Page:History of Charles Jones, the footman (2).pdf/4

 As my father and mother were very industrious themselves, thcythey [sic] were very desirous to make their children so; every child was employed as soon as he was able, in something or other. At about thirteen years of age my employment had been for some time to weed in the parson's garden, and run errands for him. At fourteen he took me into his house, and not a little proud was I at obtaining the title of his little footman. The morning I left my father's cottage, my dear mother, who was as kind as she was good, appeared to be very much affected; she said she could not commit me to the wide world, without first committing me to God who governed it; and then she knelt down with me by her side, and prayed, 'Gracious Lord, be pleased to have mercy on my dear boy, To thy care I commend him. Guard him, I beseech thee, in the many temptations which he is now beginning to encounter. May he with solid piety and honest diligence, do his duty in that state of life in which it hath pleased thcethee [sic] to place him,'—She then gave me her blessing, put a Testament into my pocket, bid me fear God, and always act for my master as I would do for myself,

In my new situation there were to be sure some few things disagreeable. My mistress was peevish and fretful; the cook violent and passionate. But what service is there, or indeed, what situation in life, howsoever much above servitude, which there is not something unpleasant? Every state has its trials; servants have theirs: but if they cannot learn to put up with some little