Train your children with this principle continually before your eyes; that the soul of your child is the first thing to be considered.
Precious, no doubt are these little ones in your eyes; but if you love them, think often of their souls. No interest should weigh with you so much as their eternal interests. No part of them should be so dear to you as that part that will never die. This is the thought that should be uppermost in your mind in all that you do for your children. In every step that you take about them, do not leave out that mighty question “How will this affect their souls?”
Soul love is the soul of all love. A Christian must be no slave to fashion if he would train his children for heaven. He must not be content to do things merely because they are the custom of the world; to teach them and instruct them in certain ways merely because it is usual. He must not be ashamed to hear his training called singular and strange. What if it is? The time is short – the fashion of this world passeth away. He that has trained his child for heaven rather than for earth – for eternity rather than for time – for God rather than for man – he is the parent that will be called wise at the last.
J. C. Ryle
This Page Title – A Child's Immortal Soul. By J. C. Ryle The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 10# – placed on line November 2014 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |