by their companions, any thing but happy themselves.  At home there was ever some scene of dispute, or unkindness, to call forth the stern look, or the harsh command of their parents—­abroad, the mingled remains of vexation and self-reproach, caused by their own conduct or that of others, made them hard to be pleased—­and so the cloud thickened about them, and with all outward means for being happy, loving and beloved, they were a wretched family.  James, the eldest, was impetuous and self-willed, but affectionate, generous, and very fond of reading and study, and with gentle and judicious management, would have been the joy and pride of his family, with the domestic and literary tastes so invaluable to every youth, in our day, when temptations of every kind are so rife in our cities and larger towns, that scarcely is the most moral of our young men safe, except in the sanctuary of God, or the equally divinely appointed sanctuary of home.  But under the influences we have sketched, he had already begun to spend all his leisure time at the stores, the railroad depots, wharves, engine-houses, and other places of resort for loiterers, where he saw much to encourage the reckless and disobedient spirit, which characterized his soliloquy above quoted.  Little did his parents realize the effects of their own doings.  Full of the busy cares of this hurrying life, they fancied all was going on well, nor were they aroused to his danger, until some time after the scene of the broken vase, above alluded to, when his more frequent and prolonged absence from home, at meal times, and until a late hour in the evening, caused a severe reprimand from his father.  With a heart swelling with rage and vexation, James went to his room—­but not to bed.  The purpose so long cherished in his mind, of leaving parental rule and restraint, was at its height.  He opened his closet and bureau, and deliberately selected changes of clothing which would be most useful to him, took the few dollars he had carefully gathered for some time past for this purpose, and made all the preparation he could for a long absence from the home, parents, and friends, where, but for ungoverned tempers and tongues, he might have been so useful, respected and happy.  When he could think of no more to be done, he looked about him.  How many proofs of his mother’s careful attention to his wishes and his comfort, did his chamber afford!  And his little brother, five years younger, so quietly sleeping in his comfortable bed!  Dearly he loved that brother, and yet hardly a day passed, in which they did not vex, and irritate, and abuse each other.  He was half tempted to lie down by his side, and give up all thoughts of leaving home.  But no.  How severe his father would look at breakfast, and his mother would say something harsh.  “No.  I’ll quit, I declare I will—­and then if their hearts ache, I shall be glad of it.  Mine has ached, till it’s as hard as a stone.  No, I’ve often tried, and now I’ll go.  I won’t