Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
sith delays may prove dangerous to the Patient, if the rod be withheld(c). The festering wound may rankle, and come to a gangrene, if not lanced in due time. Parents love is seen in chastening betimes(d), both in respect of the age of the child, and of its fault. If it be not too soon for children to sin, it should not be thought too soon for Parents to correct, and that seasonably, before the sin grow strong, get head and sprout forth. The child should be taken while there is hope(e). The twig may be bent whiles it is young, and the sin mortified, if nipped in the bud. God we find hath been very severe in remarking the first violations of his Statutes: as for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day(f), and Aaron's sons offering strange fire(g): so Parents should timely curb the first exorbitances of their children. Hence 4. They should let them see they are resolved after serious deliberation not to be diverted by the pullings and passions of their unhumbled children from inflicting due punishment, sith the Wise man chargeth, Let not thy Soul spare for his crying(h), so that they may not remain fearless: yet it must then be in compassion, that they may conceive, as the Father of Heaven is afflicted in the affliction of his(i), so are they in the affliction of their children; and as the Lord doth it in measure, though he will not suffer them to go unpunished(k),so do they. My Text bounds the correction, that it may not exceed a just proportion, to the discouraging of children, whose different tempers, as well as different faults, are to be considered, so as no more be laid upon them than they are able to bear
. There should therefore be a special care took, that the chastisement be no other than what is meet. Physicians endeavour to apportion the Dose they give to the strength of the Patient, and the peccant humour they would correct. There must be a rational consideration of the age, sex, and disposition of the child, the nature and circumstances of the fault, and what satisfaction is offered by the delinquent upon ingenuous confession, or possibly some interposition of another; so that the offended Parent may keep up his authority, be victorious in his chastisements, and come off with honour and good hopes of the child's amendment:
sith delays may prove dangerous to the Patient, if the rod be withheld(c). The festering wound may rankle, and come to a gangrene, if not lanced in due time. Parents love is seen in chastening betimes(d), both in respect of the age of the child, and of its fault. If it be not too soon for children to sin, it should not be thought too soon for Parents to correct, and that seasonably, before the sin grow strong, get head and sprout forth. The child should be taken while there is hope(e). The twigg may be bent whiles it is young, and the sin mortified, if nipt in the bud. God we find hath been very severe in remarking the first violations of his Statutes: as for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day(f), and Aaron's sons offering strange fire(g): so Parents should timely curb the first exorbitances of their children. Hence 4. They should let them see they are resolv'd after serious deliberation not to be diverted by the pullings and passions of their unhumbled children from inflicting due punishment, fith the Wise man chargeth, Let not thy Soul spare for his crying(h), so that they may not remain fearless: yet it must then be in compassion, that they may conceive, as the Father of Heaven is afflicted in the affliction of his(i), so are they in the affliction of their children; and as the Lord doth it in measure, though he will not suffer them to go unpunished(k),so do they. My Text bounds the correction, that it may not exceed a just proportion, to the discouraging of children, whose different tempers, as well as different faults, are to be consider'd, so as no more be laid upon them than they are able to bear(l). There should therefore be a special care took, that the chastisement be no other than what is meet. Physicians endeavour to apportion the Dose they give to the strength of the Patient, and the peccant humour they would correct. There must be a rational consideration of the age, sex, and disposition of the child, the nature and circumstances of the fault, and what sati•faction is offer'd by the delinquent upon ingenuous confession, or possibly some interposition of another; so that the offended Parent may keep up his authority, be victorious in his chastisements, and come off with honour and good hopes of the child's amendment:
