Parental Influence in the Ways of God

The pious parents, who embody a meek, benevolent, ardent, and consistent godliness in their character, exert a tremendous influence over the minds of their children!

But oh! the dreadful contrast in the case of those parents who are characterized by . . .
ungodly dispositions,
worldly associations,
mirthful and extravagant living,
trifling conversation,
and lack of all seriousness and spirituality.

Oh! what can be expected from such parents--but children who regard their religion with disgust?

Every man is best known at home. Parents are ever doing something to prejudice their children in favor of true religion--or to prejudice them against it; doing something to draw them into the church--or to drive them into the world; lending a helping hand to lead them to heaven--or taking them by the hand and leading them to hell.

-John Angell James, "The Christian Professor" 1837-