And now, having heard the father’s story, and the children’s comments, let us hope that the lesson will not be lost upon any of our little readers. Children look only to present amusement, being unable, even if they desired so to do, to understand causes, or to predict consequences. They may always feel sure that what their parents enjoin, is the result of knowledge and experience; and they are in duty bound to have so much confidence in those who have them in charge, as to obey without hesitation and without doubt.
The story of Robert the Squirrel is what is called a Fable; and it relates things which could not be true of a squirrel, but which may be true of little boys and girls.
The instinct of the young squirrel leads him to do what is best without so much instruction from his parents as little boys and girls need; but our reason, while it shows us how to do right, is apt often to invent excuses for us when we do wrong.
As children live longer, they discover every day the cause of prohibitions and directions which they could not understand when they were given. There are many things of which the best of us have to be ashamed as we grow older; but among these, obedience and kindness to parents never are found.
THE END.
ATTRACTIVE AND INSTRUCTIVE
PUBLICATIONS FOR THE YOUNG,
PUBLISHED BY
GEORGE S. APPLETON,