RELIGION IN SCHOOL. 205

answer. It was curiosity—vain curiosity—a source of
many errors and many vices, (Here the tears came in-
to John’s eyes.) Do not go away, my little friend, IT
am glad of the occasion to put you on your guard.
You are young, and without experience. You do not
know Satan’s devices. Now, let me give you a lesson
for life, here in this pleasant shade, where nobody is
near us.

John, Indeed, indeed, sir, I did not know I was about
anything wrong; I only thought I should like to
know—- |

Adler, Yes; but there are many things which you
should not like to know. There are many things which
you had better know ten years hence. And there are
some things which you and I had tetter not know at
all, Fix it in your mind, John, that vain curiosity, or
inquisitiveness about things which do not concern us,
is the door at which Satan enters.

John. Please to explain, sir. |

Adler, Are there not some things which your father
and mother never mention to you at all ? |

John. O yes, sir.

Adler, Yet these things are in some books ?

John. Yes, sir.

Adler, And these things are talked about in your
hearing ?

John. Yes, sir.

Adler. And you listen with eagerness ?