Lesson:

1. I gave you, in the last lesson, the history of George Jones, an idle boy, and showed you the consequences of his idleness. I shall now give you the history of Charles Bullard, a classmate of George. Charles was about the same age as George, and did not possess superior talents. Indeed, I doubt whether he was equal to him in natural powers of mind.


2. But Charles was a hard working student. When quite young, he was always careful and diligent in school. Sometimes, when there was a very hard lesson, instead of going out to play during recess, he would stay in to study. He had resolved that his first object should be to get his lessons well, and then he could play with a good conscience. He loved play as well as anybody, and was one of the best players on the ground. I hardly ever saw any boy catch a ball better than he could. When playing any game, everyone was glad to get Charles on his side.


3. I have said that Charles would sometimes stay in at recess. This, however, was very seldom; it was only when the lessons were very hard indeed. Generally, he was among the first on the playground, and he was also among the first to go into school when called. Hard study gave him a relish for play, and play again gave him a relish for hard study; so he was happy both in school and out. The preceptor could not help liking him, for he always had his lessons well committed, and never gave him any trouble.


4. When he went to enter college, the preceptor gave him a good recommendation. He was able to answer all the questions which were put to him when he was examined. He had studied so well when he was in the academy, and was so thoroughly prepared for college, that he found it very easy to keep up with his class, and had much time for reading interesting books.


5. But he would always get his lesson well before he did anything else, and would review it just before recitation. When called upon to recite, he rose tranquil and happy, and very seldom made mistakes. The officers of the college had a high opinion of him, and he was respected by all the students.


6. There was, in the college, a society made up of all the best scholars. Charles was chosen a member of that society. It was the custom to choose some one of the society to deliver a public address every year. This honor was conferred on Charles; and he had studied so diligently, and read so much, that he delivered an address which was very interesting to all who heard it.


7. At last he graduated, as it is called; that is, he finished his collegiate course, and received his degree. It was known by all that he was a good scholar, and by all that he was respected. His father and mother, brothers and sisters, came on the commencement day to hear him speak.


8. They all felt gratified, and loved Charles more than ever. Many situations of usefulness and profit were opened to him; for Charles was now an intelligent man, and universally respected. He is still a useful and a happy man. He has a cheerful home, and is esteemed by all who know him.


9. Such are the rewards of industry. How strange it is that any person should be willing to live in idleness, when it will certainly make him unhappy! The idle boy is almost invariably poor and miserable; the industrious boy is happy and prosperous.





With books, or work, or healthful play,


Let your first years be passed;


That you may give, for every day,


Some good account, at last.





DEFINITIONS


1. History: A description or narration of events.


2. Conscience: Our own knowledge of right and wrong.


2. Game: Play, sport.


3. Committed: Fixed in mind.


4. Recommendation: What is said in praise of anyone.


5. Review: To examine again.


5. Tranquil: Quiet, calm.


6. Conferred: Given to or bestowed upon anyone.


7. Graduated: Received a degree from a college.


8. Universally: By all, without comparison.


9. Invariably: Always, uniformly.


10. Evidences: Proofs.


10. Advantages: Opportunities for improvement.





EXERCISES


1. What was the character of George Jones?


2. Of Charles Bullard?


3. How did George appear in the class at school?


4. How did he behave at recess?


5. How did Charles differ from George in these respects?


6. Relate what happened when George went to college.


7. What became of George?


8. Did Charles succeed at college?


9. Which of them do you think more worthy of imitation?


10. For what are we placed in this world?


11. Should you not then be diligent in your studies?