to repeat to you now -some words which were delivered long ago by the -Hon. Schuyler Colfax, a man who was once the -vice-president of the United States. These words -are wholesome, and should be read and considered -by parents and school teachers and by children -themselves all over our land:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Above all things, teach children what their -life is. It is not breathing, moving, playing, sleeping, -simply. Life is a battle. All thoughtful people -see it so. A battle between good and evil from -childhood. Good influences, drawing us up toward -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>the divine; bad influences, drawing us down to the -brute. Midway we stand, between the divine and -the brute. How to cultivate the good side of the -nature is the greatest lesson of life to teach. Teach -children that they lead these two lives: the life -without and the life within; and that the inside -must be pure in the sight of God as well as the -outside in the sight of men.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There are five means of learning. These are: -Observation, reading, conversation, memory, reflection.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Educators sometimes, in their anxiety to secure -a wide range of studies, do not sufficiently -impress upon their scholars the value of memory. -Now, our memory is one of the most valuable -gifts God has bestowed upon us, and one of the -most mysterious. Take a tumbler and pour water -into it; by-and-by you can pour no more: it is -full. It is not so with the mind. You cannot fill -it full of knowledge in a whole lifetime. Pour in -all you please, and it still thirsts for more.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Remember this:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Knowledge is not what you learn, but what -you remember.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is not what you eat, but what you digest, -that makes you grow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is not the money you handle, but that you -keep, that makes you rich.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is not what you study, but what you remember -and reflect upon, that makes you learned.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“One more suggestion:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>“Above all things else, strive to fit the children -in your charge to be useful men and women; men -and women you may be proud of in after-life. -While they are young teach them that far above -physical courage, which will lead them to face -the cannon’s mouth; above wealth, which would -give them farms and houses and bank stocks and -gold; is moral courage—that courage by which -they will stand fearlessly, frankly, firmly for the -right. Every man or woman who dares to stand -for the right when evil has its legions, is the true -moral victor in this life and in the land beyond -the stars.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>These brave and true words were spoken by Mr. -Colfax long years ago. They were true then; -they are no less true now. Every boy in America -should treasure them in his heart. Every girl in -America should commit them to memory and make -them the rule of her life. Mothers and fathers, -school teachers and preachers, and all who have -the care of the young in any way would do well -to study these wise counsels and reflect upon them -and strive to impress upon those for whom they -are laboring.</p> - -<p class='c012'>If you would win the victory in the battle of life, -my young friends, you must watch the little -things. It is said that there is a barn upon the -Alleghany Mountains so built that the rain which -falls upon it separates in such a manner that that -which falls upon one side of the roof runs into -a little stream that flows into the Susquehanna -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>and thence into Chesapeake Bay and on into the -Atlantic Ocean; that which falls upon the other -side is carried into the Alleghany River, thence into -the Ohio, and onward to the Gulf of Mexico. -The point where the waters divide is very small, -but how different the course of these waters! So -it is with people, young or old. A very little -thing changes the channel of their lives. Much -will depend upon the kinds of tempers you have, -boys and girls. If you are sour and cross and -crabbed, no one will love you. If you are kind -and cheerful, you will have friends wherever you -go. Much will depend upon the way in which you -improve your school days; upon the kind of companions -you have; and upon the kind of habits -you form. If you would win a great victory in -fighting the battle of life you must look well to -the little things.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLI.<br /> <span class='large'>RULED BY PRIMITIVE METHODS.<a id='r6' /><a href='#f6' class='c017'><sup>[6]</sup></a></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I learned that the colored male citizens of Laurens -County Ga., had organized a unique “Good -Government Club,” and, being anxious to learn -something of it, I called on the secretary. The secretary -explained the club to me as follows:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Our society is a voluntary organization, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>has for its object the betterment of the race. It -doesn’t cost anything to join, and any male citizen -upward of twenty-one years old may become a -member by taking an oath to be governed by our -constitution and by-laws. There are no monthly -dues. Now and then we make up a purse to help a -needy brother. Our plan is to inquire into the -mode of living of our members and correct, if -possible, any faults. If any member fails or refuses -to correct a fault complained of, he is then tried -by a sort of courtmartial. The man under charge -is allowed to have counsel from among the members -of the organization. If he is found guilty, -the punishment is usually a flogging given in the -presence of the other members. We whip a man -for a number of things: getting drunk, wife-beating, -vagrancy, selling his vote, failure to provide -for his family, failure to make an honest effort -to pay his debts, using profane language and so -on.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was reported to the society that one man’s -wife was badly in need of a wash pot. The man -was cited to show cause why he had not provided -his wife with the article. He failed to buy one -before the trial came off, and, when tried, failed -to show how his wife could get along without one -and still be put to no great inconvenience. Conviction -followed. He was whipped, and ordered to -get a pot within thirty days.... In -riding past the home of another man it was seen -by one of our members that the front gate had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>fallen down. From appearances he had made no -effort to put it up. At the trial it was proved that -the gate had been down for several weeks, and -that his wife had tried many times to get him to -take more pride in the care of his home. Conviction -followed and the husband will remember a -long time the flogging he got that night....”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_157.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Charged with Kissing a Girl on the Street.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>We had a man before us once charged with -kissing a girl on the street. The girl did not appear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>against him; we could not get her to do so; -and the man stoutly denied the charge. He told -our judge that he had never kissed a woman in -his life. The judge asked him if he wasn’t married. -‘No, sah,’ he said, ‘my wife’s dead. I’m -de daddy uv nine chilluns, an’ I nevah kissed a -woman in my life.’ In the midst of much laughter, -the judge asked, ‘Did you never kiss your -wife?’ Without a moment’s hesitation the man -said: ‘No, sah; no sah.’ Then the judge said: -‘Jim, you’re the biggest liar in town, and I sentence -you to be given forty-nine lashes, but I’ll -suspend the sentence if you’ll agree to leave town -within the next five hours.’ ‘Judge,’ said Jim, ‘I -don’t want no five hours; I’ll be gone in five minutes.’... -The strangest case I remember -was the case of a man charged with beating -his wife. His wife was a hard-working washerwoman. -She had complained to us three or four -times, but always repented before the time for -trial, and would not appear against her husband. -When she did come to our meeting she said: ‘Now, -judge, I’se a-gwine ter tell you evaht’ing.’ And -she told how her husband would get drunk and -come home and curse and beat her unmercifully. -She gave a graphic account of the last whipping -she had received. The judge said: ‘I sentence -this man to be given one hundred and one lashes—the -maximum of the law.’ ‘Dar, now!’ exclaimed -the woman. ‘Dar now! I’se done fixed -you at las’! I tol’ you ’bout beatin’ on me like I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>wuz a dawg!’ Turning to the judge she said: -‘Judge, I’ll take de whuppin’ fur him ef you’ll -lemme; I ’spec’ he’ll be good atter dis.’”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLII.<br /> <span class='large'>HUNTING AN EASY PLACE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A nicely dressed young man, fifteen or sixteen -years old, who had just finished his course in the -high school, stepped into the office of the president -of the Smutville Short Line Railroad.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” said the president, looking up from a -mass of correspondence, “what can I do for you, -sir?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have just finished my course in the high -school,” the young man began nervously, “and I -thought that I might be able to secure a desirable -position with your company. I came in to talk -with you about it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The president asked the young man to have a -seat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“So,” said the president, “you want a desirable -place, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I do, sir,” said the young man, his heart beating -high with hope.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“A place,” continued the president, “that -would pay you something like a hundred dollars -a month?”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>“Something like that,” said the young man -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I guess you would like it very well, too, if I -could arrange it so that you could report for work -at nine o’clock in the mornings and get off every -afternoon at three or four o’clock. In other words, -you want something easy. I can see by looking at -you that you are not accustomed to hard work, -and you could not fill a place that required you to -report at six o’clock every morning and work until -six every afternoon. Do I size you up correctly?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I think so, sir,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“In plain English then, you are looking for a -soft place with the Short Line?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, sir,” said the president, smiling for the -first time, “I regret to inform you that there is -only one such place on our railroad. I occupy that -place myself, and I am not thinking of resigning.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The young man’s face flushed.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span> -<img src='images/i_161.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>I Have Just Finished My Course in the High School.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The president continued: “I hope you will not -think that it is going beyond what is right and -proper for me to say, but I must tell you, young -man, that you have started out in life with the -wrong notion. No brave and strong young man is -going about looking for an easy place. The brave -and true man asks only for work. And the men -who are occupying what you call the easy places -in this life to-day are the men who have climbed -into them by hard work. You are very much mistaken -if you think that they have stepped into -them from the high school. In fact, and you’ll -find it out soon enough for yourself, there are -really no soft or easy places in this world, and the -man who goes about seeking such places stamps -himself at once as a failure. Nobody will ever employ -such a boy, and such a boy would be no good -if he were employed. Let me, as a friend, advise -you, young man, that the next place you go to to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>apply for a job, you ask for a chance to begin at -the bottom. If it happens to be a railroad, ask -to be given a chance to do anything—firing an engine, -or cleaning cars, or laboring in the roundhouse. -Be willing to begin low down in the business, -and, if you’re made out of the right stuff, -you will fight your way to the front. I started in -with the Short Line as a day laborer myself, and -if I had not done so I would not be at its head -to-day. You advertise your own folly when you -go and ask a sensible business man to put you at -the start at the head of something. You must begin -at the bottom and work up to the top. That is -the rule everywhere, and you will not, I am sure, -prove an exception to it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Let us hope, boys and girls, that this young man -left the president’s office a wiser young man. Be -sure not to follow his example. Don’t go around -hunting for easy places.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLIII.<br /> <span class='large'>BURT BANKSTON’S BEQUEST.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Burt Bankston was a noted Kentucky gambler. -Those who knew him best said that he had some -redeeming traits. He never drank whiskey; he -used tobacco in no form; and he seldom indulged -in profanity. Moreover he frequently went to -church.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span> -<img src='images/i_163.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Gambler.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>But he never made any excuses for his gambling. -He rather defended it, saying that gambling -was not a sport or pastime with him, but a business. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>He said he gambled for the same reason -that a man kept a store or practiced law—for a -living.</p> - -<p class='c012'>His wife declared that he was peaceable and -quiet at home. The only fault she found with -him, according to her own testimony, was that he -kept late hours and often spent the whole night -away from home. And she begged him many -times to quit the gambling table. Her appeal -always fell on deaf ears.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Burt, I’m going to quit; I’ve got enough; this -is my last night at this kind of thing.” The -speaker was Bill Mobley, one of Burt’s chums.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“All right, Bill,” said Burt, “I guess I’ll follow -you in a few days; I’m getting old now.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next morning Bill Mobley was found dead -upon the streets of Lecompton. Whether he had -taken his own life or been sandbagged on his way -home was never found out.</p> - -<p class='c012'>From that day forward no man ever saw Burt -Bankston in a gambling house. He opened a -grocery store—that failed. He started a laundry—that -fell through. He tried a peanut stand; he -peddled flowers about the street. Compared with -his former high living, his existence was miserable. -His wife died after a few years. Friends -said that she died of remorse, or a broken heart, -or something of that kind. She could not bear to -live on after her husband’s downfall—that is, his -downfall in the eye of the world. Soon after she -died Burt was stricken with a dreadful sickness. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>He came near dying. By-and-by he was restored -to health, but he was broken and bent with old -age. Friends pitied him, and secured him a place -as watchman at a celebrated orphan’s home.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_165.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Gambler—In Old Age.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>At last one day Burt Bankston died, everybody -believing him to be a pauper. When his will was -probated it was found that he left an estate worth -nearly $500,000. This sum Burt designated to be -divided into three parts—one part to be devoted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>to the common school education of the masses; -another part to the work of the Y. M. C. A., and -the third to the orphan asylum. Among other -things, in the body of the will Burt Bankston said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“For twenty years I was a gambler. The past -twenty years I have spent repenting. I advise all -young men to let gambling alone; and I hope that -those who may be benefited by my bequest may be -willing to follow the advice of one who has passed -through the fire.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLIV.<br /> <span class='large'>THE BIG BLACK BURGLAR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>One cold winter night, about midnight, my good -wife called to me, saying:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dan! Dan! Get up! Get up!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What’s the matter?” I asked with much -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Somebody’s in the dining-room; I heard them -rattling the dishes just a minute ago.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I don’t hear anything, wife,” I said slowly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There’s somebody in there sure; I heard them -myself. Do get up, Dan, before they take everything -we’ve got.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I haven’t got a gun or any kind of weapon,” -I said, still fighting for time.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, get up and make a noise—walk around -heavy—that’ll frighten ’em and make ’em leave.”</p> - -<div class='figleft id006'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span> -<img src='images/i_168.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>The Big Black Burglar.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>I got up quietly, turned up the lamp, and looked -about me with a sigh.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Be quick,” said my wife.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“In a minute,” said I.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I tipped around to the wall on the side of the -bed, and took down an old iron sword, which had -done duty in the Mexican war, and which we had -preserved as an heirloom.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Hurry, hurry, Dan!” said my wife.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“All right,” I said with meekness.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I took the sword in one hand and the lamp in -the other, and moved gently toward the door, -which opened from our bed-room into the dining-room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Pausing at the door, I said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Hallo! Hallo, in there!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The response came from my wife in bed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Open the door, Dan; open the door!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Humbly I placed the lamp on the floor close by -the door, caught a tight grip on my old war-piece, -and then quickly shoved the door wide open. I -intended, of course, after getting my bearings, to -pick up the lamp and enter the dining-room on a -tour of inspection. But, I assure you, there was -no time for any such careful procedure. As soon -as the door was opened and the light went streaming -into the dining-room, something fell to the -floor with a terrible thud, and quicker than it -takes to tell it a great big black something, that -looked to me like a buffalo or elephant, came -bounding toward me. It was all so sudden that it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>surprised me, and I fell back trembling. Over -went the lamp. It broke. Out came the oil. It -took fire and pretty soon the lambrequin close by -took fire also. -Down I snatched it -and threw it into -the grate. I reached -for the first thing -handy, and tried to -smother the fire on -the floor. In doing -so, I stepped on a -piece of glass and cut my -foot. I burnt my hands terribly. -And, to beat it all, my -night shirt caught on fire. I -ran to the bed, and sat down -in order to quench the blaze. -This shows that I still -had some presence of -mind left, although, as a matter -of fact, this new extinguishing -process scorched my legs awfully.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When all was quiet again, -and I lit another lamp in order -to take an inventory, my bed-room -was a sight to behold! I -found that in the struggle, my old army sword -had been plunged amidship into the handsome -mirror of our dresser, and had also made havoc -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>of a reproduction, of Millet’s Angelus. I discovered, -also, that I had used my brand-new -$50 overcoat to extinguish the fire, and that -many of the handsome photos of our friends -that stood on the mantle had been ruined. Altogether -that one night’s experience cost me in the -neighborhood of $100, not to mention my own personal -injuries. It was a terrible night, I tell you. -And far-off in one corner, I saw, crouching in -abject fear, the cause of all my troubles—the -burly black burglar. And what do you think it -was? It was nothing in the world but an old black -Tom Cat, who had been a member of our family -for many years!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLV.<br /> <span class='large'>PIN-MONEY MADE WITH THE NEEDLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Surely all young girls ought to know how to -sew, and, not only sew, but all girls, I think, ought -to love the purely feminine occupation of sewing. -Since I am sure that many of the little girls who -will read this book know how to sew, I am going -to tell you about some little sewing that my wife -did.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In 1903, the Ladies’ Home Journal, of Philadelphia, -offered a prize of fifty dollars for the best -way to make pin-money at home. You know, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>girls, that pin-money means pocket change or -spending money. Many hundreds of women all -over the world sent in suggestions to the Ladies’ -Home Journal, each one hoping, I am sure, that -her suggestion would win first prize. The following -letter sent to my wife will tell you just how -her suggestion was received:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c006'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>“THE LADIES’ HOME JOURNAL,</div> - <div class='line'>“Philadelphia. February 5, 1903.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Dear Madam:</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“It gives me much pleasure to tell you that -among the hundreds of letters received in response -to the offer made in our January magazine in connection -with The Editor’s Want-Box, Mr. Bok has -chosen your offering as the one entitled to the first -prize of fifty dollars. He congratulates you upon -your success and thanks you for the interest you -have shown.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Our Treasurer will send you a check within a -week.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Very truly yours,</div> - <div class='line in4'>“Wm. V. Alexander,</div> - <div class='line in6'>“Managing Editor.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Mrs. Ella Floyd.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The check came all right, girls, and my wife -thought, as she said to me, that in winning the -prize she had found a new way to make pin-money—that -is, by telling others how to make pin-money -at home.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Two hundred of the little articles were afterwards -published from time to time in The Ladies’ -Home Journal. The first article of the series appeared -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>in the magazine for January, 1904, and my -wife’s little story, which won first money, was at -the head of the list. I am going to give here the -whole of the little article, as published in The -Ladies’ Home Journal. Of course, I am proud -that she won the prize, and I hope other young -ladies by-and-by may be the happy winners in -such contests. And here is the article:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“When one’s pin-money is all gone but twenty-five -cents the question comes as to the way to -replenish it. One day when I found that I had -only that amount I invested it as follows:</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>1 yard of lawn</td> - <td class='c021'>.10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>1 yard of lace</td> - <td class='c021'>.10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>1 spool of cotton</td> - <td class='c021'>.05</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'> </td> - <td class='c021'><hr /></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'> </td> - <td class='c021'>.25</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c012'>“The same day I made three baby caps as -daintily as I could with these materials. The next -day I sold them for twenty-five cents each, and -then I had seventy-five cents. I then bought</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>1 yard of lawn</td> - <td class='c021'>.15</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>2½ yards of lace</td> - <td class='c021'>.25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>2 yards of ribbon</td> - <td class='c021'>.25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>2 tiny buckles</td> - <td class='c021'>.05</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'>1 spool of cotton</td> - <td class='c021'>.05</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'> </td> - <td class='c021'><hr /></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c020'> </td> - <td class='c021'>.75</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c012'>“With these materials I made two baby caps, -somewhat larger than the first ones, and trimmed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>more prettily. I found no trouble in selling them -for $1.50. Straightway I invested the sum in -lawn, lace, ribbon, etc., and as I had done so well -with the caps I thought I would try my hand on -little bonnets. I made two. A friend offered me -$5 for them before they were finished. I accepted -her offer and from that day to this I have never -been troubled about pin-money.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_172.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Pin-Money Made with the Needle.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“In four weeks’ time I made and sold twenty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>caps and eleven bonnets. The material for the -caps cost me $2.50—twelve and a half cents for -each. I sold them for twenty-five cents each. The -material for the bonnets cost me $8.25, or seventy-five -cents each. I sold them for $2.50 each. So I -netted $21.75 for my work. The time which I -devoted to this enterprise was that which ordinarily -I would have used in calling or in running -up bills for my husband to pay.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Since the first four weeks of which I have -spoken in detail I have made more expensive caps -and bonnets for babies from six months to about -three years old. The last one I made was of silk, -beautifully trimmed, tucked and hemstitched. I -sold it for $6, making a clear profit of $3. My -husband says I’ll soon be in position to organize -a trust.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLVI.<br /> <span class='large'>SELF-HELP.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>If there is one idea for which more than any -other the public school system should stand, it is -the idea of self-help. Self-help is the best kind of -help in the world, and one cannot learn this lesson -too early in life. Even little children—three, four, -five, six and eight years old—should be taught to -work. Any little child is just as capable of doing -the little things in work as he is in play. Why -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>should not the little girl be taught to trim and -wash the dress of her doll? Why should not the -little children be taught to sweep up the dirt that -they have scattered in play? Why should they -not be taught to remove the dishes from the table, -brush up the crumbs, set back the chairs, pick up -chips, put the kindling wood in its place, bring -the potatoes in from the garden, help to pick over -the berries, and so forth? We might argue this -question from now until doom’s day, and nobody, -I think, would be able to give any good reason why -children should not be taught to do the little -things. Little children who are accustomed to having -everything done for them by others are very -soon beset with the rust of laziness and the canker -of pride. Whereas, on the other hand, if children -are taught to help themselves as soon as and as -much as they are able, it will tend to improve their -faculties, and will, at the same time, have a good -influence upon their dispositions.