For a Parent should be ever ready to forgive, and to connive often at smaller failings, wherein there is no manifest sin against God, in confidence of gaining the child's affections by tenderness and kind forbearance ⟨p. 418⟩towards the things that are most desirable. This pleasing policy is, they say, much in request at this day in Japan‖, where Parents do educate their children with a great deal of softness, very rarely punishing them with stripes, though they follow their diligent informations with frequent admonitions. And they tell us among the Grecians, the best means the Mother used, if a Boy was stubborn in committing a fault, to persuade him to leave it, was to show him her breasts, as the most powerful motive she had†. But the Fathers, it seems, amongst them were more sharp: and therefore Prometheus in Menander is said to be tied like a Boy to the racks, where he prettily pleads his cause, as if his punishment had not been proportioned to his fault, but he had been too hardly dealt with. Be sure our Apostle, both in my Text, and to the Ephesians, is altogether against any discouraging chastisement, and requires moderation: Thus for nurture, the first branch of Education. The [2.] is in the admonition of the Lord, without which the former will not be effectually prosperous. This, according to the notation of the original word(m), is a putting of things into their Children's minds, an informing of the judgment in, and pressing upon the will and affections, the principles of the Christian institution, warning them to take heed of deviating from these principles, which they are obliged to live up to, and is the principal thing in the educating of Christian Children. So that Parents are mostly concerned to get the fear of God planted in their Children's tender souls, that they may know and love, trust in, and obey their Maker, Redeemer and Sanctifier, and have timely preservatives against the corruptions of an untoward generation. Under this, we may speak of Parental Instruction and Watchfulness. 1. Instruction, which is a timely instilling of conscientious principles, and seeds of Religion into Children, taking them a part, and engaging them to receive the most necessary points, as it were drop by drop, here a little, and there a little(n), according to their narrow capacities, in a free and familiar Conference;
For a Parent should be ever ready to forgive, and to connive often at smaller failings, wherein there is no manifest sin against God, in confidence of gaining the child's affections by tenderness and kind forbearance ⟨p. 418⟩towards the things that are most desirable. This pleasing policie is, they say, much in request at this day in Japan‖, where Parents do educate their children with a great deal of softness, very rarely punishing them with stripes, though they follow their diligent informations with frequent admonttions. And they tell us among the Grecians, the best means the Mother used, if a Boy was stubborn in committing a fault, to perswade him to leave it, was to shew him her breasts, as the most powerful motive she had†. But the Fathers, it seems, amongst them were more sharp: and therefore Prometheus in Menander is said to be tyed like a Boy to the racks, where he prettily pleads his cause, as if his punishment had not been proportioned to his fault, but he had been too hardly dealt with. Be sure our Apostle, both in my Text, and to the Ephesians, is altogether against any discouraging chastisement, and requires moderation: Thus for nurture, the first branch of Education. The [2.] is in the admonition of the Lord, without vvhich the former will not be effectually prosperous. This, according to the notation of the original word(m), is a putting of things into their Childrens minds, an informing of the judgment in, and pressing upon the will and affections, the principles of the Christian institution, vvarning them to take heed of deviating from these principles, vvhich they are oblig'd to live up to, and is the principal thing in the educating of Christian Children. So that Parents are mostly concern'd to get the fear of God planted in their Childrens tender souls, that they may know and love, trust in, and obey their Maker, Redeemer and Sanctifier, and have timely preservatives against the corruptions of an untoward generation. Under this, we may speak of Parental Instruction and Watchfulness. 1. Instruction, which is a timely instilling of conscientious principles, and seeds of Religon into Children, taking them a part, and engaging them to receive the most necessary points, as it vvere drop by drop, here a little, and there a little(n), according to their narrow capacities, in a free and familiar Conference;
‖Varen. Descript. Regn. Japoriae c. xv.
†[Greek or Hebrew]. Schol. in Scrip. [Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Schol. in Scrip. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
by putting Questions to them, and teaching them how to give Answers; and by putting them upon asking Questions, and returning short and clear Answers thereunto, not only concerning the Word, but Works of God, whose Spirit alone makes all efficacious. The Lord hath most strictly enjoined this by Moses(o), charging Parents to keep their souls diligently, and not to let the things God hath done to slip out of their hearts all their days, but teach their Sons, and their Sons, who in after time did thankfully acknowledge the benefit of this instruction(p): We have heard with our ears, O God, our Fathers have told us, the works that thou didst in their days, in the times of old. And for the Words and Ordinances of God; they are commanded not only to have them in their own hearts(q), but to teach them diligently unto their children, (as one who whets and sharpens a thing that is blunt)(r) by talking of them, when they sit down in their house, when they walk by the way, when they lye down, and when they rise up, and elsewhere(s); nor only so, but by Rites(t), and setting up visible and extraordinary monuments (u)whereby Children might take occasion to ask the meaning of them, and so Parents might acquaint them with the Ordinances ⟨p. 419⟩of God(w). No doubt but religious Parents have been careful to observe this, for the transmitting of pure Religion. Adam had taught his Sons to sacrifice, as well as trained them up to business, though one of them did not worship God in an acceptable manner(x). He had acquainted them it seems with the fundamental promise concerning remission of sin, which the Apostle saith could not be without shedding of blood(y), represented in the instituted Sacrifice, which Cain wanted faith to offer acceptably, as Abel did, giving credit to the divine institution, and behaving himself sincerely in this solemn worship as he was instructed. Noah also taught his Children, though one of them did not observe the instructions(z). But we have Abraham the Father of the faithful expressly commended with a special approbation of God for effectually instructing, i. e. training or catechizing his children and servants after his example to keep the way of the Lord(a). And therefore they are called his initiated ones, or [Greek or Hebrew], whom the Rabbins say†, he did no less instruct in the divine precepts and their observation, than train up to war.
by putting Questions to them, and teaching them how to give Answers; and by putting them upon asking Questions, and returning short and clear Answers thereunto, not only concerning the Word, but Works of God, whose Spirit alone makes all efficacious. The Lord hath most strictly enjoyned this by Moses(o), charging Parents to keep their souls diligently, and not to let the things God hath done to slip out of their hearts all their days, but teach their Sons, and their Sons, who in after time did thankfully acknowledg the benefit of this instruction(p): We have heard with our ears, O God, our Fathers have told us, the works that thou didst in their days, in the times of old. And for the Words and Ordinances of God; they are commanded not only to have them in their own hearts(q), but to teach them diligently unto their children, (as one who whets and sharpens a thing that is blunt)(r) by talking of them, when they sit down in their house, when they walk by the way, when they lye down, and when they rise up, and elsewhere(s); nor only so, but by Rites(t), and setting up visible and extraordinary monuments (u)whereby Children might take occasion to ask the meaning of them, and so Parents might acquaint them with the Ordinances ⟨p. 419⟩of God(w). No doubt but religious Parents have been careful to observe this, for the transmitting of pure Religion. Adam had taught his Sons to sacrifice, as well as train'd them up to business, though one of them did not worship God in an acceptable manner(x). He had acquainted them it seems with the fundamental promise concerning remission of sin, which the Apostle saith could not be without shedding of blood(y)
Other memorable instances we have of David(b), who seems kindly to call Children apart, to teach them the fear of the Lord(c), (which Obadiah learned from his youth)(d). So of his Wife Bathsheba(e), and those good Women in the New Testament, Lois and Eunice(f). And other persons there were, who did catechize in all good things(g), i. e. the rudiments of the Gospel; wherein the most excellent Theophilus was catechized or instructed(h), as the Jewish children had been catechized in the Law(i). But this part of Education, viz. Catechizing, being handled at this Exercise in another distinct Query by one well versed in the practic part of this necessary Duty, may fairly give me (who have so much on mine hands) a Supersedeas from enlarging now upon it. Only let it be remembered, that sith Man is born like a wild Ass's colt(k), and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom(l), Parents are concerned to be industrious, and not be discouraged from teaching their offspring the words and terms of goodness, in confidence they will afterwards comprehend the sense, and practically hold fast