In England one time a circus came to town and everybody knows how the music and the grand tent and horses set all the little boys a-going. Sixpences and shillings are in great demand, and many a choice bit of money have the circus owners carried away which was meant for better purposes.
A little boy was seen looking around the premises with a great deal of curiosity.
"Hello, Johnny," said a man who knew him, "going to the circus?"
"No, sir," answered Johnny, "father don't like them."
"Oh, well! I'll give you money to go, Johnny," said the man.
"Father don't approve of them," answered Johnny.
"Well, go for once, and I'll pay for you."
"No, sir," said Johnny; "my father would give me the money if he thought it was best. Besides, I've got a shilling in my box—twice enough to go."
"I'd go, Johnny, for once. It is wonderful the way the horses do," said the man. "Your father needn't know it."
"I won't," said the boy.
"Now why?" asked the man.
"'Cause," said Johnny, twirling his bare toes in the sand, "after I've been I could not look my father right in the eye, and I can now."
The man gave up and didn't try any more. Brave little Johnnie! He was brave because he was obedient, and we believe with all our heart that he was the happier for it.
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20.
"Them that honor Me I will honor." 1 Samuel 2:30.
Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958