't\ / ■::;:^'k^^^frvi,-i"P^p^^ .•••Vf '*^. slndl^l -f^ S36 1849 Sketch Of Se n/- Character o? ih^^ ^"^ °^ Thomas Cook, -z^ ^^y-- /■''7'-7^.;>'-7^^' ^ / ^' /^/ ^ ^^ • ^' '^^ ^^/ Tr[HI@R«^§ ©©©KE iPAyn, Am en can Si SKETCH LIFE AND CHARACTER THOMAS COOKE PAUL, SON OF D^AKCY PAUL, OF PETERSBURG, VA. VMTTEN FOB THE AMERICAN SUKUAT-SCHOOI, UNIOy, BY REV. E. D. SANDERS. PHILADELPHIA : AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, No. 146 CHESTNUT STREET. IfEWrORK: No. 147 NASSAU STREET BOSTON: No. 9 COBNHILL LOUISVlLLEi No. 103 FOURTH STREET. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1849, by the AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylyania. JS^ No books are published by the American Sundat-school Union without the sanction of the Committee of Publication, consisting of fourteen members, from the following denominations of Christians, Tiz. Baptist Methodist, Congregationalist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Ke- formed Dutch. Not more than three of the members can be of the same denomination, and no book can be published to which any mem- ber of the Committee shall object. CONTENTS. Page Chap. I. — His Birth and Relatives - 5 II. — His Religious Hopes. — His Personal Appearance - - 12 III. — His Intellectual Qualities - 18 ly. — His Manner in Conversation - 27 V. — His Regard for the Bible in his Childhood - - - 33 VI. — His Regard for the Bible in his Youth - - - . 39 VII. — His Attention to the duty of Prayer - - - - 46 VIII. — His Attention to Family Wor- ship and other Religious Observances - - - 53 IX. — His Interest in Missionaries - 60 X. — His Regard for Ministers of the Gospel - - - 67 XI. — Thomas and his Teachers - 76 XII.— Thomas with his Father - 84 3 4 CONTENTS. Page Chap. XIII. — Thomas and his Mother - ; 95 XIV.— His Regard for the Poor - 107 XV. — Particular Acts of Kind- ness to the Poor - - 113 XVI. — His Intercourse with the Young . - - - 119 XVII.— Thomas and the Servants 127 XVIII.— Thomas at School - - 136 XIX. — His Neatness - - - 144 XX.— His Politeness - - 152 XXI. — His Devotion to the Cause of Temperance - - 160 XXII. — An Extract from his Ad- dress on Temperance - 166 XXIII.— His Last Illness - - 172 XXIV. — An Important Conversa- tion - - - - 181 XXV.—" The Thomas C. Paul Fe- male Orphan Asylum"- 189 XXVL— His Dea.th - - - 198 XXVII.— His Uncle's Letter - - 205 XXVIIL— Remarks by his Physician 212 XXIX. — Remarks upon his Charac- ter by his Pastor- - 219 . XXX. — Resolutions passed at his Death - - •• 225 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER I. HIS BIRTH AND RELATIVES. My dear James, — Since your great bereavement, it lias for the first time occurred to my mind, in de- siring to impart consolation and improvement to you, to write you a short series of letters containing an account of Thomas Cooke Paul, the most remarkable youth for piety and excellence I ever knew. This is saying much in his praise, as my acquaintance with the young has 1* 5 6 THOMAS C. PAUL, been very extensive, especially dur- ing the years since I entered the ministry. Evidently prepared for that glorious world, to which, doubt- less, your deeply lamented and de- votedly pious mother has so recently gone, he was called from this life at an age but little greater than your own. He was removed to enjoy higher happiness, as we trust, in the midst of brighter scenes ; just as we have known a choice plant transferred to unfold its beauties in some more lovely spot. I also hope that your kind father, the endeared companion of my youth, and my con- stant friend in manhood, may find some solace to the bitterness of his grief, in reading this narrative with you, and in making his own reflec- HIS BIRTH AND RELATIVES. 7 tions. And I have no doubt, from what I am happy to learn of your disposition and habits, you will listen to his remarks with the most respectful attention, especially as he has, in the character of a good father and of a faithful minister, a two- fold claim upon your reverence and love. Ton may rely implicitly on all the statements that I shall make respecting Thomas, for I Avrote out the facts soon after his death, with the intention of publishing a brief sketch of his life. I also noted down many of his striking remarks, as nearly exact as it was possible to record them. Tet I shall be able to give you but a very small portion of his observations, which, from their richness and beauty, 8 THOMAS C. PAUL. were like ''apples of gold in pic- tures of silver.'^ It is my hope that you will find these letters enter- taining. We know that intelligent persons are deeply interested in the biographies of extraordinary men. Why should not the young be de- lighted with biographies of distin- guished youth? l^fow, for reasons very easily explained, we find in our libraries many lives of men and but very few of youth. Few distinguish themselves in early life, and of this number few die young. And but very few of this limited class find a biographer to record their excellencies. As there is a manifest scarcity of this kind of books, I have often wished that the young of our country, and HIS BIRTH AND RELATIVES. 9 indeed of the world, could have a Ml and just account of Thomas C. Paul. He Avas the fourth son of D'Arcy and Elizabeth S. Paul, and was born in the town of Petersburg, Virginia, September 3, 1831. He died June 2, 1845. In this short life of thirteen years and nine months, it is believed, he accom- plished much, through grace, for the glory of God and the welfare of mankind. His father, an extensive mer- chant, was compelled, from his nu- merous engagements, both of a religious and secular nature, to give up the direction of his early train- ing in a very great degree, (as is usually the case,) to his mother. 10 THOMAS C. PAUL. As mothers generally have so much to do with their children at a jDcriod when impressions are the most abiding, you readily perceive, young as you are, how important it is that they should be not only very pious, but also well-informed. Thomas had no sister. His affec- tionate heart would have loved one most tenderly. His youngest bro- ther died in early childhood. He always spoke of him as being in heaven. Just before he himself was called away, he expressed the joyful hope of soon meeting him in heaven. As his two surviving brothers were much older than himself, he was, in respect to companionship whilst young, almost in tlie situa- HIS BIRTH AND RELATIVES. 11 tion of an only child. Now, James, you are yourself an only child, and as you also were so long blessed with the constant and kind atten- tions of a devoted and godly mother, and as you are likewise favoured with the watchful care of a pious father, you can very easily imagine his situation in life. 12 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER 11. HIS RELIGIOUS HOPES — HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. My DEAR James, — In my previous letter you were informed of a strik- ing similarity in the allotments of Providence to yourself and to Tho- mas C. Paul. It grieves me deeply to think of another point of resem- blance. I allude to it, that I . may suggest a few most consoling reflec- tions. As he and his mother have been separated, so are you now parted from that dear parent whom you so fondly and so justly loved. Now, as his mother confidently be- lieves that her child is inexpressibly happy, and as she would not raise HIS RELIGIOUS HOPES. 13 a hand to have him brought back to this world of disappointment, so may you feel in respect to your ex- emplary mother. She offered many prayers for you. It is your privilege to hope that they will be answered. She trained you to excellent habits. These habits you can, by the grace of God, confirm. She gave you many choice precepts. These precepts you must strive to remember and follow. then how joyfully, beyond any thing we can conceive, will you go to her ! Thus David consoled himself, when he said of his deceased child, ''I shall go to him.'