Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/41

, how few trials should we have to encounter in domestic life! To yield to those who, in their turn, yield to us, is an easy task, and would neither exercise our patience, nor forbearance, nor fortitude; and are not these most precious virtues?"

"How like that is to my good mother!" cried Mary. "O, Mrs Mason, if I had always such a friend as you beside me, to put me in mind of my duty, and to support me in performing it, I think I should never sink under it, as I sometimes do."

"And have you not a friend, a guide, and a supporter, in Him who called you to these trials of your virtue? Consider, my dear young lady, it is your Heavenly Father who has set the task,—perform it as unto Him, and when you have to encounter opposition, or injustice, you will no longer find them intolerable."

"Thank you, thank you," replied Mary; "I fear I do not always reflect so much on this as I ought. I shall, however, endeavour to keep it more in mind