XIX. Without Natural Affection.

Has earth a scene more lovely than the family circle—father, mother, sons and daughters, well-bred, loving each other tenderly, and bending all their energies to do the will of God on earth, that they may finally gain the skies? I think not. Then how gladly they welcome additions to this lovely group. Baby, with its little pug nose, flaxen hair, ruddy cheeks, soft eyes, and such a sweet, expressible mouth, are sources of wondrous delight and admiration. How sad, indeed, must those families be that are not blessed with children. One of the grandest and most sublime features of the world that is to come will be the children. “For of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

The family relation is recognized by the Almighty as a holy relation. He gives us to understand that children are a blessing, and not a curse. “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them;” for they shall be “like olive plants around thy table.” And yet there are a great many that are ashamed of God’s blessing.

I wish right here to ask two questions, and answer them: What is the most precious thing that each generation has in its keeping? and what is that which it most neglects and undervalues? To both I make but one answer—Children. In this sinful generation it is considered by many a disgrace to give, or allow them to have a being, and they resort to methods highly objectionable to gratify their licensed sensuality. Thus they prevent life, or cause its destruction; I mean, they commit murder! The wrath of God is poured out on the nations for the awful crime of child-murder. The man that whipped his child to death a few years since, in Western New York, aroused the indignation of every human being that was made acquainted with the affair. No one blushed to call it by its right name—murder! And is it not murder to take the life of a human being at any age? and ought not murderers to be punished accordingly? Is it any the less a crime because it is fashionable, and millions are doing it? And is it not time the veil was drawn aside and light from the pulpit and the press let in upon us brighter than the sun at noonday, until public opinion shall be thoroughly aroused, and condemnation written on the guilty. To have children is a duty equal with any of the responsibilities of life. “Multiply and replenish the earth,” was the command God gave to Adam and Eve; and this was repeated after the flood. God says again, “I will that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion for the adversary to speak reproachfully.” Save us, O Lord, from false modesty, and give us natural affection, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.