d I work." That is to say--My Father worketh on
the Sabbath, He sends His rain, He makes the grass to grow, He feeds
the young ravens, He causes the sun to rise and set, He works good to
all creatures, feeds, and heals, and as I see my Father act, so,
naturally, as a Son, I act also. Whatsoever the Son seeth the Father
do, He doeth likewise. The argument of the Jews avails nothing, that
as the man has lain infirm for thirty-eight years, he may lie another
twelve hours. "My Father worketh hitherto good on the Sabbath, and
therefore I work." It matters nothing what the Law may enjoin, nor how
strict may be the tradition of the Pharisees, "My Father worketh good
on the Sabbath, and therefore I work." Our Lord produces this as an
argument against which there can be no resistance, to which there can
be no reply, an argument commending itself to every man's
understanding--to universal experience--As the father acts, so acts the
son. The example of the father is the law of right and wrong to the
child.

Do you know the fable of the crab and his children? The crab was sore
distressed to see his little ones run crookedly on the sand of the sea
shore, so he said, "My sons, walk straight!" "Yes," answered the
little crabs, "lead thou the way, father, and we will follow thy
footsteps."

Is it a wonder to you, a wonder and a distress, that your sons do not
turn out well, that they go to the public-house too much, and that they
are idle workmen, that they swear and use foul language? If you wish
them to grow up differently, it is of no use saying to them, "My sons,
walk straight!" you must lead the way, that they may follow.

Is it a wonder and grief to a mother that her girls become giddy,
frivolous, and unsteady, and perhaps cause her shame? Do you want them
to be quiet, to stay at home, and be neat, modest, unselfish girls?
then do not be giddy and a gadabout yourself. "Lead thou the way,
mother, and they will follow."

Do you, parents, find that your children ramble about the lanes with
idle companions instead of coming to Church on Sundays, that they do
not love the worship of God, that they do not fear God, and reverence
His sanctuary? Do you want them to be God-fearing, pious, consistent
Christians? Then do you lead the way and they will follow.

Do you want your boys and girls to hold a check on their tongues, and
not to be always wrangling and snapping at one another, scolding, and
finding fault, and quar