From this subject we may gather some hints :
1. For the regulating of the conduct of earthly
parents —
[It can scarcely be expected in this state of imperfection, but that disagreements will arise between some individuals of a large family. The imperiousness of a master or mistress, the petulance or idleness of a servant ; the severity of a parent, or the frowardness of a child ; the want of brotherly kindness in children towards each other ; and especially the jealousies which subsist, where either the husband or wife is called to exercise authority over the children of the other by a former marriage ; any of these things, I say, may soon produce dis- satisfaction, and turn our " laughter'1'' into an occasion of sorrow: nor is this ever more likely to arise, than when a husband and his wife differ in their judgment respecting the mode of conducting themselves towards their children. But in all cases it is desirable to avoid precipitancy and passion. Authority must be maintained by those whose right it is to govern : and when occasion calls for it, correction must be administered. But it should always be grievous to us to pro- ceed to extremities : nor should we ever exercise very severe discipline without having first spread the case before God, and implored his direction and blessing. There is an excessive lenity which is as injurious in its effects as the contrary ex- treme. We should inquire at all times, " What saith the Scripture ?" And, when we have once ascertained the will of God, we should neither come short of it through a foolish fondness, nor exceed it through vehement irritation. There is one thing which above all should be checked with a strong hand ; I mean, profaneness. Parents in general are too strongly impressed with things which relate to themselves, and too little affected with what relates to God. But a scoffing at religion, or impiety of any kind, ought to be an object of our heaviest displeasure. And though nothing but the most incorrigible impiety can warrant us to proceed to such ex- tremities as those which were enjoined in the instance before us, yet we do not hesitate to say, that an incurable member should rather suffer amputation, than that all the other mem- bers should be incessantly tormented, and the life itself en- dangered, by its union with the body. Nevertheless we say again, No chastisement should ever be given " for our plea- sure," that is, for the gratification of our spleen or anger, but solely " for the profit" of the individual chastised, and the benefit of all connected with him.]
2. For the perpetuating of the regards of our heavenly Parent —