Litchfield enquirer., 1838-11-15

materially involve the best interests Of tho
ctliId. A parent is scarcely worthy Of the
name who does not cautiously watch the
early develOpement Of the faculties and
the temper which are subsequently, 10 form
the character Of the child, and endeavor
to give them right direction. Much de-
ponds ON The discipline and training 10
which youth are subjected. lniudicious
Kindness, too littbe restraint, unreasonable
indulgence. too much Genity in correcting
faults, may prove ruinous, by suffering bad
traits OF character TO become fixed in in
vIicibIe habit. AS parental responsibility
IS great, SO The anxiety Of q parenG to,meet
that responsibility should be great and it
may legiIimately be directed to three points
the virtuous character Of the child, and
his preparation for usefulness 10 the world
= his religious character, and his prepare!
ton for an eternal aud happier world-ana
his temporal prosperity. To serious and
refecting mind, there can be no doubt
which Of these points should claim prece-
dence, and secure the largest share Of at
tention. To be yirtnous, useful and reIi-
gious, is Of greater importance than to be
endowed with all the riches of this world.
Not only is parent more honored by ha-
wing son who is esteemed for his virtues.
and who has title to heavenly inberi-
lance. but the son himself is more excel
lent and happy in such condition than he
possibly could he in the possession of
worldly af1inence. pleasure and honor. In
practice, however, how often do we see the
reverse of this. Parental solicitIde often-
times forgetfnl Of the eternal well being
Of its objects, is chiefly awakened by lis
temporal welfare. Its language is not,
shall my child be yirtuous, but shall j, be-
prosperous I Shall it be saved, but shall
it escape the ills of life : lf diseases as
sail the child, more intense solicitude is
ielt than was ever experienced upon the
reflection that the child was unregenera-
ted, and therefore in danger of the wrath
OF God-.he health Of the body is more
regarded than the health Of the soul. That
irreligions parents should thus feel is no
matter Of wonder, as they themselves arc to-
tai strangers to the one thing needful. Even
Christians. in their most cherished plans.
will often betray the prcdominance Of the
carpal principle. Who has not seen
Christian parent spending the time in ma
king fortune for his child which should
have been occupied in imparling to, him
the lessons Of heavenly instruction 3 Who
has not seen Christian parents, in choos-
ing companions for their children, guided
more by The considerations Of fashion and
responsibility than those Of religion Who
has not seen Christian parent in select
ing situation for his child, influenced
more by the circumstance that it would
promote his worldly interest than that il
would prove favorable to the cultivation Of
pious feelings? Parental soliciiude is
strong for the child that is separated al n
great distance from its home, and yet how
perfectly conten,ed are parents disposed to
be If each letter conveys the Information
that health is unimpaired, and business
prosperous Thus it is that the beggarly
elements Of the world can excite slron-
ger interest than the durable realities IF
eternity, and that they who by providence
are soj"urners on earth, can make provi-
sion for their offspring as il they were to be-
permanent residents here below. If il be-
good direction for parents to seek first
the kinpdom Of God and his righteousness,
it should be applied in seeking for their
children this primary good, in reliance on
the promise, that all necessary things
should be added philadelphia Presbyt.