THE BOY THE FATHER OF THE MAN

Solomon said, many centuries ago, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right.” Some people seem to think that children have no character at all. On the contrary, an observing eye sees in these young creatures the signs of what they are likely to be for life. When I see a boy in haste to spend every penny as soon as he gets it, I think it a sign that he will be a spendthrift. When I see a boy hoarding up his pennies, and unwilling to part with them for any good purpose, I think it a sign that he will be a miser. When I see a boy or girl always looking out for him or herself, and disliking to share good things with others, I think it is a sign that the child will grow up a very selfish person. When I see boys and girls often quarreling, I think it a sign that they will be violent and hateful men and women. When I see a little boy willing to taste strong drink, I think it a sign that he will be a drunkard. When I see a boy who never attends to the services of religion, I think it a sign that lie will be a profane, a profligate man. When I see a child obedient to his parents, I think it a sign of great future blessing from his heavenly Parent. And though great changes sometimes take place in the character, yet, as a general rule, these signs do not fail.