Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-29

Then she thought of our Saviour's harmless de-
pertinent, and his command, "If they smite thee
on the cheek, turn to them the other also;" and
fervently she prayed that she might guide her son
Alright. -
That night she went to her boys room, and
heard the whole occurrence that so excited him
She could not but admit that james B had
been very provoking; butshe felt glad that George
had been enabled to keep from striking hin.
my son." she asked, " if you were to die to-
night, would it give you most pleasure to feel that
you had revenged your injuries, or forgiven thems"
II don't know, mother, don't think it sinful to
defend myself from insult"
Suppose you had given james the dressing
you think be deserved, and that when you go to
school tomorrow morning, you should be told he
had died in the night, would you feel happy to
think that you had beaten him-the last day of
his life?"
People do not die so suddenly, MOTHER"
Gotten. Life is so uncertain that we should try
to regulate our-conduct toward our associates in
such way that should they be taken out of the
world suddenly, we may have no bitter remem-
brances to reproach ourselves with"
And again did the mother hold up before her boy
our Saviours blameless life, and urge him to strive
to initiate that perfect One.
when you talk to me, mother" said the soften
ed boy" feel thatyou are right; and it seems
easy for me to do as you wish; but, when l am
with the boys, they talk so differently that they
| make me think you are too particular. How shall
| help being influenced by them mothers ,"
81 will keep praying for you, my dear son. while
| you are with your young companions, that you
may have strength given you to resist temptation"
For several days the attacks against George
were renewed with view of forcing him to fight
but, with his mothers words fresh in his mind; and
strengthened by his mothers prayers, be display
ed his courage by refusing to do what she disap-
| proved of.
Coward coward he is AFRAID to fight !" was
| heard on all sides
| Afraid yes am afraid of dong ,crong," was
his answer as be went on to school,
Though he nobly persevered, in doing his duty
his heart was heavy, for he felt that his school
mates thought him mean and spirtless; and the
older persous than George know how hard it is to
bear the sneers of their associates even when call
ed forth by doing what is right.
Georges teacher had seen and heard enough of
what was going on, to sympathize fully in his
trials and to admire the moral heroism he displayed
He felt glad that he had one brave lad in his school,
who was brave enough to refuse to fight Being
accustomed to talk freely with the boys, about
anything he happened to hear, he took occasion
one day when George was not present, to say to
them,
Boys, do any of you know George Taylor ?"
Yes, sir, do 4" and so do IT, and t. was
the reply of one and all while some one exclaimed:
| "Of course, sir, we all know him! -
| DO you l don't think you know him very
well, said the teacher, for have often heard you
| say that he would not fight now if you knew him
as well as I do, you would know that he does
fghtp'
| Who did he fight with ?"
| HimselfP'
Fight with himself How could he do that
In this way-you have repeatedly provoked
him-he forgave you, because he is trying to follow
| Him, who brought peace on earth Then you
tainted him. and called him coward He knew
that he was not coward, and he longed to show
you that be was not one. He felt that by slight
exertiOn Of his strength he could stop your taunts
but he would not displease his mother; would not
do what she had taught him was wrong And so
he struggled with his inenations; and, though the
battle was hard one, he came off conqueror He
is the bravest boy in all this school, because he con-
quered himself for the Bible says He that is slow
to anger is better than the mighty; and he that
ruleth his own spirit, is greater than he that
taketh city," Aunt HATTIE