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Childhood and youth are periods of life which -materially influence all of its following periods, -and whether the earlier years of one’s life be -passed in idleness and indolence, or in well-directed -industry, is a point on which greatly depends -the worth or the worthlessness of human -character. Where is the man who guides his -affairs with discretion, or the woman that looketh -well to the ways of her household, and yet was not -in some measure imbued with industrious and -provident habits in early life? On the other hand, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>who that has been treated until the age of fifteen -or twenty like a helpless infant, and had every -want supplied without being put to the necessity -of either mental or bodily exertion, was ever good -for anything afterwards?</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_175.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Washing Dollie’s Clothes.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>The tendency of the age is by far too much in -the direction of keeping our young boys solely for -the purpose of loafing about the streets, or standing -around the soda fountains on Sunday—and -our young girls for parties, social entertainments, -picnics, excursions and the like. So that by the -time our boys and girls reach manhood and -womanhood, they despise honest labor and are -afraid to engage in real hard work. A young -woman may know how to read and write—may -understand grammar, history, and geography—may -sing sweetly and play the piano well; but, -whatever else she may know or may not know, if -she does not know how to bake a hoe-cake of -bread, make her little brother or sister a pair of -pants or a plain dress, she is only half educated. -In fact, every young woman should not only know -how to perform every duty connected with a -household, but every young woman should take -some part in household work. No girl need tell -me that she really loves her mother if she is willing -to leave to her mother the work of washing -the dishes, sweeping and scouring the floors, caring -for the little children, doing the Monday washings, -the house cleaning, and the like, while she -devotes herself to pleasure, novel reading, social -calling, butterfly parties, or playing rag-time -music or singing rag-time songs.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The home and the public school are the two -great agencies which are jointly engaged, or which -should be jointly engaged, in teaching children to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>help themselves. If children are taught, as boys -and girls, to think for themselves, speak for themselves -and act for themselves, when they are old -they will not forget the precious lesson, and will -be less likely to become burdens on the community. -The highest ambition of every American -man and woman should be to be of some useful -service to the world; and the first step will be -taken toward this noble end when we have thoroughly -learned the value and importance of the -lesson of self-help. First, learn to help yourself, -and then you will be able to see more clearly how -to help others.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLVII.<br /> <span class='large'>HENRY WARD BEECHER’S TESTIMONY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>First impressions are always most lasting. We -may not recognize or understand it at the time, -but the boys and girls, the very young people, -whom God has committed to our care in the home -or the Sunday-school or the public school, gather -in their early days, in the formative and impressionable -period of their lives, the inspirations and -impulses which shall guide them in after years -either on the road to good or on the road to ruin. -I happen to have high testimony on this point. It -is the testimony of the grandest preacher who ever -stood in an American pulpit. I mean Henry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>Ward Beecher. The following testimony is taken -from a sermon of his preached in Plymouth -Church, Brooklyn, on Sunday, January 18, 1874. -The subject of the sermon was “Soul Power.” -Among other things, Mr. Beecher said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“In reading the life of Goethe, written by himself, -you will notice how he marks the various -stages of his self-culture, and says, ‘At this point -I met such a man, and he was of great use to me in -such and such respects.’ Goethe’s educators were -living men, active and powerful, around about -him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can look back upon my own early life, and -see how one and another took me, and how one prepared -me for another. I can see how the largest -natures did not always get access to me. It was -late in life before my father influenced me very -much. I think it was a humble woman who was -in our family that first gained any considerable -control over me. I feel the effects of her influence -to this day.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I next came under the influence of a very -humble serving-man. He opened up new directions -to me, and gave me new impulses. He was -a colored man; and I am not ashamed to say that -my whole life, my whole career respecting the colored -race, in the conflict which was so long carried -on in this country, was largely influenced by the -effect produced on my mind when I was between -eight and ten years of age, by a poor old colored -man named Charles Smith, who worked on my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>father’s farm. He did not set out to influence -me; he did not know that he did it; I did not know -it until a great while afterwards; but he gave me -new impulses, and impulses which were in the -right direction; for he was a Godly and hymn-singing -man, who made wine fresh every night -from the cluster. He used to lie upon his humble -bed (I slept in the same room with him) and read -his Testament, unconscious apparently that I was -in the room; and he would laugh and talk about -what he read, and chuckle over it with that peculiarly -unctuous throat-tone which belongs to his -race. I never had heard the Bible really read -before; but there, in my presence, he read it and -talked about it, to himself and to God. He turned -the New Testament into living forms right before -me. It was a revelation and an impulse to me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>What noble testimony this is! And from what -a noble source! All of us have what is called influence, -and, consciously or unconsciously, we are all -influencing others, especially the young. It is a -matter worth our deepest and most prayerful -thought. If Charles Smith, “a poor old colored -man;” if Charles Smith, “the very humble serving-man;” -if Charles Smith, “the Godly and -hymn-singing man,” was used of God to give impulses—and -impulses which were in the right -direction—to a little boy who was afterwards to -become the greatest preacher that America has -ever known, may not some of us be likewise used -of God for the glory of our Common Master, even -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>Christ, and for the good of our fellow-men? I tell -you, friends, we may. And when we think of the -great friend of humanity, Henry Ward Beecher, -let us not forget to think of Charles Smith, who -had so much to do, according to Beecher’s own testimony, -with giving this great man a right start.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>ROUNDING UP A CHICKEN THIEF.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I was not the chief actor in the story which I -shall now tell. I played only a minor part. My -father-in-law was “leading man.” Soon after I -married I accepted a very cordial invitation to -take up my residence with my wife’s parents. Our -bed-rooms happened to be on the same floor, so -that it was very easy for us to hear in one room -any unusual noise made in the other. My mother-in-law -was a great hand at the poultry business. -She had a large number of the choicest breeds, -and she found great pleasure in looking after -them. Now, the old-folk’s bed-room was at the -rear. Our room was in front. Late one night I -heard a voice calling.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Thomas! Thomas!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It sounded sad and far-away. At first I thought -it might have been a ghost. I raised myself up and -listened. Pretty soon I heard the voice again, -calling in strangely sepulchral tones.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>“Thomas! Thomas!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And then I could not be mistaken. It was my -mother calling the old man. Father drawled out -sleepily,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There’s somebody out there at my hen house, -just as sure as you’re born. Don’t you hear the -chickens calling for help?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was a short silence. After awhile I heard -the old lady say impetuously,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Thomas, why don’t you get up and go and see -after them chickens?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was another pause. By-and-by mother -spoke again,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Thomas, you don’t need on your top-shirt. Go -on, just as you are. My chickens are in danger. -If I were a man, I wouldn’t have stopped to put on -my pants even. You’re a coward—that’s what -you are!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Next I heard the old man speak. I do not know -whether he was looking out of the window or not, -but I heard his say,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Hi, there, look out! I’m coming out there! -Look out, I’m going to blow your daylights out!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>If the old man meant this remark to impress his -wife with his bravery the effect was certainly lost -on the woman, because I heard her say louder than -ever,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Get out of the way, you coward baby, you! -I’ll go myself! Where’s my slippers?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>In less than a minute I heard the old lady’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>voice at the back door, at the head of the steps -which ran down into the yard. She said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bring the lamp, Thomas! Bring the lamp!”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_182.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Son, its a Mighty Lucky Thing for You and Nannie that I Didn’t Have My Gun.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Curiosity pulled me and my wife out of bed. -I stepped quietly into the hall, and stood well in -the dark, not desiring to be in any way conspicuous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>in the investigations which were proceeding. -My wife was by my side—trembling, anxious. Her -angelic mother had already descended the steps, -and neither of us knew what fate might befall her -there. Wife whispered that we had better go to -the rescue. We started for the door where father -stood with the lamp. On the way I stumbled -against a little table and knocked off a pitcher of -ice-water, which fell to the floor with a terrific -crash. It sounded louder than usual, not only on -account of the stillness of the night but also on -account of the fact that our nerves were already -keyed up to a very high tension by the exciting -events then taking place. At the sound in the -hall, father turned quickly and looked behind. -The light flashed into our faces. He must have -thought we were ghosts or burglars. Immediately -the lamp fell out of the old man’s hands, and he -went sailing down the back stairs, hallooing at the -top of his voice,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“They’re in the house, wife! They’re in the -house!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When wife and I reached the door father was -already, as I afterwards learned, safely buried -behind the chicken house, and mother was lodged -under the steps.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Father!” I called out. “Father!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was no response.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It’s me and Nannie, mother,” I said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Still we heard nothing.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I went back to our room, and got our lamp. My -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>wife was following me, foot to foot. Returning, I -descended the steps and stood on the last one. -Wife remained at the head of the steps, anxious, -waiting, and ready to fly back into the house at -the first outcry.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Father!” I called again. “Father! Mother! -There’s nobody in the house but me and Nannie. -I made that noise myself, father. Where are -you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Simultaneously the old folks emerged from their -hiding-places.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The old lady said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Thomas, you’re the biggest coward in all the -world! I’ll never speak to you again!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Father addressed me, ignoring his wife’s complaint. -Said he,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Son, it’s a mighty lucky thing for you and -Nannie that I didn’t have my gun.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XLIX.<br /> <span class='large'>SHIELDS GREEN, THE MARTYR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Near the south-east corner of the cemetery in -Oberlin, Ohio, there stands an unpretentious -monument of clouded marble, about eight feet in -height, bearing the following inscriptions:</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>S. GREEN,</div> - <div>Died at Charlestown, Va., Dec. 2, 1859.</div> - <div>Aged 23 years.</div> - <div class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>J. A. COPELAND,</div> - <div>Died at Charlestown, Va., Dec. 2, 1859.</div> - <div>Aged 25 years.</div> - <div class='c007'>L. S. LEARY,</div> - <div>Died at Harper’s Ferry, Va., Oct. 20, 1859.</div> - <div>Aged 24 years.</div> - <div class='c007'>These colored citizens of Oberlin,</div> - <div>The Heroic Associates of the Immortal</div> - <div>JOHN BROWN,</div> - <div>Gave their lives for the Slave.</div> - <div><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Et nunc servitudo etiam mortua est, laus Deo.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>In 1876, Frederick Douglass, who was once an -associate and intimate friend of John Brown, lectured -at Oberlin College. Among other things, -Mr. Douglass said that Shields Green, who had -once been a student of Oberlin College, was residing -in the Douglass family shortly before the raid -on Harper’s Ferry. At the call of Brown, Green -went with Douglass to an appointed spot near the -borders of Virginia. There John Brown confided -to them the details of his plans, including the capture -of Harper’s Ferry. Mr. Douglass objected to -the plans as unwise and hazardous, and, finding -entreaty unavailing, he withdrew from the enterprise. -Shields Green, nevertheless, followed his -old commander. When John Brown was finally -surrounded, Green and one other companion were -in the mountains on some errand. When they returned, -they saw at a glance that the rescue of -Brown was impossible. Green’s companion counseled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>flight, and did himself escape, but Shields -Green—the former Oberlin student—replied that -he preferred to “go down and die with the old -man,” meaning John Brown.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And he did.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There is scarcely a more touching incident than -this in all our national history.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>L.<br /> <span class='large'>AIMING AT SOMETHING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>It is true, boys and girls, that it is what you hit, -not what you aim at, that counts; but, nevertheless, -it is a very important thing to take the right -aim. The man who aims deliberately at the center -of the target stands a better chance, a hundred to -one, than the man who shoots without taking aim. -So, in life, that boy or girl who has a purpose—who -is aiming at something—will be more successful -than those boys and girls who have no plans -and who aim at nothing.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span> -<img src='images/i_187.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Aiming at Something.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>It is not sufficient, in the moral world, to aim at -something, but every boy and girl should aim at -the best things. The best and highest things in this -world are the unseen things, the eternal things, -the things that will last forever. Money is a good -thing, but there is something higher than money. -A high position in the business or professional or -political world, is a good thing, but there is something -higher and better than office and position. -Character is the grandest, the highest and best -thing in this world. We include in this one little -word “character” a world of things. Honor, uprightness, -speaking -the truth, dealing -fairly with people, being -willing to help the -lowly and unfortunate, -paying your debts promptly, -these things, and many -other things like them, are -included in the one word -“character.” And these -are the things that are -worth while in this world. -These are the things that -every boy and girl should aim at. It may not -be possible for every boy and girl to become -a millionaire; it may not be possible for every -boy and girl to fill high offices in this world, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>succeed in large business enterprises; but one -thing is certain: every boy can be a good and true -boy, every girl can be a noble and beautiful girl. -Beautiful as to conduct, as to words and deeds, I -mean. Good boys are the fathers of good men. -Pure girls are the mothers of pure women. For, -what, after all, is a boy? And what is a girl? -What is a man? What is a woman? I will tell -you. A boy is a little man—that’s all; and a man -is a grown-up boy. A girl is a little woman—that’s -all; and a woman is a grown-up girl.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is important, then, that boys and girls should -aim at the right things, the good, the true and -noble things early in life. What boys and girls -aim at, in nine cases out of ten, they will reach as -men and women. And to help you in taking the -proper aim early in life, I am going to give you -something to aim at. Let every boy and girl make -this little motto his rule of life:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Know something—know it well;</div> - <div class='line'>Do something—do it well;—</div> - <div class='line in4'>And be Somebody!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LI.<br /> <span class='large'>“THE BLACK SHEEP” OF THE REYNOLDS FAMILY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Will Reynolds was “the black sheep” of the -Reynolds family. He knew it and felt it, because -he had been frequently slighted and treated with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>contempt by his relatives. The only person who -never lost faith in him was his mother. She -always felt that there was something good in her -wayward son, and often said that it would show -itself some day. But Will’s mother died in the -early stages of his backslidings. Will’s father -married the second time, and the boy, finding it -impossible to get along with his stepmother, left -home. He went from bad to worse. Being -arrested on the charge of drunkenness and vagrancy, -he sent to his two brothers, who were prosperous -brokers in D. St., asking them to pay his -fine. Word came back that they would not interfere -in his behalf. His brothers sent word that he -had brought the trouble upon himself and he must -get out of it the best way he could. Will was sent -to the Work House for six months. And nobody’s -hand was raised to help him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>While he was serving his time, his only sister, a -young woman not yet grown, died. He knew -nothing of it until about a month after it occurred, -and then he read the account in an old newspaper -which he had borrowed from a fellow prisoner. -The news of his sister’s death deeply affected him. -His sentence was shortened by one month on account -of his good behaviour. The first thing he -did, on coming to the city, was to visit the family -lot in Myrtle Hill Cemetery. He carried with him -some wild flowers and green leaves, being too poor -to purchase a floral offering from the dealers in -such things. With uncovered head, he knelt and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>placed these tokens of respect on the graves of his -mother and sister. This done, he stood in silence -for a moment, and then wept like a little child. -While riveted to the spot, he made a solemn vow -that he would quit the old life and make a man of -himself. “It’s in me,” he said to himself, “and -I’m going to prove it.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/i_190.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>He Carried with Him Some Wild Flowers and Green Leaves.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>Slowly he turned away from the sacred place. -He went directly to the offices of his brothers. He -had been furnished with a new suit of clothes, -according to custom, upon leaving prison, and so -made quite a decent appearance. He found his -oldest brother, John B. Reynolds, seated at a desk -in the front office. He entered at once and said,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, John, I suppose sister is dead?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How dare you,” exclaimed John, rising to his -feet,—“how dare you to speak of Annie as your -sister, you jailbird, you miserable convict! Get -out of here this minute! Leave this room at once, -and never set foot in it again!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was fire in the man’s eye as he spoke. -Will attempted to speak, but was not permitted. -With tears streaming down his cheeks, he left the -room. He had gone to tell of his new determination -and ask for another chance, and this was the -reception which he met. On his way down the -steps, he came face to face with his other brother, -Thomas Reynolds. Thomas tried to pass without -speaking, but Will intercepted him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Tom,” he said, “I’m your brother still. I’m -not asking help now; I only came to tell you that -I’m going to do better. I thought you would be -glad to hear it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want to hear nothing from you,” said -Thomas. “You’ve disgraced us forever, and you -can go your way; we don’t want anything to do -with you; we don’t want to see you again!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Will went forth into the street weeping.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Thirty years have come and gone since Will was -driven away from the offices of his brothers. What -changes have these years worked?</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon after leaving prison Will was a constant -visitor at the Railroad Men’s Branch of the Y. M. -C. A. Through the Secretary of the Association, -he soon secured a place as a day laborer in the -machine shops of the Big Bend Railroad. After -securing regular employment, he went to live in -the Y. M. C. A. building. At the close of his first -year’s service with the railroad, he was promoted -from a common laborer and made an apprentice. -After four or five years, he had learned the trade -and was receiving the daily wages of a machinist. -After twelve years with the company, he was -made the Master Machinist. At the end of fifteen -years’ service, he was made Superintendent of -Construction. Five years later he was made a -Division Superintendent. At the expiration of -more than twenty-five years of faithful service, -Will Reynolds was able to write after his name, -“General Manager of the Big Bend Railroad.” -He had, also, been married for several years, and -was the father of five children.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Will’s father and brothers lost sight of him for -nearly twelve years, or until the papers announced -his appointment as Master Machinist of the Big -Bend Railroad. They suddenly awoke to find that -their conclusions that he had probably long since -died a drunkard’s death, or had gone off as a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>tramp and had been killed, or was again serving -a sentence in prison somewhere—were wrong.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The same week that Will was made Superintendent -of Construction of the Big Bend Railroad, -the newspapers spread all over the country the -news that Col. Oliver P. Reynolds had committed -suicide. According to their way, the newspapers -gave all the sickening details of the tragedy, together -with the whole family history. They said -that Col. Reynolds had been driven to suicide by -his wife. They said that she was much younger -than he; that she was extravagant; that she was a -leader in gay society; they told how, on her -account, Col. Reynolds had driven his son away -from home fifteen years before; they declared that -the old man’s life had been a hell to him; and that -his wife had brought him almost to the verge of -bankruptcy, and, in order to escape facing open -disgrace, he had murdered himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Will heard of his father’s death, he hastened -at once to the city, but was denied admission -to the family residence, and had to attend the -funeral in the little church around the corner not -as a member of the family but merely as an outsider.</p> - -<p class='c012'>We are not concerned in this story with the fate -of Will’s stepmother. But, as to Will’s brothers,—well, -the crash came eight or ten years after the -death of Col. Reynolds, or a short while before -Will became the General Manager of the Big Bend -Railroad. John B. Reynolds and Thomas Reynolds, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>members of the firm of John B. Reynolds & -Bro., had been arrested and placed in the Tombs, -charged with misappropriating $175,000 of trust -funds. Again the family history was rehearsed -in the newspapers. The papers did not fail to -recall the suicide of Col. Reynolds, nor did they -fail to tell how these two brothers had earlier in -life turned their backs on a younger brother.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_194.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Well, John, I Suppose Sister is Dead?</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>Will read the papers, and, saying to his wife, -“Well, Mary, perhaps they’ll be glad to see me -this trip,” he went immediately to offer his services -to his brothers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He had prophesied correctly. John and Thomas -were very glad to see him. They had no friends -among those high in financial circles because they -had for many years conducted their business in -such a way that business men had no confidence in -them. They had no credit and could get nobody -to go on their bonds. Will took in the situation at -a glance. He had been thoughtful enough to -bring along with him the leading attorney of the -Big Bend Railroad, and he put matters straightway -into his hands. Bail was arranged, the -brothers were released, and the lawyer then -turned his attention to the prosecutors. It was -discovered that almost half of the amount stolen -was the property of Simon B. Nesmith, President -of the Big Bend Railroad. When Will -Reynolds and the lawyer found that their own -superior officer had been so heavily hit by John -B. Reynolds & Bro., they came near fainting. Fortunately -Nesmith when he heard the whole story -agreed not to prosecute, and not only said that he -would be satisfied with any settlement that the -Railroad’s Attorney might arrange but also volunteered -to see the others concerned and use his influence -in having them do likewise.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>In a short time matters were adjusted, and John -Reynolds and Thomas Reynolds were saved from -prison. But they lost all their earthly possessions -and their brother, “the black sheep” of the -family, had to secure them for the sum of $40,000 -besides.</p> - -<p class='c012'>John B. Reynolds and Thomas Reynolds came -to their senses. It was their time to cry now. -Amidst great sobs they said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We treated you wrongly, brother Will; we -ought to have helped you many years ago; we are -so sorry we didn’t; and it was such a small matter, -too.