Josiah Shirley was at once his kind Grandmamma’s pride and comfort; and, from his amiable and obliging conduct, was justly esteemed and beloved by the whole village; and his name was never mentioned without the praise his modest and gentlemanlike behaviour deserved.
Mr. Hope had often contrasted, with feelings of regret, this sweet boy’s conduct with that of his own sons; and, hoping that his gentle temper and moral pursuits might have some effect on the perverted minds of George and William, he invited him pressingly to his house, and bestowed on the young Quaker many marks of his esteem and favour.
The approbation of the father only drew upon Josiah the dislike and envy of his sons. Among other follies, they ridiculed him for being a Quaker.
The cut of his clothes, the shape of his hat, his modest and retiring manners, were all subjects of mirth to these unthinking boys, who tried by the most provoking language to rouse him into retaliation: but Josiah was a maker of peace, not a breaker of it; and, though he could not help keenly feeling their unkindness, his good Grandmamma had early taught him this excellent lesson, “To return good for evil;” and Josiah not only treated their insults with the silent contempt they deserved, but often earnestly entreated them to renounce their foolish ways, and he would endeavour to assist them in the arduous task of reformation.
His advice was received with such rudeness, that the benevolent boy, disgusted at length with their unprovoked malice, took his leave, declining all acquaintance with the young gentlemen for the future.
“I wonder, young men, you do not blush at your disgraceful behaviour,” exclaimed Mr. Hope, viewing his sons with unfeigned displeasure, the morning Josiah took his leave. “Your folly has deprived you of the friendship of an excellent and upright youth, whose good counsels might have benefitted you through life.”
“I hate Joe Shirley, Papa,” replied George, with the greatest assurance; “and never will attend to a word he says; a meddling impertinent fellow! What business can he have to trouble his head with us?”
“Go! go! unworthy as you are to be called my sons,” said Mr. Hope; “I am glad your poor Mamma did not live to witness your depravity;—and you, George, whom she loved so well, that she expired with you in her arms!—it would have broken her heart to have seen you now. Go, cruel and unfeeling as you are, I no longer wonder at the good Josiah renouncing your acquaintance; but the time may come, when you will bitterly lament not taking his advice.” So saying, Mr. Hope set them their accustomary tasks, and left the room.
His father’s reproofs, instead of softening the heart of George, only enraged his haughty spirit more violently against the unoffending Josiah; and he was determined to annoy him every opportunity which chance should afford him: nor was it long before he was enabled to put his designs into execution.
One day, after Mr. Hope had dismissed his sons from their morning studies, William inquired of his brother, where they should play.