Ard a man of war. When the time arrived, he went into the sitting-room,
to take leave of his mother. He found her in tears. He threw his arms
about her neck and kissed her, and was about bidding her "farewell;" but
seeing her so much afflicted, he suddenly relinquished his purpose. The
boat which was taking officers, men, and baggage, from the shore to the
ship, went back and forth, in his sight. At length it came ashore for
the last time. A signal flag was raised to show that all was ready.
George was standing, viewing all these movements. Several of his
companions now entered the boat, and as they approached the ship, signal
guns were fired; and soon after, the sails rose majestically, one after
another. George could no longer bear the sight, but entered the room
where his mother sat. Observing that his countenance bore a strong
expression of grief, she said, "I fear, my son, that you have repented
your determination to stay at home and make me happy." "My dear mother,"
he replied, placing his arms round her neck, and giving vent to his
feelings in a gush of tears, "I did strongly wish to go; but I could not
endure being on board the ship, and know that you were unhappy." He was
young, ardent, and ambitious, and had doubtless anticipated, with great
delight, the pleasure he should have, in sailing to different places, on
board a man of war; and, although the expectation of pleasure which boys
sometimes indulge, in the prospect of a sea-faring life are delusive;
yet, it was a noble generosity to sacrifice all the high hopes he had
cherished, to the feelings of his mother. _Obey God rather than man._ As
a general thing, it is the duty of children to
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