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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3
each other. These often behave in their own homes more like pettish
children, than the dignified, affectionate husband and wife.
Isaac had been trained in the fear of God to a life of obedience. And
when he was forty years old, he submitted to have his God-fearing,
experienced father’s servant choose for him. He believed that God
would direct in regard to his obtaining a wife.
Children now from fifteen to twenty, generally consider themselves
competent to make their own choice, without the consent of their par-
ents. And they would look with astonishment, if it should be proposed
to them to move in the fear of God and make the matter a subject of
prayer! Isaac’s case is left on record, as an example for children to
imitate in after generations, especially those who profess to fear God.
The course which Abraham pursued in the education of Isaac,
which caused him to love a life of noble obedience, is recorded for the
benefit of parents, and should lead them to command their households
after them. They should instruct their children to yield to, and respect
their authority. And they should feel that a responsibility rests upon
them to guide the affections of their children, that they may be placed
upon persons whom their judgment would teach them would be suit-
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able companions for their sons and their daughters. It is a sad fact that
Satan controls the affections of the young to a great extent. And some
parents feel that the affections should not be guided or restrained. The
course pursued by Abraham, is a rebuke to all such.
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