Mr. Washington, it would seem, earnestly addressed himself to the work of inspiring his son with an early love of truth. On this subject he often spoke to him, commending the virtue as one of pre-eminent value and excellence. Of the efficacy of his instructions the following incident may afford some illustration. The narrative rests upon the authority of the excellent lady before mentioned.

"When George was about six years old, he became the happy owner of a hatchet, of which, like most little boys, he was immoderately fond, and was constantly going about, chopping every thing that came in his way. One day, in the garden, where he often amused himself, he unluckily tried the edge of his hatchet on the body of a beautiful young English cherry-tree, which he barked so terribly that. I believe the tree never got the better of it. The next morning, the old gentleman, finding out what had befallen his tree-which, by-the-by, was a great favourite with him-came into the house, and, with much warmth, asked for the mischievous author-declaring, at the same time, that he would not have taken five guineas for his tree. Nobody could tell him any thing about it. Presently George and his hatchet made their appearance. George,' said his father, do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry-tree yonder in the garden?' George was taken by surprise, and for a moment staggered under the question; but he quickly recovered himself, and, looking at his father, he said, 'I can't tell a lie, pa-I cut it, with my hatchet.' The delighted father embraced his child, saying, Glad am I, George, that you killed the tree, for you have paid me for it a thousand-fold! Such an act

of heroism, my son, is worth a thousand such trees as the one destroyed.'"*

It was not, however, forgotten by Mr. Washington, while instructing his son in the obligations of morality, that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," and the only effectual source of real virtue and goodness. To give his son this knowledge, and inspire him with this fear, as far as human agency could effect it, was accordingly a cherished aim with this considerate parent. To accomplish his pious object by an impression that would be deep and enduring, he adopted the following expedient.

On a properly prepared bed in his garden, he traced, with a stick, the letters of his son's name; and, sowing seed in them, he covered the same over, and smoothed the ground nicely with a roller. In a short time the usual progress of vegetation brought up the plants, and displayed, in prominent and legible characters, the words, GEORGE WASHINGTON. It was not many days before. the vegetable wonder caught the eye for which it was intended. Again and again did the astonished boy read his name, springing up from the earth in letters fresh and green. But soon he turned with eager steps to seek his beloved father, and tell him of the sight he had seen. The conscious father hastened with him to the spot, and listened for a time to the expression of his childish admiration and perplexity. It was in vain that he sought for a cause of the phenomenon. He could not

This and the preceding occurrence were communicated to Rev. Mr. Weems, for a short time rector of Mount Vernon parish, after the death of Washington.

be satisfied until his father revealed his own agency. He had made the letters with his stick, and had sowed the seed in the furrows; and the warm earth had caused them to spring up. And now he availed himself of the propitious occasion to direct the excited faculties of his child toward the contemplation of that Infinite Intelligence whence all things had proceeded. He showed the necessary existence of God, from the works of naturefrom the manifest traces of design, contrivance, and wise adjustment, every where discernable in the various productions of his Almighty hand. The moment was eminently auspicious. The mind could not have been more impressible, or open to salutary instruction, under any ordinary influence. Such a demonstration as that presented to the eye, was eminently calculated to stimulate reflection, enlighten the mind, and rivet conviction. Here, in the name inscribed on the earth, was an effect; for this there must have been a cause; and an intelligent cause must be inferred from the design manifest in the work. If such a conclusion was authorized, yea, compelled, by the present instance of intelligent contrivance, how much more might it be inferred that "the Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, and by understanding established the heavens!" What varied and cogent proof of infinite wisdom as well as power could be pointed out in the wonderful formation of the globe, and in the yet more wonderful structure of the human frame! In the due illustration and explanation of these things, addressed in the liquid tones of parental affection, was Mr. Washington, perhaps, instrumental in making those impressions, which, growing with his growth, and strengthening with his strength, constituted, under a higher

influence, the germ of those reverential and devout feelings towards the Deity, which ever after so signally marked the character and conduct of the Father of his Country. Thus happily and profitably to young Washington, rolled on the days of his early age. But not many years, in the providence of God, were allotted as the term of this pleasant intercourse between the father and his beloved child. George had just concluded his eleventh year when his father was removed by the hand of death.

From this time, the care of her first-born, devolved entirely on Mrs. Washington. She had always no doubt united with her excellent husband in the sacred duty of parental instruction, endeavouring to" bring up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." But now the whole burden falls upon her, and if success is made the test of fidelity and fitness for the delicate office, surely it is not an humble degree of either, that will be ascribed to her by posterity. Of her high estimate of virtue at least, and of the harmony of sentiment existing between herself and departed spouse, in reference thereto, let the following incident bear witness.

"After Washington attained to manhood, he was remarkable for his sobriety; yet his boyhood was not without some instances of folly and rashness.

"The story related of the favourite colt will serve as an illustration of this latter remark. At the time the occurrence happened, which I am about to relate, George might have been somewhat past ten years old. At all adventures his father was dead;* and upon his mother devolved the general care of the plantation.

*He was certainly past eleven years of age as his father died in April, 1743.

"Among other things she owned a colt; which, on account of its many fine points, was quite a favourite. It was old enough to have been broken long before; but for some reason it had been neglected, and was remarkably wild.

“George had frequently eyed this colt as it pranced round the field, proudly snuffing up the wind, wheeling and halting, and displaying its fine proportions; and more than once he wished that he was upon its back.

"One day, at length, he told his wishes to some of his school companions, and engaged them to meet him early the next morning, when, with their assistance, he would have a ride.

"Accordingly the little party assembled the following day, soon after sunrise, and repaired to the field, where the young Arabian was kept, at no great distance from the house. With some effort, they contrived to pen him, and with still more effort to put a bridle upon him.

"Several took hold of the bridle, while the athletic youngster, with a single leap, vaulted upon his back.

"The necessary consequences of such an undertaking now took place. A desperate struggle followed between the horse and his rider. For a long time the contest continued doubtful, till at length in the fury of his plunges, the noble animal falling headlong burst a blood vessel, which produced instant death.

"By this fall George received no injury. But it grieved him to see lying before him the lifeless body of the spirited animal, whose death he was now sensible had been occasioned by his censurable folly and rashness. His mother, too! her fondness for this animal came crowding upon him, to render his trouble still more distressing.