A plain and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…A plaine and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…

CHILDREN'S children] A long race, many nephews, such as we call grand-children, and those of many descents, [are the crown of the elders] a comfort and credit to their parents, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, &c. [and the glory of the children are their fathers] it is an honour for the younger sort to have descended from worthy progenitors; provided yet in both these cases, that as well the ancestors as the posterity be virtuous, and well adorned with graces of their own. Many foolish vicious children can nothing credit their wise and godly progenitors, as Rehoboam and his son added nothing to the glory of David and Solomon: neither can sinful ancestors either yield honour to, or receive honour from their seed that is holy and religious. That blessed Hezekiah was in no sort dignified by his wicked father Ahaz: nor was that wicked Ahaz any whit graced by his blessed son Hezekiah. And in case that both the elders and youngers, the fathers and children be all naught, as was cursed Ham and his seed, and cruel Cain and his, no multitude, nor might, nor means, of what sort soever, can make either part honourable.

CHildrens children] A long race, many nephewes, such as we call grand-children, and those of many descents, [are the crowne of the elders] a comfort and credit to their parents, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, &c. [and the glorie of the children are their fathers] it is an honour for the yoonger sort to haue descended from worthy progenitors; prouided yet in both these cases, that as well the ancestors as the posteritie be vertuous, and well adorned with graces of their owne. Many foolish vitious children can nothing credit their wise and godly progenitors, as Rehoboam and his sonne added nothing to the glory of Dauid and Salomon: neither can sinfull ancestors either yeeld honour to, or receiue honour from their seed that is holy and religious. That blessed Hezekiah was in no sort dignified by his wicked father Ahaz: nor was that wicked Ahaz any whit graced by his blessed sonne Hezekiah. And in case that both the elders and yoongers, the fathers and children bee all naught, as was cuised Cham and his seed, and cruell Cain and his, no multitude, nor might, nor meanes, of whatsort soeuer, can make either part honourable.

Doct. 1 It is a great promotion to have a long and large posterity. The matter and form of thanks which David returned to the Lord for his promise of this rare benefit to be bestowed upon him, is memorable: Who am I (saith he) O Lord God,