Few children who have been dedicated to God, taught to know and serve him, and the consequences which will follow their conduct here, and witnessed their parents' deep concern, and earned cries to God in their behalf can forget them--they must, they do, at times, affect them. While any thing of this nature remains, there is hope. Some, who in early life, scoff at warning and counsel, are afterwards brought to repentance: And such often testify, that impressions made by parental faithfulness in their tender years, were the means of their awakening and amendment. This should encourage those whose children give them little hope, to persevere in the discharge of duty. "The Lord said of Abraham--I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, _that the Lord might bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him_." What? The richest and most lasting blessings--_because "he would command his children--to keep the way of the Lord_." "It is not a vain thing to serve God. Then--(when he maketh up his jewels) shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not." In no other way can we serve him more acceptably than by following Abraham's example--"commanding our households to serve the Lord," and setting them the example. Whoso doth it, "shall in no wise lose his reward." And happy the youth who second the endeavors of their parents to render them _a godly seed_. Such "will find life and obtain favor of the Lord." Here, they rejoice the hearts of those who love them, and smooth the rugged path of age. The years which to others have no pleasures in them, are not devoid of comfort to those who witness filial piety and hope to live again in a godly offspring. Such parents rejoice in death, and their _godly seed_, will rejoice with them forever, in heavenly mansions. * * * * * * SERMON XXIII. The Blessing of God on Filial Piety. Jeremiah xxxv. 19. "Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Jonadab, the son of Rechab, shall not want a man to stand before me forever.'" Israel were greatly depraved before the days of this prophet, who was sent to reprove and call them to repentance. The prophet faithfully discharged his trust; but labored to very little effect. The chiefs of the nation were offended at its warnings and predictions--rose up against him--shut him up in prison; yea in a dark dungeon, where he sank in the mire; and even sought his life! He was not, however discouraged.. He continued "to warn the wicked from his way, that he should turn from it. None of these things moved him."