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Will said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Don’t talk about the past: I’m your brother -still. Go and do as I did. Start over and make -men of yourselves—you’ll have enough time. -That’s all I ask.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE HOLY BIBLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I heard a minister say the other day that a -mother had not necessarily done much for her boy -because she had bought him a nice Bible and put -it in his trunk, when he was about to leave home -to seek his fortune in the world. I think it wrong -for anybody—minister or what not—to indulge in -such loose and flippant talk. The effect is bad—always -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>bad, and no hair splitting, and no higher -criticism, and no curiously ingenious explanations -can mend the matter. As for me, give me the -old-fashioned mother who sends her son out into -the world with a Bible in his trunk, and give me -the old-fashioned boy who reads that Bible every -night with tears in his eyes, as he thinks of the old -folks at home and of their simple lives devoted to -Jesus Christ. Give me the man, woman or child, -whose hands touch the Bible reverently, instead of -slinging it about as a dictionary or some common -dime novel. Give me the plain old fellow who -quickly takes leave of that circle in which critics -are proceeding to ably explain away certain chapters -of the Bible.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As for me, I want no new theories about the -Bible—no new versions—no new criticisms. No -man has a right to weaken the faith of others. -No man has a right to knock away the staff that -supports the crippled wayfarer. And no man has -a right to tell an aged mother that it does no good -to give her boy a Bible unless he can suggest a -better substitute. Destroy the old-fashioned idea -concerning the Bible, and we shall have a nation -of infidels defying God, defying the law, and -repeating the licentiousness and horrors of the -French Revolution. We should make the Bible -first in all things. Make the Bible first in the -family, in the Sunday-school and church, make it -first in state and society, and we shall have a -Republic that will grow brighter and brighter as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>the years come and go, and then we “shall go out -with joy, and be lead forth with peace: and the -mountains and the hills shall break forth before -us into singing, and all the trees of the field shall -clap their hands.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LIII.<br /> <span class='large'>ANDREW CARNEGIE’S ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>One of the bravest and truest friends of -humanity that I know of is Andrew Carnegie, the -great iron king. He has retired from business -now, and is spending his time in giving away his -money for the good of his fellow men. In addition -to smaller gifts, he has given to the city of New -York $5,200,000 for libraries for all the people. -He has given $10,000,000 to Universities in Scotland, -his native country, and he has also founded -the “Carnegie Institution,” of Washington, D. C., -with the liberal sum of $10,000,000. Every -colored boy and girl in America has a special reason -for thanking Mr. Carnegie for his splendid -gifts to Tuskegee and Wilberforce and other colored -schools. In addition to the $600,000 given -toward Tuskegee’s endowment fund, he has given -Tuskegee and Wilberforce library buildings, costing -about $20,000 each. The words of such a -humanitarian and philanthropist should carry -weight everywhere, and should be studied by all. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>Among other things, Mr. Carnegie says, in speaking -to young men:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do not make riches, but usefulness, your first -aim, and let your chief pride be that your daily -occupation is in the line of progress and development; -that your work, in whatever capacity it -may be, is useful work, honestly conducted, and as -such ennobles your life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Whatever your salary be, save a little; live -within your means. The man who saves a little -from his income has given the surest indication of -the very qualities that every employer is seeking -for.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The great successes of life are made by concentration. -Do not think you have done your full -duty when you have performed the work assigned -you. You will never rise if you only do this.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You hear a good deal about poverty nowadays, -and the cry goes up to abolish poverty, but it will -be the saddest day of civilization when poverty is -no longer with us. It is from the soil of poverty -that all the virtues spring. Without poverty, -where will your inventor, your artist, your philanthropist -come from?</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There are three classes of young men in the -world. One starts out to be a millionaire. Another -seeks reputation, perhaps at the cannon’s mouth. -A third young man, who will be successful, is he -who starts out in life with self-respect and who is -true to himself and his fellow-men. He cannot fail -to win.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LIV.<br /> <span class='large'>DIRECTIONS FOR LITTLE GENTLEMEN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1. The essential part of good breeding is the -practical desire to afford pleasure and to avoid -giving pain. Any boy possessing this desire requires -only opportunity and observation to become -a little gentleman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>2. Never be guilty of what are called practical -jokes; that is to say, never place a pin in a chair so -that somebody may come along and sit on the -pin’s point; never pull back a chair when a person -is about to sit down, and in that way cause -such a person to fall on the floor. No little gentleman -will play such tricks.</p> - -<p class='c012'>3. Whenever a lady enters a room, it is proper -for boys to rise, if they are seated, but you must -never offer a lady a chair from which you have -just risen, if there is another chair in the room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>4. Never engage in conversation while a person -is singing. It is an insult not only to the singer -but to the company.</p> - -<p class='c012'>5. Always take off your hat when assisting a -lady to or from a carriage.</p> - -<p class='c012'>6. If in a public place, you pass and re-pass -persons of your acquaintance, it is only necessary -to salute them on the first occasion.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span> -<img src='images/i_201.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Gentlemen.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>7. Do not wear anything that is so conspicuous -as to attract attention; and, particularly, avoid -the ruffian style.</p> - -<p class='c012'>8. Do not lose your temper. Particularly if -you are playing innocent games for amusement -and happen to lose; avoid the exhibition of -anxiety or vexation at lack of success.</p> - -<p class='c012'>9. In all your associations, keep constantly in -view the old adage, “too much familiarity breeds -contempt.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LV.<br /> <span class='large'>THE LETTER OF THE LAW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>It was a bright and balmy afternoon in spring. -Mrs. Anderson, in keeping with the practice of -neighborly kindness which was in vogue in the -Berkshire village, had sent a large plate of ice-cream -across the street to Mrs. Van Ingen’s. The -cream was quite toothsome, and little Annie Van -Ingen, “six years old, going on seven,” felt when -the plate had been emptied that she would like to -have some more.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With tears in her eyes she confided her wish to -her mother. The maternal explanation, “My -darling, mama didn’t make any cream to-day,” -failed to satisfy Annie.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, where did you get that we had?” she -asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mrs. Anderson was kind enough to send it to -us,” answered the patient mother.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>“I’m going over there and ask her for some -more,” abruptly interposed little Annie.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, no, no, my precious;” said Mrs. Van Ingen, -“you mustn’t think of doing such a thing. Mama -doesn’t want the neighbors to know that her little -Annie is a beggar.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_203.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Mamma Told Me Not to Ask for any More Cream.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>For reply Annie’s tears flowed fast and faster. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>Finally, seeing that nothing else would avail, to -pacify Annie, Mrs. Van Ingen said,——</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll tell you what to do, dearie; you go over to -Mrs. Anderson’s and tell her that you’ve come to -play awhile with her little girl. Now, be careful, -don’t ask her for any cream, but I’m sure she’ll -offer you some before you come back.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The crying stopped immediately, and pretty -soon Annie went tripping across the street to play -with Mrs. Anderson’s little girl.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mrs. Anderson met her at the door and kissed -her affectionately.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I wanted some more cream,” volunteered little -Annie; “the cream you sent mama was very -nice, and I wanted some more. Mama told me not -to ask you for any more, but she said that if I -would come over here and play with Bessie you -would give me some more before I went back -home. So, I have come over to play with Bessie.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And, having relieved her mind of its burden, -little Annie, with perfect delight and joyous innocence, -ran hastily up the stairs to the nursery in -search of Bessie.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LVI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>According to some of the most thoughtful -people who have lived in this world, a good way to -deal with children in regard to the books that they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>are to read is to give them the freedom of a library -which contains a few thousand of the best books -in the world, and let them browse at will. This -was originally, I think, Charles Lamb’s idea. -Charles Lamb was a lovable man who wrote readable -books for children. But this statement of -Lamb implies, of course, the possession of a good -library. Unfortunately many of my readers will -not be found among those who live in homes which -are well-stocked with books. That is one reason -why it seems wise to make one or two suggestions -as to the best books for children to read. If you -cannot have all of the best books in the world, it -is important that you should have at least a few of -the best books in the world; and I shall name a -few which I believe every boy and girl in America -ought to know something about.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_205.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Best Books for Children.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>For children between the ages of six and twelve, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>I should put at the head of my list Daniel Defoe’s -“Robinson Crusoe,” a good edition of the “Arabian -Nights,” and Hans Andersen’s fairy tales. -In addition to these I would get Hawthorne’s -“Wonder Book,” Andrew Lang’s “Fairy Book” -and some book full of absurd fun like Lear’s -“Nonsense Book” or “Alice in Wonderland.” We -must not forget Joel Chandler Harris’s “Uncle -Remus,” for it ought to have a place in every collection -of children’s best books. Kipling’s -“Jungle Book” is good, and so is Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s -Progress.” “Tom Brown at Rugby,” -Lamb’s Shakespeare Tales, and Ruskin’s “King -of the Golden River” must not be overlooked. -John Burrough’s “Birds and Beasts” might as -well end the list, since I haven’t room to give all -the best books for children.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But whatever else you do, boys and girls, if you -wish to widen your spiritual horizons, do not close -the windows on the emotional and imaginative -side by neglecting poetry. Somebody has said -that “There is in every one of us a poet whom the -man has outlived.” “Verse and Prose for Beginners” -by Horace E. Scudder is a delightful book -to have, and another book of poems called the -“Children’s Garland.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The best books for a child are the books that -widen his world. A man or woman in middle life -or old age who loves poetry and great pictures and -statues, who is familiar with Shakespeare, who -has a sense of humor and a love of nature, knows -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>a deal about the joy of living and is full of resources. -No one can ever have these resources and -that joy who has not had them from early childhood.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LVII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE RIGHT TO PLAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The right to play is one of the divine rights of -men and women, of boys and girls, and is just as -essential to the peace, happiness and prosperity -of the world as is the right to pray. Never be -afraid or ashamed, my young friends, of honest, -vigorous, healthy play. Dominoes, lawn tennis, -baseball, football, ping-pong, golf, foot-racing, -leaping and jumping, boxing and wrestling, pole-vaulting, -punching the bag, swinging dumb-bells -or Indian clubs, and a hundred other things are -perfectly sane and wholesome amusements for old -or young. To refrain from all forms of amusements -is just as destructive of happiness and injurious -to character as is the other extreme of -indulging too freely in pleasures and pastimes. -Puritan austerity and unrestrained excess are -alike to be condemned. But a certain amount of -play—play of the right kind and within proper -limits—is a divine right of young people. Young -people must have fun and relaxation, and, if they -do not find it in their own homes, it will be sought -in other and perhaps dangerous places.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>For myself, I believe that anybody is an enemy -to young people who desires to repress and crush -out the naturally buoyant spirits of childhood and -youth, and he is a benefactor of humanity who -makes it a part of his business to see that proper -places of amusement are provided for the young -people. Aside from the physical advantages of -play, there are moral advantages also. A man -who helps to keep his body in good condition by -regular exercise is, in that way, beyond a doubt, -adding to the number of his days; that is to say, -he will live longer than the man who doesn’t play. -But beyond and above that, he is a happier man -while he lives; he gets more joy and satisfaction -out of life than the other fellow. Sane and healthy -play tends to blot out the remembrance of cares -and hardship; it gives our minds something else -to think about. But young people must be careful -not to become absorbed in these things. I believe -in play; I believe in pleasure, in fun. But -when I see young people, or old people for that -matter, devoting all their time to wheeling, footballing, -card parties, the giddy whirl of the dance, -the bacchanalian hilarity of the dram shop, and so -on, I am forced to say that things which may be -right when taken in moderation, and as a relief -from the overtaxing burdens of life, are wrong -when they become the chief object for which one -lives.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A CHRISTMAS PRESENT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A forsaken little kitten wandered up and down -the street on the day before Christmas. It had no -home; it had no name; it had no ribbon around its -neck; and it had no saucer of nice milk in one corner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It began to grow dark, and colder too, and the -stars came peeping out, and the first flakes of a -real Christmas snowstorm began floating down -through the air. The kitten mewed a trembling -little mew, which told as plainly as it could that it -was very hungry, and it fluffed out its fur to keep -itself warm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, somewhere along that street, up on top of -a house (hiding behind a chimney where he -couldn’t be seen), was Santa Claus, getting everything -in shape before starting on his evening -round. When old Santa saw that lonesome little -kitten strolling around he smiled—yes, old Santa -Claus smiled. He smiled because he knew that two -blocks up the street a little girl was standing with -her nose pressed against the window, looking out -into the deepening night.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He had seen her as he went by. And he had also -seen the poor little supper laid out for two on the -table, and heard her say to her mother, in a quavering -voice:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>“Not even one present, mamma—not the teeniest -little one!”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_210.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Mamma, I Hear Old Santa’s Bells and of Course this is the Present He Brought.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“No, Susie,” her mother had answered, “I’m -sorry I couldn’t get anything for my little girl this -year, but—you know there wasn’t any money -dear.” And there was a -tremble in her mother’s -voice too.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Susie wiped away the -tears, and turned to -look out of the window.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps,” she said -to herself; “perhaps -Santa Claus has something -for me after all!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, the sad, really -dreadful part about it -was that Santa Claus -didn’t have one single -thing for Susie in his -pack. Perhaps it was -because she had moved -into that house since last Christmas, or perhaps for -once old Santa had made a mistake. Anyway he -was just saying to himself: “Why, bless me, -what shall I do about it?” when he caught sight -of that shivering little kitten.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The very thing,” he thought. “I’ll give them -to each other!” and he chuckled till his reindeer -looked around to see what was the matter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And what happened next? Well, that kitten -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>never knew really. It only seemed as if there was -a sudden rush and jingle of bells, which frightened -it so that it flew up the street as fast as its -four little legs could carry it, until it saw a small -friendly face at a window, and rushed up some -steps nearby. Then a door opened, and two soft -little arms picked it up gently from the cold snow -and a voice cried:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, mamma, see the poor little kitten—it’s so -cold—oh, we’ll keep it, won’t we, mamma! The -poor little thing. Do you think it would drink -milk?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Would it drink milk? What a question to ask -about a little kitten. While the little kitten was -nearly choking itself trying to drink a saucerful -of milk and purr at the same time there was a -jingle of bells outside, and Susie said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mamma, I hear old Santa’s bells, and, of -course, this is the present he brought.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LIX.<br /> <span class='large'>DRINKING AND SMOKING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>There is food for reflection in a saying of somebody -who lived a great many years ago, ’way back -in 1878. Here it is:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Our government land costs one dollar and -twenty-five cents an acre, and good whiskey two -dollars a bottle. How many men die landless who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>during their lives have swallowed whole townships—trees -and all?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Alongside of this statement might go this other -one, which is equally true:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The young man who smokes three five-cent -cigars a day—and many young men use double -the quantity at double the price—puffs away -enough money in the course of ten years to give -anyone a handsome start in business, or to provide -anyone a comfortable home.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_212.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Drink and Tobacco.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>From a purely business standpoint, not to say -anything about religion or morals—from a purely -business standpoint young people drink too much -and smoke too much. Every five cents spent for -beer is five cents thrown away. Every ten cents -spent for whiskey is a total loss. It would bring -far better returns if it were put into a savings -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>bank and laid away for a rainy day. As for smoking, -it is a silly, senseless, expensive habit. It literally -burns money up. The following figures show -the expense of smoking two cigars a day at five -cents each from the age of twenty to the end of -each period of five years up to the age of seventy, -6 per cent compound interest semi-annually being -reckoned upon the money:</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c013'> </th> - <th class='c022' colspan='2'>Two Cigars a Day at 5 Cents each.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <th class='c023'>From the age of:</th> - <th class='c023'>No. Years.</th> - <th class='c023'>Principal.</th> - <th class='c022'>Prin. & Int.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 25 years</td> - <td class='c013'>5</td> - <td class='c013'>$ 182.50</td> - <td class='c021'>$ 209.21</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 30 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>10</td> - <td class='c013'>365.00</td> - <td class='c021'>490.39</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 35 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>15</td> - <td class='c013'>574.50</td> - <td class='c021'>868.25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 40 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>20</td> - <td class='c013'>730.00</td> - <td class='c021'>1,376.07</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 45 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>25</td> - <td class='c013'>912.50</td> - <td class='c021'>2,058.44</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 50 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>30</td> - <td class='c013'>1,095.00</td> - <td class='c021'>3,094.99</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 55 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>35</td> - <td class='c013'>1,277.50</td> - <td class='c021'>4,367.46</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 60 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>40</td> - <td class='c013'>1,460.00</td> - <td class='c021'>6,078.73</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 65 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>45</td> - <td class='c013'>1,642.50</td> - <td class='c021'>8,378.52</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>20 to 70 〃</td> - <td class='c013'>50</td> - <td class='c013'>1,825.00</td> - <td class='c021'>11,469.25</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c012'>Boys, I am glad to be able to put these figures -down where you can see them, and study them for -yourselves. I want you to reflect upon them. It -is not what you make, but it is what you save that -makes you rich. If you ever expect to be even -well-to-do men, not to speak of being rich men, -you must begin early to learn and practice the -habit of saving your money. If you will learn to -leave out of your expenses the bills for whiskey -and tobacco it will not be hard for you to see then -how you can also save by cutting down your expenses -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>for trifles, such as knickknacks, candy, red -lemonade, peanuts, etc. First in importance among -public institutions, next to the church and the -school house, I place the savings bank. No matter -what your occupation, no matter what your -salary, it is possible for every young person to -save something out of his earnings, however small -they may be. But if this habit of saving is not acquired -in early life it will be very hard to learn it -later. Saving is not the miser’s habit necessarily, -nor is it the spirit of avarice and parsimony. It is -prudence and forethought. Money is a good thing. -It is the love of money—not money—that is the -root of all evil.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE NICKEL THAT BURNED IN FRANK’S POCKET.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Deacon Hepworth kept a little fish market.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you want a boy to help you?” asked Frank -Shaw one day.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Can you give good weight to my customers -and take good care of my pennies?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sir,” answered Frank.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Forthwith he took his place in the little store, -weighed the fish and kept the room in order.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“A whole day for fun, fireworks and noise to-morrow!” -exclaimed Frank, as he buttoned his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>white apron about him the day before the Fourth -of July. A great trout was thrown down on the -counter by Ned Tant, one of Frank’s playmates.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_215.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>A Quarter, Ma’am.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Here’s a royal trout, Frank. I caught it myself. -You may have it for ten cents. Just hand -over the money, for I’m in a hurry to buy my firecrackers,” -said Ned hurriedly.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>The deacon was out, but Frank had made purchases -for him before, so the dime spun across to -Ned, who was off like a shot. Just then Mrs. Sinclair -appeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want a nice trout for my dinner to-morrow. -This one will do; how much is it?” she asked as -she carefully examined it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“A quarter, ma’am,” and the fish was transferred -to the lady’s basket and the silver piece -to the money drawer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But here Frank paused.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He thought to himself: “Ten cents was very -cheap for that fish. If I tell the deacon it cost -fifteen cents he’ll be satisfied, and I shall have five -cents to invest in firecrackers.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The deacon was pleased with Frank’s bargain, -and when the market was closed each went his -way for the night.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But the nickel buried in Frank’s pocket burned -like a coal. He could eat no supper, and was cross -and unhappy. At last he could stand it no longer, -but, walking rapidly, tapped at the door of Deacon -Hepworth’s cottage.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The old man was seated at a table, reading the -Bible. Frank’s heart almost failed him, but he -told the story and with tears of sorrow laid the -coin in the deacon’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Turning over the leaves of the Bible, the old -man read:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall -have mercy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You have forgiveness, Frank,” he said. “Now -go home and confess to the Lord, and remember -you must forsake as well as confess. Here, you -may keep this coin as long as you live to remind -you of your first temptation.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXI.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='figleft id005'> -<img src='images/i_217.jpg' alt='A MONUMENT TO A BLACK MAN' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In the city of Columbus, -Georgia, there was -erected in the year 1904 -a monument to the -memory of a colored -man named Bragg -Smith. Mr. Smith lost -his life in the autumn -of 1903 in an effort to -save the life of the city -engineer of Columbus, -who had been buried -under an excavation in -the street. A large -crowd of colored men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>was at work digging deep trenches in which were -to be placed pipes for running water about the city. -In some way the sides of the narrow trench had -not been properly supported by planks or otherwise, -and by-and-by a great stretch of dirt caved -in. Unfortunately the city engineer, a white man, -was caught underneath the falling dirt. Bragg -Smith did not stop to say: “Oh, it’s a white man; -let him die!” but at once jumped down into the -ditch and tried to pull the white man from under -the heavy dirt. It was while he was engaged in -this work that the dirt fell from both sides a second -time, and Bragg Smith, in his effort to save -the life of the white man, lost his own life. The -Bible says: “Greater love hath no man than this, -that a man will lay down his life for a friend.