Teach Your Children by J. Maddock

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 20, 1856

Teach Your Children.

By J. Maddock

MR. EDITOR: A few years ago there lived a man in this State who was an unbelieving, wicked man, and, of course, a prayerless man. His children were strangers to the existence of a family altar. It pleased the Lord to convert that man. He became acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. An impression was made on his heart by the Holy Ghost. He commenced praying to God. That being a new thing in his family, a little daughter about four years old, evinced a great unwillingness to kneel down when the time for family worship came, and on one occasion she asked her father the following question: "Pa, who is it you talk to when you kneel down and shut your eyes? for I do not see any body." The parent told her that he talked to the Lord of heaven and earth, who is the Father of us all, and that though we could not see him, he could see and hear us; and he watches over us, and provides for us, the same as I do for you; and all true believers in Jesus Christ feel their relationship, and make known their wants to their heavenly Parent, as you do to me.

That explanation satisfied the little child; and ever after that she was a willing worshiper at the family altar.

Does not the foregoing narration suggest the propriety, if not the necessity, of praying parents' explaining and simplifying the nature of communion with God, to their little children? And is it not highly probable that, if it were done, more of our children would earlier become savingly acquainted with the Lord, and stand as bright and shining lights in the church?

May the Lord help us, as parents, to remember the responsibility that rests upon us in reference to our offspring. 'Tis vain to ask the Lord's blessing on our children when we fail to use the means he has given us.

Yours truly. J. MADDOCK. Decatur, Ills.