^ It was a delightful thought, re- peatedly expressed by this pious youth, that he would soon be re- 14 THOMAS C. PAUL. united to his beloved mother and other religious friends. He had, through faith, a full assurance to speak of this anticipated pleasure as confidently as if he had been about to sail for a residence in Europe, with arrangements already- made for them to follow him after a short season. For many months previous to his last illness, no one, perhaps, wit- nessed more of his intellectual and moral excellencies than myself. At my first interview with him, I was struck with the intelligent and be- nevolent cast of his countenance. These favourable impressions were subsequently deepened by every de- velopment of his active intellect and warm heart. HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. 15 As I have many things to say of him, it may not be uninteresting to give you some idea of his ap- pearance. In size, he was small for his age, but of a remarkably grace- ful and well-proportioned form. As he paid unusual attention to his manners and to personal neatness, he had an air of gentility and re- finement. His features were delicate and regular. His complexion was very fair, and generally too pale to indi- cate the best health. He had a high expansive forehead, and clear blue eyes of unusual animation. There was in his countenance the manifest stamp of a lively mind and a kindly disposition, with a 16 THOMAS C. PAUL. beaming expression of hope and clieerfulness. This assemblage of agreeable fea- tures made his personal appearance interesting. But you know that in our world something is almost al- ways wanting to complete a perfect picture. Had he possessed a fuller habit and a ruddy complexion, he would have been called singularly handsome. But of how very little importance are beauty and elegance, compared with a pure heart and a preparation for death! Had his person been tenfold more lovely and attractive, his elegant appearance could not have prolonged life. Now, as I have described him as he iirst ap- peared to me, I will close this letter HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. 17 with a brief account of my last in- terview with him. He was reclining on a couch, resting his head on his hand. I never saw his eye brighter, nor his countenance more placid. I had the great pleasure of seeing a sweet smile on his features, (which had become as pale, and, from his fair comiDlexion, as white as the human face ever appears.) To my ques- tion, "What can I do for you, Tho- mas?'^ he replied, ''Pray for me, if you please,'^ and added, with a cheerful, affectionate look, and in a confident, tender tone, "The grave has no gloom for me.'^ 2* 18 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER III. HIS INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES. My DEAR James, — It will be in- teresting to you, perliai:)S, to receive some definite knowledge respecting the character of Thomas's mind, and the extent of his acquirements. His features, as I have already mentioned, were strikingly intel- lectual. His bright, beaming coun- tenance, his meditative aspect and inquisitive look, plainly indicated an active ajid vigorous understand- ing. His close discriminating atten- tion to passing occurrences of an interesting nature, to the neglect of HIS INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES. 19 trifles however amusing, was pecu- liarly characteristic. In the parlour and in the public assembly, he al- ways appeared as a most intent and absorbed listener. Thus he early acquired a vast amount of import- ant information, and formed the inestimable habit of selecting ob- jects most worthy of notice. So great was his attention to all public speakers, and especially min- isters, that he often surjDrised his friends, by repeating, in his own language, the facts and sentiments to which he had listened. Extraor- dinary attention makes an extra- ordinary memory. The memory, by habitual attentiveness, may be strengthened to a surprising extent. In most persons it is far more sus- 20 THOMAS C. PAUL. ceptible of improvement than any- other faculty of the mind. With this habit of close observa- tion, he had constantly enjoyed, at home and abroad, the society of many highly intelligent and culti- vated minds. He had, from his earliest years, spent much time with various clergymen, to whom he was especially attached. He had long read histories, biographies, narra- tives and the current news of the day, with intense interest. Conse- quently he had accumulated an amount of general information al- together unusual in one of his years. Now, James, would you like to know how his parents and friends cultivated this disposition to ac- quire knowledge ? They took pains HIS INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES. 21 to awaken his curiosity, by remarks and questions. They gave instruct- ive answers to his inquiries. Some- times they referred him to an inte- resting article in a book or news- paper. Most children thus trained from the first, will be regarded as naturally gifted with a love of know- ledge. But how many youths are sadly complained of for their stupid dulness, their aversion to books, and their extreme fondness of low, degrading pleasures. Some of this class, it must be admitted, were na- turally deficient. But many more belong to it for want of pains to in- struct them, and to draw out their inquiries. Perhaps they have been silenced by brief, impatient, or dis- couraging answers. 22 THOMAS C. PAUL. His habit of attentiveness merits this notice, for it lay at the founda- tion of all his attainments. He turned it to every matter in hand. He pursued nothing which he could not pursue with interest. He en- tered with his whole soul upon every study. He made himself master of all the ordinary branches of an English education. He scarcely evinced the slightest preference for one study over another. He knew they were all necessary, and whatever was necessary would, at its own pro- per time, receive his undivided at- tention. Had his life been spared, he would doubtless have made great progress in mathematical and phi- HIS INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES. 23 losophical studies. He loved them. But lie had made greater advance- ment in knowledge of the languages. He learned them with facility. When interrupted by his last ill- ness, he was daily making rapid pro- gress in Latin, Greek, and French. But in these studies many per- sons have made greater attain- ments at his age. He had laid a good foundation in accuracy, and in a thorough knowledge of first prin- ciples. But his parents had not in- judiciously stimulated him to extra- ordinary efforts. His knowledge of the English language was probably the greatest of all his intellectual at- tainments. He wrote it and spoke it uniformly with great accuracy. I do not recollect ever to have heard 24 THOMAS C. PAUL. from him, during our long and fre- quent intercourse, a single inaccu- rate expression. He conversed with fluency. He argued, either in the debating so- ciety or in conversation, with close- ness. He declaimed with so much gracefulness of manner, in a voice so weir modulated, and with an animation so natural, that an artist; who took a picture of him, and ex- hibited it at the window, inscribed beneath it, ''The Young Orator.