A Word To Parents # 2

A Word To Parents # 2

And it is further worth observation, that the same word in the original, which is translated "withhold", signifies also "to forbid"; meeting with another distemper in parents, who as they will not correct their children themselves, so also they forbid others to correct them, under whose tuition they put them. It is as if they were afraid their children would not have sin enough here, nor hell enough hereafter - they lay in caveats against the means which God has sanctified for their reclaiming. Parents, take heed that when you commit your children to others' hands, you do not in the meanwhile hold their hands.

If you judge them unwise, why do you choose them? If you choose them, why do you not trust them? Well then, if the rod is in your own hand, withhold it not; if in your friend's hand, forbid it not.

Certainly there is great need of this duty, which the Spirit of God frequently inculcates all through the Proverbs.

(b) And secondly, if you would have your children blessed, add INSTRUCTION to correction. Imitate God in this part of paternal discipline also. Let chastisement and instruction go together - it is what the Holy Spirit urges upon you. "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

There are two words relating to both of these parental duties; in the "nurture" or correction; and it is added, "of the Lord". This is, the chastisement which the Lord commands earthly parents to exercise towards their children - this is the first duty, of which we have already addressed. And then there is another word, which holds forth the end and design of parental - that is the "admonition" or instruction of the Lord - counsels and instructions taken out of the Word of God. The sum of this, that while we chasten the flesh - we should labor to inform and form the mind and spirit, by infusing right principles, pressing and urging upon their tender hearts counsel, reproof, and instruction as the matter requires.

This is the duty of parents, to imitate God, to let instruction expound correction; and with a rod in the hand, and a word in the mouth - to train up their children to life eternal.

A silent rod is but a brutish discipline, and will certainly leave them more brutish than it found them. Chastisement without teaching - may sooner break the heart. Chastisement alone may mortify the flesh, but not corruption. Chastisement alone may control nature, but never beget grace. But the rod and reproof give wisdom. As instruction added to correction makes excellent Christians - so also it makes good children.

The rod and reproof give wisdom - neither alone will do it. The rod without reproof, will harden the heart and teach children sooner to hate their parents than to hate sin. It is divine truth alone, which must be the instrument which works saving grace in the heart. "Sanctify them with your truth - your word is truth" (John 17:17). It is the commendation of Timothy's mother, that from his very infancy, she instructed him in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15). "My mother labored with my salvation with more tenderness and sorrow, than ever she did with my first birth" (Augustine).

Beloved, this is done by the Word and the rod. "Correct your son and he shall give you rest, yes, he shall give delight unto your soul" (Prov. 29:17). What greater delight than to see your children walking in truth, and to think thus with yourselves: that so many children God has given you, so many children you have brought up for God, and so many heirs for the kingdom of Heaven! Well, chastise and teach them out of the Word of God, and your children shall be blessed.

(c) Add PRAYER to instruction. As teaching should accompany chastisement - so prayer should accompany teaching. Paul may plant, and Apollos may water - but God must give the increase. (1 Cor. 3:6). In the same way with us, the father may correct, the mother may instruct, both may do both - but God must give the blessing.

So therefore Christian parents, while they add instruction to correction - should add prayer to instruction. The means are ours - the success is God's. Pray and teach your children to pray - that God would so bless correction and instruction, that both may make you and your children blessed. Amen

~Thomas Case~

(The End)