An Honorable Boy | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1868

An Honorable Boy.

A MINISTER of the gospel had an interesting little son, on whose mind he was daily trying to make impressions that would form his life according to the Bible.

He taught his little boy to avoid sin, and to keep out of the way of sinners. He carefully guarded him against the popular and fashionable vices of the day. Nor did he tire in his work. He knew that it was by little and little that he was to make lasting impressions upon the mind of his son.

A short time since, this father left his son with a friend to spend a few weeks. The gentleman with whom he was left was pleased with his charge, and did all he could to make the little fellow contented and happy. One day he carried him to a neighboring village to see a circus, without telling him where he was going. The unsuspecting boy went cheerfully along, and was very happy and much pleased with his ride. The gentleman took him to the enclosure under the canopy, and getting a convenient seat, placed him by his side. The little fellow looked round upon the crowd of spectators, and gazed upon the immense canvas canvas umbrella spread before him; and then inquired, “What is this, sir? Where am I?” The gentleman replied, “This is a circus.” “A circus?” said the little boy, “then I must go out, for father says a circus is a bad place.” “Wait,” said the gentleman, “and you will soon see some fine horses and some fine dressed gentleman and ladies, and you will be delighted with them.” “No, sir, no,” said the child, “I cannot stay; I must go out, and go away from here; for father says, a circus is a bad place, and not fit for little boys.” The gentleman tried in vain to satisfy the boy’s conscience; but nothing would do, and he was compelled to take him out and return home with him.

This was a noble boy. The little fellow did exactly right. He determined to obey his father. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”