^' For one. of his years, he was the best debater and declaimer that I ever knew. There is an erroneous opinion that children and youth of remark- able talents and attainments are, necessarily, very short-lived. Hun- HIS INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES. 25 dreds of cases can be quoted, of remarkable youth who lived to ac- complish great results. Of these, I will mention John Milton, Alex- ander Pope, Isaac Watts, Sir Wil- liam Jones, and Eobert Hall. The truth is, all delicate children, whether their minds are active or dull, require especial attention, and should not be too much confined. No sickly child should, by any means, be urged on to great efforts. In some cases, no doubt, disease itself stimulates the mind, as a great injury done to a tree will hasten the maturity of its imperfect fruit. Many a parent, who is delighted with the advancement of a sickly child, does not know that it proba- bly results, in part, from a feverish 26 THOMAS C. PAUL. excitement of the brain. Such a child should be kept almost entirely from books and exciting conversa- tion, and should take much exercise in the open air. Now, my dear James, as your constitution is somewhat delicate, and your habits are studious, I hope you will not sacrifice life or health for knowledge. In our schools and colleges, many of the most promis- ing youth destroy their constitutions by excessive confinement and ap- plication. An increase of know- ledge is a small compensation for ruined health. HIS MANNER IN CONVERSATION. 27 LETTER IV. HIS MANNER IN CONVERSATION. My dear James, — I hope you will spare no pains to improve yourself in the use of language. Many con- verse sensibly who, through early negligence, never converse elegantly. Surely what must be always prac- tised should be admirably practised. Above all things, like Thomas, reject every vulgar phrase, and in listening to an intelligent friend, carefully observe every beautiful expression. His manner was marked with an easy, flowing courtesy on all occa- sions, whether with intimate friends, or entire strangers ; whether the sub- 28 THOMAS C. PAUL. ject was serious or humorous. In a warm discussion lie sometimes appeared too positive, but never ill- natured. Even then he seemed desirous of pleasing. He aimed at a kindly manner, '' soft words and hard arguments." His engaging address was based on the first requisite of true polite- ness, a heart overflowing with good- will to all mankind. The possession of a benevolent disposition, and the cultivation of the same delicate taste and love of refinement, would render many, who are born to fewer advantages than he enjoyed, remark- ably agreeable ; ever gentle, ever pru- dent, ever welcome. One of his greatest charms in con- versation was a soft, well modulated HIS MANNER IN CONVERSATION. 29 voice. Some of its more tender tones might appear to a stranger as some- what affected. It was entirely free from four great faults ; a boisterous loudness, a drawling monotony, a nasal twang, and a muttering indis- tinctness. Many have one or more of these defects without ever sus- pecting it. I think you will be pleased to learn by what means he improved his voice. He read aloud, listening to its ac- cents ; he embraced occasions to hear great orators; he frequently de- claimed ; and he gladly availed him- self of any friendly criticism. By so commendable a course, and by so great perseverance, a faulty voice can be corrected ; a good one brought to perfection. 3* 30 THOMAS C. PAUL. The most striking feature of his conversation was his earnestness. So active was his mind, that he en- tered upon every topic with an ani- mation which showed itself in the kindling lustre of his eye and chang- ing countenance ; in the ever-varying tones of his delightful voice; and in a forcible and natural emphasis. Every young person should cultivate the habit of giving his whole soul to the subject in hand. His manner may then be marked with faults, but not the fault of dulness. He was sometimes very grave, sometimes playful, often argumenta- tive. Few indeed of his age take more delight in argument. Fewer still can sustain themselves with his ability. But I never heard him try HIS MANNER IN CONVERSATION. 31 to prove any thing that he did not believe true. Always, my dear young friend, in every question, take the side which in your opinion is right. Then you can truly say, when your sentiments are opposed, '*! do not think so;" and you can easily assign your reasons. Often has he gone hastily to the library to bring some book to prove his point, or to disprove another's assertion. So excellent was his memory, that he frequently delighted his friends by the facility with which he would turn to the very page where he had noticed some fact or opinion which he subsequently needed. The invaluable habit of close observation, among other advantages, supplies materials for conversation. 32 THOMAS C. PAUL. He expressed his ideas in words well selected and grammatically ar- ranged. He was fluent. His lan- guage, in short, was in all respects such as would grace one of mature years and thorough education. This resulted partly from extensive read- ing, partly from unusually constant and familiar intercourse with older persons, especially his mother ; part- ly from translating other languages, and writing his own. For a long time he composed much for his mo- ther. He delighted to write for her. In gratifying her, he improved him- self. Writing with care imparts correctness to conversation. REGARD FOR THE BIBLE. 33 LETTER V. HIS REGARD FOR THE BIBLE IN HIS CHILDHOOD. My dear James, — You have been informed of the intellectual excel- lencies of Thomas C. Paul. His re- ligious habits were not less remark- able. I will now give you an account of the exemplary manner in which he read and reverenced the Bible. In the present letter this account will be confined to his early child- hood. In the next, it will be carried on to the close of his life. The following extract is taken from a letter written to a friend by his bereaved mother. It shows how 34 THOMAS C. PAUL. early a child may be taught that the Bible is a divine book, and how early his curiosity may be awakened to learn its contents, and how deeply he may feel the truth of all its decla- rations. ''In answer to the inquiries con- tained in your letter respecting my lamented Thomas, I will state, that when he was very young, say be- tween two and three years old, he had a Hieroglyphic Bible, of which he w^as very fond. He took great interest in listening to its narra- tives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, &c. ''At this early age, or very soon after, he asked me many questions about the Bible, which astonished me, some of which I found a diffi- KEGARD FOR THE BIBLE. 35 culty in answering to my own satis- faction. ''Before he was five years of age, lie read the Scriptures himself, and manifested great reverence for their authority. Coming to me about this time, he said, ' My mother, I don't like to hear persons say. My father is rich; for the Bible says. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' " Are not these, my dear James, very delightful incidents ? May we not suppose that those early im- pressions, through the blessing of God, influenced him as long as he lived ? How desirable it is that the wheat should be sown and take root 36 THOMAS C. PAUL. before the enemy has time to cover the whole ground with tares! Upon his infant mind the truth was stamped in characters never to be erased, never for a moment to be obscured, that God's holy word is to be ''a lamp to our feef He then felt, and always felt, that riches are trifles compared with the pearl of great price ; compared with the par- don of sin, and the favour of God. He began very early to quote Scripture as decisive authority. Two ministers being in his father's draw- ing-room, looking at some books, one of them remarked, "Here is a book that I have desired to lay my hands on for a long time." This little child, playing on the floor, hastily said, with a look of amaze- REGAKD FOR THE BIBLE. 