f, by watching the clock,--that is, I would see if I could not
knit or sew this hour more than I did the previous hour, if I could not
commit to memory more verses, or texts, or lessons, than I had the last
hour.

In this way I not only cultivated habits of vigorous efforts, but I
acquired that cheerful, happy disposition which useful occupation is
always sure to impart. In this way, too, I obtained that kind of
enthusiasm when anything of importance was to be done, that a boy has
when he is indulged in going out on a fishing or hunting excursion. A
boy thus situated, needs no morning summons. On the contrary, he is
usually on his way to the field of action before it is quite light; and
it concerns him but little whether he eats or fasts till his toils are
at an end.

Children, who thus early acquire habits of industry, and a love of
occupation, instead of living to eat in after life, will eat to live.

Oh, how do early right habits and principles help to form the character,
and mould the affections, and shape the destiny in all the future plans
and modes of living. How do they lead their possessor to strive after
high attainments, not only in this life, but thus lay the foundation for
activity in the pursuit of high and holy efforts throughout the endless
ages of eternity.

It will be perceived that the ruling motives of my conduct, in my early
childhood, towards my parents, were those of love and fear. Indeed these
are the two great principles that actuate the holy inhabitants of heaven
towards their Maker, whether they be saints or angels.

It was not the fear of the rod that led me to obey my best of parents.
It was not all the gifts or personal gratifications that could be
offered to a child that won my love.

I saw in both of my parents heavenly dispositions, heavenly tendencies,
drawing them, day by day, towards the great source of all perfection and
blessedness. I saw the noble and sublime principles of the Gospel acted
out in the nursery as sedulously as in the sanctuary, in fact far more
when at home than when abroad, for here there were more ample
opportunities afforded for their full development than perhaps anywhere
else. They loved each other with a pure heart, fervently, and they
sought not only the temporal good of their children, but their eternal
felicity and happiness. There was no constraint in their daily and
hourly watchings and teachings, but it was of a ready mind.

They aspired, themselv