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 instruction; but the neglect of it will prove to him a fruitful source of inquietude and pain. The thorns and thistles will not gall him the less that lie is unwilling to acknowledge them the growth of his own negligence. And it cannot be denied that herein the parent is justly punished. How wisely has God connected duty with reward, and disobedience with punishment! "Take this child, and nurse it for me," is the commission of Heaven to every parent;—obey, and you are rewarded with dutiful and tender returns on the part of your child;—disregard the heavenly voice, and you are punished with contempt of parental authority; for it will be found, in general, that the youth who never hears of his duty to his Creator, is deficient in filial reverence and obedience.

Abraham, the venerable father of the Jewish nation, has obtained the testimony of the Holy Ghost in favour of his paternal care. "I know my servant Abraham," says the Lord, "that he will command his children and his household after him, and they will keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement.” He tutored Isaac to the fear of the Lord, and the reward of this conscientious parent, in the obedience and meek submission of his pious son, is sufficiently acknowledged by every one who