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CHAPTER XX.
HOME-EXAMPLE.
"Example strikes
All human hearts! A bad example more;
More still a father's!"
Example has much to do with the interests of home. It plays an important
part in the formation of character; and its influence is felt more than
that of precept. Our object in this chapter is to show the bearing of
example upon the well-being of the Christian home. Example may be good or
bad. Its power arises out of the home-confidence and authority. Children
possess an imitative disposition. They look up to their parents as the
pattern or model of their character, and conclude what they do is right and
worthy of their imitation. Hence the parental example may lead the child to
happiness or to ruin.
"Lo! thou art a landmark on a hill; thy little ones copy thee in all
things.
Show me a child undutiful, I shall know where to look for a foolish
father;
But how can that son reverence an example he dare not follow?
Should he imitate thee in thine evil? his scorn is thy rebuke."
The power and influence of the home-example are incalculable. Example is
teaching by action. By it the child inherits the spirit and character of
the parent. Such is its influence that you can estimate the parent by the
child. Show me a child, polite, courteous, refined, moral and honorable in
all his sentiments and conduct; and I will point you to a well-conducted
nursery, to noble and high-minded parents, faithful to their offspring.
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