human
My son, he said,
gpt
I am astonished and deeply grieved that you could read and enjoy anything like this, for it is full of profanity; and reading or hearing such expressions is very likely to lead to the use of them. Max, do you ever say such words?
human
Answer me,
gpt
Not often, papa.
human
Not often? sometimes, then?
gpt
O papa, don't be so grieved! I'll never do it again,
human
Max, he said,
gpt
Now turn to the twenty-fourth chapter of Leviticus, and read the sixteenth verse.
human
Now the twenty-third,
gpt
Papa, he sobbed,
human
I didn't know that was in the Bible. I never thought about its being so dreadfully wicked to say bad words.
gpt
What do you now think a boy deserves who has done it again and again? say as often as Max Raymond has?
human
I suppose to be stoned to death like that man. But nobody is ever put to death for swearing nowadays?
gpt
No, Max, fortunately for you and many others. But suppose you were my father and I a boy of your age, and that I had been swearing, what would you think you ought to do about it?
human
Give you a sound flogging,
gpt
Well, Max, that is just what I shall have to do, if I ever know you to use a profane word again, said his father, in a grave, sad tone.
human
I should do it now, but for the hope that you are sorry enough for the past to carefully avoid that sin in the future.
gpt
Indeed I will, papa,
human
And, Max, resumed his father,
gpt
No, sir.
human
Then go at once to your room and do it.
gpt
I did, papa,
human
I trust the petition came from your heart, my son, was the grave but kind rejoinder.
gpt
I must have a little more talk with you on this subject, but not now, for it is time we followed the others into the next house, if we would not keep Grandma Rose's tea waiting.
human
A kingdom is a nest of families, and a family is a small kingdom.