And, at length, the deception
is discovered by the little prattlers, and often much earlier than
parents imagine. Often, too, is the parent reminded of his promise and
of its non-fulfillment. And, sometimes, this is done days and weeks
after the promise has been made and neglected. The consequence is, that
the child comes to feel that his parent has little or no regard to truth
himself, and that truth is a matter of minor importance. So that child
grows up. So he goes forth into society, and enters upon business. Will
he be likely to forget the lessons thus early taught him, and the
example thus early set him?
I am able to illustrate this subject by an incident which occurred in my
own experience within the last two months. I must tell the story in my
own simple way, and as it is entirely truthful, I hope salutary
impressions may be made in every quarter where they are needed, and
where this article shall be read.
Having occasion for the services of a mechanic in relation to a certain
piece of work, I called upon one in my neighborhood, then in the
employment of a gentleman, and was informed, on stating my object, that
as he should be through with his present engagement on the evening of a
certain day, he would commence my work on the following morning. The
specified time arrived, but the man did not appear. I waited two or
three days, in hourly expectation of his appearance, but was doomed to
disappointment.
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