Parental Responsibility
285
is made manifest. The eye of God is upon him, a divine hand leads
him, and soon we see him come forth from prison to share the throne
of Egypt.
Joseph’s checkered life was not an accident; it was ordered of Prov-
idence. But how was he enabled to make such a record of firmness
of character, uprightness, and wisdom? It was the result of careful
training in his early years. He had consulted duty rather than inclina-
tion; and the purity and simple trust of the boy bore fruit in the deeds
of the man. The most brilliant talents are of no value unless they are
improved; industrious habits and force of character must be gained by
cultivation. A high moral character and fine mental qualities are not
the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon
the use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly
discerned and eagerly seized upon.
Young men, if you would be strong, if you would have the integrity
[322]
and wisdom of a Joseph or a Daniel, study the Scriptures. Parents,
if you would educate your children to serve God and do good in the
world, make the Bible your textbook. It exposes the wiles of Satan. It
is the great elevator of the race, the reprover and corrector of moral
evils, the detector which enables us to distinguish between the true
and the false. Whatever else is taught in the home or at school, the
Bible, as the great educator, should stand first. If it is given this place,
God is honored, and He will work for you in the conversion of your
children. There is a rich mine of truth and beauty in this Holy Book,
and parents have themselves to blame if they do not make it intensely
interesting to their children.
To many, education means a knowledge of books; but “the fear of
the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The true object of education is
to restore the image of God in the soul. The first and most precious
knowledge is the knowledge of Christ; and wise parents will keep this
fact ever before the minds of their children. Should a limb be broken
or fractured, parents will try every means that love or wisdom can
suggest to restore the affected member to comeliness and soundness.
This is right; it is their duty. But the Lord requires that still greater tact,
patience, and persevering effort be employed to remedy blemishes of
the soul. That father is unworthy of the name who is not to his children
a Christian teacher, ruler, and friend, binding them to his heart by the