the form of sound words(m), (the little Bibles, as Luther used to call orthodox Catechisms) gathered up from the holy Scripture, which it seems Timothy had known from a child(n), a little one indeed; yea and we have some late considerable examples of such little ones*. And therefore Parents themselves, according to their different calls and abilities, taking in convenient help, (and all to forward the Pastor's work) should not through humour, indisposition, laziness, or an over-eager minding of worldly business, neglect this affair of so great importance to the welfare of their Children; but be solicitous to get the seeds sown in their tender hearts, before the weeds of the world grow up therein, and canker the soil. Even according to Natures dictates, Diotima timely instilled such notions of prudence into Socrates, which rendered him famous. And Cato, though he kept a Tutor for his Son, yet was frequent himself in teaching and examining of him in learning, and natural Religion. Much more should Christians; as Theodosius the Great, who was diligent ⟨p. 420⟩in catechizing his Sons Arcadius and Honorius, with the assistance of Arsenius. A notable means was Catechizing to propagate the Reformed Religion, notwithstanding the contagion of Popery, (as Sir Edwin Sandys well observed†) and it will be so, to preserve it:
Other memorable instances we have of David(b), who seems kindly to call Children apart, to teach them the fear of the Lord(c), (which Obadiah learn'd from his youth)(d). So of his Wife Bathsheba(e), and those good Women in the New Testament, Lois and Eunice(f). And other persons there were, who did catechize in all good things(g), i. e. the rudiments of the Gospel; wherein the most excellent Theophilus was catechized or instructed(h), as the Jewish children had been catechized in the Law(i). But this part of Education, viz. Catechziing, being handled at this Exercise in another distinct Query by one well vers'd in the practick part of this necessary Duty, may fairly give me (who have so much on mine hands) a Supersedeas from enlarging now upon it. Only let it be remembred, that sith Man is born like a wild Asse's colt(k), and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom(l), Parents are concern'd to be industrious, and not be discourag'd from teaching their offspring the words and terms of goodness, in confidence they will afterwards comprehend the sense, and practically hold fast the form of sound words(m), (the little Bibles, as Luther us'd to call orthodox Catechisms) gather'd up from the holy Scripture, which it seems Timothy had known from a child(n), a little one indeed; yea and we have some late considerable examples of such little ones*. And therefore Parents themselves, according to their different calls and abilities, taking in convenient help, (and all to forward the Pastor's work) should not through humour, indisposition, laziness, or an over-eager minding of worldly business, neglect this affair of so great importance to the welfare of their Children; but be solicitous to get the seeds sown in their tender hearts, before the weeds of the world grow up therein, and canker the soyl. Even according to Natures dictates, Diotima timely instill'd such notions of prudence into Socrates, which rendred him famous. And Cato, though he kept a Tutor for his Son, yet was frequent himself in teaching and examining of him in learning, and natural Religion. Much more should Christians; as Theodosius the Great, who was diligent
Especially if Instruction be followed with a 2. particular in Education, and that is Watchfulness or Inspection, which is a daily putting children on exercise, to practise the things wherein they have been instructed, by a prudent oversight of their behaviour. This domestic Episcopacy, or Family discipline, is of singular use for the edification of children. Governors especially should watch unto all things(o). This is the most proper means to preserve the good seed which is sown, from being stolen away, and to guard it, lest the enemy come slyly and sow tares amongst the wheat, which he lays wait to do, if he can take Parents asleep or inobservant(p), when they should be awake in this good government(q), and intent upon it in their household(r); taking special care that in practice their children be found faithful, and not chargeable with riot and unruliness(s). It is not enough to teach children the rudiments of faith, worship and obedience, but to bring them where the Ark is, to the acts of solemn worship, both in the Family and Congregation. Our Saviour's Parents brought him(t), (though he was born without sin, and had not need upon that account as others have:) much more should others, who now are not required to go so far, bring theirs to worship God, according to his appointment; see to their reverend deportment there, examine them afterward, and observe their proficiency: carry a jealous eye and hand over them, as Job did over his(u); and take care there be no connivance at palpable faults, but a seasonable discountenancing of every sin, in the dearest of them(w): no allowance of any practice dissonant to that which is right(x), but a solicitous care that they do not decline and apostatize, or be not seduced from the pure worship of the holy God, and the good ways they have acquainted them with(y). We know Abraham that Father of blessed memory, commanded his children (as was noted before) and there was a positive Law after to command children, upon their lives, to observe and do what God enjoined(z). This belongs to the training up of youth to a good habit, which will not easily be removed(a). They that handle this matter wisely, will find good (b)in their children; and to do it so as to avoid undue lenity and severity, is great prudence:
