Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-04-08

move.
I'm sure he will hook me-"
Keep away from his horns, but strike
him. he won't hcr, you."
Thus urged the little fellow ran forward,
with shout, and made an aiiemp, 10
strike the OK but The stubborn animal bad
no intention Of permitting matters 10 70 so
far - that. He wheeled around quickly,
and da fted off before Henry's blow could
fall.
That's my brave boy" Mr.. Gray, said,
aPprovinely. II knew the or wouldn't
hurt you"
Henry was much pleased with THE se.
cond proof Of bis superiority over dsmb
animals.
"Didn't make the big OF rum Didn't
father ?" he shouted in great glee.
After that he would 20 op to an OK or
a COW without fear.
This was Mr.. Grsy's FIRST lesson ia coo.
rage to his boy. He saw that he was ma.
turally timid. and fell that il was all i'm.
poriant that this weakness should be coun.
teracted. and bravely encouraged. He
well knew. that, TO pass safely and useful
ly through the world. courage was essen
tial. Courage TO brave any moral conse-
quences in doing right. or sny physical
danger, when duty called. And he wish
ed bis children to have those characters
tics Of mind which would make them use-
fol in all the varied positions Of life that
they might be called upon 10 occupy.
Henry was only four years old. when
this first lesson was given, but the effect
upon his character was indelible. II ens-
bled Mr.. Gray TO follow up. successfully,
his desire that his boy should become fear.
less Of danger, where duty called with an
imperative voice. Az the age Of eight
years. Henry had gained so much over
his natural weakness. that on one occasion,
he promptly sprung into the water. when
a companion had fallen in. and saved bis
life al the risk Of his own.
OF mere recklessness, he was never
guilty. Tor he still had remains enough Of
natural timidiiy, and dread OF bodily pain
to hold him back from danger. IL there
were no call for him TO expose himself
But so judiciously had bis father cul,iva,.
ed bis higher faculties. that the calls Of
humanity or duty were always imperative.
This makes the finest character when de-
veloped. A man whose frmness, deci.
sion, perseverance,. courage. are no. mere
natural qualities, but spring from deep
moral sense. is the noblest and most useful
Of men. He is never urged on by blind
impulse, Or mere recklessness Of danger.
He acts with firmness. decision and oour.
age. jus. al the righ. time. in the best man
ner. and al the true crisis. Such a man
was Henry Gray. on reaching the years Of
maturity.
AT the age oftwenty-shree he married.
and moved TO distance from his native
place. His new home stood near the
bank Of large river. He lived there for
ten years. and had four children, who
were sprnging up around him. and giving
ligh, 10 his household. One day. about
this time. most terrific storm arose. The
bosom Of The broad river, that had, for
hours been sleeping in The bright sun.
beams, was dashed into wild fury by the
hurricane that swept over IL.
See jane" said Gray 10 bis wife, sud-
denly. as they stood looking out Of win
dow, isn't that a sloop coming round the
point opposite' Yes. il is: and the wind
is driving her madly along. 1.-THE helms
man is not careful, she viii be thrown on
to that reef of rocks. when, in such
storm, she will be dashed 10 pieces, and
all on board lost
The eye Of the wife turned 10 the point
mentioned by her husband and shuddered
TO see vessel under bare poles, csreering
along under the power of the rushing
winds swiiter than if ell her canvass had
been spread 10 a strong breeze. She was
driving di.ect towards a sunken reef. on
which several sloops had been lost within
few years.
'By my life, Jane. they will be dashed
TO pieces!' Gray CALCULATED. as he saw
the unfortunate vessel rapidly approach.
ing the rocks.
As he spoke be turned from the win
dow. and took three or four strides across
the room towards the door.
Henry what are you going to do !"
exclaimed Mrs. Gray, springing TO his
side, and taking fast hold Of his arm.
IL am going 10 prepare TO save, IT pos
sible. some Of the unfortunate people on
board that sloop, if she should strike the
reef. was his calm but resolute reply.
"No-no, Henry. You must not put
your life in danger! will not let you
go!" This was spoken mildly, and with
countenance suddenly pale with fear.
"Jane," said Gray. looking steadily into
his wife's face, when the cry Of humani-
ty comes TO our ear. and there is clear
probability Of giving relief, we connot
hesitate on grounds Of personal danger
When duty calls. let US fearlessly obey
The great Sustainer and Preserver, will
sustain and preserve US. II in my power
to save, by timely and well. directed ef.
fort. single individual Of that boats
crew, do you not think me bound 10 make
the a,.emptf'
Mrs. Gray did not reply. But she still
chung TO his arm.
Suppose your own brother were in
that vessel?'
The grasp Of Mrs, Gray's fingers slight
ly relaxed.
Would you say TO me. Make no effort
TO save him 2 +"
Her hand fell TO her side.
"Jsne. MIR. Gray spoke earnestly
II will never risk my life wantonly. Do
not fear that. | know nothing Of the feel
:. u .at1