“But,” you say, “all this I have done, and yet my children are now forgetful of it all.  They are indulging in many things that they were taught to be harmful to the soul.”  My dear friend, can you not remember when this state of things began?  Can you not point to a time when there was a drifting from your home circle? when home life began to seem too narrow for your child? when he began to crave the association of others more than that of his own brothers and sisters?  Did you at that time lift up your home banner and shield?  Did you tell him of the rapids in the distance?  “No,” you falteringly answer; “I thought there could be no harm in allowing him to mingle with his chums at school and to visit them in their homes.  I was afraid to be too particular, lest he should think me too strict with him.”  Ah! friend, that was your golden opportunity, and you failed to see it.  After instructing the child, you should have bowed with him in prayer, giving him over to God’s keeping.  Then, if he chose to go—­remembering that your prayers were following him—­nine chances out of ten he would have returned with words similar to those spoken by a youth who had been permitted to attend a party.  In answer to his father’s question he said, “Yes; I had a good time, but I have better times at home.”  “Better times at home!” Think of it, parents!  Is it not worth some self-denial, some sacrifices, on pour part, to have your home spoken of in this manner?

“Yes,” says a mother, “that is all right when both parents are in harmony and have salvation; but suppose that the parents are poor and that one is unsaved?” I have seen just such homes as this governed in the manner whereof I speak.  God gave more grace and strength to the saved companion; and, although there were many difficulties to encounter, yet the saved one was able to influence the home for God.  “All things are possible to him that believeth,” said Christ in olden times, and his statement is still true.

Again, I hear a parent whose loved companion has recently died say, “What can I do now to train my children aright?” There comes before my mind a beautiful scene of a faithful mother with her son and daughter whom she had brought up to God’s glory.  She was left alone with these two precious ones to guide and rear to manhood and womanhood.  She bade adieu to the words “I can’t” and with determination went about her task.  As God never lets such zeal go without assistance, this mother found help in time of need.  Another scene which I love to recall is that of a devoted father and by his side his two motherless daughters just entering womanhood.  He gives them every spare moment that he has, and both are real examples of trust and purity.