LETTER XXXIV.
WILLIAM to his MOTHER.
You will wonder, my dear mother, at Charles; he did not buy books with the money—but you shall hear all about it. His father came into his room before he had finished his prayers, I was in the next room; I had said mine, and waited for him to go with him to Dr. Bartlett. He rose hastily when his father entered, who laid a paper on the table, and desired him to conclude the sacred duty he was employed in, before he paid any respect to his earthly father;—and saying so, he left the chamber.
When Charles joined me he opened the paper, and found four guineas—he paused a moment.—William, said he, I wish to have your opinion, we have in our neighbourhood but few young people, we must have a dance, we all love dancing, and we may be merry, without spending money in sweetmeats and unnecessary dainties. Well then, said Charles, I will gratify my own inclination: and immediately we joined the breakfast table. When we were alone with Sir Charles, my friend addressed him, May I, Sir, do what I please with the money you have given me?
SIR CHARLES.
Yes, certainly, I gave it you.
CHARLES.
Then I know who shall celebrate my birth-day, if you approve of it—and I shall be quite happy if you consent.
SIR CHARLES.
Well, who?
I have more money than I want, I will invite a few acquaintance not to disappoint my sister and Edward, and indeed I do not wish to make a show of self-denial, or to let all my acquaintance know that I give my money to the poor. One guinea will be sufficient for the treat, and the other three I will give to two poor families, to buy cloathing for their children. How happy will these poor people be! all those I shall invite have abundance, I do not desire they should admire my treat and call me generous, when I should only be vain.
SIR CHARLES.
Can you suppose, my dear Charles, that I should disapprove of your intention? You begin the year very well, and may expect the happiness which flows from benevolence: it is an omen and a foretaste.
Charles then modestly thanked his father, and I went with him to distribute the money; afterwards we danced with a light heart, indeed we had a pleasant evening.——While we were dancing, as Sir Charles passed by his son, he whispered him, Pleasure is sweet when we do not sacrifice our duty to purchase it. And as he repeated his blessing, when Charles wished him a good night, he added, You have been happy, my son, because you first thought of making others rejoice.—I shall not forget this lesson, for I felt its force. I am sleepy, and yet I must tell you, that while the company were refreshing themselves, Charles and I slipped away, and hastened to the barn, and found the invited poor regaling merrily; I cannot describe the pleasure that was pictured on every countenance, but it has left a pleasing impression on my mind. The people were so delighted with their good cheer, they did not sufficiently attend to a poor blind man. Charles observed this neglect; Father, said he, let me assist you, and he cut his meat for him.
I find the treat was more acceptable to the poor than the rich—I will ever try to recollect, that it is more delightful to give pleasure, than excite admiration.
WILLIAM.