“Do you suppose it was that visit, ma, that made you so particular always to say ‘thank you’ when I bring in wood, or find eggs, or any such things?”
“I was so disgusted, Fred, with the want of gratitude to their hardworking mother, and, indeed, with the absence of common civility, I may have thought more on the subject; but I trust you will find, wherever you go, that those who are most grateful to God for his mercies are most inclined to thank each other.”
CHAPTER V.
THE UNGRATEFUL SON.
HATTY is all ready now, ma.”
“It is not a very long story, my dear; but it shows God’s displeasure at ingratitude to parents.
“In Birmingham, England, there once lived a family who were poor. The father died, at last, and all the younger children, leaving the widow with her two eldest sons. At this time, they had gone into business, and were able to assist her; but they forgot all she had done for them, often denying herself food that they might have enough. They forgot the days and nights she had watched by them in sickness; and, when she humbly entreated a little help, they refused her.
“She was so feeble that she could do little for her own support, and was obliged with great reluctance to apply to the parish for assistance.