Christian Parents' Conformity to the World.
THE Rev. Dr. James W. Alexander wrote to a friend: As I grow older as a parent, my views are changing fast as to the degree of conformity to the world which we should allow to our children. I am horror-struck to count up the profligate children of pious persons, and even ministers. The door at which those influences enter, which countervail parental instruction and example, I am persuaded, is YIELDING TO THE WAYS OF GOOD SOCIETY. By dress, books, and amusements, an atmosphere is formed which is not that of Christianity. More than ever do I feel that our families must stand in a kind but determined opposition to the fashions of the world, breasting the waves, like the Eddystone light-house. And I have found nothing yet which requires more courage and independence than to rise even a little, but decidedly, above the PAR of the religious world around us. Surely, the way in which we commonly go on is not that way of self-denial and sacrifice and cross-bearing which the New Testament talks of. Then is the offense of the cross ceased. Our slender influence on the circle of our friends is often to be traced to our leaving so little difference between us. —Am. Messenger.