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The city council at its first regular meeting after -the accident voted to erect a suitable monument -to the memory of Mr. Smith. The monument was -dedicated in April, 1904. The monument is of Vermont -and Georgia marbles, and bears on one side -this inscription:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Erected by the City of Columbus to mark the -last resting place of Bragg Smith, who died on -September 30, 1903, in the heroic but fruitless -effort to save the life of the city engineer.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>On the other side appears this quotation from -Alexander Pope:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Honor and fame from no conditions rise;</div> - <div class='line'>Act well your part; there all the honor lies.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE BAD BOY—WHO HE IS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>My dear children, I am happy to say that all -boys who are called bad boys are not bad boys. -There is quite a difference between a bad boy -and a merely mischievous boy. A boy is not necessarily -bad because he makes unearthly noises -about the house, or now and then twists the cat’s -tail just to hear her mew, or muddies his clothes -in an effort to catch crawfish. He is not bad just -because he likes to “play fantastic” on the fourth -day of July. So many people complain of their -boys being bad when they are only mischievous—that -is to say, when they are only full of life. Some -people think that a good boy is one that has a pale -face and looks sickly; one that wears a sanctimonious -look and moves along through the world as -though he were afraid to put one foot in front of -the other. That isn’t my kind of a boy. I do not -think that kind of a fellow is a boy at all—he is -’most a girl! A boy who never enjoys a romp in -the woods, who never climbs the apple tree before -or after the apples are ripe, who never plays ball, -who will not shoot marbles, etc.—this sort of a -boy usually dies young, or he grows up to be a -“male woman.” I mean by that, that he grows -up to be a man who acts like a woman; and that -kind of man is hardly fit for anything.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span> -<img src='images/i_220.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>“Play Fantastic” on the Fourth of July.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>But there are some bad boys, I am sorry to say—really -bad boys, bad in heart and in deed. I -have seen some on the chain gangs; I have seen -some hanging around the street corners—especially -on Sundays, with no clean clothes on; I have -seen them smoking cigarettes—and a cigarette is -something which no manly boy will use; I have -seen them in saloons, drinking, playing pool and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>playing cards; I have sometimes seen them shooting -dice in the street for money. There are probably -one thousand boys in the jails, reformatories -and in the penitentiaries in the single state of -Georgia. To form anything like an adequate estimate -of the total number of bad boys in the South -we must add to the above number the boys imprisoned -in the other states; and, also, that much -larger number who have never been imprisoned -because they happen never to have been arrested, -or who have been arrested and have had their -fines paid in money; and, finally, we must add -those who have already served their time and are -again at large. So, you see, there are many -thousands and thousands of bad boys in the world, -and they are very easily found. Are you a bad -boy or a good boy? Isn’t it better to be a good -boy than to be a bad boy?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE BAD BOY—HOW TO HELP HIM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span> -<img src='images/i_222.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Bad Boy</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Almost anybody can make something out of a -boy who is naturally good, but it takes one of very -Christlike power and patience to make anything -out of a really bad boy. Yet all boys may be reclaimed, -reformed, saved; at least so I believe. -And the first step in making a good man out of a -bad boy has to do with the boy’s body. The Holy -Bible tells us that our bodies are -the temples—the dwelling places—of -the Holy Ghost, and every boy, -and every teacher of every boy, in -the home or day school or Sunday -school, should give more time and -attention to the body in -order to make it a fit place -for such a holy being. It -is as true now as of old -that plenty of soap and -water will exert a wholesome -influence in making -bad boys good. Some one -has said that cleanliness -is next to godliness, and -somebody has added that -soap is a means of grace. -A boy who is taught to -bathe regularly and who is -taught to keep his clothing -neat and clean at all -times will in that way -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>learn the great lesson of self-respect quicker than -in any other way; and, in my judgment, the shortest -way to the purification of a boy’s habits, a -boy’s morals, a boy’s character, is to teach him -first to keep his body pure. Keep it pure not only -by baths and clean clothes, but keep it pure and -sweet by keeping it free from whiskey and tobacco -in every form. Exercise, regular, and systematic -exercise, whether as work or play, will go -a great way towards keeping the body clean and -healthy. Every boy is mistaken, every parent is -mistaken, who thinks that labor is unworthy, or -that any kind of honest work is degrading. The -body needs to be kept alive and vigorous by the -frequent use of all its parts, and there is no better -way to keep the body vigorous than by doing some -kind of work—work that requires the use of the -hands and legs and muscles, work that stimulates -the blood and makes it flow freely through the -body.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Another step in the process of making a good -man out of a bad boy has to do with the mind. The -body grows not alone by exercise, but the body -grows by what we put into it: the food we eat and -the water we drink, etc. We might say, I think, -that the body grows on what it feeds on. It is the -same way with the mind: the mind grows on what -it feeds on. If we feed our minds on obscene pictures, -on bad books, on vulgar stories, told by ourselves -or our associates, we cannot expect to have -minds that are keenly alive and active for good. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>Our thoughts control us, boys and girls, whether -we understand the process by which they control -or not. Our thoughts control us. If our thoughts -are pure and sweet and noble, we will be pure and -sweet and noble. If our thoughts are impure, vile -and ignoble, we will be impure, vile and ignoble. -Our thoughts rule us. So every boy should guard -well his thoughts; every boy should guard well -what he puts into his mind. Every boy’s mind -feeds on what he puts into it, and every boy’s -mind grows on what it feeds. It goes without -saying, then, that a boy should not read “blood -and thunder” detective stories, stories about the -“James Brothers” and other outlaws and bandits; -nor should a boy read filthy so-called “love -stories.” All such literature should be shunned, -as a boy would shun deadly poison. A boy who -desires to become a good man should read only -those things which will give him confidence in -himself that he can and may become a good man—good -for the service of God and the service of his -fellow-men. Bad company must also be left behind -if a bad boy wants to become a good boy. Those -boys who tell smutty jokes and stories should not -be allowed to associate with that boy whose eyes -have been opened and who wants to feed his mind -on good and wholesome food. Character, boys, -in its last analysis depends chiefly on three things: -Heredity, environment and will. Now you cannot -do much to change your inherited tendencies—the -tendencies you receive from mother and father -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>at birth, but you can do much in offsetting, in -overcoming these tendencies. You can also do -much with the aid of a generous and enlightened -public to change your surroundings if they happen -to be bad. I confess that your mothers and -fathers, your teachers and pastors ought to do -much more in this regard than you; but if they will -not exert themselves to get you out of evil surroundings, -then, as you value your own life and -time and possibilities, by the help of God, try to -get out yourselves. The will is very largely influenced -by your surroundings. Hence you can -see the importance of having good books and good -associates.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But whatever you do, boys, do not forget Jesus -Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin -of the world. The highest part of your nature is -your spiritual nature, and, while you are building -up the body and building up the mind, do not forget -to build up your soul. If others will not assist -you in this greater matter you can help yourselves. -The Master said: “Suffer the little children to -come unto me, and forbid them not.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXIV.<br /> <span class='large'>THOMAS GREENE BETHUNE.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c011'>(“Blind Tom.”)</p> - -<p class='c012'>I suppose there is not a little colored girl or -boy in America who has not heard of the wonderful -“Blind Tom,” one of the greatest musicians -of the world. I wish that every boy and girl -might have seen him and heard him give one of his -remarkable performances with the piano. I had -that high favor and privilege myself. During his -life on the stage, or for more than forty years, -“Blind Tom” was seen probably by more people -in the world than any one living being. His stage -career was closed somewhere in 1900. I do not -know whether he is living at present or not. If he is -still alive, and he probably is, he is very nearly -sixty years old. Everywhere, in this country and -Europe, those who observed him most closely, and -attempted to understand him, pronounced him a -living miracle, unparalleled, incomprehensible, -such as had not been seen before in the world, and -probably never would be seen again.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thomas Greene Bethune, better known to the -public as “Blind Tom,” was born within a few -miles of the city of Columbus, Georgia, on the -twenty-fifth day of May, 1849. He was of pure -negro blood, and was born blind. He was little -less than four years old when a piano was brought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>to the house of his master, for he was born a slave. -As long as any one was playing he was contented -to stay in the yard and dance and caper to the -music. Sometimes he was permitted to indulge his -curiosity by being allowed to run his fingers over -the keys. One night the parlor and piano had been -left open. Before day the young ladies of the family -awoke and were astounded to hear Blind Tom -playing one of their pieces. The family gathered -around him to witness and wonder at his performance, -which they said was marvellously strange. -Notwithstanding that this was his first known -effort at a tune, he played with both hands and -used the black as well as the white keys. Pretty -soon he was allowed free access to the piano, and -began to play off-hand everything he heard. As -young as he was, he soon mastered all of that and -began composing for himself. The record of his -public life is too long for me to give, but that -Blind Tom was known and honored around the -world is known to everybody.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But feeling that every colored boy and girl -should be justly proud of Blind Tom’s record, -I will give some words from the book of Hon. -James M. Trotter, himself a colored man. His -book is called “Music and Some Highly Musical -People.” He says:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Blind Tom is unquestionably the most wonderful -musician the world has ever known. He is -an absolute master in the comprehension and retention -of all sound. You may sit down to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>pianoforte and strike any note or chord or discord, -or a great number of them, and he will at -once give their proper names, and, taking your -place, reproduce them. Complete master of the -pianoforte keyboard, he calls to his melodious -uses, with most consummate ease, all of its resources -that are known to skillful performers, as -well as constantly discovers and applies those that -are new. Under his magnetic touch this instrument -may become, at his will, a music box, a hand -organ, a harp, or a bagpipe, a “Scotch fiddle,” a -church organ, a guitar, or a banjo; it may imitate -the “stump speaker” as he delivers his glowing -harangue; or, being brought back to its legitimate -tones, it may be made to sing two melodies -at once, while the performer, with his voice, delivers -a third, all three in different time and keys, -all in perfect tune and time, and each one easily -distinguishable from the other! He remembers and -plays fully seven thousand pieces. Some persons, -it is true, have had the temerity to say that Blind -Tom is an idiot. Out with the idea! Who ever -heard of an idiot possessing such power of memory, -such fineness of musical sensibility, such -order, such method, as he displays? Let us call -him the embodiment of music, the soul of music, -and there let our investigations rest, for all else -is vain speculation. No one lives, or, so far as we -know, has ever lived, that can at all be compared -with him.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXV.<br /> <span class='large'>NOT FIT TO KNOW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figleft id006'> -<img src='images/i_229.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Frances.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Susan and Mamie and Lillian and Marjorie were -always close friends. They usually went together -and played together and it was very unusual to -see one of them without the others. At school they -always made it a rule to lunch together and play -together. One day at recess they were standing -in a little group all by themselves -when Frances joined -them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What are you talking -about, girls?” asked Frances -in cheerful tones.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’m telling them a secret,” -said Susie, “and we will let -you know, too, Frances, if -you’ll promise not to tell any -one.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll promise you not to tell -anybody but my mother,” said -Frances, “for I have made it a -rule to tell my mother everything.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No; you can’t even tell -your mother,” answered Susie; -“you must not tell any one in -the world.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>“Well, then, I refuse to hear it,” said Frances, -as she walked away, “for what I can’t tell my -mother is not fit for me to know.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Don’t you think Frances was right, girls? I -think so. As soon as little boys and girls begin -to listen to words and stories which they would -be ashamed to repeat to their mothers they are -on the road to temptation, and nobody can tell how -soon they will reach the end, which is always disgrace -and death.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I wish all the boys and girls who will read this -book would make the reply of Frances their motto: -“What I cannot tell my mother is not fit to -know.” Stick to this rule through thick and -thin, and you will avoid many of the snares and -pitfalls by which many of your companions and -playmates sink into shame and sin. Don’t read -a note that you would be afraid to have your -mother read. Don’t look at a picture that you -would be ashamed to have your mother see. Don’t -speak any word, and don’t allow any to be spoken -to you, that you would not like to have your mother -hear. A girl’s best friend is her mother. A -boy’s best friend is his mother. And, boys and -girls, be very sure that if a thing isn’t fit for your -mothers to know it isn’t fit for you to know.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXVI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE RIGHT WAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Henry Oliphant always considered himself -lucky whenever he was able to get a ride on the -street cars without paying for it, or get a glass of -soda water or be admitted to some public place, -where an admission fee was charged, without paying -the price. He was bragging one day to some -of his boy friends that he had not paid anything -to witness the school exhibition the night before. -Frank Sewall was brave enough to chide him for -having done so. Frank was a plain-spoken boy, -and Henry didn’t like what Frank had said. He -thought what he had done was all right, while -Frank had said that it was all wrong. Anyhow, -Henry decided to get his father’s opinion on the -matter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Father,” he said, when night had come, “I got -in the hall last night for nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How was that?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I just walked by the doorkeeper and he didn’t -ask me for any money.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Did the doorkeeper see you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, father, that was his business; he was put -there for that purpose; he ought to have seen -me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But I asked you, Henry, whether the doorkeeper -saw you. I want you to answer that question.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>“I don’t know, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you think he saw you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I don’t know, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, Henry, if he had seen you, don’t you -think he would have asked you for your money -or a ticket?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_232.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>“Father,” He Said, When Night Had Come, “I Got in the Hall Last Night for Nothing.”</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“I guess so, father; but he didn’t ask me for -anything.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, now, Henry, you know that a charge of -ten cents was made at the door, and that no one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>had a right to enter who had not paid the ten -cents. You did go in without paying. Now, -whether the doorkeeper saw you or not, do you -think that that was quite honest on your part? -Was that the right way for you to act?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, I would have paid him if he asked me. I -wasn’t the doorkeeper.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I guess the man who stole our wood last week -would have paid me if I had seen him and asked -him; but we called that stealing.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But, father, I did not take anything from the -doorkeeper.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who gave you the money with which to pay -your admission?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mother.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where is that money now?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have it; but I didn’t take it from the doorkeeper.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But you kept it from him, Henry. It belongs -to the doorkeeper. He gave you its value. My -son, the right way is, whenever you buy anything, -whether it be a ride or a glass of soda water or -permission to see a concert, whenever you buy -anything you ought to pay for it. If you don’t -you are no better than a common robber. You must -go to-day and give Mr. Hall that ten cents.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXVII.<br /> <span class='large'>KEEPING FRIENDSHIP IN REPAIR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I sometimes think that boys and girls, and even -old people, are often careless in the matter of their -friendships—not careless in the matter of selecting -friends, though I am sure there is room -for improvement along that line—but careless -in trying to keep the good friendships we have -already formed. We ought to keep our friendships -in repair. Perhaps you think that our -friendships are not things which need to be -kept in repair. How foolish it is to think so! -Does a garden need to be weeded? Does an -old fence need to be kept in repair? Do we -paint our houses only once in a century? What -about the musician—does he not need to keep in -practice? Supposing that you never kept your -muscles in repair by constant use or exercise—how -long would you be strong or healthy? And -do you think that your friendships, because they -are in a way intangible—you cannot see them, -handle them or taste them—do you think that -they grow and thrive of their own accord, and, -therefore, do not need to be kept in repair? -Slights, snubs, angry words, unpleasant conduct, -long-continued lack of association, long-continued -lack of familiar intercourse, and coldness, even -where the meetings are periodic—these things, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>boys and girls, will kill the warmest friendship -and choke the tenderest love. So we ought to be -careful to keep our friendships in repair. If we -had no friends in this world, no playmates and -companions, no kindred spirits into whose keenest -sorrows and highest joys we entered with deep -and full sympathy, and who -did not enter into our sorrows -and joys in the same way—if -we had no friends in this -world, with all of its wealth -and splendor, we should not desire to live very -much longer. But to have friends and to be -friendly goes a long way towards making the -world a beautiful and blessed place to live in.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_235.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Two Paths.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>How, then, may we keep our friends? Easy -enough—by cultivating them; and we cannot keep -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>them in any other way. We should take time to be -friendly. Little notes, little presents, little visits, -little social entertainments, little kindnesses—these -things, and things like them, go a great way -in cementing our friendships, in tying people to -us, as it were, with hooks of steel. We should not -neglect these means of keeping our friendships in -repair. Always give your friends a cordial welcome -in your homes, and at your little children’s -parties; let them feel, make them feel, that their -coming adds to your pleasure without increasing -your burdens. Don’t be selfish and narrow; be -broad-minded and liberal. Keep your friendships -in repair, and then see if you do not find your -horizon broadened, your life sweetened, and the -weary weight of this sad old world lightened.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>LITTLE ANNIE’S CHRISTMAS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Christmas morning came.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Daylight was just peeping into the room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Poor little Annie, the cripple, awoke and turned -her eyes towards the corner where she had hung -her stocking the night before.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Surely, she thought, as she watched it, there -could not be very much in it, because it didn’t -seem to be any larger than it was when she had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>hung it up. After awhile she crept slowly to where -it was.</p> - -<p class='c012'>She did not take her crutches, for fear she would -disturb her mother, who slept in the same bed -with her. It was hard for her to move around -without her crutches, but she persevered and -finally she reached her stocking.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_237.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>She Put Out Her Thin Little Hand and Felt It.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>She put out her thin little hand and felt it. Yes, -there was something in it! Then she put her hand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>inside and took out something which seemed round -and soft. She took it out and looked at it. It -was a little cake. Poor little Annie smiled, and -put her hand back into the stocking. This time -she found something which was done up in paper. -She opened the paper and found a whole dozen of -gumdrops. How brightly her little eyes flashed! -She was only six years old and she had never had -so much candy at one time in all her life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>By-and-by her mother awoke. She raised her -head and saw Annie’s happy face. “Poor girl,” -she thought, “how happy I would have been to -have bought something else for her, but I wasn’t -able. I hope she will be happy with what she -has.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“See, mother,” cried Annie, “I have twelve -gumdrops and a cake. We will eat half of the -gumdrops to-day and save the other half for to-morrow. -You’ll eat three and I will eat three.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, Annie,” said her mother, “you must eat -every one by yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Annie smiled, but did not say anything.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Little Annie’s mother was a widow, and she was -very, very poor; there were many times when they -had only a little dry bread and water for the day’s -food. For this bright Christmas season there were -many things besides food which she would like to -have bought for her poor little crippled child; but -she did not have any money to pay for playthings -or toys.</p> - -<p class='c012'>After breakfast on this Christmas day Johnny -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>Ray came to see them. He brought with him a -good thick shawl for Annie’s mother and four -pairs of warm stockings which his mother had -sent for Annie, and, also, a large package of nice -candy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Little Annie’s mother cried for joy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Little Annie was too happy to speak. She had -never dreamed of having so much candy at one -time!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXIX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE VELOCIPEDE RACE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>One bright day Archibald mounted his velocipede -and rode out into the long green lane, where -he could ride for a long distance without interruption. -He had left his coat in the house because he -knew that riding would make him very warm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When he reached the lane the velocipede moved -along so smoothly that Archibald was very happy. -By the time he had gone nearly a half mile he was -tired and stopped for a rest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Pretty soon he heard a noise coming from behind, -and he wondered what rider it might be on -the same track that beautiful spring morning. He -looked up and saw John Smith coming, riding a -large velocipede and going as fast as he could.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Archibald quickly mounted his wheel and -started on a swift run, trying to overtake the flying -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>John. Before they reached the end of the road -they saw Clara Hempton, standing by the fence -with her little velocipede. Clara watched the boys -as they flitted past. She thought that she could -keep up with John, but she was not sure that she -could ride as fast as Archibald.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_240.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Velocipede Race.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>While she was meditating Archibald cried out:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Clara, you wait until we finish this race, and -then we three will go back together.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Archibald reached the end first, but John was -not very far behind.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Clara reached them Archibald said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>“Now we will all have a fair start and see who -will reach the other end first.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>So they all started on a line. Archibald knew -that he was the largest and could go the fastest, -but, as he had won the other race, he did not ride -this time as fast as he could. He thought this -was the right way to give the others a fair chance.