The subject worked out for this month is-
"Children" as spoken of in Scripture.
We regret to say that there has been a falling off in the number of papers received this month, some to whom divisions had been allotted having found themselves unable from different causes to work out the subject; so that in one or two sections we have had but few papers, and we fear that the result may be somewhat imperfect. The subject is one of the deepest interest to all, especially when we consider that the young are particularly exposed to temptations, and that the loosening of natural ties is one of the signs which indicate to us the approach of the perilous times of the last days.
It may be that some have found the subject too difficult. We have wished for some time to be able to obtain the opinion of the Class on the subject that should be selected. The plan of asking each to suggest some subject has not succeeded, as the subject proposed has often been too vague or impracticable. We hope, however, next month to inaugurate a new plan that will be pleasing to all, and that is, to select four suitable subjects from those sent, and submit them to the Class generally, for consideration as to which of the four would be most generally liked. Thus next month the subject selected for July will be given as usual, but in addition four subjects will be named, and each member of the Class is requested to state when sending in their paper, which of the four he or she would prefer to work at, and the one found most generally acceptable will be the one given the month after (June) for August.
I. Statements And Precepts Relating To Children Generally.
Families in the sight of God.
" Thou and thy house," Acts 16:31.
Noah's faith leads to the salvation of his family, Gen. 6:8, 18; Heb. 11:7.
God's covenant is with Abraham and his seed, Gen. 17:6, &c.
Children, who have even only one believing parent, are " holy," 1 Cor. 7:14; Deut. 4:40; 5:29; 30:2; Acts 2:39.
Dathan, Abiram, and their families are swallowed up by the earth, Num. 16:27.
Achan and his family are put to death, Josh. 7:25.
Daniel's persecutors and their families are cast into the den of lions. Dan. 6:24. Ex. 34:7; Num. 14:18; Deut. 3:6; 32:25; Job 17:5; Psa. 109:9, 10; Josh. 6:21.
Children generally.
Children are God's gift, and as such, a blessing to their parents, Gen. 33:5; Psa. 127:5; 128:3, 4.
Fatherless children are the especial objects of His care, Ex. 22:22; Psa. 68:5 87:4; Jer. 49:11.
And should be cared for by His people, James 1:27.
Children share the fallen nature of their parents, Gen. 8:21.
Yet God can accept their praises, Psa. 8:2; 148:12, 13; Matt: 21:15, 16.
Children are exhorted
to fear their parents, Lev. 19:3.
to honor them, Ex. 20:12; Matt. 19:19; Mark 7:10 Eph. 6:2; Col. 3:20.
to obey them, Prov. 6:20; Eph. 6:1.
to hear their instruction, Prov. 1:8, 9; 23:22,
to obey God, Deut. 30:2.
to remember God, Eccl. 12:1.
Children should be careful not to bring dishonor upon their parents, Titus 1:6.
And should be subject to them, Gal. 4:1, 2.
Children are not to be despised, for the Son of Man came to save them, Matt. 18:10-14; 19:14; Mark 10:13-16.
Children will find profit in the knowledge of the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3.15. But should remember that their knowledge is only that of children-limited, 1 Cor. 13:11.
The manner in which the relationship of children to their parents is maintained is indicative of the character of the times, Mic. 7:6; Matt. 10:21; Mark 13:12; 2 Tim. 3:2, 3.
II. Passages Referring to Good Children
1. Statements and Precepts
Promises to such, Ex. 20:12
They observe God's law, Prov. 28:7
-show wisdom in hearkening to their parents, Prov. 13:1.
-shall be blessed, Eph. 6:3.
-show love to parents, Gen. 46:29.
-are a cause of joy to their parents, Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 23:24, 25.
-obey parents, Gen. 28:7; 47:30.
-take care of parents, Gen. 45:8-11.
-honor the aged, Job 32:6, 7
2. Examples of Good Children
Isaac, Gen. 22:6.
Joseph, Gen. 37:13, 14; ch. 46.
Jephthah's daughter, Judg. 11:34, 36.
Samson, Judg. 13:24.
Samuel, 1 Sam. 17:20.
David, 1 Sam. 12:24.
Solomon, 2 Sam. 12:24.
Abijah, 1 Kings 14:13.
Obadiah, 1 Kings 18:12.
Azariah, 2 Kings 15:3.
Joash, 2 Chron. 24:2.
Josiah, 2 Chron. 34:3.
Esther, Est. 3:20.
Job, Job 29:4.
Sons of Jonadab, Jer. 35.
Daniel, Dan. 1:17.
Hananiah, Dan. 1:17.
Mishael, Dan. 1:17.
Azariah, Dan. 1:17.
John the Baptist, Luke 1:30.
Timothy, 2 Timothy 3:15.
III.-Passages Referring To Bad Children.
1. Statements and Precepts.
With regard to their parents-
-are the cause of heaviness, Prov. 10:1.
-are a shame and reproach to them, Prov. 19:26.
-are a calamity to them, Prov. 19:13.
-are grief and bitterness to them, Prov. 17:25.
-they despise their instruction, Prov. 15:20.
-are proud in Isa. 3:5, and Job 19:18.
They are punished for-
-Setting light by their parents, Deut. 27:16.
-Disobeying parents, Deut. 21:20,21.
-Mocking parents, Prov. 30:17.
-Cursing parents, Ex. 21:17; Mark 7:10. Smiting parents, Ex. 21:15.
-Gluttony and drunkenness, Deut. 21:20,21.
2. Examples of Bad Children.
Ham, Gen. 9:20-27.
Ishmael, Gen. 21:9.
Esau, Gen. 25:32.
Joseph's brethren, Gen. 37
Eli's sons, 1 Sam. 2:12.
Samuel's sons, 1 Sam. 8:3.
Absalom, 2 Sam. 15:10.
Adonijah, 1 Kings 1:5.
Children of Bethel, 2 Kings 2:23.
Adrammelech, 2 Kings 19:37.
Sharezer, 2Kings 19:37.
Manasseh, 2 Kings 21:2.