My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
The happy parent
I. The attainment required. A pious youth is said to be wise in heart.
1. To show us that religion is wisdom.
2. That this wisdom is not notional, but consists principally in dispositions and actions. Religion has to do “with the heart”; and a knowledge that does not reach the heart, and govern the heart, is nothing.
II. The consequence anticipated. Pious children afford their parents pleasure on three principles.
1. A principle of benevolence.
2. Of piety. God is particularly pleased and glorified by the sacrifices of early religion.
3. Of self-interest. Distinguish between self-interest and selfishness. The piety of children affords parents evidence of the answer of their prayers and the success of their endeavours, and so delights them. It becomes a means of their usefulness. By such children parents hope to serve their generation. It ensures to parents a proper return of duty. And it will free them from a thousand bitter anxieties, such as are caused by children’s removal from home; taking any important step in life; or being bereaved of their dearest relations.
Conclusion:
1. Address those who, instead of a joy to their parents, are only a grief.
2. Address parents. Have you conscientiously discharged your duty towards your children? If you have, and nevertheless find your “house not so with God “as you desire, yield not to despair. Never cease to pray and to admonish. Some shower of rain may cause the seed, which has long been buried under the dryness of the soil, to strike root and spring up. (W. Jay.)
Religion, true wisdom
I. Why religion may be described as true wisdom.
1. As it involves the possession and right application of knowledge.
2. As it gives the first attention to the most momentous concerns.
3. As it adopts the most likely means for securing these great ends.
4. As it secures the greatest amount of good both for the present and the future.
II. The importance of this to young people.
1. Because of their necessary inexperience.
2. Because of the countless perils which surround them.
3. Because the future circumstances of life depend much upon the course adopted in youth.
III. The certain means of its atttainment.
1. There must be a deep conviction of its need and value.
2. There must be the hearty and simple application of faith, for its realisation.
3. Let this resolution, and application of devout earnestness and faith, be adopted now.
In conclusion, present the subject to your serious attention--
(1) By the evils of neglecting religion; and--
(2) The moral loveliness and excellency connected with devout and serious piety. (J. Burns, D.D.)
Parental wishes
Persons may form a judgment of their own dispositions from their wishes about their children. Worldly men make it their great work to provide those things for their children which they account their own best things. Saints desire above all things that the hearts of their children may be richly furnished with wisdom, and that their lips may speak right things; for the heart is the throne of Wisdom, and by the lips she discovers her possession of that throne. (George Lawson, D.D.)