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Clara and John reached the other end of the -lane at exactly the same time, with Archibald a -short distance behind them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>John and Clara were greatly delighted because -they had won the race from the big boy, Archibald. -Archibald was pleased because they were -pleased. This was not the only time that Archibald -had proved that he was a good and kind boy, -and that he was thoughtful of little children -younger than himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>From this little story of the velocipede race -many other little boys and girls may learn a -good lesson, I hope, that will do them good all -through life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXX.<br /> <span class='large'>FAULT-FINDING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figleft id005'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span> -<img src='images/i_242.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Fault-Finding.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Faults are the easiest things to find in all this -world. A fault is something that can be found -without looking for it. And I guess no little boy -or girl in all the world knows anything that is -easier to find than something that he or she -doesn’t have to look for. Well, faults are things -that we can find without looking for them; so -faults are the easiest things to find in all the -world. Yet, boys and girls, the habit of fault-finding, -or the habit of finding fault, is one of the -worst habits that anybody could form. It does nobody -good, generally -speaking. Besides it -stamps the person -who is so easy to find -fault with everything -and everybody as being -a mean, low, envious, evil-hearted -person. It is a good deal -better to look for something to -praise than it is to look for something -to blame. Yet there are -some people—some little boys -and girls—who are so constituted -that they do not see any good in -anything. When it is cold, it is -too cold. When it is hot, it is -too hot. They don’t like “vici -kid” shoes; they want patent leathers. The -singing at church or Sunday school last -Sunday was just horrid. Old Mary Jones -ought to be taken out of the choir. The -preacher preaches too long, or the deacon -prays too loud. The school teacher isn’t any good—I -can beat him drawing myself. So they go on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>from day to day, finding fault with everything and -everybody. Nothing pleases them; nothing delights -them. If by any chance or mischance they -should get to heaven they would, I believe, find -fault with the way the Lord has arranged things -up there. They are miserable people to have -around—these good-for-nothing, lazy and trifling -fault-finders. If you try real hard, boys and girls, -you can find something good in everything and in -everybody. That is one reason why we do not -always see the good in people or things—we -don’t look for it. We can find out what is bad—can -find out the bad things without looking for -them, but if we want to see the good things we -must be on the lookout for them. If we are on -the lookout—if we make up our minds that we -are going to see the good, and only the good, we -are always sure to find it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was an old woman once who was noted for -being able to say something good about everything -and everybody. She was never heard to -speak evil of anything or anybody. Once upon a -time a gambler died in the city where she lived. He -was a miserable sinner, and nobody liked him and -nobody had a good word to say for him, even after -he was dead. Aunt Maria, the good old lady, went -to see him after he had been put into his coffin. -The people who were present wondered what good -thing Aunt Maria could possibly say about the -dead sinner. Aunt Maria entered the room and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>walked around on tiptoe. After awhile she raised -her head and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Friends, I tell you, he makes a mighty nice -looking corpse.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE PURITANS’ SABBATH.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>If all the little boys and girls in America to-day -knew how the people in the New England states -were compelled by law to keep the Sabbath day -I think they would realize how much better it is -to be living in these days and times than to have -lived in those.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The laws concerning the keeping of a New England -Sabbath were very severe—that is, before the -Revolutionary War, when what was called colonial -rule was in force.</p> - -<p class='c012'>No manner of work was allowed to be done; no -visiting, no playing, no gaiety of any kind was -permitted; just think, boys and girls, it is said -that one man was brought to trial and fined for -kissing his wife on a Sabbath morning.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Slowly and solemnly, just as if they were going -to a funeral, the families all walked to the meeting -house on Sundays, some of them having to walk -many and many miles.</p> - -<p class='c012'>On reaching the church the men took their -places on one side of the house and the women on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>the other—they didn’t allow men and women to -sit together. The children, also, had to sit by -themselves, and there was a man appointed to -keep them quiet. This man carried a long stick -with a hard knob at one end and a little feather -brush at the other. The feather end of this stick -he would use to tickle the faces of the men and -women who might chance to get sleepy and go to -nodding during the preaching. The other end he -used on the children.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I guess this poor man must have kept busy all -the time, for the sermons were very long, lasting -for whole hours. Sometimes a man would begin -a sermon in the morning and preach up to dinnertime; -the congregation would then go out for dinner, -and come back and sit for hours during the -afternoon to hear the sermon concluded.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The men carried their muskets to church with -them, so that they might have them ready in case -of an attack from the wild Indians.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The meeting houses were not warmed even in -very cold weather; the people thought that in some -way it would make them better Christians if they -bore such discomforts without a murmur. Of -course we know better now, and wouldn’t think -of doing such a foolish thing.</p> - -<p class='c012'>After a time the people began to carry hot -bricks and stones to keep their hands and feet -from freezing, and by-and-by they carried foot -stoves. These stoves were little tin boxes, with -holes in the side, a cover, a door, and handles with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>which to carry them. In these boxes were put live -coals and in that way the fire would last throughout -the sermon.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I fear many and many a little boy and girl -dreaded to see Sunday come, for, as a rule, it was -a long, dreary day, and I am sure that they must -have been glad when it was over.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I know you must be glad that people no longer -have the idea that Sunday should be such a dismal, -sober day; and I believe that our Heavenly -Father is much more pleased to see the children -spending the Lord’s day happily in their homes -with their mothers and fathers, their little brothers -and sisters.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Of course no Christian boy or girl even now believes -in making Sunday a day of riot and fun; -and no Christian man or woman believes in having -the saloons open on Sunday anywhere. But -most of us are away beyond the old Puritan idea -of sadness and gloom for the Sabbath.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Next Sunday, boys and girls, when you enter -your pleasant Sunday school rooms and find your -schoolmates and teachers so glad to see you, and -where everything is bright and pleasant, think of -those poor little children who had no books and -cards and no pretty songs and who were made to -pass the whole day without even being allowed -to laugh.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE DEVIL ON AN EXCURSION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>I wonder how many boys and girls have ever -witnessed a cyclone—a great big hurricane of -wind and rain, of lightning and thunder, that just -knocks down all the trees and takes the roofs -off all the houses.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is a terrible thing, the cyclone is!</p> - -<p class='c012'>The other day one came to our town. We could -look up into the sky and see coming, from afar, a -great big black cloud that looked for all the world -like a balloon—a great big balloon, ever so large. -The wind was blowing at a rapid rate, the dust -flying, and everybody was frightened.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The roof was lifted off the school house, a -church was blown down, many houses were unroofed, -and men and beasts were alike hurled -right and left. I do not think anybody was killed -but a great many were frightened nearly to death.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The cyclone took one poor little boy and landed -him in the midst of a mud puddle. The little -fellow stretched out stiff and stark, as if he had -been killed. An old man ran up to the edge of -the ditch and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Isaac, is you dead?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Isaac said nothing, but his eyes, were rolling -in their sockets. The old man asked again:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Isaac, is you dead? ’Cause ef you is dead -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>d’ain’t no use uv my comin’ in dar to try to git -you out.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This time Isaac grunted, rolled his eyes, and -asked:</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_248.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>De Goodnis Gracious! I See Dat Ole Cycloom Comin’ Back Ag’in. He Look Blackah and Wussah Dan He Done Befo’. Run, Isaac, Run!</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Where is he, Uncle Reuben?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Whar’s who?” asked Uncle Reuben.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The devil,” said Isaac.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>“He done gone,” said Uncle Reuben, “he done -clean gone; but you bettah git up f’um dar!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can’t,” said Isaac. “I can’t; I’m ’most -dead!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Uncle Reuben studied a short while. He was -planning what to do next. He didn’t want to go -into the mud and water and get his clothes soiled -in trying to rescue the little boy. By-and-by Uncle -Reuben threw up his hands, looked up the big road -and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“De goodnis gracious! I see dat ole cycloom -cornin’ back ag’in. He look blackah and wussah -dan he done befo’. Run, Isaac, run!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>You ought to have seen Isaac jump out of that -hole. He got out hallooing, and he ran and hallooed -for nearly a quarter of a mile. Uncle Reuben -hallooed after him to stop, but it did no good. The -poor little fellow was well nigh scared to death.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A few days after the cyclone Uncle Reuben was -telling some of his friends about the occurrence. -Among other things he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Little Isaac wasn’t ready fur Judgment—dat’s -all! He wasn’t ready! W’en a man’s ready -to go to judgment, he ain’t ’fraid uv nothin’. No, -sah; he ain’t ’fraid uv nothin’. Isaac wasn’t -ready, an’ he hallooed an’ squealed jes like death -done struck him. Mens, I tell you, dat ole cycloom -jes ’tuck de roof off’n ev’ybody’s house. Look -like ev’ybody’s house he come to he dip down an’ -say, ‘Take yo’ hat off to me; don’t you see me -cornin’; ain’t you got no mannahs?’ Den he’d -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>strike ’em an’ take deir hats off hisse’f. He took -de roof off’n de cullud school house an’ he took de -roof off’n de white school house. De cycloom ain’t -no respectah uv persons—he sho ain’t. W’en little -Isaac done come to his senses an’ done got -clean ovah his fright, I ax’d him what a cycloom -was. He told me dat a cycloom wa’n’t nothin’ ’tall -in dis worl’ but de debbil on a flyin’ ’scursion. -The mo’ I think ’bout it, the mo’ I b’lieve dat boy -was right. De cycloom sho is de debbil on a ’scursion, -an’ w’en de debbil is a-ridin’ you’d bettah -lay low.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>RANDOM REMARKS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In the olden times parents used to rule their -children, but in these days and times there are -many people who believe that the children rule -their parents. So many misguided parents in these -days and times believe in sparing the rod and -spoiling the child. Boys don’t get many whippings -at home nowadays, and if a boy happens to get a -good flogging at school it will cause a big row, -and sometimes cause the teacher to be threatened -with arrest. Whenever my teacher used to whip -me I was always afraid to mention it at home for -fear of getting another. I heard a man say the -other day: “Never whip a child; raise your boy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>on love and kindness and reason!” Yes; and when -that boy is twelve or thirteen years old somebody -will have to go to him and talk to him and try to -persuade him not to whip his father or mother.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_251.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>I Just Wish I Could Have My Way With Those Boys for about Two Minutes.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>I was at church the other day and I saw two -boys about ten or eleven years old. After service -they lit their cigarettes and went marching off -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>as big as Trip. A man of the old school looked at -them for awhile, and then, turning away, he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I just wish I could have my way with those -boys for about two minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>I didn’t say anything, but deep down in my -heart I sympathized with the old man, and felt -that both of the youngsters ought to have had -a good whipping.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Some girls are almost as bad as some boys. -Girls are most too fast in these days. As soon -as they get their dresses to their shoetops they are -gone. They go crazy over their clothes, for they -think that they must keep in the fashion. They -read too much trash, for they think that is the way -refined and cultured people do. Old-fashioned -modesty is at a discount. The girls don’t wait -for the boys to come now—that is, many of them -don’t; they go after them. I have seen some girls -running around in these new-fashioned night -gowns, and they call it a Mother Hubbard party. -If their mothers don’t allow them to go with the -boys they will slip around and meet them somewhere -anyhow. And where they are allowed to -go with the boys they generally go to extremes. -What business has a little girl—ten or twelve or -fourteen years old—to be locked-arms with a little -stripling of a boy, going home at night from -church or some social entertainment. It always -disgusts me whenever I see it. Worse than a -mannish boy is a womanish girl. What business -has a little girl, or a larger one, to allow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>a man to throw his arm around her waist in the -round dance? It is immodest, to say the least, and -there is not a good mother in the land who approves -it. A girl who goes to a promiscuous -ball and waltzes around with promiscuous fellows -puts herself in a promiscuous fix to be talked -about by the dudes and rakes and fast young fellows -who have encircled her waist. Slander is -very common, I know, especially slander of young -ladies; there are not many young ladies who -escape it; but the trouble about it is that it is not -all slander—some of it is the truth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the olden times when folks got married they -stayed married, but nowadays the courts are full -of divorce cases. The land is spotted with what -are called “grass widows,” and in many a household -there is hidden grief over a daughter’s shame. -Why is it? What causes it? Lack of proper training -and care of the young. Habits are great things—good -habits or bad habits. If girls are reared -to clean their teeth and keep their fingernails -clean they will keep them clean all their lives. If -boys are reared to chew tobacco and smoke they -will never quit. The same about loving and courting -and getting married. Much depends upon -training, upon habits. Young flirts make old flirts. -Young devils make old devils!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXIV.<br /> <span class='large'>BENJAMIN BANNEKER, THE NEGRO ASTRONOMER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The little colored boys and girls of America -should be proud to know, as I suppose the little -white boys and girls will be surprised to learn, -that the first clock of which every portion was -made in America was made by a colored man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The colored children will also be glad to know, -I think, that among the earliest almanacs prepared -for general use in this country were those -which were published for several years by this -same colored man. His name was Benjamin Banneker. -I have found a good and true account of -this wonderful man in The Atlantic Monthly for -January, 1863. I am going to give a good portion -of that account in this book, because I believe -every colored person in America should be acquainted -with that man’s history. The account -says:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Benjamin Banneker was born in Baltimore -County, Maryland, near the village of Ellicott’s -Mills, in the year 1732. There was not a drop of -white man’s blood in his veins. His father was -born in Africa, and his mother’s parents were -both natives of Africa. What genius he had, then, -must be credited to that race. When he was approaching -manhood he went, in the intervals of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>toil, to an obscure and remote country school. -At this school Benjamin acquired a knowledge of -reading and writing, and advanced in arithmetic -as far as ‘Double position.’ Beyond these rudiments -he was his own teacher. Young Banneker -had no books at all, but in the midst of labor for -a living he so improved upon what he had gained -in arithmetic that his intelligence became a matter -of general observation. He was such an acute -observer of the natural world and had so diligently -observed the signs of the times in society -that it is very doubtful whether at forty years of -age this African had his superior in Maryland.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps the first wonder amongst his comparatively -illiterate neighbors was excited, when, -about the thirtieth year of his age, Benjamin made -a clock. It is probable that this was the first clock -of which every portion was made in America; it is -certain that it was purely his own invention as if -none had ever been made before. He had seen a -watch, but never a clock, such an article not being -within fifty miles of him. He used the watch as a -model for his clock. He was a long time at work -on the clock,—his chief difficulty, as he used often -to relate, being to make the hour, minute, and -second hands correspond in their motion. But at -last the work was completed, and raised the -admiration for Banneker to quite a high pitch -among his few neighbors.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The making of the clock proved to be of great -importance in assisting the young man to fulfill -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>his destiny. It attracted the attention of the Ellicott -family, who had just begun a settlement at -Ellicott’s Mills. They were well-educated men, -with much mechanical knowledge, and some of -them Quakers. They sought out the ingenious -negro, and he could not have fallen into better -hands. In 1787 Mr. George Ellicott gave him -Mayer’s “Tables,” Ferguson’s “Astronomy,” -and Leadbetter’s “Lunar Tables.” From this -time astronomy became the great object of Banneker’s -life, and in its study he almost disappeared -from the sight of his neighbors. He slept much -during the day, that he might the more devotedly -observe at night the heavenly bodies whose laws -he was slowly, but surely, mastering.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Very soon after the possession of the books -already mentioned, Banneker determined to compile -an almanac, that being the most familiar use -that occurred to him of the information he had -acquired. To make an almanac then was a very -different thing from what it would be now, when -there is an abundance of accurate tables and rules. -Banneker had no aid whatever from men or rules; -and Mr. George Ellicott, who procured some tables -and took them to him, states that he had already -advanced very far in the preparation of the -logarithms necessary for the purpose.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The first almanac prepared by Banneker for -publication was for the year 1792. By this time -his acquirements had become generally known, -and among those who were attracted by them was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>Mr. James McHenry. Mr. McHenry wrote to Goddard -and Angell, then the almanac-publishers of -Baltimore, and procured the publication of this -work, which contained from the pen of Mr. McHenry, -a brief notice of Banneker. When his first -almanac was published, Banneker was fifty-nine -years old, and had received tokens of respect from -all the scientific men of the country. Among -others, Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State -under George Washington, wrote him a most flattering -and complimentary letter. In his letter Jefferson -said, ‘Nobody wishes more than I do to see -such proofs as you exhibit, that Nature has given -to our black brethren talents equal to those of -other colors of men, and that the appearance of a -want of them is owing only to the degraded condition -of their existence both in Africa and America.’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Banneker continued to calculate and publish -almanacs until 1802.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Mr. Benjamin H. Ellicott, who was a true -friend of Banneker, and collected from various -sources all the facts concerning him, wrote in a letter -as follows: ‘During the whole of his long life -he lived respectably and much esteemed by all -who became acquainted with him, but more especially -by those who could fully appreciate his -genius and the extent of his acquirements.’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Banneker’s head was covered with a thick -mass of white hair, which gave him a very dignified -and venerable appearance. His dress was invariably -of superfine drab broadcloth, made in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>the old style of a plain coat, with straight collar -and long waistcoat, and a broad-brimmed hat. -His color was not jet black, but decidedly negro. -In size and personal appearance, the statue of -Franklin at the library in Philadelphia, as seen -from the street, is a perfect likeness of him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Banneker died in the year 1804, beloved and -respected by all who knew him. Though no monument -marks the spot where he was born and lived -a true and high life, and was buried, yet history -must record that the most original scientific intellect -which the South has yet produced was that of -the pure African, Benjamin Banneker.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The above is the story of that wonderful black -man told in splendid terms of high and well-deserved -praise by a white man. Every little black -boy in America may well be fired with inspiration -to do something beyond the ordinary by reading -the story of Banneker’s life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXV.<br /> <span class='large'>“A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>It is truly astonishing what a boy can do when -once he has made up his mind to do his best. Dr. -Len. G. Broughton, the famous pastor of the Tabernacle -Baptist church, Atlanta, Ga., in a little -book, which he calls “The Modern Prodigal,” has -told a very pathetic story about a little boy. It is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>so true to life, and so typical of what a black or -white boy may do under similar circumstances, if -he only decides for the true and the right, that I -have decided to reproduce the little story in this -book. It is well worth reading. Dr. Broughton -says:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Not long after I entered the ministry, I went -to a certain town to hold a series of meetings. It -was one of these good old Southern towns, the inhabitants -of which banked on aristocracy and fed -their souls upon the glory of departed days. They -had never known what it was to be spiritually -warm. The first night I was there I preached to a -great audience. It was in my early ministry, when -I made many propositions. The first one I made -that night was for any one to stand who wanted -prayers offered for their friends. As soon as I -made it a little boy got up and walked out in the -aisle, where he stood looking me square in the face. -I said, ‘God bless you, little man,’ and he sat down. -I then asked any one who wanted the prayers of -God’s people to rise. That boy got out in the aisle -again and looked me in the face, and again I said, -‘God bless you.’ I asked if there was anybody -present who was willing to accept Jesus. That -boy stood up again and looked me in the face, and -again I said, ‘God bless you.’ Nobody else stood -up that night, and I began to think I had struck -about the hardest and coldest crowd I had ever -run up against.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The next night I preached as hard as I knew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>how to sinners, and when I finished, I asked anybody -who wanted to be prayed for to stand up. -The same little rascal popped out into the aisle, as -he had done the night before, and stood looking at -me until I saw him and said, ‘God bless you.’ I -thought I’d vary the thing a little, so I asked if -anybody present was willing to come forward and -give me his hand as an indication that he would -accept Jesus. That same boy came shuffling out of -his seat, straight down the aisle and gave me his -hand. I saw smiles on the faces of some in the -congregation. Nobody but the boy showed any -interest, and I went off somewhat disheartened. -The third night I preached, and when I asked all -who wanted prayer to rise, that boy popped out -into the aisle. The people had begun to regard it -as a joke, and they nudged each other with their -elbows, while a broad smile flared from one side -of the house to the other. When I asked anybody -who was willing to accept Jesus to come and give -me his hand, that boy came, and the congregation -smiled broader than before. After the meeting -the deacons came to me and told me that the boy -must be stopped, as he was a half-idiot, and was -throwing a damper on the meeting. I said: ‘Stop -nothing! How are you going to throw a damper on -an ice-house?’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“For the whole of that week that boy was the -only person in the house who showed any interest -in the meeting. Then he wanted to join the -church. The pastor was absent, and I was to open -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>the doors of the church. The deacons came to me -and said I must not receive that boy, as he didn’t -have sense enough to join the church. I said: -‘Look here, brethren, I won’t take this responsibility -on my hands. I’m going to put that boy -on you, and if you choose to reject him, his blood -be upon your hands.’ At the conclusion of the -morning service, I invited all who wanted to unite -with the church to come forward. That boy came. -I asked him if he had accepted Christ for his personal -Saviour. That’s all I ever ask. He said he -had. ‘Brethren,’ I said, ‘you hear what this boy -has to say. What will you do with him?’ An -ominous silence fell on the congregation. After a -time, from ’way back by the door, I heard a muffled -and rather surly, ‘I move he be received.’ -Another painful silence followed, and then, from -the middle of the church, I heard a muffled, ‘I -second the motion.’ When I put the motion, about -a half dozen members voted ‘aye’ in a tone so low -that it seemed as if they were scared. I gave the -boy the right hand of Christian welcome awaiting -baptism, and then dismissed the congregation.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The next day the boy went out to see his old -grandfather, a man whose whitened head was blossoming -for the grave, and whose feet were taking -hold upon the shifting sands of eternity. ‘Grandfather,’ -said he, ‘won’t you go to church with me -to-night and hear that preacher?’ We always feel -kindly towards those who are afflicted, you know, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>and are willing to please them; so the old man -agreed to go.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That night I saw the boy and the old man sitting -away back by the door. When the sermon -was finished, one of the members of the church -arose and said: ‘I have a request to make. We -have with us to-night, Mr. Blank, one of our oldest -and most respected citizens, but he is out of Christ. -I want special prayer offered for this my special -friend.’ With that he laid his hand upon the head -of the old man, down whose furrowed cheeks the -tears were streaming. The next night I saw the -old man sitting about half-way down the aisle. -When all who wanted to accept Jesus were invited -to come forward and give me their hands, I saw -the half-idiot boy coming down the aisle leading -the old man by the hand.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That little boy’s father kept a saloon. The -following day the child went there, and climbing -up over the high counter, he peeped down upon his -father and said: ‘Papa, won’t you go to church -with me to-night to hear that preacher?’ ‘You -get out of here, child,’ said the father; ‘go out of -here; don’t you know you mustn’t come in here?’ -Strange, strange, how fathers will keep places -where their children cannot go! ‘But, papa,’ continued -the boy, ‘won’t you go to church with me -to-night?’ ‘Yes; I’ll go, but you get out of here.’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That night the man came with the half-idiot -boy, and sat about where the old man had sat the -night before. When I asked all who would accept -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>Jesus to come forward, he walked down the aisle -and gave me his hand. He asked if he could make -a statement, and when I said ‘Yes,’ he faced the -congregation and said: ‘My friends, you all -know me, and I want to say that so long as I live -I will never sell another drop of whiskey, for I -have given my heart to God to-night, and from -this day forward I propose to serve him.’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The meeting warmed up at last, the town was -set on fire for God. Every saloon keeper was converted -and every saloon was closed. The feeling -spread and a saloon seven miles in the country was -closed and the keeper was converted to God.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“At the close of the meeting I sat on the front -seat and saw the pastor lead three generations -into the baptismal waters, the old man in front, -his son behind him, and last in line the little half-idiot -boy. The only mistake that was made, to my -mind, was that the boy who had led the others to -Christ should not have been first in line. Where -is the little half-idiot boy now? He has grown -much brighter within the last few years, and is -now going to school. He says he wants to be and -will be a missionary.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What a lesson for the young to-day. Persistent -self-surrender, ever doing the best we can, -is a never failing way that leads to victory.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXVI.<br /> <span class='large'>DIRECTIONS FOR LITTLE LADIES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1. A little lady always says, “I thank you” -whenever anybody assists her in any way, and -always says, “If you please,” whenever she makes -any kind of request.</p> - -<p class='c012'>2. A little lady is never loud and boisterous on -the streets, in public places, or at home. Sometimes -girls are so rough that they are called -“Tom-Boys.” No Tom-Boy ever was a true little -lady.</p> - -<p class='c012'>3. A true little lady will always see that her -linen is clean and spotless—collars and cuffs, -aprons and dresses, handkerchiefs, and all articles -of clothing. Every true little lady hates dirt.</p> - -<p class='c012'>4. A little lady will not be guilty of idle gossip. -She will not tattle; will not go around hunting all -the evil things that are said or known about other -little ladies. She closes her ears tight against the -slanderers of the town.</p> - -<p class='c012'>5. A little lady will love the Sunday-school and -the church. She will love the society of good -people and the society of good books. She will -have higher notions of life than that life is something -to be spent in a merry round of pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c012'>6. A true little lady loves her mother, and she -will show that she loves her mother in various -ways. She will help her about the housework. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>She will be fond of going out in company with her -mother often. She will not think, that anybody -else’s mother is or can be better than her own -mother.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_265.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Directions for Little Girls.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>7. Every true little lady will be a Christian. -She will early give herself to Jesus. She will delight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>to help the poor; to visit the sick, carrying -the cheer and comfort and something good to eat -and flowers and many other things. She will love -everybody. Do you?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXVII.<br /> <span class='large'>THREE WORDS TO YOUNG PEOPLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The first word is, Be true. The second word is, -Be trustworthy. The third word is, Dare to do -right.</p> - -<p class='c012'>First: Be true! Be what you seem to be or -what you pretend to be; do not be a hypocrite; -be firm and steady in adhering to friends, -promises or principles. Be a true boy; be a true -girl.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Secondly: Be trustworthy! Be worthy of trust; -be reliable; make your word your bond. Conduct -yourself in such a way that people can depend on -you.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thirdly: Dare to do right! Whatever comes -or doesn’t come, stand by what you believe to be -right, even if you have to stand alone. Be honest, -upright, faithful, sincere, abhor that which is evil, -cleave to that which is good.</p> - -<p class='c012'>True boys and girls are scarce; they are not -easily found; they do not grow on trees. But, to -tell you the truth, we need good boys and girls, -true boys and girls, much more than we do educated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>boys and girls. All education without character -is a dead weight!</p> - -<p class='c012'>Let me give you one or two reasons why you -should be true, trustworthy, and brave for the -right. In the first place, for the sake of your influence. -Every boy and girl in this world has some -influence. Every boy in this world, white or -black, rich or poor, high or low, is helping his -friends and playmates to grow better or worse, -higher or lower in the scale of being. Every girl -in this world is likewise helping or hindering -others. If we are harsh and unkind, cruel and -unjust—in every wrong, every baseness, meanness, -selfishness, we are harming not ourselves -alone but the whole great family of man. On the -other hand, when we speak fearlessly a brave, true -word, when we perform cheerfully a hard and trying -task, whenever we are faithful, honest, earnest, -patient, pure, trustworthy, whether we know -it or not, we are strengthening the unseen impulses -which make for nobility and higher manhood -and womanhood throughout the world. In -the economy of God, by his infinite wisdom, the -humblest life reaches forward to the highest and -the highest life reaches backward to the lowest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But perhaps you are saying that I am taking -too much for granted. Perhaps you think that it -is not true that there is not one of the very least of -the great human family who is not every day exercising -some personal influence for good or evil -upon the world. If you think so, boys and girls, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>or older people, you are mistaken. No human -being can escape from the world’s atmosphere. -Though you fly to the uttermost parts of the sea -or hide in the depths of the dense city, some life is -affected by your life. Not only some life is -affected by your life, but many lives are affected -by your life. It is a thought of this kind that -Charles Dickens beautifully expresses in his story -called “David Copperfield.” He says:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is nothing—no, nothing—beautiful and -good that dies and is forgotten. An infant, a -prattling child, dying in his cradle, will live again -in the better thoughts of those who loved it, and -plays its part, though its body be burned to ashes -or drowned in the deepest sea. There is not an -angel added to the hosts of heaven but does its -blessed work on earth in those who loved it here. -Dead! Oh, if the good deeds of human creatures -could be traced to their source, how beautiful -would even death appear. For how much charity, -mercy, and purified affection would be seen to -have their growth in dusty graves!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>No, children, it is no idle dream, no fancy story -that I tell when I say that the humblest member -of the human family, as well as the highest, is -exercising daily, whether he is conscious of it or -not, some influence for good or evil upon the -world. Viewed in this light who can measure the -possibilities—the divine possibilities—that are -wrapped up in little boys and girls? Viewed in -this light, how the slightest action, the smallest of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>our little duties, takes on new importance! It was -with this thought in mind that James A. Garfield -said: “I feel a profounder reverence for a boy -than a man. I never meet a ragged boy on the -street without feeling that I owe him a salute, for -I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up -under his shabby coat.” Yes, boys and girls, by -every brave and cheerful effort that we put forth -we are reforming, uplifting, renewing, inspiring, -hearts and souls we never heard of, never -knew, the whole world becoming stronger for -every bit of moral courage we create, sweeter for -every kindly look we give, and holier for every -good deed we do. And, of course, the contrary is -true. When we fail, when we come short, when -we sin, the consequences are not ours alone—they -extend to all humanity. We are all, white and -black, rich and poor, old and young, male and -female, children of one family. Just as the quivering -circles from a pebble thrown into a lake -stretch on and on from shore to shore, so the silent -impulse of a single life thrills from heart to heart -until the very edges of humanity are touched.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There is another reason still why we should be -true, trustworthy, brave. That reason is that -somebody else takes us as his ideal—his standard. -Poor as we are, weak as we are, as unworthy as -we are, somebody else is looking up to us—especially -those of us who have been favored with -educational advantages and opportunities. And -you know that the failure of one who is invested -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>in another’s mind with ideal qualities is a failure -beyond the actual. That is one reason why people -say that, as a rule, a preacher’s children are the -worst children in the world. As a matter of fact, -they are not the worst children in the world; but, -being the children of preachers, everybody expects -more of them than of others,—they are taken as -ideals, as standards—that’s all. And what might -be excused in others will not be excused in one who -is taken as an ideal. Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of -America’s greatest writers, in speaking of this -truth says in his story called “The Marble Faun:”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The character of an individual beloved one -having invested itself with all the attributes of -right—that one friend being to us the symbol and -representative of whatever is good and true,—when -he falls, the effect is almost as if the sky fell -with him, bringing down in chaotic ruin the -columns that upheld our faith. We struggle forth -again, no doubt bruised and bewildered. We stare -wildly about us, and discover—or it may be we -never make the discovery—that it was not actually -the sky that has tumbled down but merely a -frail structure of our own rearing, which never -rose higher than the housetops, and has fallen -because we founded it on nothing. But the crash, -and the affright and trouble are as overwhelming, -for the time, as if the catastrophe involved the -whole moral world. Remembering these things, -let them suggest one generous motive for walking -heedfully amid the defilement of earthly ways. Let -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>us reflect that the highest path is pointed out by -the pure ideal of those who look up to us, and who, -if we tread less loftily, may never look so high -again.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, I have said my three words. You see they -have stretched themselves out to a great length, -but I hope the boys and girls who read this book -may profit by them. Strive to be true, strive to be -trustworthy, strive to be brave. In the long run -the prizes of this world, and of that which is to -come, are won by boys and girls of strong moral -character, not by those who are merely learned or -rich. But, of course, I believe in education and I -believe in money. I think you ought to strive to -obtain both—both are useful, and both are necessary; -but, with all your getting, boys and girls, be -sure to get those things which will reach beyond -this world and which will count for more than -money or good looks or education or any such -thing when the world is on fire, when the moon -shall be turned into blood, when the trumpet -sounds, and all must go to stand before the Great -King to give an account of the deeds done in the -body.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>“A LAMP UNTO MY FEET.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Once upon a time, so it is said, a little ragged -boy was carefully printing these words with a -stick upon the ground, “Thy word is a lamp unto -my feet.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>On looking up from his work, the little fellow -was surprised to find a kind-looking old man -watching him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where did you learn that, my boy?” asked -the man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“At Sunday-school, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What’s your name?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Crawford.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“So, Crawford, you learned that text at Sunday-school. -Do you know what it means?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is a lamp?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“A lamp? Why, sir, a lamp is a thing that -gives light!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s correct. Well, what is the word that -the text speaks of?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The Bible, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s right. Now, how can the Bible be a -lamp and give light?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I don’t know,” said the boy, “unless you light -it and set it on fire.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There’s a better way than that, my lad. Suppose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>you were going down some lonely lane on a -dark night with an unlighted lantern in your -hand, and a box of matches in your pocket, what -would you do?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why, I’d light the lantern.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why would you light -it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To show me the road, -sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Very well. Now, -suppose you were -walking behind me some day, and saw me drop a -quarter; what would you do?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_273.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>A Lamp Unto My Feet.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“Pick it up and give it to you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Wouldn’t you want to keep it yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Crawford hesitated; but he saw a smile on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>old gentleman’s face, and, smiling himself, he -finally said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I should want to, sir; but I shouldn’t do it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Because it would be stealing.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How do you know?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It would be taking what wasn’t my own, and -the Bible says we are not to steal.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Ah!” said the old man, “so it’s the Bible that -makes you honest, is it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you had not heard of the Bible you would -steal, I suppose?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Lots of boys do,” said Crawford, hanging his -head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The Bible, then,” continued the old man, -“shows you the right and safe path—the path of -honesty, does it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Like the lamp!” exclaimed Crawford, seeing -now what all the old man’s questions meant. “Is -that what the text means?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, my boy,” the man answered, “there is -always light in the Bible to show us where to go -and what to do. Don’t you think it would be a -good thing to take the Bible, the good old lamp, -and let it light you right through life?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you think you will be safer with it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why?”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>“Because if I’m honest I will never go to -prison.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And what else?” asked the man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Crawford thought awhile. By-and-by he said,—</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If I mind the Bible I shall go to heaven when -I die.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, and that’s the best reason for taking the -lamp. It will light you right into heaven.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXIX.<br /> <span class='large'>THREE BRIGADES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>There are three brigades, or three little companies, -which I think ought to be organized -among the boys and girls in every Sunday-school -in America. Can’t you form them in your Sunday-school? -It is a very simple matter. It will -not cost any money: only a little time and forethought, -and a will to do. One brigade is called -the Rainy-Weather Brigade, and all the little boys -and girls who join this company pledge themselves -to go to Sunday-school every Sunday, when -they are not sick, even if it is raining. The second -brigade is called the Front Seat Brigade, and all -the members of this company pledge themselves to -occupy front seats in the Sunday school during -the opening exercises before they pass to their -classes. The third brigade is called the On-Timers’ -Brigade, and the children in this brigade pledge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>themselves to be present on time at the opening -hour.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_276.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Members of the Rainy-Weather Brigade.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>You can see at once how helpful these little -brigades are in every Sunday school (where they -exist) to the officers and teachers. Some children -will not go to Sunday school when it is raining or -when it threatens to rain; some will not go forward -and occupy front seats when they do go; and -there are others who are always tardy. What a -blessing it would be if all the little children would -organize these brigades at once in their schools, -and try to get every scholar to join each one of -them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXX.<br /> <span class='large'>“HOME, SWEET HOME.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Go with me, boys and girls, to the gay streets -and gilded saloons of the great city of Paris far -across the sea. Here is said to be the centre of -all the world’s follies and pleasures. It is at night.</p> - -<p class='c012'>An American, who has left his home and native -land to view the splendors of the wicked city, is -passing along the street. He has beheld with delight -its paintings, its sculpture, and the grand -and graceful proportions of its buildings. In the -midst of his keenest happiness, when he was rejoicing -most over the privileges which he possessed, -temptation assailed him. Sin was presented -to him in one of its most bewitching garbs, and -he yielded to the voice of the siren. He drank -wildly and deeply of the intoxicating cup, and his -draught brought madness. Reason was overthrown -and he rushed out, all his scruples overcome, careless -of what he did or how deeply he became immersed -in the hitherto unknown sea of guilt.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The cool night air settled damp and heavy upon -his heated brow. Walking on and on, not knowing -or caring where he went, by-and-by strains of -music from a distance met his ear. Pretty soon, -following in the direction from which the sounds -came, he was able to distinguish the words and air -of the piece. The song was well remembered. It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>was “Home, Sweet Home.” Clear and sweet the -voice of some singer, using his native tongue, rose -and fell on the air; and the poor wild man stopped -and listened to the soft cadences of that beloved -melody.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_278.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Home, Sweet Home.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Motionless he stood until the last note floated -away, and he could hear nothing but the ceaseless -murmur of the great city. Then he turned away -slowly, with no feeling that his manhood was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>shamed by the tear which fell as a bright evidence -of the power of song, and also as an evidence that -he, the guilty sinner, was not yet absolutely lost -beyond recall.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The demon of the wine cup had fled, and reason -once more asserted her right to control. As the -soft strains of “Home, Sweet Home” had floated -to his ear, memory brought up before him the picture -of his own “sweet home.” He saw his gentle -mother and heard her speak, while honest pride -beamed from her eye; she seemed to speak again -of her son, in whose nobleness and honor she could -always trust. His heart smote him as he thought -how little he deserved such confidence. He remembered -her last words of love and counsel, and the -tearful farewell of all those dear ones who gladdened -that far-away home with their presence. -The tide of remorse swept over his soul as he -thought of what the sorrow of those at home would -have been could they have seen him but an hour -before. Subdued and penitent he retraced his -steps, and with his vow never to taste of the terrible -stuff that could so excite him to madness there -was mingled a deep sense of thankfulness for his -escape from further degradation. The influence -of home had protected and shielded him, although -the sea rolled between.</p> - -<p class='c012'>How strong such memories are to prevent the -commission of crime! How powerful is the spell -of home! How important, then, is it to make home -pleasant and lovable! Many a time a cheerful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>home and smiling face will do more to make good -men and good women than all the learning and eloquence -that can be used. It has been said that -the sweetest words in our language are “Mother, -Home and Heaven”; and one might almost say -that the word “Home” included the others. Who -can think of home without remembering the gentle -mother who sanctified it by her presence? And -is not “Home” the dearest name for heaven? Oh, -then, may our homes on earth be as green spots in -the desert, to which we can retire when weary of -the cares of life and drink the clear waters of a -love which we know to be sincere and always unfailing.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXI.<br /> <span class='large'>EDMUND ASA WARE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In another chapter of this book I have told you, -boys and girls, something of the story of General -S. C. Armstrong, the founder of Hampton Institute. -I am now going to tell something about another -white man, who was the founder of another -great school for colored people. His name is Edmund -Asa Ware, and he was the founder of Atlanta -University. Of course you know that I must -love Atlanta University because I was graduated -there myself a long time ago; but I think that Atlanta -University should have a warm place in the -heart of every black boy and girl in America. It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>has done and is doing a great work for the higher -training of our men and women.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Ware was born in North Wrentham (now -Norfolk), Mass., December 22, 1837. When fifteen -years old he removed with his father’s family to -Norwich, Conn., where he entered the Norwich -Free Academy. In 1859 he entered Yale University, -from which institution he was graduated four -years later. In 1865 he went to Nashville, Tenn., -where he served for a year as principal of one -of the newly organized public schools of that city. -In 1866 he came to Atlanta, Ga., and under the -auspices of the American Missionary Association -began the educational work to which he devoted -the rest of his life. In 1867 he was appointed -superintendent of schools for the state of Georgia -under the Freedmen’s Bureau, and traveled widely -in the prosecution of that work. The same year -a charter was obtained for Atlanta University, -which institution was not opened, however, until -1869, and Mr. Ware became its first president and -continued as president until his death. He died -suddenly of heart disease September 25, 1885, in -Atlanta, and was buried September 29th in Westview -Cemetery in the suburbs of the same city.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A few years later his body was removed to the -campus of Atlanta University, where it now -sleeps. A huge granite bowlder was brought from -Massachusetts, his native state, by funds contributed -by the graduates of Atlanta University, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>this bowlder, suitably inscribed, marks his last -resting place on earth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At the memorial services held in honor of President -Ware in Stone Hall, Atlanta University, December -22, 1885, on the forty-eighth anniversary -of the birth of the dead president, Prof. Bumstead, -who is now president of Atlanta University, spoke -the following words about Mr. Ware’s boyhood -and early life:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was a pleasant boyhood, and its joys were -innocent and wholesome ones. A white rabbit, a -goat, and two hounds were the pets with which he -played at home. He threw the line for speckled -trout in the meadow brooks, and he rowed his -boat upon the pond to gather the fragrant waterlilies.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was an industrious boyhood. In summer he -gathered blueberries, huckleberries and blackberries -for market. When twelve or thirteen years -old he spent his school vacations in service as a -clerk in a village store. When fourteen he cultivated -and harvested thirty dollars’ worth of vegetables.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was a conscientious boyhood. His mother -has no recollection of his ever being untruthful. -His village teachers all commended him for his -unvarying conformity to the right in school. It -is said that when he was fifteen years old he had -never been absent a day nor had a mark for tardiness. -When serving as clerk in the village store -his employer showed him a certain article which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>had some defect about it, not very readily noticed, -and bade him say nothing about it. He promptly -told his employer that he could obey no such instructions.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was an ambitious boyhood—ambitious, of -course, in the best sense of the word. He eagerly -seized upon and improved every opportunity for -self-improvement. He read the best books and -periodicals. He heard lectures from such men as -Beecher, Phillips, Curtis, Everett and Gough.