152 CONVERSATIONS ON 



many things ; but they have told us, too, never 

 to get into a boat without asking their per- 

 mission first. Uncle Philip, we are sure they 

 will let us go, if they know that you are going ; 

 only let us run home and ask them." 



" My dear boys, I am very much pleased 

 with your conduct ; and, what is far better, 

 my children, Gor> is pleased; for he has 

 commanded you to honour your father and 

 mother : but you need not go home to ask 

 permission, for you may depend upon it I 

 would not take one of you upon the water 

 without the consent of your parents : so I 

 went yesterday, while you were all at school, 

 and have got permission from your friends 

 for every one of you to go only I asked 

 them to tell you nothing about it." 



"Oh dear, Uncle Philip, you are so very, 

 very good: thank you, thank you, a thou- 

 sand times over." 



" Once is enough, boys. There is but one 

 Being who deserves a thousand thanks, and 

 he, in truth, deserves a great many more 

 than a thousand ; but I fear that from a great 

 many he is just the Being who gets the few- 

 est, it is our Heavenly Father : but come 

 on, boys, let us be going to the boat. We 