37 ment, "WTiat is thy neighbour's, thou shalt not covet.'' The astonished clergyman caught him up in his arms, exclaiming, ''My precious little fellow, I do not covet the book. I merely wish to read it." In another way he showed his es- timation of the Sacred ScrijDtures. His favourite present to a friend was a Bible or New Testament. He gave away many. Before he was four years old, being in the city of New York, he had received some kind attentions from a waiter in a hotel. He came to his mother and said that he would like to give that waiter a Bible. She indulged him. The grateful man gave him in re- turn a little book called, ''The Way for a Child to be saved." 4 38 THOMAS C. PAUL. When he was eight years old, he for the first time came in possession of five dollars. Without consulting any one, he went to a book-store and laid out half of it to purchase his mother a Bible. What reverence for God, what filial affection and noble generosity are beautifully blended, like the colours of a rain- bow, in this single act ! REGAKD FOR THE BIBLE. 39 LETTEK VI. HIS REGARD FOR THE BIBLE IN HIS YOUTH. My dear James, — Thomas's mind expanded. He became very fond of general reading. But in his eyes the Bible surpassed all other books, as much as the sun outshines the stars. Through his whole life he read it with constancy and delight. No youth, perhaps, could with more propriety appeal to God, and say, "0 how I love thy law. It is my meditation all the day. How sweet are thy words unto my taste ; yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth." He was at first most in- 40 THOMAS C. PAUL. terested in its historical parts and biograpliical sketches. He after- wards became fond of its parables and rich imagery ; its precepts, doc- trines and tender sentiments. His chamber was adjoining to the chamber of his parents. Again and again have they opened the inter- mediate door to remind him that it was time to close his book and re- tire. Sometimes he has said, in his peculiarly soft tone and engaging manner, ''Just let me finish this chapter, if you please. ^^ Here we see great reverence for the Sacred Scrijitures, and a great desire to become acquainted with their precious truths. And yet, when we consider that they came from God, it seems surprising, that EEGARD FOR THE BIBLE. 41 more individuals of all ages do not read them with the same zeal and constancy. Truly it is very sinful to slight and neglect the Holy Bible. To him it could have been said, as Paul wrote to Timothy, ''From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. '^ ISTow, dear James, will you not be stimulated by this bright example, to take the word of God as your con- stant companion. Read it. Pray to God for grace to understand it and to love it. With the Bible in your hand, and the love of it in your heart, you will be happy ; happier far than any of your ungodly acquaintances. This important habit of reading 4* 42 THOMAS C. PAUL. the Scriptures frequently and ex- tensively, has the sanction of many weighty names among men distin- guished for accomplishing a vast amount of important work. I will name two. William Wilberforce, more distinguished than any English statesman for an harmonious union of greatness and piety, in the midst of his most pressing engagements, employed a young man to read the Scriptures to him at stated times, as he walked in the garden for ex- ercise. Dr. Herman Boerhaave, one of the most eminent of modern physi- cians, a German, whose fame for learning, talent and piety spread through all Europe, invariably spent an hour every morning in reading REGARD FOR THE BIBLE. 43 the Bible and in other religious ex- ercises. We are told that he spoke of this hour of retirement as the best preparation for an arduous day's work. With such examples before you, I hope, my dear James, that you will be more stimulated than ever to read God's holy word. For years previous to his death, Thomas constantly carried a Testa- ment with him, at home and abroad, to read at his leisure moments. And yet so free was he from any thing like religious display, that few, if any, of his most intimate young associates knew the fact. In this praiseworthy course he may now be followed by the poorest youth, who is able to read, as so many cheaj) little Testa- ments are now published. 44 THOMAS C. PAUL. This habit appears the more ad- mirable in Thomas, as he was of so lively and joyous a disposition. Of strong social feelings, fond of inno- cent sports in the open air, as light- hearted and merry as any one on the play-ground, he thus kept as a treasure in his bosom, a coj^y of those holy precepts, which he had firmly resolved, by the grace of God, ever to take as his only guide ; ever, as well in youth as in age, as well in health and joy as in siclmess and sorrow, conscientiously to follow. Are not these incidents in the life of Thomas very striking, my young friend ? Yet there are many among his acquaintances, who can mention other similar facts. I re- gret that I have not room in this REGARD FOR THE BIBLE. 45 letter to narrate several which were to me exceedingly interesting. One, however, I will not omit. The reading of the Scriptures af- forded him great comfort and joy during his long illness. He loved them more and more. They shed upon his path a soft and clear light which dissipated all gloom and fear. In five months immediately preced- ing his death, he read the Old Tes- tament nearly through, and the New Testament through twice. 46 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTEE VII. HIS ATTENTION TO THE DUTY OF PRAYER. My dear James, — I will now pro- ceed to tell you how faithfully Tho- mas attended to the duty of prayer. He was, like yourself, taught, as every child should be taught, to pray in infancy, as soon as he could lisp the name of God. Eeligious parents who are neglectful of the f)ious training of their young chil- dren, will at a later period find in them, almost universally, a stubborn reluctance to devotional exercises. He at first repeated his little prayers after his mother. As soon ATTENTION TO PRAYER. 47 as he was able to say them without prompting, he came regularly, kneel- ed down by her, and offered them up to God, through Jesus Christ, in a very solemn manner. It is not re- membered, that he ever hesitated, when called to the performance of this duty. And why should he have hesi- tated ? The habit had been formed before his recollection. It had never been interrupted. It was entwined in his memory with timely and de- lightful instruction, and with tender and soothing caresses. Many retain through life a most pleasing remem- brance of the soft and gentle manner in which their affectionate mothers taught and encouraged them to praise God, and to supplicate his 48 THOMAS C. PAUL. protecting care and sustaining grace. We are told of kind watchful an- gels. It is said by the Psalmist, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him.'' Now what, among men, do you think most resembles this angelic guard- ianship ? Surely godly mothers, with their warm hearts, teaching, in the most engaging manner conceivable, their infant offspring to bless and revere the name of God. AMien Tliomas was about five years old, an aged minister on a visit to the family, unexpectedly to the child, opened the door of a room, and found him tlicre alone on his knees engaged in prayer. How love- ly a siglit was that to the eye of a ATTENTION TO PRAYER. 49 saint? Let every child be taught that there is a God, who seeth in secret, and who hears and re- wards prayer. The venerable man stopped in amazement. He told the mother what he had seen, and added in a tone of encouragement, " If you will persevere in training this child so piously, you may hope, through the blessing of God, to see him a great and good man.'