Page 377 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

376 THIRD BOOK OF
heartened ; to meet at every step the image of death, without ever being appalled, or admitting a momen­ tary sentiment of despair.
3. Imagine not, my fellow-citizens, that this is an ideal and nci l representation of Washington's youth l years. No ! it is intly but truly copied om real scenes of his li . Who, on the wing of imagination, has llowed him, clambering over the lo y western mountains, rding un thomed and rapid rivers, exposing his invaluable life to innumer­ able accidents of treachery and hostility, without shuddering r his existence, and admiring his cool, collected courage, in conquering obstacles, and sur­ mounting dangers i Such was the training and ed­ ucation by which Providence prepared him r the l lment of his ture destinies.
4. For him it was decreed, in the progression of his li , to defend, and ultimately to establish, by just and necessary war re, the liberties of bis country. Providence there re permitted a train of occurrences to ensue, which served to rnish his mind with the rst rudiments of military science, and discipline him to the vigilance and profession of a soldier. At that time, two power l European nations held North America in their subjection; their territories border­ ed on each other, and each claimed .rights disallowed by its rival power. . One of these, France, sent out - a military rce and her Indian allies, to occupy posts deemed to be within the territory of Virginia, and contiguous to the stations selected by vVashington, as best adapted to the protection of his native land ; r his intrepidity and local knowledge had already placed him at the head of a small body of his coun­ trymen, collected together to stop the progress of the