quency. "If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” What, then, shall be said of those who are inattentive to the salvation of their offspring? Have they themselves any part or lot in this matter? How can they be considered the children of Abraham, or Christian believers, who are thus remiss in parental faithfulness?

Nature and Revelation happily harmonize in support of the truth, that they who are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh, have peculiar claims upon our sympathetic interest. Whatever we regard as eminently desirable, will certainly for the same reasons be so regarded with reference to them. Inasmuch therefore as be

lieving parents appreciate the excel

lence of personal piety, they will be specially anxious that their children should participate in the like precious faith.

Another reason is, - -3. A conviction
It is not

of personal responsibleness.
possible for parents to avoid the obli-
gation which results from this relation.
However they may consider it, it is a
serious concern. They are emphat-
ically, their children's keepers. Though
they cannot accomplish all that is es-
sential to their salvation, they have a
charge respecting it which is of signal
significance. It is that of using their
best endeavors to subserve the pur-
pose here supposed. Indeed if there
is a class of persons in the world who
are accountable for the character of
others, that class embraces all who
are entrusted with the care of chil-
dren.

Serious, however, as it is, no godly father or mother would wish to be released from this conviction of responsibleness. It may cost them many a pang, it is true, to anticipate that unavoidable scrutiny to which their stewardship will hereafter be subjected. Yet they would not for the world get rid of the impression that they are thus accountable unto God. No. Rather would they suffer all the solicitude it involves, than lose sight of the fact that they are thus answerable for the character of their offspring. It is because such consequences are connected with the question of their fidelity. How can they bear to think of standing at the judgment-seat of Christ, without being prepared to say, assured of acceptance, "Here, Lord, am I, and the children thou hast given

me!"

Can they endure the thought that any of these should be disowned? Can they imagine such an event, as attributable in the least to their own unfaithfulness- and not experience a yearning of spirit, that grace may now interpose to prevent it? Not a saint says, No. It is reasonable, therefore, that pious parents should specially desire the salvation of their children.

We are thus prepared to consider, in the third place, how pious parents will manifest this solicitude, or what course they will pursue relative to the salvation of their children.

1. They will study to know their duty in the case. Heeding, as they do, the urgent promptings of affection and conscience, they will seek for suitable and practical direction. The very

thought indeed of being personally

responsible, implies the supposition of something to be done, and of something to be done adapted to the object. Feeling, therefore, this indisputable consciousness of obligation, such parents will naturally search the Scriptures, and give their minds to appropriate reflection, and carry the inquiry to the very Source of light, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Hence, 2. They will make it an object of earnest prayer and personal exertion.

Aware that their own agency is at best deficient, they will endeavor to avail themselves of that influence which is effectual. They will look to him who is "mighty to save," and will implore his blessing in terms of strong and importunate entreaty. Yes, they will petition the throne of grace,