Isaiah 38:19 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

Parental obligation.

"The father to the children shall make known thy truth."

I. THAT TRUTH IS THE COMMON HERITAGE OF THE RACE . Of all open and common things truth is that to which our right is most indisputable. The air, the light, the sea, the sky, the beauty of the landscape, etc; are open to us all; but truth, above all these things, is common property.

II. THAT REVEALED TRUTH IS PECULIARLY PRECIOUS TO MANKIND . All truth may be said to be "thine"—to be God's. For it would never find illustration or apprehension without his action. But the truth which he has specially revealed is more peculiarly his—the truth which is contained in his Word, and, most especially, that which was revealed in (and by) his Son. This is the truth which is our very life ( Isaiah 38:16 ), raising the fallen, bringing peace to the penitent, calling man into fellowship with God, comforting the afflicted, arming against temptation, preparing for the battle of life and for the hour of. death and the requirements of the eternal world.

III. THAT IT IS THE PART OF EVERY PARENT TO COMMUNICATE AND TO ENFORCE THIS TRUTH OF GOD . "The father to the children shall make known," etc.

1 . To communicate Divine truth to the young is the parent's work; for

2 . To instil Divine truth into their minds should be his daily effort. This is to be effected by instruction, by example, by prayer.—C.