"Oh yes, sir; in the New Testament, which tells us of what our Saviour said and did."
"True. And what our Saviour commanded, boys, God commanded; for He is God. But besides this, when it is not exactly written down in the New Testament what we should do, still if we will think, we shall very often find out what to do, from what is written."
"Uncle Philip, we almost always know what you mean; but now, we do not quite understand you."
"Thank you, boys, for telling me that you do not know what I mean: always tell any person who is trying to teach you something, when you do not understand what is said to you. Now I will try to make what I said plainer to you. The New Testament does not say any thing about your going to school; does it?"
"No, sir."
"Who sends you to school, boys, and pays your teachers for instructing you?"
"Our parents, Uncle Philip."
"Very well. Now suppose that John Carter here, should wish, instead of going to school, to do, what I am very sure he never did do: suppose he should determine to play the truant. The Bible does not say a boy shall not play the truant, does it?"
"No, Uncle Philip."