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“In the autumn of 1859 he found himself a member -of the largest Freshman class which at that -time had ever entered Yale College. Here for the -first time I grasped the hand and looked into the -earnest eyes of my friend. I remember him in -those early college days for the unaffected modesty -of his bearing, the simplicity of his dress, his -manifest hatred of all pretense and shams, his -keen sense of humor, and his dry wit. His professedly -religious life had been begun at the Norwich -Academy but a few months before he -entered college. Both in the academy and college -he was active in religious work, and his face was -set like a flint against all forms of iniquity.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Ware was married in 1869 to Miss Sarah -Jane Twichell, of Plantsville, Conn. His wife -served with him long and faithfully at Atlanta -University, and continued to serve long after he -had passed to his rest. She was left a widow with -three daughters and one son. She herself died -subsequently. The son has since been graduated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>from Yale University and from Union Theological -Seminary, New York City, and is now chaplain of -Atlanta University.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Mr. Ware was a good man who believed that -God had made of one blood all nations of men for -to dwell on the face of the earth, and that Christ -had redeemed us to God out of every kindred, -tongue and people and nation; he believed in the -common origin and common destiny of the whole -human family, in the Fatherhood of God and the -brotherhood of man, and, therefore, recognized -no distinctions among men except those founded -on character or merit. Along with a host of pioneer -New England missionaries who came South -to help us shortly after the war Mr. Ware’s name -deserves to be honored and revered by a grateful -people to the end of time.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXII.<br /> <span class='large'>AN ANTE-BELLUM NEGRO PREACHER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Once upon a time I heard Bishop Fitzgerald of -the M. E. Church, South, tell the following story.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I give it in his own words:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The ante-bellum negro preachers were the -product of the times, and differed from the mass of -their race only in the fact that they were shrewder -and more eloquent. Among them were many men -of piety and good sense and burning zeal. In -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>others there was a combination of cunning, superstition, -excitability and volubility almost indescribable.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_285.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Saint Paul was a Much Better Man Dan I is, an’ Dey Whupped Him Mos’ Ev’ywhar He Went.</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“To the former class belonged a noted negro -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>preacher of Culpepper County, Va., an old man -of blameless life and venerable appearance, who -so entirely commanded the confidence of the white -people, and whose influence with the people of his -own race was so wholesome, that no one thought -of enforcing against him a statute then existing -which required that in any gathering where six or -more negroes were assembled a white man should -be present. Despite this statute Uncle Jack came -and went as he pleased, trusted by the whites and -venerated by the blacks.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“At one of his meetings a party of mischievous -young white men planned to have a little fun at -the old man’s expense. Waiting near the door of -the rustic chapel until the services were concluded -the company approached the old preacher and its -spokesman said:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“‘Old man, we are officers of the law and are -patrolling this beat. You have violated the law, -and we are going to whip you for it. Come along -with us.’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“They led the way to the thicket near at hand. -Uncle Jack followed in silence.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“‘Have you nothing to say, old man?’ asked -the spokesman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“‘Nothin’, Marstah,’ said Uncle Jack.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“‘Perhaps you don’t think that we really intend -to whip you,’ said the young man, ‘but we -will. Have you nothing to say to that?’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“‘No, sah,’ said Uncle Jack; ‘I has nothin’ to -say. De fac’ is, Marstah, I has oftened wondar’d -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>that I has nevah been whupped befo’. Saint Paul -was a much bettah man dan I is, an’ dey whupped -him ’mos’ ev’ywhar he went. I has preached much -longah dan he did, an’ I has nevah got a whuppin’ -in my life. It seems to me dat I ought to have at -leas’ a few licks!’</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The young scapegraces looked at each other -in confusion, and it is needless to say that Uncle -Jack was not whipped.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>PURITY OF CHARACTER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls, if you will take a plum or an apricot -you will find that over the outer coat of either -one of them there glows a bloom more beautiful -than the fruit itself—a soft, delicate powder that -overspreads its rich colors. Now, if you strike -your hand over that you will find that the bloom -will at once depart, and when it goes it is gone -forever. It only appears once. You go out into -the flower garden early in the morning. The flower -that hangs there impearled with dew, like so many -jewels—you shake it once, so that the drops or -beads will roll off. You take that same flower, -after the dew has been shaken off, and you may -sprinkle water over it as you please, yet it can -never be made again what it was when the dew fell -on it so gently from heaven. Again, on a frosty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>morning, you may see the panes of glass covered -with landscapes, mountains, lakes and trees, blended -into a fantastic picture. Now, lay your hand -upon the glass and by the scratch of your finger -or by the warmth of the palm; all the delicate tracery -will be obliterated—all the beautiful picture -will vanish, and you could not reproduce it, although -you tried for a hundred years. Once wiped -out, the picture on the glass is wiped out forever.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So there is in youth a purity of character which, -when once touched and defiled, can never be restored—a -fringe more delicate than frostwork or -the dew on the flowers or the bloom on the plum -or apricot. Character is a thing which, when once -stained, can never be again what it was. When a -young boy or girl leaves the home of his or her -parents, with the blessing of a mother’s tears -upon the cheek or the blessing of a father’s hand -upon the head, if earthly purity of character be -once lost it is a loss that can never be made up -again. Though by God’s mercy the sin may be -forgiven, yet its effects cannot but be in some way -felt, and the boy or girl will never be what he or -she was before.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXIV.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_289.jpg' alt='EACH ONE of US of IMPORTANCE' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Never think yourself, whoever you are, of small -importance. Never think that it is of little account -whether you are good or bad, or what your example -is to others. Each mere particle of dust, every -tiny grain of sand, the minutest atom, is an active -agent in the whole universe. So each one of us is -of importance in our sphere, however isolated and -insignificant that sphere may appear to be.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A few particles of dust in a watch will stop its -motion; small barnacles on a ship’s bottom will -hinder its journey; and a little shifting sand in the -great river will change its current. So, little boys -and girls exercise their influence for weal or woe -upon the world. Don’t you believe for once that -the world is moved only by the great forces, the -great men and the great enterprises. Little folks -and little things likewise help to move the world -along. Great generals are necessary; but what -would they be without the soldiers behind them?</p> - -<p class='c012'>Every boy has his part to do in the great work -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>of the world, and every girl has her part to do. -Every boy and girl is of importance; how important -nobody knows, and perhaps never shall know -until eternity reveals it. There ought to be in -this truth great encouragement and great comfort -to all who think that they are insignificant and -have no work to do in this busy world. Perhaps -in the distant future many a man who estimated -himself great shall be found to have been insignificant, -because of unfaithfulness to his trust; and -many another man who perhaps thought himself -of little worth will find himself glorified because -he did what he could.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXV.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_290.jpg' alt='THE POETRY OF LIFE' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Poetry is more than -verse-making, more -than the jingle of words, -more than the sing-song -of meter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Sunshine and flowers, -brightness and joyousness, the harmonies of the -passions and the inspiration of love—these are -the poetry of life.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>Without poetry, life is a tread-mill; a veil of -tears; a dreary waste. Even religion is only a crucifixion—a -death to sin—if we have not the resurrection -into the new life of joy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Many of us make hard work of life by bending -our backs too much. We get dirt in our eyes by -keeping them too near the dust, and we get narrow-minded -and selfish by our narrow radius of -vision.</p> - -<p class='c012'>To become truly rich we must stand in the dignity -of our manhood; walk in the integrity of our -calling; and run in the rhythm of a poetic nature. -Out of harmony is out of sphere. The dignity, integrity -and poetry of life are all lost by inharmony; -only the ashes of disappointment are left; -but with these we can dance at our work, and turn -irksome duties into joyous privileges. Instead of -moping in the valley of the shadow of death, we -may live in the sunshine, where beautiful flowers -and luscious fruits and delicious sweets grow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Yes; yes; we might as well live in light as in -darkness; make life a joyful song as a funeral -dirge; live amid glory as shame. With a radiant -countenance, a beaming eye, and a loving hand, we -can do more work and have more to do; we can -get more out of life and have more life to enjoy; -we can scatter more sunshine and have more left -for ourselves.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Christ came to bring to every toiler, heaven. -Let us get into it quickly. It is here—and here -only—that we find the poetry of life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXVI<br /> <span class='large'>ON BEING IN EARNEST.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Of ten men who fail in life, nine men fail for -want of zeal, earnestness, courage, where one man -fails for want of ability. This half-heartedness, -this lack of zeal, this timidity, this shrinking from -duty and hard tasks is seen on all sides and among -all classes. But I tell you, boys and girls, that -the least enviable people in all the world are those -who think that nothing is particularly worth -while, that it does not matter much how a thing -is done if it is only done with; who dwaddle along -in a shabby sort of a way, considering only their -own ease, with little sense of responsibility, and -with no shame in being shirks. Every boy should -make up his mind to live a round, full, earnest, intense -life. Every girl should do the same. Don’t -be satisfied, boys and girls, to be jellyfishes, with -only a capacity for drawing in nourishment and -lingering on until your time comes to die. Be -vertebrates, people of backbone, purpose, aim, enthusiasm, -earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At a public dinner President Roosevelt asked -Governor Odell of New York if he knew anything -worth doing that was not hard in the doing, and -the governor could think of nothing. As a rule -perhaps there is nothing, and yet things once hard -in the doing become easy as skill is gained by repetition. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>Be in earnest, be faithful and resolute, -and it will act like a tonic, giving light to the eyes, -springiness to the step, and buoyancy to the heart.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_293.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Being in Earnest.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Don’t be overcome by your circumstances. No -matter how distracting a -man’s surroundings may be, -he may yet be able to focus -his powers completely and to -marshal them with certainty -if he makes up his -mind to do it. If -things go hard with -the self-mastered man or boy, -he will be able to trample upon -difficulties and to use his stumbling-blocks -as stepping-stones. -If a great misfortune overtake -him he will simply use it as a starting -point for a new departure, a turning -point for more determined effort. He -may be weighed down with sorrow -and suffering, but he always starts -anew with redoubled determination -to do the thing he has set his heart -upon doing. He will not be discouraged; -he will not give up; he will fight it out to -the end. Put him in prison, and he will write the -“Pilgrim’s Progress.” Deprive him of his eyesight -and he will write the “Paradise Lost.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>It was the spirit of earnestness which fired the -soul of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, who, -after being urged to recant, said: “Here I stand; -I can do no other; God help me!” It was this -spirit which characterized William Lloyd Garrison, -the champion of the abolition of slavery, who, -when he was urged to stop fighting slavery, exclaimed: -“I will not equivocate, I will not retract, -I will not be moved one inch, and I will be -heard.” So be in earnest, boys and girls, at home, -at school, at work and at play. It will help you -a thousand-fold.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXVII.<br /> <span class='large'>YOUNG PEOPLE AND LIFE INSURANCE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Every little boy and girl, and, of course, every -man and woman, of the colored race in America -should carry a life insurance policy of some kind -in some reliable company. In this matter the old -people, as in some other things, ought to set the -example for the young, but there are some reasons, -growing chiefly out of their previous condition of -slavery, why our mothers and fathers have not, as -a rule, taken very largely to the business of having -their lives insured. But because our parents have -been negligent in this matter there is no reason -why the younger generation should be. Life insurance -is a good thing, boys and girls—one of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>best things in the world. American life insurance -companies alone pay to policy-holders or estates of -policy-holders over one hundred million dollars -annually. Only a very small and almost insignificant -portion of this vast sum goes into the hands -of colored people, and for the reason that very few -colored people carry life insurance policies.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_295.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Taking Out a Policy.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Now use a little common sense about this matter. -Whatever is good in life insurance for other -races is good for our race; whatever in life insurance -benefits other races will benefit our race. In -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>business as in education, whatever is good for a -white man is good for a black man. I would, -therefore, urge every boy and girl to join a life insurance -company, and where your mothers and -fathers are not insured I would urge you to do -your utmost to persuade them to join at once.</p> - -<p class='c012'>For one reason, a life insurance policy is not expensive. -You might as well talk of the expense of -buying bank stock, or the expense of putting your -money into a savings bank or any other safe place -as to speak of the expense of keeping up a life -insurance policy. It is accumulation and not expense. -Every dollar put into life insurance is a -dollar saved to yourself or your estate.</p> - -<p class='c012'>For another reason life insurance is a good business -investment. Carefully collected statistics on -file in Washington City prove that investments -in life insurance are much safer and yield much -larger returns than money placed in a savings -bank. When you are older you will perhaps be -able to make these comparisons for yourself. For -the present you can take my word for it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A third reason, life insurance is cheap. You can -in an instant create a capital of $1,000, though you -may be ever so poor, by laying aside only a few -cents a week. Young people chew up and drink -up and smoke up and frolic up more money every -week than would be sufficient to protect them -against the rainy days that must come to everybody.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And, then, life insurance has a character value. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>It makes a young man a better man; it makes a -young woman a better woman; that is to say, it -makes them more economical, more business-like, -happier, and, I believe, it will make them live -longer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is high time that black boys and girls were -learning these things and acting upon them. When -God commanded us not to serve money as a false -god He did not say that money could not serve us, -and I beseech the boys and girls, and the old people -too, to exercise the same foresight and the -same good sense about life insurance that other -races exercise.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE LITTLE SAILOR CAT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>In September, 1893, grouped on the Fall River -Line pier at the foot of Warren Street, New York, -there stood a party of twenty-three sailors waiting -for the Puritan to take them on to Boston. The -central figure in the group—a short, thickset man, -with bronzed and grizzled moustache—stood erect -with arms folded over his chest. Upon the solid -foundation thus made nestled a little white kitten. -The man and the kitten were the Boston contingent -of the crew of the steamship City of Savannah, -which had been wrecked the week before on Hunting -Island, off the South Carolina coast.</p> - -<div class='figleft id005'> -<img src='images/i_298.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Little Sailor Cat.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The story of the beaching of the steamship and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>of the taking off of her crew by the City of Birmingham -had been told in all the newspapers, but -nothing had been said about the cat, so the Boston -Herald said. Before the shipwreck the cat was -nothing more than an ordinary ship’s cat, and the -captain had named him Mascot; but that was the -end of his distinction. After the disaster, nevertheless, -all the sailors swore that the kitten was as -good a sailor as any of them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He’s a wonder,” said the short, thickset man, -surveying the cat proudly; “nobody thought of -him in the rush, but he got there just the same. -He climbed the rigging -in that gale like an old -tar and held on for -hours. He wasn’t a bit -frightened either. Only -he would ‘caterwaul’ -when he got hungry. -We were on board of the boat fifty hours after -she struck before the sea was such that we could -be taken off in boats. At night the captain -ordered all the crew into the rigging and made us -stay there. We each took a piece of rope and -lashed ourselves on, so as to keep from falling -off when asleep. That’s what the captain said the -string was for, but I never slept at all. I don’t -think many others did. The cat got along without -any rope, and she was there in the morning all -right. When we got away at last, nearly crazy -with thirst and so faint that we could hardly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>climb down the ‘Jacob’s ladder’ into the Birmingham’s -boats, that little fellow climbed out of -his nest in the rigging and wanted to go too. We -were glad to take him.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>LXXXIX.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_299.jpg' alt='ADVICE TO LITTLE CHRISTIANS' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1. Be punctual and regular at all the services -of your church.</p> - -<p class='c012'>2. Give close attention to the pastor in the public -service. Good hearers make good preachers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>3. Whenever you are aided by a sermon tell -the pastor about it. In this way you will help him -more than you think possible.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>4. Do not neglect morning and evening prayer -at home. Pray daily for God’s blessing upon the -preaching and other labors of the pastor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>5. In the world let your light so shine before -others that they may be led to glorify your Father -which is in heaven. Let your light shine.</p> - -<p class='c012'>6. Invite your friends to attend divine services. -A drawing congregation is as good as a -drawing preacher. Call for your friends often.</p> - -<p class='c012'>7. Remember day by day that you are not your -own, but have been “bought with a price,” and -that you are Christ’s servant. Watch and pray.</p> - -<p class='c012'>8. If any service is required of you in the -church or in the Sunday school, do not shirk it; -always say: “I will try for Jesus’ sake.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>9. In the prayer meeting speak briefly and to -the point. If you pray, ask only for what you -want. Be short and direct. “Ask and ye shall -receive.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>10. Never subscribe more than you are able to -pay, and be sure to pay whatever you promise. -Whether much or little, give it cheerfully. “God -loveth a cheerful giver.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>11. Having found eternal life, use all appropriate -means to develop Christian character. Prayer, -reading the Bible, attending church and Sunday -school, reading good books and Christian newspapers, -keeping the best company—all these will -help you.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XC.<br /> <span class='large'>A WORD TO PARENTS.</span></h2> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_301.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Word to Parents.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Children are a gift from God. Children are a -heritage from the Lord. It depends largely on parents -whether they become a heritage of honor and -delight or of sorrow and shame. It is not simply -incumbent upon parents that their children be -well cared for, fed and clothed, properly educated -and so forth; but more than this, they are to be -brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the -Lord.” This being true, then, the highest aim of -rearing children is not simply that they may win -success and command respect in the world. Respect -and success are greatly to be desired and -sought, but beyond them and beyond everything -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>else is the highest and chiefest aim of parental love -and care; that their children may honor and command -the righteousness of God in the life that now -is and magnify the glory of God in the life that is -to be. This is the mark and prize of their high -calling.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Admitting this, then, the early conversion of -children is all-important. But if they are to be -early converted, is it not wise—nay, absolutely essential—that -mothers and fathers prepare the way -by restricting their natural impulses by which -they are led to desire indulgence in the gay vanities -of life? Is it not positively wrong for parents -to indulge that pernicious and destructive delusion, -which some allow, of permitting their children -to have their own evil way in the hope that -in due time they will in some way see their error -and turn to the right path of their own accord? -Father, you are a Christian. Mother, you are a -Christian. Now, in your home, in the management -of your children, are you doing the best you can -to show what a Christian family should be? How -is it, my friends? I leave that question with you.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCI.<br /> <span class='large'>A HELPFUL MESSAGE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Life is too short to spend any time on a book -that is not worth reading; but when you read a -good book you will be richly repaid if you stick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>a sort of mental pin in sentences that especially -impress you and return to them again and again. -If the book is your own, it is sometimes helpful -to mark it neatly here and there, and to copy some -of the nuggets of thoughts. In that way you help -to fasten them in your brain, and perhaps to engraft -their meaning upon your lives. From a book -of the writings and speeches of a New York -preacher, Dr. Maltbie D. Babcock, who went a year -or two ago to “the better land,” I have culled the -following sentences that hold, I think, a helpful -message for boys and girls as well as for old people.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Look out for your choices. They run into conduct, -character, destiny.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To make the best of things is the right way to -let things make the best of you.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Pay as little attention to discouragement as -possible. This is the only world in which a Christian -can suffer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Whenever you feel blue remember that God -loves you and think up some kindness, if no more -than sending a flower to some one or writing a -note.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you can help anybody, even a little, be glad.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do not let the good things of life rob you of -the best things.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What have you done to-day that none but a -Christian would do?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XCII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE UNSEEN CHARMER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Carl Brickermann, a collection clerk in an uptown -bank, in his accustomed daily routine found -it necessary, among other things, to call by telephone -the downtown brokerage firm of Hopegood -& Co. One day he missed the familiar feminine -voice which had usually responded to his calls. -But the new voice seemed sweeter and much more -passionately penetrating. For two or three days -Brickermann was puzzled, not only because of the -change at the other end of the ’phone, but also -because of the strange and unaccountable fascination -which the new voice possessed for him. At -length one day, almost in desperation, he turned -aside from his regular business inquiries to ask:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where’s the other girl?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Which other girl?” asked the mellifluous voice -over the articulate wire.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The one who used to answer the ’phone for the -Hopegoods,” explained Brickermann.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Promoted,” came the response, with a merry -little laugh.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And you have her old place?” asked Brickermann, -somewhat encouraged.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes; for awhile,” said the same still, small -voice at the other end, and it sounded more and -more sweetly to the would-be masher.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>“Well,” said Brickermann, laughing the while, -“I used to know her quite well, and I should like -to meet you face to face, if you don’t mind. I am -so charmed with the music of your voice I am sure -I should be perfectly entranced with the magic of -your face.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_305.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>“<span class='sc'>Is—er—er—Mr. Hopegood in?</span>”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>A merry peal of laughter from the other end -greeted this sally. The young man continued:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I used to come down some days about four -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>o’clock to see Margie. Will you, my Unseen -Charmer, grant me the same high favor?