472 2 Kings, Hi. 27. [361.

The last lesson we shall notice as arising from this dispen- sation is, that parents and children have a fearful respoiisibility for their conduct totvards each other. Doubtless it sometimes happens that the most pious parents have children whom they cannot prevail upon to serve the Ijord : and, if they have laboured faithfully for their good, they shall not be held responsible for their faults. But wicked parents can expect nothing but that their cliildren shall tread in their steps : and the truth is, that young children are for the most part only an echo of their parents' sentiments. What a shocking reflection then will it be to parents, that their children perished through their neglect ; or to children, that they persisted in wickedness in opposition to the instructions, example, and entreaties of their parents ! Parents, think how you will bear to look upon your children in the future world ; and how they will one day execrate your conduct towards them, and call for vengeance on your heads for neglecting to warn them of their evil ways ! And, children, think how, if you have disobeyed the voice, of your parents, you will execrate your own folly, when you see an impassable gulf between them and you ! Reflect a moment on the terror that seized the children the very instant the bears rushed forth upon them ; and the distress which came upon their parents when they heard of the calamity that had befallen them. This may serve as an image, though a very faint image, of the terror and distress in which negligent parents and ungodly children will be involved to all eternity. The Lord grant that this may prove a salutary warning to us all!]