8. Why did God confide in Abraham, and commit sacred trusts to him?
“For 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.” Gen. 18:19.
9. Wherever Abraham went, what was his practise?
“And there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.” Gen. 12:8. See also Gen. 13:4; 21:33.
Note.—“The manner in which the family worship is conducted is very important. It should be made so pleasant as to be looked forward to with gladness even by the youngest children. Too often it is made tedious, monotonous, or burdensome.... To make it dull and irksome is treason to true religion.... A few minutes given every day to preparation for family worship will serve to make it, as it should be, the most pleasant and attractive incident of the day.”—“Week-Day Religion,” by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 81-83.
10. What instruction suggests the giving of thanks for daily food?
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18.
Note.—As a rule, children will reflect the life and principles manifested in their parents. The reason why so many children are irreverent, irreligious, and disobedient today is because their parents are so. Like parent like child. If parents would see a different state of things, they must themselves reform. They must bring God into their homes, and make His Word their counselor and guide. They must teach their children the fear of God, and that His Word is the voice of God addressed to them, and that it is to be implicitly obeyed. “In too many households prayer is neglected.... If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers and mothers should often lift up their hearts to God in humble supplication for themselves and their children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and children unite in prayer and praise. In such a household Jesus will love to tarry.”—“Christian Education,” page 221.
Are all the children in? The night is falling,