FILIAL VIRTUES OF WASHINGTON.

SOME of the most interesting anecdotes of the early years of Washington, are such as connect him with his mother, or were derived from her narrations. She was a dignified and excellent woman, and is remembered with respect and love, by all who had the honour of her acquaint

ance.

Her husband died, while their children were young. So, she had the sole care of their government and education. For this great charge, she was eminently qualified. She was often asked what course she had pursued, in training up her illustrious son. And her reply was, “I only required obedience, diligence, and truth.”

These were the simple rules by which Washington became good and great. They were wrought in, with the elements of his character, until his goodness became greatness, and his greatness, goodness. Is there any thing, in these three precepts of obedience, diligence, and truth, which those who read this book, are unwilling or careless to observe ?

Washington, when a boy, was taught to`be accurate in all his statements. He told things exactly as they were, and repeated words just as they had been spoken. If he had committed a fault, he did not try to conceal it, or lay the blame upon others.

Whatever his errors were, and the best child in the world, sometimes does wrong, he always spoke of them to his mother, without disguise, and without delay. This was the foundation of that noble frankness, and contempt of deceit, which distinguished him through life, and made him revered by all.

Once, from an indiscretion of his boyhood, a considerable loss was incurred. He knew that it would interfere with favourite plans of his mother, give pain to her feelings, and perhaps awaken her severe displeasure. But he did not hesitate in his duty. He went immediately to her, and made a full acknowledgement; and she said, "I had rather this should have taken place, than my son should be guilty of a falsehood."

She was careful not to injure him by indulgence, or luxurious food. She required him to rise early, and never permitted him to be idle. Labours were sometimes assigned him, which the children of wealthy parents might have accounted severe. Thus he acquired strength, firmness of frame, and disregard of hardship.

He was taught to have certain hours, for certain employments, and to be punctual. The systematic improvement of time, thus early taught, was of immense service, when the mighty concerns of a nation devolved on him. Then he found leisure for the transaction of the smallest affairs, in the midst of the most important and conflicting duties.

It was observed, by those who surrounded his person, that he neglected nothing, and was never known to be in a hurry. He was remarkably neat in his person, yet spent but little time in arranging his dress.

When the affairs of our country, were in a perilous situation, and he was occupied with the most perplexing affairs, no part of his dress betrayed negligence, and no haste of manner, showed absence of mind. He was superior to those accidents which disturb the temper of others.

His habits of early rising, and strict attention to order, gave him time for every thing, so that the pressure of public business, never rendered him inattentive to private duty, domestic courtesy, or kind hospitality. In winter, he rose two hours before day, and in summer was ready to enjoy the freshness and beauty of the dawn.

Such benefits did a man, whom the world beheld with admiration, derive from the counsels of a mother, who inured him to early-rising, order

and industry. His obedience to her, was cheerful and unvarying. Even after he attained mature years, and a nation regarded him as its deliverer and ruler, the expression of her slightest wish was a law.

From childhood, he repaid her care with the deepest affection, and yielded his will to hers, without a murmur. At the age of fourteen, having read many voyages, he conceived a desire to go to sea. The office of a midshipman had been prepared for him, and every thing was in readiness for his departure.

Preparing to take leave of his mother, he found her more distressed than he had ever seen her, and discovered that she had not fully stated to him her objections to this mode of life. He threw himself into her arms, and offered to relinquish his favourite purpose, if she desired. She accepted the noble sacrifice.

He watched from the window, the boat which was conveying the officers to the ship, and in which his own baggage had been placed. The bright anticipations which he had long cherished, faded away. His mother inquired, if he regretted his resolution to remain. "Indeed, said he, I strongly wished to go, but I cannot make you unhappy." "God will reward your filial affection, my son," was the answer.

Her influence over him, was strengthened by the dignity with which true piety invested her.

This gave her elevation of feeling, and serenity of mind. During many periods of our revolution, the fears of the people were distressing, even to despondence. Mistaken reports were often in circulation, which agonized the hearts of those, whose friends were exposed to danger.

More than once, was the mother of Washington told, that our army was defeated, and her son a prisoner. "He is in the hand of God, was her reply; and has been accustomed to act in difficult situations."

Again, it would be announced to her, "a great victory has been gained by Washington." And she answered, "Give the praise to God." Such equanimity, and constant presence of mind, arose from the inspiring confidence of a Christian's faith.

At length, the blessings of peace and independence, were granted to our nation; and Washington, who for eight years, had been divided from the comforts of home, hastened with filial reverence, to receive his mother's blessing. He, who had been pronounced "first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen,” came to lay his honours at her feet, who planted the seeds of virtue in his soul.

When a grateful nation, by electing him its first President, conferred on him, the highest gift in its power to bestow, he waited on his mother, at her residence in Fredericksburg, to inform her