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Introduction:

1. Mobility needed in subject of training; therefore man is born "a child." Yet be aware, flexibility passes, tendency to solidify soon creeps in.

2. Parents here granted right of loving dogmatism: "in the way they should go."

I. TRUE TRAINING EMBRACES CARE AND SYSTEM.

1. These should touch each part of child-nature: flesh and blood. Evolution of full manhood only reached thus. Bodies are fed and "trained." Mystery is, the soul often neglected. No animal neglects its young as man does. "Every home should be its own Sabbath-school."

2. Can't train without a line to go on — a faith that can be taught — a system. Trained child not found where father's mind is dark or chaotic. You like your child to choose its faith when it can think for itself? No child is mentally or spiritually free from bias. Child has all to learn. Has no standard of selection. First trainer has greatest power, whether good or evil. Mark this: if you don't bias it for good a thousand tutors outside your home will bias it to its hurt.

II. TRAIN CHILD TO DECIDE MORAL QUESTIONS BY PRINCIPLE, NOT BY FEELING.

1. A child is composed of appetites and moral sense. These all glow. But appetites get two or three years' start of moral sense. You must be swift in training, or you won't get moral sense to overtake appetite.

2. Every day of life offer times for moral decision. Think of George Eliot's Arthur Donnithorne; sweet temper, weak moral sense, strong animal tastes; so a standing peril to himself and others.

3. The one grand deciding principle for all souls is: "What does Christ love, that is the thing to be done." It is sure: it carries child to right issues. It is safe: it imperils nothing in its whole being. It is rapid: under it souls grow holy fast.

III. TRAIN CHILD TO JUDGE CHRISTIANITY BY BEST RESULTS. Much of training given unwittingly. Soul-suction always going on in "a child." Five senses are five avenues to soul. Crowds of motley ideas go up them — each idea a teacher. In your home they hear your views of men and actions. Beware! if you condemn Christianity, because of its sullied specimens, you harm the child. Put religion in its highest light. For its sake ask: "What are its finest results? " Show them spiritual splendours. Show them John, Paul, Augustine, Luther, Newton, Hale, Wesley. Christian gallery not wanting in fine portraits. Show them Christ. Moral longing will awaken them; they will hunger and be filled (Matthew 5:6). Conclusion:

1. All details come under these principles.

2. Thus you will train "a godly seed."

(British Weekly.)

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KJV: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

WEB: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.