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The New Zealand Evangelist

Sins Of Youth.—

Sins Of Youth.—

The history of a respected citizen of the town of A———, is remarkable, on account of his seven sons, who, though not otherwise deformed, were quite dumb. The father was constantly sorrowing over his sons, and could not com-prehend why God visited him so dreadfully, more than other fathers. One day he accompanied them to a neighbouring farm, and where an old Swiss sold refreshments. The afflicted father looked with much feeling at his sons, who sat blooming and healthy round the table. The tears started in his eyes, and he exclaimed, “O God! why have I deserved this?” The old Swiss, who had overheard him, drew him to one side, and said, with honesty, “I see you are downcast at the affliction of your sons; but I do not wonder at it. Do you not remember (I knew you from your youth) when a boy, how you laid snares for the birds, and when caught, tore their tongues out of their mouths, and then with malignant joy let them fly again? How often have I not warned you; O, the birds under the heavens, who could not praise God with their tongues, have accused you, and you shall never hear the sweet name of father from the lips of your children.”