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I. INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTABILITY. The Bible lays down no clearly defined line between the ages when God does and does not regard the child morally accountable for sinful actions. This must depend on the varying circumstances of intelligence, temperament, and social surroundings of the child. But the time does come when with no hesitation we can throw upon the youth's conscience the full weight of his individual responsibility, saying with emphasis: "He is of age." He must answer "for himself."

II. PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY. Up to a certain age the parent has no doubt of the salvation of the child. The Saviour's atonement satisfies the requirements of every child dying at an early age. Nevertheless, during this tender age character is being formed for future development; and God holds the parents accountable for the manifold influences that are affecting the child's mental and moral vision, saying to them: "Is this your son?" "How then doth he now see?" Does your child "see" kindly glances, Christ-like actions, devout conduct, devotional observances, etc.

III. MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY The spirit of Cain has impregnated human history. "Am I my brother's keeper" is still largely the covert of a mean soul that wants to shirk the duty of fraternal help and counsel, or defence. The fear that here padlocked the parents' lips is a sin that thrives in too many hearts. How often has an accused one gone to the grave under a dark cloud that might have been dispersed, if friends had been found of sufficient courage to contradict patronizing accusers. But no! Speaking the truth would have damaged the selfish interests of those who said: "Let him speak for himself."

IV. THE PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF CHURCH RELATIONS. Our knowledge of each other is very limited. Large significance belongs to the apostle's words: "We know in part." An individual presents himself for Church membership. The question goes round, and very properly so, "What do you know of him?" But our knowledge here often proves strangely false, whether the testimony is pro or con. The voice of God is, "Let him speak for himself." Take the applicant on personal confession, unless his or her life is palpably false. Was not even Judas admitted on personal confession? When the falsity of character is seen then is the time for unchurching. We are familiar with the account of the poor Scotch woman, who, on applying for church membership, was so ignorant of the theological queries put to her by her pastor, that she was sent away as temporarily disqualified. On leaving, she said, with deep emotion: "I canna speak for Him, but I could die for Him."

(The Study.)

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KJV: And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

WEB: and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"