Pg. 291

¶ 1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 0 291] THE SPOILED CHILD 3

¶ 2 Leave a comment on paragraph 2 1 High performed with great reverence. In the busiest seasons he would frequently say to his laborers, “My friends, we always find time to take our daily food; let us also take time to worship the Lord our God; and remember, prayers and provender never hinder a journey.”

¶ 3 Leave a comment on paragraph 3 0 Here were all the elements of happiness, usefulness, and honor, apparently combined. Surely, his neighbors would say, Mr. C—l must be a happy man; rich in this world’s goods, and rich in the grace of God; honored in the church; esteemed and respected by all in the social and political circles; possessed of a fine constitution, and enjoying uninterrupted health: what is there to disturb his mind or man his peace?

¶ 4 Leave a comment on paragraph 4 1 But it had been long observed by the pastor that there was some secret worm at the root of his joys; and it became, at length, manifest to all his intimate friends. The grace of God will, indeed, carry a Christian through any afflictions: it will give buoyancy to his mind and spirits in the darkest and most distressing hours. Our heavenly Father’s face shining upon us, will disperse the heaviest clouds: an humble and believing view of the Redeemer pleading for us at the very moment when we are like to be overwhelmed by the waves of sorrow, will send a foretaste of heaven’s joy into our wounded souls; and when the Holy Comforter seals upon our hearts the consolations of his grace, we can praise him, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

¶ 5 Leave a comment on paragraph 5 0 But of all the sorrows which befall a Christian, that which comes nearest to his heart, paralizing his mind and drinking up his joys, is the outbreaking of wickedness in his children.

¶ 6 Leave a comment on paragraph 6 0 Mr. C—l had a son, he was his eldest child and his only son. On this child he had doated: he had made an idol of him. This is the besetting sin of Christian parents, especially those who are, by natural temperament, unusually kind-hearted and affectionate. It is indeed a strong and overpowering temptation. We doat on our offspring: they become spoiled children: and such is the ordering of divine Providence, we, who had sinfully indulged them, and “spared the rod” when we ought to have employed it to drive away folly from the young heart, according to the command of