June.] 



A FATHER'S ADVICE. 



141 



resumed the broken thread of his former discourse, nearly in the fol- 

 lowing words, which are deeply engraven on my memory : — 



" My son, as you are about to embark on another long and perilous 

 voyage, I wish you to pay attention to my counsel ; for age and ex- 

 perience, as well as my parental relationship and singular misfortunes, 

 all entitle me to the privilege of giving you advice. I have lived long, 

 and suffered much. I have never wronged any person, knowingly, 

 of the value of a cent. I have never passed the poor and distressed 

 without giving them such assistance as was in my power, without neg- 

 lecting duties of equal importance. I have, at times, accumulated a 

 great deal of property, by hard labour and honest industry. This has 

 been again wrested from me, often by the deceit, fraud, and villany of 

 my fellow-creatures — sometimes by the remorseless elements. I have 

 lost nine of my family by death ; six of whom, including your mother, 

 were drowned at different times. In short, a minute history of my 

 misfortunes would fill a volume. I have borne up against the weight 

 as well as I could ; and yet it is pressing me towards the grave. I 

 believe, however, that there are thousands in the world who would 

 have sunk under the load, and embraced despair. But my trust is in 

 One that cannot err. * Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' 



" Thus, my son, you see the advantages of manly fortitude ; and 

 whatever your troubles or condition may be in this life, let this short 

 precept be your constant guide — ' Do your duty to-day, and leave the 

 morrow to Heaven.' Do to others as you would have others do to you 

 under similar circumstances. Be just and humane to all, particularly 

 to those who are subject to your power. Treat your seamen kindly, 

 and they will serve you With the greater fidelity. Remember that the 

 meanest individual has feelings that ought to be respected ; and that 

 we shall all one day meet where the servant will be equal to his former 

 master. Distress no man. Be charitable to the poor, the widow, and 

 the orphan. 



" As a ship-master, my son, never forget that you are the steward 

 of others' property, and that he who is not faithful over a little will 

 not be faithful over much. Exert yourself for the interest of your em- 

 ployers. Shrink not from hardships or dangers. Be not lifted up in 

 prosperity, nor meanly depressed in adversity. Be bold and cheerful 

 in all conditions of life. Treat every man with the respect due to his 

 real merit. Be gentle and easy in your manners. Speak evil of no 

 one. Shun intemperance as you would a Norwegian whirlpool ; for, 

 once within its fatal vortex, there is no escape for body or soul. Shun 

 bad company. Love your Creator, and fear to offend him. Do all 

 the good you can for your fellow-creatures. Be one of the foremost 

 in defence of your country's liberty and honour. Never let passion 

 become the master of your reason ; for this is tolerating a mutiny more 

 dangerous to your own welfare than that of a rebellious crew. He is 

 not fit to command a great ship who has not first learned to command 

 the little cock-boat of his own heart. 



" In the .hour of danger, my son, never allow yourself to become 

 confused ; but be always calm, cool, and deliberate ; for where there 

 is confusion there is always danger of error in judgment. Be decisive 



