Now that I am a father, and know the affection of a
parent—would I not defend from every danger—would I not bestow every truly
good thing—would I not implore every blessing—on my tender children? Would I
not nourish their infant state—correct and educate their childhood—inspect,
reprove, and admonish them in youth? Would I allow the dear little
creatures—to play with sharp pointed knives—to frolic on the brink of a
rapid torrent—or dance around a pit's mouth? Would I permit them to eat
deadly berries—or to put a cup of poison to their tender lips? However
indulgent, would I allow them to disobey my commands? And if they labored
under any disease which threatened their precious life, what pains or
expenses would I spare to procure them relief? If assured that a physician
lived somewhere, who could heal them without fail—would I not send to the
uttermost corner of the land? would I not travel to the ends of earth?
But, hear me, O parents! If our concern for our children
ends only with their bodies—we are monsters of cruelty! Would we pluck them
from fire and water—and yet permit them to plunge into the fire of hell, and
lie under the billows of Jehovah's wrath? Will we snatch from them sword,
pistol, or knife—and allow them to wound themselves to the very soul with
sin? Will we chastise their disobedience to us—and wink at their spitting in
the very face of God, by open acts of sin? Are we fond to have them educated
and well-bred—and yet let them live in the neglect of prayer, which is the
highest disrespect that can be put on the Author of our being?
In a word, is this the sum of our kindness, is this the
height of our concern for our dear children—to see them happy in time,
flourishing in the affairs of this life—though they end up being miserable
beyond description through eternity itself? Will their bodily pain excite
our sympathy, and will we do all in our power to have their diseases
healed—and yet have no concern that their souls pine under sin, and they
suffer all the pangs of hell? Will we not bring them in our prayers, to the
Physician of souls, to the Savior of sinners?
I have but one request for all of my children, and that
is--that they may fear and serve God here--and enjoy him forever! No matter
though they sweat for their daily bread, (this is entailed on all
mankind)—only let them feed on the hidden manna! Let them toil and spin for
their apparel—but let them be covered in Christ's righteousness. How would I
count my house renowned, and my family ennobled, if there sprang from it—not
wealthy princes or kings, (let potsherds of the earth strive for such
earthly vanities)—but pillars for the temple of God in glory--who shall
dwell in the presence of the King of kings--when time is no more!
Again, whatever compassion I feel towards my tender
children—such pity will the Lord show towards those who fear him. And though
I will not give my child everything it cries for, or is fond of; yet I will
give it what I know to be good for it. So will our heavenly Father deal with
us. Why, then, do we so often worry?
Again, how does a child confide in his parents? To them
he tells all his needs. He has not the least doubt of their affection. He
boasts of their protection to his play-fellows, and thinks himself safe in
their presence. Why, then, should the children of our heavenly Father, the
sons of adoption, not bring all their needs to God, rely oh his love, boast
of his protection, and conclude themselves safe under the conduct of his
unerring providence?