The parent, then, who prays for the salvation of his child, irrespective
of all other considerations, excepting his exemption from misery, prays
in vain, for he prays with a heart which is supremely selfish. Where is
the parent who could not thus pray? Pray, do I say; such is not prayer.
Such pleas, however ardent, however long, however importunate, can never
be consistently answered. Prayer, to be acceptable and effectual, must
always have the glory of God in view, and be offered in submission to
the divine will. It must have reference not merely to what is good, but
to a good which shall consist with those eternal principles of justice
and mercy, according to which God has decided to conduct the affairs of
his spiritual kingdom. We may never wish our children to sit with Christ
in his kingdom to the exclusion of others. We may not wish them
introduced into that kingdom on other principles, or by other
instrumentalities, than those which God has recognized and appointed.
The great law which governs in relation to other matters is to govern
here. Whatsoever ye do or seek, do and seek, even the salvation of your
children, for the glory of God.'
And, now, in conclusion, allow me to inquire whether it be not owing to
this selfish feeling that so many parents, who nevertheless abound in
prayer for their children, fail in seeing those prayers answered? They
fail, not because they do not pray often and earnestly, but because they
desire the salvation of their children rather than a humble, holy,
self-denying walk with God on earth.
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