Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

First, I shall speak unto those who are Governors of Families, and have Children and Servants under their inspection, apply to your Duty there. Would you gladly see all things well abroad, as far as you can, every one of you take care that they be so at home. You that are Parents, must know and consider that that God who gave you Children, hath committed to you the care and charge of their Souls. And you that have Apprentices, ought likewise to know and consider, that the Souls as well as the Bodies of your Apprentices are committed to your care by their Parents or Friends, and are your charge likewise. And the same is true as to your other menial Servants, so long as they shall continue under your Roof as such: and accordingly you are under a strict Obligation for looking after them. That is not a thing which you may do or leave undone, as you please; but you are bound to it. You ought to be their keepers, for you are responsible for them. And if thorough your neglect and carelessness any of them do eternally miscarry, they will die in their Sins, but their blood will be required at your hands.

First, I shall speak unto those who are Governours of Families, and have Children and Servants under their inspection, apply to your Duty there. Would you gladly see all things well abroad, as far as you can, every one of you take care that they be so at home. You that are Parents, must know and consider that that God who gave you Children, hath committed to you the care and charge of their Souls. And you that have Apprentices, ought likewise to know and consider, that the Souls as well as the Bodies of your Apprentices are committed to your care by their Parents or Friends, and are your charge likewise. And the same is true as to your other menial Servants, so long as they shall continue under your Roof as such: and accordingly you are under a strict Obligation for looking after them. That is not a thing which you may do or leave undone, as you please; but you are bound to it. You ought to be their keepers, for you are responsible for them. And if thorough your neglect and carelessness any of them do eternally miscarry, they will die in their Sins, but their blood will be required at your hands.

Whereas your holy care as to them will be very pleasing & acceptable unto God, as is clear from his former dealings in this very case. He took this so kindly at the hand of Abraham, that upon the account thereof he would reveal unto him his purpose,