CHARLES.
LETTER VII.
William to Charles.
Could I believe that I should ever have been so happy as to have a prospect of spending all my life with you and your beloved family! No, I was even afraid to hope for such happiness, but now I number the days till I shall see you: I have already put my books in order; every thing is waiting for you. I gave my mother your letter to read; she bestowed the warmest praises on my dear friend. He seems to have a just sense of the duty due to parents, said she; a good son always supposes that tender parents have a sufficient reason for what they do when they deprive him of any little gratification; he then submits without reluctance, or even enquiry, certain that it is for his good. A child that thus submits will, when a man, be as resigned to the dispensations of heaven.
I could not forbear giving your letter to one of my young acquaintance to read when we were walking. I will relate our conversation.
WILLIAM.
What think you, Frederick, of this instance of willing submission?
FREDERICK.
It is praise worthy, but I acknowledge myself not so obedient.
WILLIAM.
Such a chearful submission might possibly require more resolution than either you or I have; however it is possible; and as we ought to shew ourselves grateful for the kindnesses we have received, the only way we have of doing so is constantly to obey the injunctions of our parents, and never to murmur if they even seem hard.