Posted by Jim

Mondays are “Quote Of The Week” day at Family, Faith & Home.  Each Monday you will find a quote pertaining to some aspect of the Christian life and home that we hope will be an encouragement to you as you start off your week.

Today’s quote is by JC Ryle of Liverpool (1816-1900); writer, pastor and evangelical preacher.

“Train up your child with all tenderness, affection and patience.  I do not mean that you are to spoil him, but I do mean that you should let him see that you love him.

Love should be the silver thread that runs through all your conduct.  Kindness, gentleness, long-suffering, forbearance, patience, sympathy, a willingness to enter into childish troubles, a readiness to take part in childish joys, – these are the cords by which a child may be led most easily, – these are the clues you must follow if you would find the way to his heart.

Now children’s minds are cast in much the same mold as our own.  Sternness and severity of manner chill them and throw them back.  It shuts up their hearts, and you will weary yourself to find the door.  But let them only see that you have an affectionate feeling towards them, – that you are really desirous to make them happy, and do them good, – that if you punish them, it is intended for their profit, and that, like the pelican, you would give your heart’s blood to nourish their souls; let them see this, I say, and they will soon be all your own.  But they must be wooed with kindness, if their attention is ever to be won.”

Quote from The Duties of Parents by John Charles Ryle; Old Gospel Press, P.O. Box 318, Choteau, MT 59422.