Peace, Obedience, Faith
By J. L. Hurlbut
JOHN RUSKIN, in counting up the blessings of his childhood, reckoned these three for first good: Peace. He had been taught the meaning of peace in thought, act, and word; had never heard father’s or mother’s voice once raised in any dispute, nor seen an angry glance in the eyes of either, nor had ever seen a moment’s trouble or disorder in any household matter. Next to this he estimated obedience; he obeyed a word or lifted finger of father or mother as a ship her helm, without an idea of resistance. And, lastly, faith; nothing was ever promised him that was not given; nothing ever threatened him that was not inflicted, and nothing ever told him that was not true.— J. L. Hurlbut.