A PLEA TO PARENTS

And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.–Ephesians 6:4 Considering the miserable failure of families it is no wonder that churches are in their carnal condition and that corruption is so common in our country. It is a fearful thought that children raised in horrible homes will be the leaders of tomorrow. That does not make a bright outlook for the future. More than ever we need to reminded of what Paul said. More than a century ago, James Smith made this wise observation: “Children are keen observers, and are much more powerfully affected by what they see–than by what they hear. It is of little use to talk to them of the gospel–if we do not adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in our lives. Thousands of children are ruined by the conduct of their parents–and many of them professing Christian parents!—Take care what you are teaching your children by your example. You are always influencing them for good–or evil. You are leading them to Heaven–or Hell. Not a day passes, but you produce impressions–perhaps permanent impressions–either good or bad. When parents profess to be Christians, and do not carry out Christian principles in their daily lives–can we be surprised if their children turn out ungodly? I fear that the blood of many children’s souls–will be found on their parents’ garments! I fear the open criminality of many children–is but a public exposure of the secret inconsistency of many professedly Christian parents! How much attention is frequently paid to the body–how little to the soul! How much time and expense are spent on nurturing the mind–and how little on the heart! How many educate for time–not for eternity! How many prepare their children to take a wealthy place in the world–how few endeavor to prepare their children to take a place in Heaven!”