^ Now observe carefully as you grow up, and see if you can find a single corrupt i)erson, of whom it can be proved that he was early, kindly, and constantly, up to his very man- hood, trained in the ways of piety, and always kept from evil asso- ciates. I am very certain, my dear 60 THOMAS C. PAUL. James, you Avill find no instance of the kind. When a son of very pious parents becomes profligate and abandoned, he is imiversally noticed ; especially if he is the son of a minister. The ease is spoken of everywhere. Aban- doned men are delighted. They slanderously affirm that it is nothing uncommon. Now read the expla- nation in a few words. Tliis youth was probably well taught at home by his religious l)arents, but ruinously corrupted abroad by wicked companions. Or lie may li(ive been carefully watch- ed over in his earliest years, whilst under his father's roof; but lament- ably neglected at a later period, and in some other situation. In ATTENTION TO PRAYER. 51 either case the divine rule was vio- lated. The child was not trained up in the way he should go. One custom was constantly ob- served by Thomas up to his last illness. Some may regard it as a weakness in him to have retained it so long. Others may admire such devotion to his mother. Others still may see in it the power of long-che- rished habit. After having private- ly read the Scriptures at night in his own chamber, he went into his mother's room, kneeled down by her, as he had alw^ays done from infancy, and offered uj) his evening prayers. Then kissing her and bidding her *'Good night," he mthdrew and im- mediately sought repose. As he drew near his end, he felt a 52 THOMAS C. PAUL. strong assurance that liis prayers were heard. On one occasion he said, in great ecstasy, ''My mother, I believe in prayer. I believe in get- ting an answer to prayer." He then gave a reason for this belief, from his own personal exioerience. '-'**^*'tuLti^ ATTENTION TO FAMILY WORSHIP. 53 LETTER VIII. HIS ATTENTION TO FAMILY WORSHIP AND OTHER RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES. My dear James, — Thomas took a deep and constant interest in family worship. In his father's absence he frequently read the chapter before prayer. Sometimes he would make the selection himself, and select judiciously. This remark must of course be understood in reference to the few last years of his life. But at an earlier period many in- cidents of an unusual character in respect to worship, occurred. The following is an extract from a letter of one who witnessed the circum- 54 THOMAS C. PAUL. stance narrated. It shows tliat he was in early childhood imj)ressively solemn in devotional exercises. I am prepared to say, from frequent ob- servation, that this solemnity was eminently characteristic of him in his youth. "An aged gentleman, a neigh- bour, called one evening on the family, and remained to tea. He was not a professor of religion. Mr. Paul being absent, Thomas, not yet five years old, asked a blessing with such propriety of words and manner, that the old gentleman was affected even to tears, and said to me, ' Old as I am, I never saw the like,^ or words to that effect.'' "When he was about twelve years of age, his father at the time being ATTENTION TO FAMILY WORSHIP. 55 from home, he came one morning to the bed-side of his mother, who was sick, and said, ''My mother, I am sorry you are sick. If you wish me to stay from school to wait on you, I wall do so.^' He then rang the bell, read a chapter in the Bible, and called on one of the religious servants to pray. On such occasions as have now been described, he al- ways appeared with the solemn air and bearing of manhood, so becom- ing the service of God. I wdsh to call your very particular attention to this solemnity of beha- viour which he habitually manifest- ed during all religious observances. It contrasts, very strikingly, with the irreverent manner of many young persons. Surely at family worship, 56 THOMAS C. PAUL. in the social meeting for prayer, and in the church, during divine service, no youth should dare to trifle, by smiling, whispering, com- municating by signs, or seeking his amusement in any other ungodly way. Thomas was thus devout in his appearance, doubtless, from cherish- ing a deep and sincere reverence for the all-seeing God. ''The Lord is in his holy temple.'^ Christ is in the midst of two or three ga- thered together in his name. This doctrine of God's peculiar presence with liis worshipping i)eople he cordially received. His deep inter- est in family and social prayer has reminded me of a passage in the life of the late Dr. Milne, a labor- ATTENTION TO FAMILY WORSHIP. 57 ious and clistinguisliecl missionary in China. ''In his early years Dr. Milne attended a Sabbath evening school, which was taught in the neighbourhood of his residence. Here his knowledge of evangelical truth increased, and oftentimes impressions of its importance were made upon his mind. Sometimes he used to walk home from the school alone, about a mile, over the brow of a hill, praying all the way. At this time he began the worship of God in his mother's family, and also held some meetings for prayer, with his sisters and other children, in a barn that belonged to the premises." Tou are prepared to learn that Thomas did not, like some of our 58 THOMAS C. PAUL. youth, stand on the steps of the church, to stare at the assembling or retiring people ; that he did not purposely seek an obscure place that he might indulge in play ; that he was not in the habit of going out during the service. Indeed, his good-breeding, without this fixed religious principle, would have pre- served him from such improprieties. In the daily worship at the Insti- tute which he attended, he sat directly before the principal, who could not fail to notice how intently he watched for every religious ex- pression. It was a custom in the Sabbath- school, when he was a child, to dis- tribute tickets as a reward for good lessons and behaviour. These tick- ATTENTION TO FAMILY WORSHIP. 59 ets, when they reached a certain num- ber, could be exchanged for a Bible, or for one or more Testaments. He was very studious and regular, and thus obtained several books, which he gave away to supply the destitute. Before he was thirteen years old he was solicited to become a teacher of a class of children in one of the Sabbath-schools. But he declined. He had already commenced giving religious instruction to the coloured people of his father^ s family. Sab- bath after Sabbath he read the Scriptures to them in his impressive manner, and kindly answered, to the best of his abilities, all their inquiries. THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER IX. HIS INTEREST IN MISSIONARIES. My dear James, — Thomas was early taught the origin of mission- ary operations. He knew that all true religion was once confined to the small country called Palestine, embracing Judea and situated on the eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. He knew that our Sa^dour commissioned his disciples to go from that countiy ''into all the world and preach the gosj^el to every creature.'^ I think it very probable that he could have re- peated our Saviour^s very words as INTEREST IN MISSIONARIES. 