This right is plainly exemplified in sacred history. Abraham interfered in
Isaac's selection of a companion. Isaac and Rebecca aided in the choice of
a wife for Jacob. And indeed throughout the patriarchal age, you find this
right recognized and practiced. It was also acknowledged and exercised in
all the subsequent ages of Judaism, in the age of primitive Christianity,
and even down to the present time, in every true Christian household. The
right still exists, and receives the sanction of the church. The great
dereliction of parents now is, that they do not exercise it; and of
children, that they do not recognize it. "A wise son heareth his father's
instructions." "The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey
his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pluck it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it."
What now is the extent, and what are the duties of that right to
interfere? This is a difficult question, and can receive but an imperfect
answer. In infancy the authority of the parent is exercised without any
reference to the will of the child, because reason is not yet developed.
But when he reaches the age of personal accountability, the control of the
parent is exercised on more liberal principles; and when, by age, he
becomes a responsible citizen, the legal authority of the parent ceases.
Still he possesses moral authority, and has a right to exert a restraining
influence over the child.
Pages:
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256