I Know a Thing or Two

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 28, 1884

“I Know a Thing or Two.”

“My dear boy,” said a father to his only son, “you are in bad company. The lads with whom you associate indulge in bad habits. They drink, smoke, swear, play cards, and visit the theatres. They are not safe associates for you. I beg you to quit their society.”

“You needn’t be afraid of me, father,” replied the boy, laughing. “I guess I know a thing or two. I know how far to go, and when to stop.”

The lad left his father’s house, twirling his cane in his fingers and laughing at the “old man’s notions.”

A few years later, and that lad, grown to manhood, stood at the bar of a court, before a judge, which had just brought in a verdict of “guilty” against him for some crime in which he had been concerned. Before he was sentenced he addressed the court, and said among other things: “My downward course began in disobedience to my parents. I thought I knew as much of the world as my father did, and I spurned his advice, but as soon as I turned my back upon home, temptations came upon me like a drove of hyenas, and hurried me to ruin.”

Mark that confession, ye boys who are beginning to be wiser than your parents. Mark it, and learn that disobedience is the first step in the road to ruin. Do not take it.—Sel.