Staunton Spectator

DISCIPLINE OF THE YOUNG.

The Oldest Son of President Edwards, congratulating a friend on having a family of sons, said to him with much earnestness: "Remember there is but one mode of family government. I have brought up and educated fourteen boys, two of whom I brought, or rather suffered to grow up without the rod. One of these was my youngest brother, and the other Aaron Burr, my sister's only son, both of whom had lost their parents in their childhood ; and from my observations and experience, I tell you a maple sugar government will never answer. Beware how you let the first act of disobedience in your little boys go unnoticed, and unless evidence of repentance is manifest, unpunished."

"Of all the sermons I have heard" said the narrator, "long or short, this has been among the most useful, as far as the world is concerned. It is a solemn lesson to be prayerfully pondered by all parents and guardians."

The Bible lays down four great rules involving the four great elements of the successful training of children—prayer, instruction, example, and restraint. And it is doubted if a solitary case can be found where all these have been united, where the children have not followed in the footsteps of the parent; while on the other hand, if but only one of the four have been neglected it may have been the ruin of the child. Remember, Christian parents, it is not enough to pray for, or even with your children, if your own example contradicts your teaching; and in vain will be the prayer, the example, if, like Eli, when your children do wrong, you 'restrain them not.' But let all be found united, and if all be faithful to duty and you may trust in God that He will fulfil His promise and that your children will grow up to serve Him, and bless you for your fidelity to their highest interest.