Her eldest son had gone to a distant
southern state, carrying with him, his mother's prayers and blessings;
and a strong arm, and stout heart, with which to win himself a name and
a place in his adopted home. John, the second, still remained with her,
assisting, by his unceasing toil, to earn a supply for their daily
wants. Henry, the third son, a bright-eyed youth of sixteen, had
attracted the notice of his pastor, and by his advice and assistance,
had been placed on the list of the beneficiaries of the American
Education Society, and was now at an Academy, preparing for College.
James was living with a farmer in the neighborhood, and was now on the
green with Arthur. These changes had already taken place, and now, could
she part with Arthur,--her sweet-tempered, gentle Arthur? That was the
question which agitated and saddened her. An offer had been made her, by
Mr. Martin, who lived in an adjoining town, and whom she knew to be an
excellent man. He wished to take Arthur, and keep him till he was
twenty-one; would clothe him, send him to school, and treat him as one
of his own family; training him to habits of industry and economy. Could
she hope any thing better for her darling boy? There was a younger
brother and two sisters still remaining at home, and embarrassed as she
was, ought she not to be grateful for such an opening, and thankfully
avail herself of it? Such was the view another might take of the
subject, but to her it was unspeakably painful to think of the
separation. Arthur was ten years old; but he was a modest and timid boy,
whose sensitive nature had led him to cling more closely to his mother's
side than his bolder and more active brothers.
