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

11. Do they flourish and thrive in duty and obedience, and begin to take in precepts freely and kindly, then win them on further by rewards, according to their several capacities, and the quality of thine own estate. God is pleased most graciously to draw and allure us on in the ways of holiness, by the proposal of reward. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ¹I remember that Jerome, as to the green years of Pacatula, wishes her Father to use these means [proponantur ei crustula, mulsa praemia, & quicquid gustu suave est, quod vernat in floribus, quod rutilat in gemmis, quod blanditur in puppis, acceptura festinet, &c. Psalmos mercede decantet] give her sweet-meats, flowers, jewels, babies, to entice her to learn the Psalms. As to years of further growth, such rewards as become them may be more proper. In some cases these have proved great spurs and incitations, at least to the outward work of Religion in younger ones.² Hannah that good woman brought up a little Coat every year to her Son Samuel, when he was in the service of the Lord at the Tabernacle in Shiloh under Eli. And you know the Father of the Prodigal in the Parable, when his Son returned home to lead a new life, he killed a fatted Calf for him, put the best Robe upon his back, a Ring upon his hand, and Shoes upon his feet.

11. Do they flourish and thrive in duty and obedience, and begin to take in precepts freely and kindly, then win them on further by rewards, according to their several capacities, and the qualitie of thine own estate. God is pleased most graciously to draw and allure us on in the waies of holiness, by the proposal of reward. Hee is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ¹I remember that Jerom, as to the green years of Pacatula, wishes her Father to use these means [proponantur ei crustula, mulsa praemia, & quicquid gustu suave est, quod vernat in floribus, quod rutilat in gemmis, quod blanditur in puppis, acceptura festinet, &c. Psalmos mercede decantet] give her sweet-meats, flowers, jewels, babies, to entice her to learn the Psalms. As to years of further growth, such rewards as become them may be more proper. In some cases these have proved great spurs and incitations, at least to the outward work of Religion in younger ones.