SEQUEL TO NO. IV. OF THE UNIVERSITY CALIFOTELE THE ROYAL READERS. OBEDIENCE.* 1. ON one of the railroads in Prussia a 'pointsman was just taking his place in order to turn a coming train, then in sight, on to a different track, to prevent a collision with a train approaching in the contrary direction. At that moment, on turning his head, he saw his little son playing on the track of the advancing engine! What could he do? might spring to his child and rescue him; but he could not do that and turn the points in time, and so hundreds of lives might be lost. He 2. Although in sore trouble, he could not neglect his greater duty; so, exclaiming in a loud voice to his son, "Lie down!" he went to his post, and saw the train safely turned on to its proper track. His boy, accustomed to obedience, did as his father commanded him he lay down, and the long and heavy : * From "Life and Duty; or, Moral Lessons for the Young." (Royal School Series.) 12mo. Price 18. train thundered over him. Little did the passengers dream, as they quietly glided on to the safe track, what terrible anguish their approach had caused to one noble heart. The father rushed forward to where his boy lay, fearful lest he should find a mangled corpse; but to his great joy and gratitude he found him alive and unharmed. We are told that the pointsman's brave conduct was made known to the King of Prussia, who next day sent for him, and presented him with a medal of honour for his heroism. 3. It is not only children who have to obey. What confusion and destruction would follow if our soldiers and sailors refused to obey the orders of their commanding officers until they knew the reason for the orders! Much worse confusion would there be if each person refused to obey the laws of his country because he did not make the laws himself. The obedience of a child to its parent or teacher is the beginning of that obedience to the laws of right and justice, without which not the greatest state, any more than the humblest home, would be fit to live in. It is the beginning of that order which is "Heaven's first law." QUESTIONS.-1. What duty was the Prussian pointsman going to perform? In what difficulty was the pointsman placed? 2. What did he do? What did the boy do? What was the result? How was the pointsman rewarded? 3. Who have to obey besides children? Of what is the obedience of a child the beginning? |