From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 46
His trunk was brought ashore, his uniform was returned, his tears were wiped away, and he was happier in
thus yielding to his mother's reasonable request than he could or would have been in gratifying his own
wishes.
The higher and nobler qualities of manly character here triumphed over the lower passions and desires. It was
an excellent discipline for George, while, at the same time, the incident exhibits the sterling qualities of his
heart.
The four incidents narrated present different aspects of George's character, and show, without additional
proof, that he was an uncommon boy. The several qualities displayed in these experiences lie at the
foundation of human excellence. Without them the future career of a youth may prove a failure. With them, a
manly, virtuous character is well nigh assured.
VI.
HIS MOTHER.
"Obedience and truthfulness are cardinal virtues to be cultivated," remarked Mrs. Washington to her husband,
with whom she frequently discussed the subject of family government. "No son or daughter can form a
reliable character without them."
"There can be no question about that," answered Mr. Washington; "and for that reason these virtues are just as
necessary for the state as they are for the family; reliable citizens cannot be made without them any more than
reliable sons and daughters."
"I suppose that God means to make reliable citizens out of obedient and truthful children," continued Mrs.
Washington. "Good family government assures good civil government. We must learn to obey before we
know how to govern."
"And I think that obedience to parents is likely to be followed by obedience to God," responded Mr.
Washington. "Disobedience is attended by a state of mind that is inimical to sincere obedience to God."
"The Bible teaches that plainly," replied Mrs. Washington. "There is something very tender and impressive in
the lesson, 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the
first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long on the earth.' A
longer and better life is promised to those who obey their parents, and it must be because they are led to God
thereby."
"Obedience is the first commandment, according to that," remarked Mr. Washington, "the most important of
all, and I have no doubt of it. We are to begin there in order to make children what they ought to be."
"The consequences of disobedience as threatened in the Scriptures are fearful," added Mrs. Washington.
"There could scarcely be more startling words than these: 'The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to
obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.' Disobedience to
and irreverence for parents must be wicked, indeed, to warrant such a threatening."
Here was the secret of Mrs. Washington's successful family government. That George owed more to faithful
maternal example and training than he did to any other influence, he always believed and acknowledged. And
OBEDIENCE was the first commandment in the Washington family. George Washington Parke Custis, a
grandson, said: