The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-12-29
IFoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Having spoken at some length of paren-
tai support and instruction, it only remains
to say something of discipline. This is both
a delicate and difficult task. This difficulty
arises mainly from the fact that both parents
and children differ so widely in their tenn
pers and dispositions. Especially is this true
of the latter. No two children can be wise
ly and successfully governed alike. Meas
ures which will operate favorably on one,
viii be disastrous to another. One needs
only a word of admonitiOn or even look of
disapprobation, while another can only be
restrained by ''the rod of correction.
One thing is absolutely certain, and that
is, authority must be established and submis-
sion secured. IF this end can be attained
by mild and gentle means, then use no 9th
ers. Far more depends upon the manner, and
the spirit with which the means are employed
than upon the means themselves. Let it
never be forgotten that when mild words and
gentle measures fail, then a more stringent
course must be pursued. See how the word
of God speaks on this subject: "FOOlsh-
ness is bound up in the heart of child, but
the rod of correction viii drive it far from
him." "He that spareth his rod hateth his
son, but he that loveth him chasteneth him
betimes." Only think too of the remarka-
bic expression used by the Apostle Paul
"For whom the Lord loyeth he chasteneth,
even as father the son in whom he delight
eth."
But whatever means are deemed wisest
and best, the following counsels will not be
inappropriate:
l. Begin early. "Just as the twig is
bent the trees inclined The infant can
understand the mothers frOWn as soon as it
can her smile. Much intelligent care is re-
uuisite to determine hOw as we'll as schen to
begin. But having commenced,
2. BE uniform. Many parents are as
variable as the winds. They make large de-
mands one day and none the next. Now
they punish severely, and then indulge ex,
trayagantly. By such course the child is
tantalized, provoked, and finally ruined.
3. ADMINISTER discipline afeetiOnGtel5
but firmly. "Let not your soul spare fol
his crying" Let not pity supplant justice
nor blind affection undermine fidelity and
right. Some parents say that when the roc
is necessary, they cannot employ il, if nc
opportunity is found until the excitement Oc
casiOned by the misconduct of the child ha;
subsidized. This is equivalent to saying, l car
only chasten when | am angry. Such
parent needs the rod more than the child
for so long as anger resteth in the bosom o.
the foolish parent, SO long he is untitled tc
govern anything.
4. Correct Privately. Cherish, as you d.
the life Of your child, its self-respeet. TIL,
disqraee is far more effective with ''propel
child" than the smart of the rod. But lie
the disgrace arise from its being known tina
the rod has been employed, rather than il
witnessing its employment
In private, admonitiOn and prayer may b
mingled with correction, as they should al
ways be, far more effectively than in tn
presence of others
In a word, let parents be what they wis
their children to be, and they will insensibl.
imbibe their spirit and adopt their habits
A large amount of this great work is don
when little is said and little done with tn
avowed sObjeet of its accomplishments LIE
parental instruction and example distil a
noiselessly and imperceptibly as the dew
and then shall the children be as lovely an
as fragrant as solve plants around one
table"
Make the Word of God your guide, an
the throne of grace your place Of refug
and you viii rarely if ever, fail. An inc
dent may illustrate this statement.
A father on returning from journey wa