Post by Sister Michelle on Aug 8, 2006 11:39:54 GMT -5
Children are to be Educated for Christ
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ was instituted in this sinful world to seek its conversion. It was said to her eighteen hundred years ago, "preach the Gospel to every creature." Her time, talents, and resources have all been justly owed to her Lord, for this purpose. Yet, "the whole world lieth in wickedness." Few, comparatively, have heard "the name of Jesus;" "that there is any Holy Ghost;" or that there is a God that ruleth in the earth.
In this affecting moral condition of the world, the questions are to be solemnly considered by the friends of Christ "Have we not something more to do? Is there not some great duty which we have overlooked; some covenant which we have made with our Lord, yet unfulfilled?"And an answer will be found, if we look upon the children of Christian parents, who have professed to dedicate their all to God, but, to a great extent, have neglected to educate their offspring for the express purpose of serving Christ in the advancement of his kingdom. Said a Christian mother, whose heart is deeply interested in this subject, "I fear that many of us think that parental duty is limited to labors for the salvation of our children; that we have prayed for them only that they may be saved; instructed them only that they may be saved." Infinitely important, indeed, it is, that they should be saved. But if ardent desires for the glory of our Redeemer and the salvation of souls glowed in our hearts like an inextinguishable flame, our most earnest prayers from their very birth, would be, that they might not only be saved themselves, but be instrumental in saving others.
So far as the service of Christ has been contemplated, it appears to have been regarded as consisting of becoming a Christian; professing religion; taking care of one's own soul, maintaining a reputable standing in the church; wishing well to the cause of Christ; giving as much as is convenient for its advancement; and, finally, taking a pious leave of the world to go and be happy in heaven. Thus "one generation passeth away, and another cometh," to live and die in the same manner. And truly the earth might "abide for ever," and the mass of its population still lie in ruin, should all Christians continue to live thus.
There is need, then, of an appeal to CHRISTIAN PARENTS, in view of the present condition of the world. You give your prayers and a portion of your money. But, as said the Christian already quoted, "What affectionate parent does not love his children more than his money? and why should not these living treasures be given to Christ?" This "seeking our own, not the things which are Christ's," must cease, if the world is ever to be converted. We must act, and teach our children to act more faithfully, according to that Scripture, "He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." Let us be understood. We do not say, dedicate your children to the cause of Missions exclusively, or to any field of benevolence. You must leave their assignment to "the Lord of the harvest." He will appoint them to stations, public or private; to spheres of extended or limited influence, as shall "seem good in his sight." Your duty is to do all which is comprehended in the injunction, "bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" assured that the time will come when it will be said to you by the voice of Providence, respecting each, "the Lord hath need of him;" and he will be led to that station in which the Lord will he pleased to bless him. And whether it prove a retired and lowly, or a public and eminent one, be assured of this, he will find work enough assigned him, and responsibilities enough laid upon him, to keep him at the footstool, seeking grace to strengthen him, and to require the anxious and diligent employment of all his powers while life shall last.
It is, then, an interesting inquiry, Christians Parents "What QUALIFICATIONS will best prepare our children to be efficient servants of Christ?" There are many—pertaining to the HEART, the MIND, and the PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION.
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ was instituted in this sinful world to seek its conversion. It was said to her eighteen hundred years ago, "preach the Gospel to every creature." Her time, talents, and resources have all been justly owed to her Lord, for this purpose. Yet, "the whole world lieth in wickedness." Few, comparatively, have heard "the name of Jesus;" "that there is any Holy Ghost;" or that there is a God that ruleth in the earth.
In this affecting moral condition of the world, the questions are to be solemnly considered by the friends of Christ "Have we not something more to do? Is there not some great duty which we have overlooked; some covenant which we have made with our Lord, yet unfulfilled?"And an answer will be found, if we look upon the children of Christian parents, who have professed to dedicate their all to God, but, to a great extent, have neglected to educate their offspring for the express purpose of serving Christ in the advancement of his kingdom. Said a Christian mother, whose heart is deeply interested in this subject, "I fear that many of us think that parental duty is limited to labors for the salvation of our children; that we have prayed for them only that they may be saved; instructed them only that they may be saved." Infinitely important, indeed, it is, that they should be saved. But if ardent desires for the glory of our Redeemer and the salvation of souls glowed in our hearts like an inextinguishable flame, our most earnest prayers from their very birth, would be, that they might not only be saved themselves, but be instrumental in saving others.
So far as the service of Christ has been contemplated, it appears to have been regarded as consisting of becoming a Christian; professing religion; taking care of one's own soul, maintaining a reputable standing in the church; wishing well to the cause of Christ; giving as much as is convenient for its advancement; and, finally, taking a pious leave of the world to go and be happy in heaven. Thus "one generation passeth away, and another cometh," to live and die in the same manner. And truly the earth might "abide for ever," and the mass of its population still lie in ruin, should all Christians continue to live thus.
There is need, then, of an appeal to CHRISTIAN PARENTS, in view of the present condition of the world. You give your prayers and a portion of your money. But, as said the Christian already quoted, "What affectionate parent does not love his children more than his money? and why should not these living treasures be given to Christ?" This "seeking our own, not the things which are Christ's," must cease, if the world is ever to be converted. We must act, and teach our children to act more faithfully, according to that Scripture, "He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." Let us be understood. We do not say, dedicate your children to the cause of Missions exclusively, or to any field of benevolence. You must leave their assignment to "the Lord of the harvest." He will appoint them to stations, public or private; to spheres of extended or limited influence, as shall "seem good in his sight." Your duty is to do all which is comprehended in the injunction, "bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" assured that the time will come when it will be said to you by the voice of Providence, respecting each, "the Lord hath need of him;" and he will be led to that station in which the Lord will he pleased to bless him. And whether it prove a retired and lowly, or a public and eminent one, be assured of this, he will find work enough assigned him, and responsibilities enough laid upon him, to keep him at the footstool, seeking grace to strengthen him, and to require the anxious and diligent employment of all his powers while life shall last.
It is, then, an interesting inquiry, Christians Parents "What QUALIFICATIONS will best prepare our children to be efficient servants of Christ?" There are many—pertaining to the HEART, the MIND, and the PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION.