and it should continue as long as the danger lasts. It should
even increase as that danger increases up to a given point; but there is
a point beyond which even parental solicitude should never be suffered
to proceed. It should not become excessive. It should never be suffered
to weaken our confidence in the divine goodness, nor in the wisdom of
the divine dispensations. It should never prompt the parent to desire
that God should alter the established order of his providence, or change
or modify the principles of his moral government. It would not be right
for me to wish my children saved at all adventures. That anxiety which
prompts to such a desire is both excessive and selfish. It can never be
justified, nor can God ever favorably regard it.

My second remark is, that a deep solicitude of the parent for the
spiritual good of his children is most desirable. I am aware that it is
more or less painful, and in itself is neither pleasant nor desirable.
But may it not, notwithstanding, be beneficial in its results, and even
of incalculable importance? Where no danger is apprehended, no care will
be exercised. Who knows not that the unsolicitous mariner is far more
likely to suffer shipwreck than he who, apprehensive of rocks and reefs,
exercises a wise precaution? The parent who never suffers himself to be
disturbed--whose sleep is never interrupted while his children are
abroad, exposed to temptation--may for that very reason neglect them at
the critical juncture, and the head-waters may become too impulsive; the
tendencies to vice and crime too powerful to be resisted. Oh! had the
parent been a little more anxious--had he looked after his children with
a higher sense of his obligations, how immeasurably different, probably,
had been the result! The truth is, that where one parent feels too much
in relation to his children, hundreds of parents are criminally
indifferent. In regard to such parents, it is our duty to awaken their
anxieties by every means in our power. But what shall we say to those
who may be thought already over-solicitous? Such parents are seldom to
be found. If any such there be, let them moderate what may possibly be
excessive; but be sure to bless God, who has given you a deep anxiety
for the salvation of your loved ones. Remember that it prompts you to
greater watchfulness and care than you would otherwise exercise. You
pray more, you instruct them more, you guard them more. And your
children, therefo