61 we have them in the last three verses of Matthew. He was likewise taught what missionaries had accomplished, by the blessing of God. He learned that by them the gospel had been carried to the Eomans, the French, the Germans, the English, and many other nations; and that by them our own forefathers, who were once heathen, worshipping idols, and sometimes sacrificing human beings, were converted to God. He was told that all the world would yet be brought to a know- ledge of Christ. He was not igno- rant that God could convert all nations by miracles, by angels, and in many other ways. But he be- lieved that God chooses to do it in 6 62 THOMAS C. PAUL. the way our Saviour has pointed out, that is, by sending missionaries to preach the gospel everywhere. For these reasons he delighted to hear what the missionaries were doing. He would sit down by his mother, and listen to the latest accounts of their labours with as much pleasure as most children listen to tales. Many parents, dear James, think children far more deficient than they are. Children crave a Imowledge of facts; not false stories. They love tales, only because they fancy them true, at least for the moment. But the Bible and other books which con- tain facts, are of far greater in- terest. Such was his anxiety to hear INTEREST IN MISSIONARIES. 63 accounts of missionary operations when lie was very young. This anxiety never diminished. "He was, for years," his father remarks, "not a listener, but a reader. He de- lighted to read the missionary no- tices, letters, &c.'^ It was a pleasure to him, in the study of geography, to observe upon the maps the mission- ary stations. But I will return to his childhood, for it was then that he imbibed an extraordinary zeal for the missionary cause, and began to make extraordinary sacrifices in its behalf. He was informed that missiona- ries, in their great expenses of tra- velling, of printing Bibles and tracts, and of various other operations, were supported by Christians at home. 64 THOMAS C. PAUL. He perceived that any one could take part in tliis great and good work. He was delighted with the idea. He went to a missionary meeting. He heard the prayers, the addresses, the hymns. When the contribution was taken up, he gave all the money he had, and went home with a determination to give more at the next anniversary. He knew in what high terms our Eedeemer spoke of the poor widow who cast into the treasury of the Lord all the money she possessed ; two little mites. But, perhaps, he did not consider that God could guide a little piece of money, given by a child, till it should buy a book or tract ; and that God could guide that little book or tract till it should INTEREST IN MISSIONARIES. 65 reach some heathen and bring him to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ ; and that God could qualify that heathen to become a minister of the gospel. What wonderful facts will be brought to light in eternity ! He procured a box, and called it his Missionary-box. All the little pieces of money he could get he dropped into it. Several of his friends gave him small sums for the same purpose. With what plea- sure did he empty it at the next missionary meeting! His interest in the cause increased year after year. The more we do for so good an object, the dearer it is to us. He received twenty-five cents a week to spend as he chose. He asked and obtained permission to 6* 66 THOMAS C. PAUL. abstain from some one of tlie luxu- ries of tlie table and to receive the value in money; one half of which he laid aside for the missionaries. For several months together he de- nied himself butter, or tea and coffee, or some other article in which most persons indulge. One of his last yearly contributions for foreign mis- sions was twenty-five dollars ! How much can be done when the heart is enlisted. ^,^■^^1 x:^H>«^l?^v.^j?r^ REGARD FOR MINISTERS. 67 LETTER X. HIS REGARD FOR MINISTERS OF THE ' GOSPEL. My DEAR James, — Very few chil- dren have ever been more in the society of ministers, than Thomas C. Paul had been from his earliest infancy. They were frequently, and sometimes for several days to- gether, in his father's family. He regarded them with great reverence. But his long acquaintance with them made him entirely at his ease in their comj^any. He delighted to converse with them, and he received from them many an expression of fondness and esteem. 68 THOMAS C. PAUL. He watched for opportunities to show them obliging attentions. He would go to their rooms to see if the servants had provided every thing necessary for their comfort. He would bring them the choicest fruit he could find. He would search the library for such books as they desired to see. In short, he would do all in his power, with the most manifest pleasure and in the kind- est manner, to promote their enjoy- ment. Many ministers of the gospel are straitened in their circumstances for Christ's sake. They could ac- quire ample means, perhaps great wealth, if they would give them- selves up to worldly pursuits. But they renounce the world to serve REGARD FOR MINISTERS. 69 the Lord and promote his glory, by securing their own salvation, by edifying Christians, by calling sin- ners to rej)entance, and by present- ing, to the eyes of all, attractive examples of purity, benevolence, and godliness. For such as give even a cup of cold water to his self- denying servants, in the name of Christ, there is a sure reward. This Thomas believed. To many of these visitors, uj)on leaving his father's house, he made little presents of books, handker- chiefs, or other useful articles. Placing a gold coin of five dollars in the hands of a venerable minis- ter, he said, ''Take this, if you please, to your little son.'' He ob- tained a new coat for another, to 70 THOMAS C. PAUL. whom he knew such an expression of regard would be both timely and acceptable. 'No wonder, dear James, that so many should lament the early death of one who uni- formly availed himself of all his resources in so many acts of judi- cious benevolence. When he was very young, he fol- lowed a minister to his chamber, and, with a child's simplicity, said, "Why, sir, have you not on your newer clothes?'^ His reply, in sub- stance, was, " I am wearing my best, my little friend." He hastened to his mother with an air of great con- cern, and told her tliat their guest was very destitute of clothes. I know not wliethcr she smiled most at his question, i)ardonable in a REGARD FOR MINISTERS. 71 small child, or at his description; ''My mother, the clothes which he is wearing are thread-bare, and, would you believe it, they are his very best.^' "How do you know?" "I asked him, and he told me so." Away he went with his burdened mind to his father, and entreated him to give the minister a suit of clothes. He was indulged. Returning with a light heart, he invited the clergyman to walk down town with him a few minutes. Without naming his object, he re- quested him to stop with him a little while at the shop of a tailor, w^ho, being previously instructed what to do, surprised the reverend visitor by approaching him to take his measure. A little playfulness 72 THOMAS C. TAUL. of this kind was always character- istic of Thomas. But if he sought amusement by surprising his friends, it was always in a pleasant way. His was a ''wit that loved to play, not wound. '^ He obtained, when about twelve years of age, a costly umbrella, which he greatly prized. Soon after he observed that his pastor, having called at his father^s on a rainy day, had one of inferior qua- lity. "Let me give him mine," said he, in an under-tone to his mother. How bright was his expressive eye, and how happy was his generous heart, when, following this worthy minister to the door, he placed in his liand the handsome present. Our Saviour tells us, that "TSTiio- REGARD FOR MINISTERS. 73 soever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance." This was strikingly exemplified in his case. His remarkable virtues and kind manner induced these pious divines to take a lively in- terest in giving him instruction and advice, by which he was still more advanced in wisdom and ex- cellence. But nowhere did he exhibit more regard for ministers than in the house of God. He listened to their sermons with profound attention. Thus his heart, judgment and memory were all improved. Upon returning from church, he often created surprise, by repeating, with great accuracy, much of the dis- course. 