In his early piety. It grew in a situation where it had no advantages, and many difficulties to overcome. He showed his obedience to God’s law—temperance—amiability—diligence in his studies.
ILLUSTRATIVE STORY.
“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” This, my dear boys, explains all that Daniel did, and all that Daniel became;—this is the root of the matter, it was this “purpose in his heart,” carried out, that made him good and great: he purposed in his heart that he should not sin.
Most boys are fond of laying plans—they have many purposes for the future. I remember often at school we used to talk of what we would be, what we would do, when we were men. One would be a sailor, another a goldsmith, another a pastry cook, and another a soldier. I do think the boy who purposed to be a pastry cook loved sugar, and the intended goldsmith was fond of the glitter of gold. Yet, if I recollect aright, not one of these boys became what he purposed—they never did what they purposed.
I will mark down three kinds of purposes, and tell a little story for each.
1. A purpose of the head.
2. A purpose of the tongue.
3. A purpose of the heart.
Henry was the one of my companions who had most purposes in his head. He was a clever boy, about my own age; but he knew it, and never would exert himself. He was careless about his lessons, and never used to look at some of them till he was in the school-room; yet he purposed to gain the first prize in his class. He did not say much about it, but he evidently took for granted that it would easily be his. Weeks and months passed away, and frequently Henry suffered for his carelessness. Boys, who were not his equals, got and kept ahead of him by their superior application. The master used to tell Henry that he would regret his negligence; and then, for a few days, Henry’s talents were applied, and he regained his place; but it did not last, his indolence prevailed, and again he relapsed. The session drew to a close. Most of the boys now doubted whether Henry would come off first. The competitions took place, and each boy lodged his papers. Henry did exert himself then, but it was too late. Before the assembled school the names of the successful competitors were read. Henry’s name stood third,—his purpose was not of the heart but just of the head, and nothing came of it. He purposed, but he did not do.