2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. I. A CHRISTIAN MOTHER. 1. A praying mother. Every mother is a praying mother in the sense of wishing well, or of entertaining some hopes of the future prosperity of her children. A truly praying mother is anxious for the salvation of her children. Richard Cecil tried, when a boy, to be an infidel, but his mother's prayers blocked the way. Garibaldi never lost his courage on the field of battle, because he saw his mother on her knees praying for him. The wife of the late Rev. William Jones, Castle Street, Swansea, held a separate family worship with her children. A gentleman came one day to see Mr. Jones on business, and when he was told by the eldest boy, who opened the door, that his father was from home, he asked to see Mrs. Jones. The boy said, "You will have to wait, sir, until she finishes praying with the children." He immediately left the room to join the little party. The gentleman, while alone, said to himself, "I am the father of six children, and have never offered a prayer with them." The example of the praying mother made a new man of him. 2. An exemplary mother. The power of imitation is great in children, and the example sometimes is more powerful than prayer. Take a homely illustration. The hen has a swarm of a dozen little ones hopping about her. As she moves, how careful she is in putting down her foot, lest they be trampled upon. Unguarded mothers stamp on their children and crush the good out of them. 3. A watchful mother. The young heart is impressible, and will more readily receive evil impressions than good ones. The Christian mother will not tolerate indulgence in sin. The "elect lady" was the guardian angel of the hearts of her children, which she often found "prone to wander" from the paths of truth and virtue. 4. A happy mother. A gleam of joy on the countenance, a beam of hope in the speech, and a loving touch of the hand will recommend religion to the child beyond our expectation. The poet Cowper said of his mother's likeness, "I had rather possess that picture than the richest jewel in the British crown." Years never effaced her love and devotion from his heart. The "elect lady," as we may infer from the following verses, had learnt that love is the essence of the gospel. II. THE CHILDREN. 1. They believed the truth. They were converted children. There is here no reference to natural beauty or grace of manner. There are many attractions both in the persons and the lives of children. It is a perpetual entertainment to live with some children. But on all points of natural endowment the apostle is silent. Their spiritual state alone engaged his attention. 2. They loved the truth. The tendrils of the Divine vine had extended from the intellect to the heart. When the heart is won for Christ the whole life will follow. 3. They lived the truth. The meaning of περιπατέω in the New Testament in reference to character signifies "habit and practice." The Apostle John had sufficient evidence that the children of the "elect lady" were consistent followers of Christ. III. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IS A DUTY, "as we received commandment from the Father." It is a very old commandment (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) (T. Davies, M A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. |
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