log cottage,
they worship their father's God. We needed such a delineation, in the
form of an attractive narrative, to show us that in passing through the
trials of a strange country, we are yet to be _on the Lord's side_. But
beside this, there is in the work the loveliness of a well-ordered home;
the picture of a faithful, thoughtful _mother_, and of children and
husband appreciating such a mother. To give one little extract--"The
_mother's room_! What family knows not that sociable spot--that _heart_
of the house? To it go the weary, the sick, the sad and the happy, all
sure of sympathy and of aid; all secure in their expectation of meeting
there the cheering word, the comforting smile, and the loving friend."
In thorough ignorance of what a _new home_ should mean, little Willie
inquires, "_Home_ is not a _house_, is it?" Most sensible question _for
a child_. To such as desire an answer to the inquiry, we recommend the
work, as one which will be of value to them and their children.

* * * * *

Original.

PARENTAL SOLICITUDE.

In my intercourse with Christian parents, and it has not been limited, I
have often found a deep anxiety pervading their hearts in relation to
the spiritual state of their children. And why should not such anxiety
exist? If a parent has evidence that his child is in an impenitent
state--especially if that child is growing up in habits of vicious
indulgence--he ought to feel, and deeply feel. That child is in danger,
and the danger is the greater by how much the more his heart has become
callous, under the hardening influence of a wicked life; and every day
that danger increases. God's patience may be exhausted. The brittle
thread of life may be sundered at any moment, and the impenitent and
unprepared soul be summoned to the bar of God. With great propriety,
therefore, may the parent feel anxious in regard to his unconverted
children.

But to some parents it seems mysterious that such deep, constant,
corroding anxiety should be their allotment. They sometimes attempt to
cast it off. They would feel justified in doing so, were they able. But
that is impossible. Now, to such parents allow me to address a few
thoughts which, may the Divine Spirit, by his gracious influence, bless
to their comfort and direction.

And the first thing I have to say is, that the solicitude they feel for
their children may be excessive. That it should be deep must be
admitted,