Page images
PDF
EPUB

CHAPTER IV.

IN concluding these remarks, let

me say,

1. Let pious parents be urged to unwearied effort for the salvation of their children. Pious parents who feel the great importance of a Christian education, are apt to grow weary. The labor, toil and watchfulness that are necessary in training up a family of children, none I am sure can appreciate, except those who are called to the duty. Sacrifices of every kind,-of

earthly comfort, of selfish interests, of health, and not unfrequently of reputation, parents may be called to make for the sake of their children. Many a grievous trial they may be called to endure. Many a bright prospect may be, for a time, overcast, and many an animating hope extinguished in tears of parental anguish. But we may not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. There is no real cause of discouragement, because your efforts are not at once crowned with success. If God tries you in the conduct and prospects of your children, he has wise reasons for so doing. He sees you need the trial. Guard your minds against the

sources of discouragement, and remember, they do not amount to the dust in the balance, compared with the encouragements and motives God has set before you for the faithful and unwearied performance of your duty. God's time for the conversion of your children, may not be your time. You may seem to labor in vain, and for many a long year; and yet, may at last, see your children rejoicing in the graces and comforts of piety. Courage, parents! Courage! The sorrows that have broken your hearts will be relieved. The tears that have furrowed your cheeks, will be wiped away. You may yet "step lightly on the borders of the

grave, and joyfully to heaven," leaving

your children to follow you. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. And even should some hardened, ungrateful child break your heart with ten thousand sorrows, and bring down your gray hairs with many griefs to the grave; you will be spared sorrows and griefs hitherto unknown, if you can look back and see, that not one will remain uncomforted by the promises of the gospel, through your negligence,not one will go away into everlasting burnings, through your unfaithful

ness.

2. Bear with a timely and kind reproof, ye who are unfaithful in the reli

up

gious education of your children. We should criminate the parent who neglected the health and comfort of his child. But have not the minds, and habits, and character of our children, as real a demand on us to train them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, as their corporeal wants have for sustenance? There are few parents who neglect the physical and intellectual cultivation of their children; but are there none who neglect their moral and religious training? I do not know, my friends, how many of you neglect to teach your children to read God's holy word; how many of you neglect to instruct them in the great principles of revealed religion; how many of

« PreviousContinue »