Good health , good principles , and a good education are the three blessings I ask for you , and I am going to make sure of the first , as a firm foundation for the other two . '' `` But , mother , what becomes of college ? '' asked Frank , rather disturbed at this change of base . `` Put it off for a year , and see if you are not better fitted for it then than now . '' `` But I am already fitted : I 've worked like a tiger all this year , and I 'm sure I shall pass . '' `` Ready in one way , but not in another . That hard work is no preparation for four years of still harder study . It has cost you these round shoulders , many a headache , and consumed hours when you had far better have been on the river or in the fields . I can not have you break down , as so many boys do , or pull through at the cost of ill-health afterward . Eighteen is young enough to begin the steady grind , if you have a strong constitution to keep pace with the eager mind . Sixteen is too young to send even my good boy out into the world , just when he most needs his mother 's care to help him be the man she hopes to see him . '' Mrs. Minot laid her hand on his shoulder as she spoke , looking so fond and proud that it was impossible to rebel , though some of his most cherished plans were spoilt . `` Other fellows go at my age , and I was rather pleased to be ready at sixteen , '' he began . But she added , quickly , -- `` They go , but how do they come out ? Many lose health of body , and many what is more precious still , moral strength , because too young and ignorant to withstand temptations of all sorts . The best part of education does not come from books , and the good principles I value more than either of the other things are to be carefully watched over till firmly fixed ; then you may face the world , and come to no real harm . Trust me , dear , I do it for your sake ; so bear the disappointment bravely , and in the end I think you will say I 'm right . '' `` I 'll do my best ; but I do n't see what is to become of us if we do n't go to school . You will get tired of it first , '' said Frank , trying to set a good example to the others , who were looking much impressed and interested . `` No danger of that , for I never sent my children to school to get rid of them , and now that they are old enough to be companions , I want them at home more than ever .
There are to be some lessons , however , for busy minds must be fed , but not crammed ; so you boys will go and recite at certain XXXXX such things as seem most important .
Frank Minot end fellows first hours ill-health right year years