Theirs is a holy and a happy home; and the blessing of God rests upon it.
But on the other hand, in the wayward, dissolute child I discern unfaithful
parents who have no respect for religion, and who take no interest in the
spiritual welfare of their children. Thus the child is a living commentary
upon its home and its parents. The fruits of the latter will be seen in the
character of the former. The child is the moral reproduction of the parent.
Hence the pious parent is rewarded in his child, and the immoral parent is
cursed in his child. Whatsoever thou sowest in thy child, that shalt thou
also reap.
[Illustration: Sunshine of Youth.]
The precepts of home are unavailing unless enforced by a corresponding
example. Nothing is so forcible and encouraging as the "Follow me." It
proves sincerity and earnestness; and is adapted to the imitative capacity
and disposition of the child. It is all-commanding and resistless. Says
Solomon, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friend." Says Paul "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor
anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
Says Shakspeare, "One drunkard loves another of the name." Says Dr. Young--
"Ambition fires ambition; love of gain
Strikes like a pestilence from breast to breast;
Riot, pride, perfidy, blue vapor's breath;
And inhumanity is caught from man,
From smiling man.
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