12 OCTOBER
Bringing up children
‘And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’ Ephesians 6:4
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 78:1–8
There are doubtless many feelings in a parent’s heart and many difficulties in the discharge of their duty, of which I, who have no child, can form but a very general notion. Observation must here, in part, supply the want of experience. But I shall endeavour to say no more than I have a warrant from the Word of God, and may he give his blessing. My text contains an express precept: bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Consider:
(i) this is much insisted on in the Word of God (Deuteronomy 6:7).
(ii) because they have the charge of them while they are tender and fittest to receive impressions.
(iii) it is what God especially notices—instance in Abraham and in Eli.
(iv) let affections plead for them—think what a state they are in, and what a world they are going to. If you do not endeavour to check the seeds of evil, they will spring up to a plentiful harvest and end in ruin.
What then shall we say of parents who are so hardened against the will of God, so cruel to their children, as to neglect their instruction and suffer them to grow wild in ignorance and wickedness? The looks and language of too many of the youth too plainly show how they have been educated. As you sow, you will surely reap, unless grace prevent. If you bring them up in sin, very probably they will contribute to bring your grey hairs down with sorrow to the grave. And O, what a dreadful greeting—when they shall charge the loss of their souls at their parents’ door.
FOR MEDITATION: ‘Prayer for my dear Elizabeth on the Anniversary of her Birthday’, 22 June 1800.
Dear Saviour, at thy feet I bow!
May she be recompensed by thee,
Bless my dear child, O bless her now;
For all her kind regard to me;
Fill her with light and love and peace,
And when my pilgrimage shall end,
May every year her grace increase!
Still be her Guard, her Guide, her Friend,
Renew her strength, suppress her fear,
Till she shall join with all thine own,
And lead her on from year to year:
In songs of praise before the throne!
Amen, and Amen
SERMON SERIES: RELATIVE DUTIES, NO. 4 [1/4], EPHESIANS 6:4
Milo 