The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-01-05
FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH.

THE LAST WORDS OF MY GNANDrA-
THEIR
When was six years cid, went to live with
NV grandfather. Being the only Child in his fam
ily, soon became fayorie ; and probably no Ia
,her could have felt more solci:ude than he, for
my comfort, and happiness. have now arrived
at manhood, still recall those days with peculiar
pleasure, chastened by tho remembrance, that lie
who then lived to administer to mine and others
happiness, no longer survives to aid by is counsel
or gladden. the heart by the exuberance of his be-
nevolence and good humor. Owing to some prov.
;dental circumstances, left him and was put out
20 a trade sooner than would have been the case
had things been otherwise. How strongly is the
memory Of that day impressed on my mind
had packed up all my things in my little trunk, and
had sat down 10 wait the arrival Of the stage that
was to carry me to the place Of my destination.
the remembrance Of days gone by passed before my
mind in rapid succession, and for once ielt to APP
preciate their value But the stage had arrived
With heart too full for utterance, / embraced my
grandmother, then turning TO my grandfather, L
took him by the hand, and with all the comp"sure
l could command, tried to'thank him for all his
kindness, to me- "Don't give yourself any con-
Germ about that said the venerable patti iarch, as
he placed his hand on my head, "but do yom mind
and be good boy, Henry"
The Stage soon bore me away ,and in n few hours
found-myselfin the great city of Boston, which
to be my future place of residence. was
here introduced 10 habits and customs altogether
different from those to which had been accustom-
ed gradually formed Acquaintance with boys
of my age, who introduced mo to pleasures
and amusements. But go where might, be
engaged ip whatever might, The last words of my
grandfather, "Mind and be good boy Henry
continually rung in my ears.
Sometimes was tempted TO be untahful to my
master, when the words, mind and be cool boy ,
Henry would recur to me- and l could not do
wrong Sometimes my companions urged me to
go to places of sin and vice, bnt the last words of
my grandfather, mind and be good boy, Henry
would operate as saIntary check to prevent
from doing. As ofte... as could be spared
from my business, visited my grand parents and
i, was not till had reached the age of manhood
that my grandfather ceased TO impress on my mind
his last injunction, Mind and be good boy Hen
ry.
call the attention of my yonng readers to these
incidents, for the purpose of confessing to them
how greatly have been benefited by habitua
remembrance Of these last words of my GRANDPA
Their. BY the grace of God, 1 attribute whatever
character now possess, and whatever OF the COM
forts of life enjoy, in great measure, to con-
slant remembrance of those seven little Words
With such a solemn Injunction laid upon me that
could never do wrong. l have found it to be a
safe guard in moments the strongest temptation.
doubt not many will read this history, who
have kind parents or guardians, who feel deeply
selicitous for their welfare and whose daily pray
er is that they may be good. How often they ex-
pressed their feelings and enjoined /, upon you at
roays do right. Let say to such, that your hap
piness, both for this and another world very much
depends the heed you give to their instructions
If there is any being upon whom God looks with
delight, it is an obedent and dutful child.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy
God gveth thee
Afew months ago, received letter stating that
my Grandfather was very sick; and not expected
to live. immediately started off with the hope of
seeing him alive. that might receive his dying
bened lotion. But was too late. The privilege
much desired could be enjoyed. As
gazed upon his venerable aorm, still in death a
thousand memories rushed to my mind. The hap
py days OF my boyhood spent beneath his roof-the
deep solicitude he had ever manifested in nv well
fare-:he vlcissludes of fortune through which
had left him all,racnred to me. And how have
you returned his love and kindness, was the wills.
per of tho voice within. Though conscious of ma.
ny imperfections, felt that had endeavored in
some humble degree, TO heed his counsels eff wis
dom and love. And blessed be God thought
thea he has lived long enough to receive some ev-
ideRce, that the love he lavshed upon me, hes not
altogether been bestowed in vain.
My young readers, it you live TO the age of man.
hood one of the truest sources of enjoyment you
can possess will spring from the reflection that you