7 74 THOMAS C. PAUL. His fondness for ministers and his attention to their sermons have reminded me of Edward YL, who became king of England in 1547, in his tenth year. Edward studied closely, and made great attainments in knowledge. But his favourite study was the Bible. He took the greatest pleasure in listening to sermons. Bishop Latimer, who was after- wards burned at the stake in Ox- ford, was the young king's favourite preacher. A pulpit was erected in one of the royal gardens, w^here Edward, surrounded by his court, loved to sit out of doors, and listen to his discourses, which Avere long and eloquent. Some of these sermons, with whicli Edward was so much REGARD FOR MINISTERS. 75 delighted, were preserved. They are remarkable for zeal, fearless- ness and singularity. Like Tho- mas Paul, Edward died young, distinguished for piety, learning and gentleness of disposition. 76 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER XL THOMAS AND HIS TEACHERS. My dear James, — I will now in- form you of Thomas's conduct to- wards his teachers. As you are in a course of education, I hope and. believe that you will find this part of the narrative particularly profit- able, perhaps interesting. Possibly some good resolution may be con- firmed. Possibly some wrong opin- ion may be corrected. He was never known to be in- solent to a teacher. Some are insolent because they are urged on by mischievous companions. This THOMAS AND HIS TEACHERS. 77 is insolence from a desire of pleasing others, and shows great weakness. Some are insolent to display their courage. This is insolence from a love of low distinction, and betrays an ill-directed ambition. In short, many are insolent, and otherwise perverse at school, and afterwards at college, not so much from a bad disposition as from a want of firm- ness, or from false views of what is honourable. It is better to be un- known than ill-known. It is not known that Thomas ever spoke ill of a teacher. He had little time and less disposition to look for faults in his conduct. If he heard of any, he hoped the report was a slander. If he saw any, he hoped the teacher meant well. At least, 7* 78 THOMAS C. PAUL. he did not try to mend matters by joining a group of fault-finders. Some are ever speaking ill of their teachers while at school, and of their neighbours the rest of their lives. Guard against a censorious spirit. Nor is it remembered that he ever engaged in the active defence of a teacher. In some cases he would doubtless have done so. But he did not suppose the foolish remarks of discontented pupils needed any reply. No sensible teaclier regards such remarks. No sensible teacher wishes a worthy pupil to make himself enemies on his account. Avoid all unnecessary strife, dear James. At school oi* college, to oppose a teaclier is gene- THOMAS AND HIS TEACHERS. 79 rally wrong and injurious ; to defend a teacher is generally unnecessary and imprudent. He always spoke of his teachers in terms of high respect. This was partly owing, perhaps, to the fact, that he had never heard them cen- sured or ridiculed at home. A child once said of his teacher, ''I know he is a fool, I have heard my father say so many a time.'^ If the child quoted truly, his father himself was far from being wise. Tour father honours your teachers by com- mitting you to their care. You honour your father by showing them every token of respect. He did not complain to his teach- ers of ill-usage from his companions. He had no occasion to do so, for 80 THOMAS C. PAUL. tlirougli liis kindness and prudence he was uniformly well used. Such a complaint, however, is sometimes necessary. But he would have suf- fered much, it is believed, before he would have resorted to it. If you cannot keep out of difficulties, settle them, if possible, in such a manner as not to make them public. This is a good rule for all future time. He went to his teachers with no information against his school-fel- loAvs. Indeed he larely saw any misconduct, for he chose the most virtuous as his companions. But with liisnice sense of propriety, he never could have been a voluntary informer, except in the case of some great crime. Never consent to con- THOMAS AND HIS TEACHERS. 81 ceal a great crime. Never volun- teer to reveal ordinary offences. I can think of no better general.rules. But by all means, my dear James, act conscientiously. If, in some extraordinary case, you see it is your duty to make disclosures, do it without ill-will, and do it fear- lessly. Thomas never for a moment ap- peared displeased with his teachers. He turned not hastily from them in anger. He never remained sullenly silent when questioned. No resent- ment lowered in his countenance. From such conduct he was as free in their presence, as he was free from all terms of reproach and ridi- cule in their absence. He delighted to confer favours on 82 THOMAS C. PAUL. his teachers. He made them small presents. Sometimes he gave them fruit and other luxuries sufficient for themselves and for all his fellow students. Indeed, his disposition to oblige others was a very con- spicuous trait of his character. He aided his teachers by his ex- ample. By his respectful manner, by his friendly attentions, by his persevering industry, by his so- lemnity at the hour of worship, by cheerfully adopting all their plans, and by constantly avoiding all the faults which have been named, he exerted a happy influence over many minds. He was consequently highly es- teemed by his teachers. Wliile he was yet in licaltli, one of them re- THOMAS AND HIS TEACHERS. 83 marked, ''I have never known a pupil so exemplary as Thomas Paul." Six of his teachers were present and voted for the resolu- tions which were published after his death. I will send you a copy of them. No part of his character is brighter than his virtues as a pupil. 84 THOMAS C. PAUL. LETTER XII. THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. My dear James, — The father of Thomas, busily employed with his own extensive operations and with the aflfairs of the church, very glad- ly and very confidently surrendered him, in a great degree, to the gui- dance of his devoted mother. But he was always ready to render any assistance with his counsel, and ha- bitually careful to make such obser- vations as tended to enlarge the understanding of a child, to improve his heart, and to give him correct views of his duty to God and man. THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. 85 This he did in so affectionate a manner, that his son took great pleasure in his company. Thomas often wished that he could be more with his father. But many of the best men in the world have but little time to spend with their families. As mothers fre- quently and naturally have so ex- clusive a control of the first and most important years of their chil- dren's lives, how exceedingly desira- ble is it, that they should be very judicious, intelligent, and pious! Hence we derive a very strong argu- ment for their early Christian edu- cation. But he was with his father twice a day in most interesting circum- stances. I allude to morning and 86 THOMAS C. PAUL. evening worship in the family. What a happy influence did it exert on his tender mind to see his father, what- ever might be his cares or pursuits, spending the beginning and close of every day in religious exercises ! How much of his best knowledge, how many of his best resolutions were derived from these occasions, and from the pious conversation which often immediately succeeded ! I hope, dear James, that you will never absent yourself from family worship. It is intimated in the Bible that the fury of the Lord will be poured out upon families that call not upon His name. How great then must be the sin of a child who, blessed with a pious father, is re- luctant to kneel by his side in the THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. 