Pg. 308

¶ 1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 0 20 THE SPOILED CHILD. [308

¶ 2 Leave a comment on paragraph 2 0 choice of your company and companions, and in a special manner your early attachments and choice of a companion, and in all your spiritual concerns.

¶ 3 Leave a comment on paragraph 3 1 “And, finally, fail not to give them endearing evidences of your filial gratitude. This includes in it, love for the benefits received, and a high value put on them, on account of their proceeding from persons beloved and dear: it includes affection to the persons of the donors, joy at the reception of favors, and a prompt disposition to render back what it can in return for them.

¶ 4 Leave a comment on paragraph 4 0 “And now, young man, these duties are enjoined by the awful authority of God speaking to you in his holy word, and by the mouth of your honored parents; and enforced by the captivating example of our Lord Jesus Christ toward his mother in early life, and as, in most touching manner, while expiring on the cross, he recommended her, in his last moments, to the beloved disciple, with whom she should find reverence, affection, and a home! John, 19:25, 26. Moreover, God has enforced this duty by a promise of long life and prosperity; and when this duty is rendered by faith and love to God’s authority, it receives its eternal reward in the heavens. On the contrary, hear the denunciations of Heaven against the rebellious and wicked child: ‘Cursed be he that setteth light by his father and his mother: and all the people shall say Amen. Deut. 27 : 16. ‘The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.’  Ah! young man, look on these weeping parents, and say, can you dare pursue the course which will bring down their gray hairs with sorrow to the grave?”

¶ 5 Leave a comment on paragraph 5 0 Having finished his admonitions he kneeled down with the afflicted parents, and uttered a fervent prayer for them, while he did not forget in his holy wrestlings their poor prodigal son; for he felt that he had received his ministry of the Lord, and watched for souls as one who knew he was soon to be called to give his last account—even for those who might be lost, as well as for those who should be saved!

¶ 6 Leave a comment on paragraph 6 0 • • • • • • • • •

¶ 7 Leave a comment on paragraph 7 0 The writer of this Tract succeeded that venerable minis-