176 THE STORK. 



passage is therefore, an appropriate reference to the 

 natural habits of this bird. 



It is hardly necessary to call upon parents to imi- 

 tate the Stork in the care of their offspring ; for the 

 feelings of fathers and mothers towards their children, 

 and the interest they take in their welfare, are suffi- 

 cient reasons why they should do every thing for them 

 in their power. Children, indeed, know very little 

 how much anxiety and concern they have occasioned 

 their parents during their infancy and childhood. The 

 most generous actions, and the most persevering 

 kindness, though shewing in the highest degree, both 

 filial piety and grateful feelings, can never repay the 

 debt which a child owes his parents. For to them, 

 under God, he not only owes his very existence, but 

 every comfort during years of helpless infancy. 



Let children, then, imitate the Stork, by rendering 

 all due obedience to their parents, and when they be- 

 come aged, feeble, and perhaps childish, let them de- 

 light in doing every thing in their power to make their 

 latter days comfortable and happy. In doing this, 

 children not only do all they can to pay a debt of 

 gratitude, which they are bound as far as possible to 

 pay, but they perform a duty which meets the appro- 

 bation of Heaven. " Honour thy father, and thy mo- 

 ther, which is the first commandment with promise/* 



