The new birthThe nevv birth

and if they be never demanded what they have heard, they will not likely attend; but a desire of not shaming themselves by silence to such questions, will make them bow their ears and listen. Indeed herein the master must consider the capacity of his servants, and encourage those of mean wits in the little they can do; and rather draw them to remember something (who are less ready for that duty) by loving persuasion, then by tartness of speech; and by commending to them the necessity of remembering the word, rather then by speeches of disgrace. And if they cannot remember any thing, yet he must not desist to examine, exhort, admonish still; for why, this is the best means that he can do, to make them mark and observe: and having done his own duty, he shall be blameless before God, though they be negligent. And last of all, he must not forget to pray unto God, for the regenerating of those under his roof in special.¹ For if Paul did beg of God the salvation of the Jews (his country-men); shall a governor of a family forget those of his family, whom he daily sees, and speaketh with? In truth, of all requests that a man can make for his people, this is the most behoofefull, and the most necessary. This the master that doth, shall find himself made loving, charitable, patient, courteous towards his servants: for in exercising Christian charity towards them, he shall be sure to find it increase. And if he make such particular prayers, either they shall be heard to his great content; or at least they shall be accepted by God, as fruits of his charity, as much as if they were heard. If God be glorified by the conversion and salvation of our children and servants, as well as our own; and his glory be (as it should be) deer unto ⟨p. 154⟩us, as well as our own salvation; why should we forget to beg at his hands so profitable a thing for persons so near unto us? Wherefore if thou hast formerly been behind hand in mentioning thy wife, children, servants to God this way; now make it one of thy daily & hearty petitions. O Lord be thou entreated to make these my children thy children, & these my servants thy servants; & let thy spirit work grace in them, that they may be true members of thy family (the Church of the sanctified), as well as of this my family. But there remaineth one peculiar thing in behalf of Infants;²