The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-06-03
From the Traveller.
THE MANLY SPIRIT.
BY EVA MILFORD.

James Davis was lourishng young mer-
chant in good business, with fair prospects
for the future; and 10 complete his happiness,
he was the husband of an excellent, loving
wife, and the father of n fine little boy four
years old. 1t was evening, and the little
Frank had been brought down into the par
Tor as usual, to have fi'olic with his father
and mother, before going TO bed. The little
fellow was running about the room and n
musng himself III various ways, when his
eye was caught by his mothers bead purse,
lying upon the table, and Immediately clam
bering upon chair, he tried TO reach the OBJ
ject ofhis wishes, but his mother perceiving
his attempts, quietly removed the purse to a
safe place in her work-boX. The child's face
grew scarlet with rage, and springing from
the chair, he doubled up his little fist and
struck his mother blow after blow, with all
the tiny force of which he was muster.
Bravo. Frank exclaimed his father; you
know how to defend yourselfnnd your rights
don't you?'
'Oh, james, interposed the mother, 'how
can you encourage the child in such an exhi-
bilon oftenper? You surely do not wish to
foster his passionate disposition
pho! Pho Ellen, you would make COM
plete milksop ofthe boy Ifyou had your way.
1t does very well TO talk about Nervousness
of temper and all that, hut let me tell you, that
a man who does not stand up for his own
rights in the world, won't have them: every
body will trampIe on him just because they
may. No. had much rather the boy would
be too fiery than too tame
Mrs. Davis made no answer, but rising,
took Frank in her arms and carried him TO
bed. The little fellow at first resisted, but his
mother spoke 10 him firmly and mildly, tell
ing him that he must obey, he at once did so.
As she addressed him and laid him in his
crib, Mrs. Davis talked seriously to her little
boy ofthe wickedness of his allowing his
passion TO govern him. She told him that
she had been much grieved at his condnct
that evening, and that no doubt his Heavenly
Father was displeased.
well, but mamma interposed the boy, 'my
earthly father-the one down stars in the par
Ior, mean-was not grieved or displeased,
for he laughed and patted my hend.'
The tears rushed to the eyes ofthe young
mother. j have Il hard task before me, mur-
INJURED she, for he who should help me only
retards me-
why do you cry, dear mamma" inquired
the sensitive and atiectionate child. is it be-
cause was naughty? l will not do so any
more, mamma l certainly will not-only
do not cry, for il makes me want to cry too
Ellen kissed her child, and bidding him
good night hastily entered her own room,and
throwing herselfupon her knees, prayed long
and fervently to Him who knowetb and COM
prehendeth all our troubles.
Time passed on and little Frank had be-
come great hoy often years old. His tenn
per still flashed forth at times, but his moth
err had labored diligently to teach him TO re-
strain it. But as lie grew cider he was, of
course, less and less under her gentle guild
ance, and not unfrequently he would come
home with marks ofboyish conflict upon him.
On one ofthese occasions MIR Davis happen
ing to look at his son, exclaimed:
FWhy Frank! how in the world did you get
such black eye"
tom Elliott gave me hit, sir, because
took away bird he was tormentlng.'
sWell, and what did you do vixen he gave
you the hit?
The boy looked from one to the other of
his parents, and hesitated to reply. But
catching his fathers good-natured expression
he answered boldly;
sWhy, father, pounded him until he was
black in the face
Il warrant YOU did should think the boys
would find out that il is not very safe to med
die with you,' said the father approvinglyI
while Mrs Davis looked at her son with sor-
rowful and reproachtul expression. The boy
saw it, and rising, threw his arms about her
neck Whispering
Dear mother pray forgive me. was
wrong, but how could stand tameIy ana al
low myself to be beaten for doing what is
right?
.Yes my son, answered Mrs. Davis aloud,
Il acknowledge that it was right to defend
the poor bird, but think the good act was o.
verbalanced by the wrong ONE
Nonsense, Elem interposed her husband
as Frank left the room, How is Frank ever
going to get along in the world, ifhe allows
every body who comes to take the trouble, TO
boat him and trample upon him.
Gle will have the satisfaction of knowing
that he does his duty, and is obeying the pre-
cepts of his divine Master answered the
mother,
ooh, that is all very good, but then this
sentimental religion won't help man to get
his living in the world. If Frank was TO be
Missionary or Methodist minlster,lt would
be very well TO give him these ideas, but as
hope 10 make him into a shrewd, clever man
oftbe world, they are quite misplaced. And
besides that, it is useless to try to alter him.
You might as well try to teach . fish 10 walk,
as TO give to that boy your own sweet endur-
ing temper
Ellen smiled faintly at the compliments