But when I called to mind the Farmer's harsh
and unkind treatment, I felt that to remain longer with him was out of
the question; for during the whole year I remained with him, I could not
remember one word of encouragement or kindness, and, to a boy of
thirteen, a kind and encouraging word is worth much. Surely thought I,
every one is not like Farmer Judson, and can I not find some place
where, if I do my best to please, I shall not be continually scolded and
blamed; and, after retiring to rest, I lay awake, revolving all these
thing's in my boyish mind till I mentally decided that, come what would,
I _could not_ return to the Farmer. It was far into the hours of night
before I slept, and then my sleep was harassed by frightful dreams, in
all of which Farmer Judson acted a prominent part. From my earliest
recollection, the counsels and pious example of my mother had exercised
a powerful influence upon my mind and character. She was naturally
cheerful and hopeful, and her heart had long been under the influence of
a deep and devoted piety, which exhibited itself in her every-day life.
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