AN INNOCENT ERROR OF CHILDHOOD.

Make-believe is one of the innocently intended roses of childhood, but one that often leads to willful deception and falsehood. How ever it may be with the old, the young should practice no disguises— not even in sport, for that which answers a double, or equivocal purpose in sport, may very likely suggest a rule of action for real contingencies. Of all traits, in the young or old, truth and frankness are the most admirable. They win our confidence and command our respect. We know just where to find their votaries. The kingdom of Heaven could only have been likened to children, because in them is the least make-believe. Their simplicity, faith, trust and sincerity, are fitly made a type of that pure state where there is no shadow nor guile. Let the young believe, and not make-believe. Let them do, and not pretend to do.

Children, beware of make-believe!. The habit you put on playfully now may cling to you closer than the fabled poisoned shirt, and torment you when you become powerless to shake it off.