A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

3. To wind up this Argument on the closest Bottom. Children wholly depend on Parents for their present maintenance and their future Portions, and they know 'tis their interest to hearken and obey. Parents Authority over their Children is most unquestionable. They dare not open their mouths against it, as they will adventure to do against Ministers. Parents have the Power of the Rod to back Instruction, Prov. 22.15. They best know the peculiar Diseases and temperatures of their Children, and so best know how to choose and apply the most proper Remedy. Parents are nearest their Children, and can best discern all their faults in time; and have opportunity of speaking to them in the most familiar manner, that may best be understood, and after this to inculcate their Instructions, and drive them home, that what is not done at one time may be done at another.

3. To wind up this Argument on the closest Bottom. Children wholly depend on Parents for their present maintenance and their future Portions, and they know 'tis their interest to hearken and obey. Parents Authority over their Children is most unquestionable. They dare not open their mouths against it, as they will adventure to do against Ministers. Parents have the Power of the Rod to back Instruction, Prov. 22.15. They best know the peculiar Diseases and temperatures of their Children, and so best know how to chuse and apply the most proper Remedy. Parents are nearest their Children, and can best discern all their faults in time; and have opportunity of speaking to them in the most familiar manner, that may best be understood, and after this to inculcate their Instructions, and drive them home, that what is not done at one time may be done at another.

By all these advantages it appears that God hath furnished Parents above all others, to be Instruments of their Children's good, and the first and greatest promoters of their Salvation.