PARENTAL NEGLECT. THERE are few histories of disaster arising out of parental neglect more touching than that of Eli; and it shows how often even good men may err in the rearing of their children, and thus bring ruin and disgrace upon their families, and everlasting wretchedness on the souls of their offspring. The characteristic deficiency in Eli, was want of parental firmness. He could not but have seen the evil dispositions of his sons; and even had he not seen this, the complaints of the people were long and loud against their misconduct. Instead of dismissing them from the high and responsible office which they held, or, by the exercise of parental or official authority, restraining their vicious practices, he contented himself with advice and exhortation. The sacred history tells us that Eli was 'old,' |