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why, certainly! Come any day,” answered -the sweet voice which had so strangely bewitched -the young man. In ecstasy Brickermann shouted -back:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll be down this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Brickermann hung up the receiver, and, chuckling -with delight, he turned to his other duties -with the alacrity that a young spring chicken displays -when it suddenly discovers a big fat worm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>By three-thirty o’clock he had arranged his -toilet, and stood before the mirror giving the finishing -twirl to his budding moustache. He brushed -his clothing the second time, brushed his hat, and, -figuratively speaking, arrayed in purple and fine -linen, he sallied forth. He boarded an elevated -train bound for the downtown district. On his -way down he tried to picture to himself the kind -of a girl he should meet at the Hopegoods. Would -she be tall or short of stature? Blonde or brunette? -Above twenty-one years of age or only sweet sixteen? -The quick arrival of the train at Park Place -put a period to Brickermann’s reverie. He went -tripping across a few blocks to the place where all -of his hopes had been centered during the past few -hours—in fact, days. Arrived there, he stepped -into the front office where “Margie” had formerly -presided. It was the same snug and cosy room, -but he failed to behold there the eagerly expected -young lady. Instead he ran amuck a chubby little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>boy, with a ruddy face and curly hair, and perhaps -not more than fourteen or fifteen years old, -sitting in “Margie’s” place.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Brickermann was visibly embarrassed. He did -not know where to begin or what to say. He -twitched nervously at the glove which he carried -in his hand, and finally he stammered:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is—er—Mr. Hopegood in?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No, sir,” said the boy. “Can I be of any service -to you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Brickermann’s face turned blood red, and great -drops of perspiration stood out upon his forehead. -The accents of the little boy startled him, for they -were the same that had been wafted to him almost -daily along the wire and with which he thought -he had been enamored. In the midst of his confusion -he managed to say, hoping almost against -hope that his identity had not been discovered:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, er—er—I’ll call again.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>And, without waiting to hear the Unseen Charmer -speak again, he hastily retired with as good -grace as was possible under the circumstances.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCIII.<br /> <span class='large'>OUR COUNTRY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Boys and girls, we are all American citizens, -the last one of us. This is our country, as much -as it is the country of any other race, and we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>should love it and fight for it as our fathers have -loved, fought and died for it on many a battlefield. -We may be the descendants of Africans, but -we are citizens of the United States. This is our -home—our country. Let us believe it, in spite of -what some foolish people say. Therefore I am going -to give you one or two sentiments which you -should learn early in life in order to stimulate -your patriotism.</p> - -<p class='c012'>1. May the honor of our country be without -stain.</p> - -<p class='c012'>2. May the glory of America never cease to -shine.</p> - -<p class='c012'>3. May every American manfully withstand -corruption.</p> - -<p class='c012'>4. May reverence for the laws ever predominate -in the hearts of the American people.</p> - -<p class='c012'>5. The sons and daughters of America, may -their union be cemented by love and affection, and -their offspring adorn the stations they are destined -to fill.</p> - -<p class='c012'>6. May the growth of the American union -never be prevented by party spirit.</p> - -<p class='c012'>7. The boys of America, may they be strong -and virtuous, manly and brave.</p> - -<p class='c012'>8. The girls of America, may they prove to be -such in heart and life as will make them worthy -mothers of a strong and noble race.</p> - -<p class='c012'>9. Health to our president, prosperity to our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>people, and may Congress direct its endeavors to -the public good.</p> - -<p class='c012'>10.—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>May Peace o ’er America spread her wing,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And Commerce fill her ports with gold;</div> - <div class='line'>May Arts and Science comfort bring,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And Liberty her sons enfold.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCIV.<br /> <span class='large'>THE “DON’T-CARE” GIRL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>About the worst girl in all this world is the girl -who doesn’t care what people think or say about -her conduct; the girl who goes to every “hop,” to -every party, who stays out late at night with the -boys, who hangs over the gate and talks to them, -and who cuts a number of foolish capers, and then -when any one speaks to her, shoots her head ’way -up in the air, and turns up her nose, if she can, and -says boldly: “Oh, I don’t care; nobody has anything -to do with me!” She is the worst girl in -the world, and she will never come to any good -end. Every girl who is a law unto herself in regard -to all that she says or does is certain not -only to bring upon herself the condemnation of -those whose good opinion it is worth while to -have, but she will most certainly incur the punishment -of a just God. And sometimes, I am sorry -to say, I think that when a girl proudly declares -that she doesn’t care for the good opinion of others -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>she does so because she knows that she has -already lost all right to that good opinion.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/i_310.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The “Don’t-Care” Girl.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>It is wrong, boys and girls, to undertake to run -roughshod over the so-called prejudices of the public. -It is a foolish thing to take delight in trying -to shock people by your boisterous and unladylike -and unbecoming conduct. Every really wise and -nice girl does care a good deal for the good opinion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>of others, and particularly for the good opinion -of persons older than she is. She recognizes -the fact that the laws of conventionality and of -good society are based upon what is right and -what is proper, and that no girl can with propriety -set them at naught.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Some girls go so far as to say that they “don’t -care” what their own fathers and mothers think. -The wild girl who says this is setting at defiance -not only the human parental law, but also the law -of God, which plainly commands children to obey -their parents.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Haven’t you ever seen a “don’t-care” girl? She -is nearly always reckless in manner and speech; -she is bold and defiant; she is impudent beyond -mention; and she is very fond of ridiculing girls -who do care a great deal what others think about -them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>No matter whose children they are—no matter -what schools they have attended—these “don’t -care” girls are no good, and good girls ought not -to associate with them. Every day such flippant -girls are treading on dangerous ground, and some -day, unless a merciful God prevents it, she will -come to open disgrace and die and go to torment. -I am hoping to see the day when all the “don’t-care” -girls will have passed out of existence, and -then all our girls will be of the refined and womanly -kind who do care a great deal about their conduct, -their manners and their morals. I don’t -want my daughter to associate with any other -kind.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XCV.<br /> <span class='large'>NEGRO HEROES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>No true history of the American continent can -be written without giving due credit to the part -which brave negro men have played on the field of -battle in the defense of liberty. At the head of the -list of great negro soldiers stands unquestionably -Toussaint L’Ouverture, the emancipator of Hayti, -the little republic to the south of the Island of -Cuba. This black hero, who never saw a soldier -until he was fifty years old, crossed swords with -the great Napoleon, who is said to be the greatest -general the world has ever known, and he outwitted -that great warrior. Wendell Phillips in a -great oration places the name of Toussaint at the -head of the list of all the world’s great leaders -and statesmen, above the name of even our own -George Washington.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Next comes Crispus Attucks, who was killed in -the Boston massacre on the night of March 5, 1770. -His blood was the first blood shed in the cause of -American independence. John Adams and Daniel -Webster both date the beginning of American independence -from that terrible massacre. Later on -when the Revolutionary War came the negro -played a valiant part and many individuals won -just fame. For instance, Peter Salem and Salem -Poor both distinguished themselves at the battle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>of Bunker Hill, and at other points. To-day a -monument stands on Boston Common erected in -honor of Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, Salem -Poor, Samuel Maverick and James Caldwell.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_313.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Negro Heroes.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>All the boys and girls now living know about -the heroism of Antonio Maceo in behalf of the -freedom of Cuba, and how that brave general laid -down his life for his own people shortly before -the United States in 1898 took up arms in defense -of Cuban liberty and drove the Spanish tyrants -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>out. Of course there were many colored soldiers -who took notable parts in the work done by our -country during that short and decisive war. It -is even claimed on good authority that the black -soldiers saved the regiment of Rough Riders, -which was commanded by the intrepid Colonel -Roosevelt who afterwards became governor of -New York and president of the United States.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But before the Spanish-American War the -negroes had given good account of themselves on -many a well-fought field—in the war of 1812 and -again in the great Civil War. In the Civil War, -which resulted in the restoration of the Union and -the freedom of the slaves, there were 186,000 colored -soldiers. To-day a monument stands on Boston -Common, also, in memory of the Fifty-fourth -Massachusetts Regiment of United States soldiers. -This was a colored regiment, which was commanded -by a gallant white man named Robert -Gould Shaw. He and a large proportion of his -command were killed at Fort Wagner, S. C., in -July, 1863.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the Civil War we were not allowed to have -our own officers, all the officers being white. In -the Spanish-American War this was changed, and -we had over two hundred officers, including some -as high as colonels and two paymasters with the -rank of majors. When another war comes we are -going to have some generals as well as colonels -and captains and majors. Some of the little boys -who are reading these words may be called on to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>render this higher service for the country and the -race. I hope, boys, if it should be so, that you will -be prepared to give as good an account of your -stewardship as those who have gone before. I -hope you will learn a good deal about the lives of -the great heroes above named, and about others -whom I cannot stop to mention now. In this way -you will gain inspiration for the future.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCVI.<br /> <span class='large'>FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO YOUNG PEOPLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Shortly before he died Frederick Douglass made -a tour through the South. Among other places he -visited Atlanta University. At that place he made -an address to the young people. It is so full of -hope and help that I wanted to place it where -every ambitious black boy and girl in America -can see it. It has never been published before, -except in the Bulletin of Atlanta University. Mr. -Douglass said:</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span> -<img src='images/i_316.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Frederick Douglass.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“My young friends: I see before me an assemblage -of young people, full of the blood of youth, -just entering upon the voyage of life. It is an interesting -spectacle to me, as to us all, to meet such -an assembly as I see before me this morning in -an institution of learning, of knowledge, and of -ethics and of Christian graces. I experience great -pleasure in what I see to-day. There is no language -to describe my feelings. It was no mere image -that John saw and described in the apocalypse. -It was a new heaven and a new earth indeed. When -I look back upon the time when I was a fugitive -slave I recollect the evils and cruelty of slave-hunting. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>No mountain was so high, no valley was -so deep, no glen so secluded, no place so sacred to -liberty that I could put my foot upon it and say -I was free! But now I am free! Contrasting my -condition then and now the change exceeds what -John saw upon the isle of Patmos. A change vast -and wonderful, that came by the fulfilling of laws. -We got freed by laws, marvellous in our eyes. Men, -brave men, good men, who had the courage of -their convictions, were arrested and subjected to -persecutions, mobs, lawlessness, violence. They -had the conviction of truth. Simple truth lasts -forever!</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Be not discouraged. There is a future for you -and a future for me. The resistance encountered -now predicates hope. The negro degraded, indolent, -lazy, indifferent to progress, is not objectionable -to the average public mind. Only as we -rise in the scale of proficiency do we encounter -opposition. When we see a ship that lies rotting -in the harbor, its seams yawning, its sides broken -in, taking water and sinking, it meets with no opposition; -but when its sails are spread to the -breeze, its top-sails and its royals flying, then there -is resistance. The resistance is in proportion to -its speed. In Memphis three negro men were -lynched, not because they were low and degraded, -but because they knew their business and other -men wanted their business.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am delighted to see you all. Don’t be despondent. -Don’t measure yourselves from the white -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>man’s standpoint; but measure yourselves by the -depths from which you have come. I measure -from these depths, and I see what Providence has -done. Daniel Webster said in his speech at the -dedication of Bunker Hill monument: ‘Bunker Hill -monument is completed. There it stands, a memorial -of the past, a monitor of the present, a -hope of the future. It looks, speaks, acts!’ So -this assembly is a monitor of the present, a memorial -of the past, a hope of the future. I see boys -and girls around me. Boys, you will be men some -day. Girls, you will be women some day. May -you become good men and women, intelligent men -and women, a credit to yourselves and your country.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I thank you for what I have experienced to-day -and I leave you reluctantly, and shall always -carry with me the pleasantest impressions of this -occasion.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCVII.<br /> <span class='large'>TOO HIGH A DAM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Once upon a time a criminal, sentenced to a -twenty-year term of punishment, declared that his -ruin was due to the fact that too high a “dam” -had been built around his early life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was a boy on a farm, the son of strict parents, -who never unbent into friends and comrades, -but had iron ideas of parental duty along the lines -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>of restraints, and gave large doses of the catechism -and the Ten Commandments, interspersed -with much fault-finding and complaints of the -waywardness of boys in general and their own boy -in particular.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As a consequence the boy chafed against the -“high dam,” burst its bounds early and came to -the city with a zest for freedom in proportion to -the restraint he had undergone and an admiration -for a fast life. This was by way of reaction from -his disgust for the farm and its slow ways.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Don’t build your dams too high,” was the -brief sermon preached by this condemned criminal -and directed to parents—especially those who are -rearing children in the country or in small towns. -Human nature will continue to be human nature, -and boys will continue to be boys. Youth will long, -and naturally so, for variety and amusement. The -house in which parents never unbend in sympathy -with their children’s longing for a little brightness -and jollity, where work goes on in unretrieved -monotony, and home means only a place to sleep -and eat in—such a home sends its boys and girls -to the city before they are panoplied to meet its -temptations; either this, or else it hardens and -saddens them into mere machines or beasts of burden.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Books, music, flowers, games, social clubs, cheerful -pictures, love and sympathy—these will bind -the young heart to home and right living and will -obviate the necessity of the “high dams” of restraint.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span> - <h2 class='c010'>XCVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>A GOOD FELLOW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>He was a good fellow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He spent his money like a Prince.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was nothing too good for him to do for -those with whom he kept company.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He lived rapidly, and had no thought of to-morrow. -He burned the candle of life at both ends.</p> - -<p class='c012'>To-day he is dead,—and those vampires who -sucked his life’s blood and helped him to spend his -money have no time to give him one thought.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Ah, how insincere and empty is the title of -“good fellow” when it is applied to the man whose -money is always on tap for those who are desirous -of having a good time! And how corrupt and undesirable -are the so-called friendships which -spring from a lavish expenditure of money! Boys, -the roof over your heads covers the best friends -you could possibly have on earth. Those who slap -you on the shoulder and say hilariously, “Good -boy!” are seldom ever worth their salt. They like -you for what they can get out of you—that’s all!</p> - -<p class='c012'>Real happiness in this world comes, if at all, -from living right and doing right. If you are a -good fellow in the sense of giving everybody a -“good time” with your hard-earned means, I -warn you that, when your money gives out, all -your friends will desert you, and when you die -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>they will be the last ones to come near you, and -may even laugh at what a fool you made of yourself!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>XCIX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE FUTURE OF THE NEGRO.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>My dear boys and girls, I have written nearly -one hundred stories for this book and I have not -said one word about the so-called Race Problem. -I have done this on purpose. I believe that the less -you think about the troubles of the race and the -less you talk about them and the more time you -spend in hard and honest work, believing in God -and trusting him for the future, the better it will -be for all concerned. I know, of course, that the -sufferings which are inflicted upon the colored -people in this country are many and grievous. I -know that we are discriminated against in many -ways—on common carriers, in public resorts and -even in private life. The right to vote is being -taken away from us in nearly all the Southern -states. Lynchings are on the increase. Not only -our men but our women also are being burned at -the stake. What shall we do? There are those -who say that we must strike back—use fire and -torch and sword and shotgun ourselves. But I tell -you plainly that we cannot afford to do that. The -white people have all the courts, all the railroads, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>all the newspapers, all the telegraph wires, all the -arms and ammunition and double the men that we -have. In every race riot the negro would get the -worst of it finally. But there is a higher reason -than that. We cannot afford to do wrong. We -cannot afford to lose our decency, our self-respect, -our character. No man will ever be the superior -of the man he robs; no man will ever be the -superior of the man he steals from. I would rather -be a victim than a victimizer. I would rather be -wronged than to do wrong. And no race is -superior to the race it tramples upon, robs, maltreats -and murders. In spite of prejudice; in spite -of proscription; in spite of nameless insults and -injuries, we cannot as a race, afford to do wrong. -But we can afford to be patient. God is -not dead. His chariots are not unwheeled. -It is ordained of God that races, as well -as individuals, shall rise through tribulations. -And during this period of stress and strain -through which we are passing in this country I -believe that there are unseen forces marshalled in -the defense of our long-suffering and much-oppressed -people. “They that be with us are more -than they that be with them.” What should we -care, then, though all the lowlands be filled with -threats, if the mountains of our hope and courage -and patience are filled with horses and -chariots of Divine rescue?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span> - <h2 class='c010'>C<br /> <span class='large'>THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>My last words shall be to parents. Many parents -neglect the training of their children until -the boys and girls have grown to be almost men -and women, and then they expect all at once to -develop them into well-rounded characters, as if -by magic. Others fix upon a definite time in life—say, -ten or twelve years old—before which time -they say it is unnecessary to seek to make lasting -impressions upon the minds of children, all unconscious -of the fact that the character may have -been long before that period biased for good or -evil.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I say it deliberately—it is a deep and abiding -conviction with me, that the time to begin to -shape the character of children is as soon as they -begin to know their own mothers from other -mothers, or as soon as they become awake to the -events which are taking place around them. The -farmer who has the notion that his child can wait, -does not dare to let his corn and cotton wait. He -has observed that there are noxious weeds which -spring up side by side with the seed he has -planted, and, marvelous to say, the weeds outgrow -the plants. They must, therefore, be cut -down and kept down, or else they will ruin the -crop.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>Side by side with your tender babe in arms -there are growing now, dear mothers, the poisonous -tares. They are rooted already in the child’s -heart, and, unless they are stricken down pretty -soon, they will dominate the child’s life. And, of -course, there is only one way to destroy evil—that -is, to plant good in its stead. If there is one untenanted -chamber in your child’s heart, inhabit -it, I pray you, with nobler and purer thoughts -which before long shall bring forth fruit unto -God. Satan does not wait, I assure you; he never -allows a vacancy to remain unoccupied in anybody’s -heart, old or young. He rushes into empty -hearts and idle lives and sows tares thicker than -the strewn leaves of autumn. It is an old and -senseless and barbarian custom which has taught -us that the child can wait or must wait. If anybody -must wait at table to be served, it is usually -the little child, who may be the hungriest of all; -if some one must remain away from church or -Sunday-school, it is often the youngest child, who -perhaps needs most to go; if some one must be -kept out of the day school, it is the smallest child, -of course; and during the year that he remains -idle he may receive impressions and learn lessons -that will mar his whole future life. Let us have -done with this barbaric practice. Make room for -the children; give them not only the first place but -the best place.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In almost any city in the South any Sunday in -the year you will find more children—more boys -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>and girls—outside of the Sunday-schools than you -will find inside. There is a loud and crying call -sounding from the past and from the future and -bidding mothers and fathers to be more diligent -in the matter of having their children embrace -opportunities of growth and spiritual culture -which are almost within a stone’s throw. If -mothers and fathers will not hear and obey this -clarion call I believe that they will be brought to -account for it in the day of judgment. Not only -so, but in the years to come they will be compelled -to wail out their sorrow over prodigal sons and -daughters who might have proven to be ornaments -to society and to the church if their parents -had devoted half the care upon them that they -expended upon colts and calves, kittens and puppies -that grew up with them!</p> - -<p class='c012'>In all earnestness I implore those to whom God -has given winsome little children to begin early, -as early as thy find it possible, to train their -young lives for God and heaven. Let their little -voices learn early to lisp the precious name of -Jesus and be attuned to sing His praise. If you -leave them this legacy—than which there is none -greater—there will come peace and joy to your -old age, and the light of heaven, like the golden -glow of a radiant sunset, will rest on your dying -bed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And now, as I close these stories, there comes to -me across the intervening space of silence and of -tears fond memories of a sweet and patient -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>mother. I cannot remember when she began to -talk to me of Jesus nor read to me the word of -God. I remember well when she taught me how to -read, and the old-fashioned blue back spelling-book -is as plainly before me now as in those long -past days. But, long before that, I had heard her -read the Bible and raise her voice in prayer for all -whom she loved. And to-day those memories live -when a thousand busy scenes of after life lie dead. -And when old age comes on—if God should spare -me to be old—the memory of my mother’s words -and her reverential prayers will be the brightest -of all the joys that shall light up the evening of -my life.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c024' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. Published in the Voice of the Negro.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. Published in Lippincott’s Magazine.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. Published in Lippincott’s Magazine.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. Published in Lippincott’s.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f5'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. Published in Lippincott’s.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f6'> -<p class='c012'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. Published in The World’s Work.</p> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c007' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c006'> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - - </li> - <li>Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together at the end of the - last chapter. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Floyd's Flowers Or Duty and Beauty For -Colored Children, by Silas X. 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