The Child at Home: The Principles of Filial Duty, Familiarly Illustrated

The work is aimed at children, focusing on the importance of filial duty, obedience, and moral behavior within the family context. Abbott's goal is to inspire a sense of gratitude and responsibility in children to ensure their own happiness and that of their parents. The opening of the book sets a solemn tone, highlighting the painful consequences of disobedience through poignant illustrations of familial relationships. Abbott recounts the sorrow of a mother whose daughter has turned to a life of crime, emphasizing the grief brought on by her disobedient behavior. He narrates how her early trifling acts of ingratitude escalated into serious misconduct, ultimately leading her to prison. The stark contrast between the once-happy child and the now-disenfranchised individual serves as a warning, encouraging children to understand the weight of their actions and the impact they have not only on themselves but also on the well-being of their parents.

John S. C. Abbott (1805-1877) was a prolific American historian, educator, and Congregational pastor. He is best remembered for his vividly accessible, morally grounded biographies, notably his highly sympathetic History of Napoleon Bonaparte, and for writing foundational 19th-century domestic and parenting guides.