The next arrival at
New York brought a list of recent deaths. Seven of that ship's company,
so full of health and buoyancy and earthly hopes, but a few short months
before, were hurried by fevers to an untimely, a little expected grave.
And on that fatal list, was read with agonized hearts in the home of his
childhood, the name of their first-born--James Colman, aged sixteen.
Boys! If your father and mother, in the midst of a thousand cares and
perplexities, of which you know nothing--cares, often increased
seven-fold, by their anxieties for you, are less tender and forgiving
than you think they should be, will you throw off all regard for them,
all gratitude for their constant proofs of real affection, and make
shipwreck of your own character and hopes, and break their hearts?
No--rather with noble disregard of your own feelings, strive still more
to please them, to soothe the weary spirit you have disturbed, and so in
due time you shall reap the reward of well-doing, and the blessing of
Him, who hath given you the fifth commandment, and with it a promise.
Fathers! Provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged,
for the tempter is ever at hand to lead them astray. The harsh
reproof--the undeserved blame--cold silence, where should be the kind
inquiry, or the affectionate welcome--oh, how do these things chill the
young heart, and plant reserve where should be the fullest confidence,
if you would save your child.
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