CHAPTER V. MRS. ISABELLA GRAHAM'S COUNSELS. Letter to a Daughter at School.—Love of Enjoyment.-Discontent. -Great Opportunities.-Pleasures of Home.-Mother's Cares.Advantages of Education.-Gratitude. THE following is one of several letters of Mrs. Graham to her daughter, and will not be without interest. It would seem that Joanna was, for some good reason, to be transferred from the school which she had entered at first, and had expressed some impatience: "Edinburgh, May 3, 1785. "To Miss Jacky* Graham, at Madame Marc's 'Boarding-school, Rotterdam: "MY DEAR GIRL,-Before I begin this letter, I must put you in remembrance of what I have often told you, that it is no strange thing for either youth or age to need friendly caution, or even reproof; and that if ever you find yourself for any length of time without it, it is not because you do not need it, but because you have no friend near, or none that is faithful, or none with penetration, or none who strictly observes your actions; for inspired wisdom itself has said, that folly is bound up in the heart of youth, and needs the rod of correction to drive it *The pet name for Joanna. out. I have never, as you know, dealt much in correction, but have ever labored to rectify the judgment, the heart, and the passions. Now, my love, I have no crime to charge you with, nor even any real fault; I only think that you are too much under the influence of self-will-no, I can not say that either; I rather say, the love of present enjoyment. You would, in every letter, leave all the advantages you have for improving yourself, and return, more than satisfied, to your mother's house. You would forego all the advantages of the future for a year's present enjoyment. I should be vexed and grieved if any of my children could be so happy absent from me as with me. I even wish them to prefer home to every other situation. "That you are more reconciled to your present situation is because you have found another home— other kind friends, who have become objects of your esteem and affection. This, too, is good. You owe them, and every other blessing, to the great Fountain of love, who has the hearts of all in His hand, and opens or shuts them at his pleasure. You owe to them gratitude-you owe them love. You may without offense, nay, it is ever your duty, to enjoy them while with them. But, my dear Jacky, as it was your duty to leave your mother's house, and go to Holland a stranger and unacquainted, so it is your duty to leave your second home, and become more a stranger and unknown; and that with your will heartily, though it should be with painful feelings. God is every where, and can ever raise up friends for you wherever He, in His providence, calls you. Does my Jacky reflect when she says, 'I was born to suffer; it is hard to be tossed about in this manner?' Does she not, at such times, forget that all this is for her own improvement, and that God has, in a very remarkable manner, provided the means of such improvement, for your mother had it not? What would poor Juliet, and thousands of others, give for your opportunities? Yes, your own sister Jess would at present esteem it a happiness, though, I make no doubt, she would feel as you feel, and say as you say, or, perhaps, be even more impatient, if actually in the same circumstances. Still, in the view of sober reason, your advantages are greater than theirs who are at home, and your situation comfortable at the same time. Turn back your views to your mother's situation: left a widow, with four of you, in a distant country, with scarcely so much in hand as to carry her and her orphans to her native land. Next, view our cottage [at Cartside]—no doubt it was the cottage of innocence, simplicity, and happiness, though of poverty-and even from that we were shut out with but a poor £16 a year to depend upon, and the eldest of my children scarcely eight years of age. What could be our prospects at that time? Either sitting from six in the morning till ten at night sprigging muslin, or some such work, or going out to common service? Many late, many anxious nights your C me. mother had at that time; and she who had ever lived a life of ease and plenty in the lap of indulgence, loving and beloved-her company courtedher conduct copied the seeming favorite of all who knew her yet brought so low as to be obliged to part with her last servant, and do her own housework; and, what was worse, be neglected by those who were formerly my intimates, some of whom had esteemed my friendship an honor. What were my prospects then? Yet, Jac, think what the Lord has done for us since that time, and you in particular. Relations, afraid of being entangled in our difficulties, kept at a distance; but the Lord opened the hearts of strangers to countenance me and find business for Yet what would even this have done for me had I been without education? I have had the happiness of seeing my children possess all the means of a most liberal education, and enjoying a circle of worthy friends and acquaintances. If I am taken away before they be of age to carry on the present school, or should the business fail, though I can not leave them in abundance, I should leave them with such acquisitions and talents as will render them blessings to, not burdens on society, dependent though they will be on character, behavior, and their own exertions for a livelihood. If they behave with propriety wherever they are, they will be respected, and entitled to keep company with people of education, and never need be in want of a home gained by their accomplishments. Bless the Lord |