We see from the history of Charles Duran the importance of early religious training.  Had his parents pursued a different course with him, he might have grown up to be a blessing to them, and a useful member of society:  “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Prov. xxii, 6.

When, O when will parents lay this to heart!  How many fathers and mothers have been brought down to the grave with sorrow, by neglecting this important duty!

The history of Charles Duran is a warning to all boys who are inclined to indulge in Sabbath-breaking; to form bad associations; to tipple; or to visit places of improper amusement.  See his dreadful end!  Mark that fatal night!  Remember that he had been preparing for that season of riot and debauch by previous indulgence.  He came not to his wretched condition all at once.  He was preparing for it in his early disobedience,—­in his neglect of instruction,—­in his unkindness to his school-mates,—­in delighting to injure those who were smaller and weaker than himself,—­in his idle sporting habits,—­in the indulgence of his bad temper,—­in ministering to his perverse will,—­in his Sunday rambling,—­in associating with the vile,—­in his tippling habits,—­and, finally, in throwing off all parental regard and restraint.  He had now come to the verge of the whirlpool of destruction, and, in a frenzied moment, he threw himself into the awful vortex! Beware of the first sin! “Enter not into the paths of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”  Prov. iv, 14, 15.

THE END.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Books for Sunday-Schools, 200 Mulberry-street, New York.

Life of Adam Clarke. 
An Account of the Religious and Literary Life of Rev. Adam Clarke, LL.D.
18mo., pp. 223.

Pizarro;
Or, the Discovery and Conquest of Peru.  By GEO. CUBITT. 18mo., pp. 179.

Stories of ragged Schools
And Ragged Scholars.  Four Illustrations. 18mo., pp. 104.

Noah;
Or the Man of Two Worlds.  With the Story of the Deluge. 18mo., pp. 173.

The people of Persia. 
By John Kitto, D.D., F.S.A.  Three Illustrations. 18mo., pp. 178.

Work to do: 
An Account of a Wicked Boy who became Diligent and Pious. 18mo., pp. 73.

The life of Esther. 
By Rev. Daniel Smith. 18mo., pp. 126.

Life of John the Baptist.
By Rev. Daniel Smith. 18mo., pp. 103.

Life of Mrs. Coke. 
Memoir of Mrs. Penelope Goulding Coke.  By her Husband, the late Rev. Dr.
Coke. 18mo., pp. 99.