But the old gentleman, who was a great adept in moral philosophy, calmly observed to him, that if one boy were to make use of this plea to take away his fellow's goods, another might; and thus contests would arise, filling the world with blood and murder without end. Convinced, in this simple way, of the fatal consequences of "_doing evil that good may come_," Ben let drop the weapons of his rebellion, and candidly agreed with his father that what was not _strictly honest_ could never be _truly useful_. This discovery he made at the tender age of _nine_. Some never make it in the course of their lives. The grand angler, Satan, throws out his bait of _immediate gain_; and they, like silly Jacks, snap at it at once; and in the moment of running off, fancy they have got a delicious morsel. But alas! the fatal hook soon convinces them of their mistake, though sometimes too late. And then the lamentation of the prophet serves as the epilogue of their tragedy--"_'Twas honey in the mouth, but gall in the bowels._" CHAPTER IV. _Picture of a wise father--To which is added a famous receipt for health and long life._ The reader must already have discovered that Ben was uncommonly blest in a father. Indeed from the portrait of him drawn by this grateful son, full fifty years afterwards, he must have been an enviable old man. As to his person, though that is but of minor consideration in a rational creature--I say, as to his person, it was of the right standard, _i.e._ medium size and finely formed--his complexion fair and ruddy--black, intelligent eyes--and an air uncommonly graceful and spirited. In respect of _mind_, which is the true jewel of our nature, he was a man of the purest piety and morals, and consequently cheerful and amiable in a high degree. Added to this, he possessed a considerable taste for the fine arts, particularly drawing and music; and having a voice remarkably sonorous and sweet, whenever he sung a hymn accompanied with his violin, which he usually did at the close of his day's labours, it was delightful to hear him. He possessed also an extraordinary sagacity in things relating both to public and private life, insomuch that not only individuals were constantly consulting him about their affairs, and calling him in as an arbiter in their disputes; but even the leading men of Boston would often come and ask his advice in their most important concerns, as well of the town as of the church.