87 worsliip of God! It is not recol- lected that Thomas was ever ab- sent at time of prayer without good cause. I believe his duty was his pleasure. As a general thing, he had the most frequent and familiar conver- sations with his father at the table. If he differed from him in opinion, he was encouraged to say so. Then he assigned his reasons in a modest and childlike manner. I never heard that he was at all rude in argument, or that he refused to yield when he found that he was in the wrong. But as long as he thought he was in the right, he dearly loved to de- fend his opinion. Thomas appeared to have been greatly influenced in the formation 88 THOMAS C. PAUL. of his habits by witnessing the me- thodical manner in which his father transacted business. All his lessons had their fixed hours. His love of order appeared in every thing. His desk, his books and other articles, were all in their appropriate places. I will here remark, my dear young friend, that industry without method is nothing but a busy idleness. A farmer sows industriously, but he sows out of season. He toils at re- pairing a fence, but not till a crop lias been half destroyed. He spends hours in sunning sheaves ; in half the time he could have housed them before the rain. He liiils, and talks of his misfortunes. His neighbour is no more industrious, but does every thing in time and order : he THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. 89 finds reason to bless God for Ms prosperity. As a father ordinarily spends but little time with his young children, he has it in his power, by overlook- ing their faults and by constant indulgences, to make them feel that he is kinder than their devoted and more watchful mother. This is very inconsiderate. Let the father take especial pains to honour the mother. Mr. Paul's course may be learned from the following incident. Thomas was once asked which he loved the most, his father or mother, "My mother,'- said he, '4n obedi- ence to my father's wishes." Thomas loved his father tenderly. He once went to Boston to wait his arrival from Europe. When he first 8* 90 THOMAS C. PAUL. saw liini on the deck of the ship, it is said, he leaped in ecstasy, ex- claiming, ''I see my father! It is my father !" But this love was never more gratified than during his ex- treme illness. He had his father with him then, a great i)ortion of the time. It was delightful to witness the relief he seemed to find in his affectionate attentions. The influence of a father's pious conversation is beautifully illus- trated in the case of Richard Bax- ter, who was one of the greatest, best, and most fearless ministers of England in the seventeenth century, wlien many of the servants of God, and lie among tlie number, were cruelly persecuted. His father di- I'cctcd his attention to the historical THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. 91 portions of the Bible. Young Eicli- ard became deeply interested. This interest, by the grace of God, led to a desire to read the whole vo- lume. I do not know whether Baxter or Thomas Paul sufficiently appreciated these attentions of their fathers at the time they received them. But Baxter in his old age spoke very tenderly of his father, and indeed of both his parents. One day he was so filled with a sense of God^s goodness in giving him pious parents, that he sat dow^n and wrote some lines expressive of his thankfulness. I will copy two of them : " Their early precepts so possessed my heart, That, taking root, they did not thence depart." 92 THOMAS C. PAUL. While Eicliarcl Baxter attributes so mucli to the instrumentality of his pious parents, it is remarkable that Edward Gibbon, the infidel historian, who has written many severe and unjust things against Christianity, calls his aunt, Mrs. Porten, w^ho had the care of him when he was young, and who had erroneous views of religion, ''the. mother of his mind.'^ She permitted him to read very improper books. I will give a short quotation from his own pen. I regard it as an ex- planation of the probable origin of his bitter infidelity. ''My grandfather's flight unlock- ed the door of a tolerable library. Where a title attracted my eye, without fear or awe I snatched the THOMAS WITH HIS FATHER. 93 volume from the shelf, and Mrs. Porten, who indulged herself in moral and religious speculations, was more prone to encourage than to check a curiosity above the strength of a boy. This year, the twelfth of my age, I shall note as the most propitious to the growth of my intellectual stature." Was not this year most unfortu- nate, both to himself and to all who have been misled by his writ- ings? But Thomas w^as blessed with parents who knew how easily the mind of a child might be poisoned with ruinous sentiments. Do not, my young friend, read any book which is generally condemned by 94 THOMAS C. PAUL. good men. The Divine command is, "Cease, my son, to hear the instruc- tions that causeth to err from the ^YO^ds of knowledge." ^^^:^.::j^^;^- THOMAS AND HIS MOTHER. 95 LETTER XIII. THOMAS AND HIS MOTHER. My dear James, — Dr. Doddridge, Sir William Jones, Dr. Timothy Dwight, and many other great and eminent men, have acknowledged that they were deeply indebted, (under God,) for their attainments, to the direction given to their tender minds, by their pious and attentive mothers. Like them, Thomas felt, young as he was, his indebtedness to maternal care ; and several times, when praised, made use of expressions like these: ''I merit little praise; I ought to be 96 THOMAS C. PAUL. better than I am, in view of the pains which have been taken with me from my infancy.'^ He was very young to utter such sentiments. Had he survived his mother, and lived to old age, he would, doubtless, have felt his in- debtedness to her attentions, even more sensibly. The great and good John IS'ewton, who, like yourself, dear James, was an only son, and who was bereaved of his mother when he was seven years old, was trained during this short period, much in the same manner as Tho- mas Paul and yourself He has left tlie following record of his grateful feelings: ''My mother was a pious, expe- rienced Christian. She made it the THOMAS AND HIS MOTHER. 97 chief business and pleasure of her life to instruct me, and bring me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. To her I owe that bent and bias to religion, which, with the co-operating grace of God, hath at length brought me back to those paths of peace, from which I might have otherwise been in dan- ger of deviating for ever.^^ Mrs. Paul had been led, by some observations which she had made, to embrace the opinion, that sons of pious people are often injured in their morals, in consequence of being too little with their parents. She therefore determined to keep Thomas with her while young, pre- cisely as if he had been a daughter. She found no difficulty in accom- 98 THOMAS C. PAUL. plishing her purpose. I am confi- dent that no mother of an only- son, pursuing her course, will have reason to say, ''I cannot keep my child at home. He distresses me with his rudeness. He is always bent on mischief.'^ As it is believed that his mother had more to do with the formation of his character than all the world besides, I think you will be inte- rested in learning something of the course which she pursued with him. She aimed to make home pleasant to him. She procured for him a variety of interesting books and other amusing presents. She en- coui'aged him in all his innocent and proper sports. She was his companion. When THOMAS AND HIS MOTHER. 99 he told her with a light heart of his success and enjoyment, she listened and smiled. When he urged her to see his operations, she looked and admired. In such happy moments she found no