The Penn's Grove record., 1923-01-12

his cups-for, though a sexton, he
would sometimes drink, particularly
on the Generals birthdays-he used
to boast that, "twas he, who, between
his knees, had laid the foundation of
George Washington's greatness"
But, though, George was early sent
to a schoolmster, yet he was not on
that account neglected by his father.
Deeply sensible of the loneliness and
worth of which human nature is ca
pable, through the virtues and graces
early implanted in the heart, he never
for a moment, lost sight of George
IN those all-impOrtant respects.
10 assist his sol to overcome that
selfish spirit, which too often leads
children to fret and fight about t%rifles,
was a notable care of Mr.. Washing
ton. For this purpose, of all the
presents, such as cakes, fruit, &C., he
received, he was always desired to
give a liberal part to his play-mates.
10 enable him to do this with more
alacrity, his father would remind him
of the love which he would hereby
gain, and the frequent presents which
would in return be made to him; and
also would tell of that great and good
God, who delights above all things to
see children love one another, and
will assuredly reward them for acting
so amiable a part.
Some idea of Mr.. Washington's
plan of education in this respect may
be collected from the following anec-
dote, related to me twenty years ago
by an aged lady, who was a distant
relative, and when a girl spent much
of her time in the family.
ION a fine morning" she said, ain
tie fall of 1877, Mr.. Washington, hav-
ing little George by the hand. came to
the door and asked my cousin Wash
ingtOn and myself to walk with him
to the orchard, promising he would
show us a fine sight. On arriving at
the orchard, we were presented with
a fine sight indeed. The whole earth,
a. far as We could see, was strewed
with fruit; and yet the trees were
bending under the weight Of apples,
which hung in clusters like grapes,
and vainly striVed to hide their blush
ing cheeks behind the green leaves.
Now, George, said his father, look
here my son! don't you remember
when this good cousin of yours
brought you that fine large apple last
spring, how hardly | could prevail on
you to divide with your brothers and
sisters; though | promised you that
if you would but do it, God Almighty
would give you plenty of apples this
fall. Poor George could not say a
word; but hanging down his head,
looked quite confused, while with his
little naked toes he scratched in the
soft ground. Now, look up, my son,
continued his father, look up, George!
and see there how richly the blessed
God has made my good promise to
you. Wherever you turn your eyes,
you see the trees loaded with fine
fruit; many of them indeed breaking
down, while the ground is covered
with mellow apples, more than you
could ever eat, my son, in all your
life"
George looked in silence on the wide
wilderness of fruit; he marked the
busy humming bees, and heard the
gay notes of birds, then lifting his
eyes filled with shining moisture, to
his father, he softly said, "Well, Pa,
only forgive me this time; and see if
| eve be so stingy any more"
Some, when they look up to the
oak, whose giant arms throw a darken-
ing shade over distant acres. or whose
single trunk lays the keel of a man of
war, cannot bear to hear of the time
when this mighty plant was but an
acorn, which a pig could have demol-
ished; but others, who know their
like to learn the soil and situa-
ton which best produces such noble
trees. Thus, parents that are wise
Will 1ir+op xro11 p1oorol ,-l;1o T ,o1o4a
how moved the steps of the youthful
Washington, whose single worth far
outWeighs all the oaks of Bashan and
the red spicy cedars of Lebanon. Yes,
they will listen delighted while | tell
of their Washington in the days of
his youth, when his little feet were
swift towards the nests of birds; or
when, wearied in the chase of the
butterfly, he laid down on his grassy
couch and slept, while ministering
spirits, with their roseate wings, fan
led his glowing cheeks, and kissed his
lips of innocence with that fervent
love which makes the Heaven!
Never did the wise Ulysses take
more pains with his beloved Telema-
lhus, than did Mr.. Washington with
George, to inspire him with an early
lowe Of truth. "Truth, George" (Said
he, lis the loveliest quality of youth.
/ would ride fifty miles. my son, to
re the little boy whose heart is so
honest, and his lips SO pure, that we
may depend on every word me says.
o how lovely does such a child APP
2e3r in the eyes Of everybody! His
parents doat on him; his relations
Glory in him; they are constantly
praising him to their children, whom
they beg to initiate him. They are
often sending for him, to visit them;
and receive him. W zen he comes. with
as much joy as if he were a little an
gel, come to set pretty examples to
their children.
George Did Not Lie
"But, oh! how different, George, is
the case with the boy who is so given
to lying, that nobody can believe a
word he says! He is looked at with
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