The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

9. In the next place; if all these things fore-mentioned will not prevail, but inferiors will still run on in a course of sin, then oughtest thou to repair to paternal correction. Now chastisements must be suited to their age, the temperament of their natures, and several dispositions, the various qualities and kinds of their offences. Indulge a pardon sooner to lesser faults upon repentance and sorrow. You must consider, whether their faults proceed from imprudence and weakness, upon what ground and occasion, upon what provocation or seduction. Call to mind their former lives, whether they have fallen seldom and rarely; or often and frequently into the same sin. Observe whether they appear to be deeply sorrowful, and truly humbled, and readily beg forgiveness of God, and you [cum animo non revertendi] with a promise of a new life. In these and the like cases, you must adhibit great diligence and prudence. Due punishment is a part of economical justice; and there must be care had, lest by frequent impunity they and their fellows be hardened in the ways of sin, and grow contumacious against the Commandments of God.¹ He that spareth his Rod, hateth his Son; but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes. Thou shalt beat him with the Rod, and deliver his soul from Hell. This is an Ordinance and Appointment of God.² Our Fathers corrected us, and we gave them reverence. But let Superiors remember, that they must not do this without good, and without great cause, and when all other means will not prevail. If it be possible to rule without the Rod, 'tis best. Happy are those Parents, to whom God hath given such towardly children, that a nod, that a frown, that a wink, will reform them. Certainly the wisdom of Parents might do much this way at first. If their children be of any tolerable frames, that the holding up of a finger may excuse the holding up the Rod. It preserves, and endears the affections of children exceedingly. That of the Tragedian is a good Maxim in economics; Qui vult regnare diu, languida regnet manu. Durable power is fixed upon gentle management. Take heed of exasperating,³ and provoking your children to wrath, by rigid and severe courses, where less may effect your purpose, and that more kindly.