HOMILETICS. Ver. 1.-" ...4. wise son." The young man who considers himself to be exceptionally clever is tempted to idolize his own notions and despise parental correction. We are reminded that such conduct may be a. grievous mistake and a proof of essential folly, and that true wisdom will follow a more humble course of filial duty. It is not merdy obligatory on the son to submit to his father; it is for hi~ own interest to follow paternal advice, and a mark of wisdom. Of course, this is taken as a general principle. A conscientious son may be cursed with a base-minded parent, whose directions it will be anything but wise to follow. lly manly intelligence and with Cbristian liberty, general maxims can only be applied in view of suitabl-e circumstances. \Ve may take it that on the whole, when the relationship is normal, wisdom will prompt submission to paternal correction. I. No ONE CAN TRULY ESTIMATE BIS OWN CONDUCT. We cannot stand off from our- selves and view ourselves in perspective. We make the most egregious mistakes in judging ourselves, because we cannot see ourselves as others see us. 'Jhe object is also the 8ubject, and subjective feelings colour our objective perceptions of self. It is therefore a great security for a young man to have a guide apart from himself whom be can trust, as he can trust a father. II. A FATHER CORRECTS IN LOVE. There are brutal parents, whose chastisement implies anytbing but sound correction. But the true father considers the highest interests of bis son. If he expresses disapproval it is because he believes some material wrong has been done. His rebuke is for wholesomi, improvement. Ill. A FATHER HAS LARGER EXPERIENCE THAN ms SON. His age gives him the advantage of fuller knowledge and riper judgment. It may also bring a certain stiffen- ing of notions and aversion to innovation. But even then it may still be keen to detect real errors and right in warning against them. • IV. A FATHER HAS AUTHORITY OVER BIS SON. 'l.'!Jis was recognized longer in form.er times than in the present clay, when many sons are over-anxious to emancipate them- selves from parental control. Now, there is a certain wisdom in submitting to estab- lished authority. Uebellion can only be justified by extreme wrong. Where no plain cause for rebellion exists, it is wise as well 11s right to submit. V, THE PARENTAL RELATION ON EARTl:I IS TYPICAL OF TBE RELATION BETWEEN GOD AND ms PEOPLE, All the arguments which point to the wisdom of a son's submitting to correction from an earthly parent apply with immensely greater force to ma11's JlOBition hefore God. God regards us with love; he knows everything; he has a 1igbt and power to direct and correct us. Whatever modern notions of domestic revolts 256 'l'HE PROVERBS. ~ err. xm. l-2ti
may be entertained by any of us, it still remains clear that it is wise to bow before tho correction of God, our great and good Father.