Especially if Instruction be follow'd with a 2. particular in Education, and that is Watchfulness or Inspection, which is a dayly putting children on exercise, to practise the things wherein they have been instructed, by a prudent oversight of their behaviour. This domestick Episcopacy, or Family discipline, is of singular use for the edification of children. Governors especially should watch unto al things(o). This is the most proper means to preserve the good seed which is sown, from being stoln away, and to guard it, lest the enemy come slily and sowe tares amongst the wheat, which he lays wait to do, if he can take Parents asleep or inobservant(p), when they should be awake in this good government(q), and intent upon it in their houshold(r); taking special care that in practice their children be found faithful, and not chargeable with riot and unruliness(s). It is not enough to teach children the rudiments of faith, worship and obedience, but to bring them where the Ark is, to the acts of solemn worship, both in the Family and Congregation. Our Saviour's Parents brought him(t), (though he was born without sin, and had not need upon that account as others have:) much more should others, who now are not required to go so far, bring theirs to worship God, according to his appointment; see to their reverend deportment there, examine them afterward, and observe their proficiency: carry a jealous eye and hand over them, as Job did over his(u); and take care there be no connivance at palpable faults, but a seasonable discountenancing of every sin, in the dearest of them(w): no allowance of any practice dissonant to that which is right(x), but a solicitous care that they do not decline and apostatize, or be not seduced from the pure worship of the holy God, and the good ways they have acquainted them with(y)
For it requires an insinuation into their affections, to engage children to love and delight in their duties, by the sweetness of the lips, to increase their learning(c), and encourage their honest endeavours with suitable rewards. And on the other hand, seasonable admonitions and remembrances in case of failures; a frowning on their laziness, and neglects of those offices wherein they should be employed, which will keep them in awe; though this must be done with great skill and wariness, lest it produce a slavish fear, which slothful, disingenuous and low spirits are apt to fall into, and then absurdly to plead(d); yet of the two it is better to fail on this hand, than for a Christian Parent to omit warning of their children, because both Law and Gospel require (as was partly hinted before) ⟨p. 421⟩we should not let sin, either of omission or commission, rest on our neighbour(e), but should warn a brother(f), much more a child, and set him in joint with a spirit of meekness. I grant this duty of daily inspection is very difficult, but it is amiable and excellent: it is of great latitude; for Parents are evermore concerned to be eying of their children, to see they do that which is necessary and comely, both in religious and moral practice, according to what is really best esteemed in civil behaviour. They must continually be watching them, as to their praying, reading, hearing, eating, drinking, playing, visiting, studying, working, sleeping, &c. to see they be not vain or idle, because commonly there is but a little distance in time, betwixt doing of nothing and doing of ill. Children should be exercised with variety; taught to sing Psalms(g), as those good children were, who made that short prayer to our Saviour, Hosanna, in Greek, out of the Psalm(h), [Greek or Hebrew] Save O Lord I beseech thee, viz. blessed Messiah: to pray in secret sometimes by and for themselves; to be constant, timely, and revered at Family duties; to be charitable, respectful to the Ambassadors of Christ; to be attentive to the reading of Chapters, and hearing of Sermons; and thereupon to put Questions, and give some account of their understanding of things, and be not as Parrots, that chatter without knowledge; to be observant of the Lord's days, not left to themselves, to play and do what they list: for as Solomon observeth(i), A child left to himself bringeth his Mother to shame;
For it requires an insinuation into their affections, to engage children to love and delight in their duties, by the sweetness of the lips, to encrease their learning(c), and encourage their honest endeavours with suitable rewards. And on the other hand, seasonable admonitions and remembrances in case of failures; a frowning on their laziness, and neglects of those offices wherein they should be employ'd, which will keep them in awe; though this must be done with great skil and vvariness, lest it produce a slavish fear, which slothful, disingenuous and low spirits are apt to fall into, and then absurdly to plead(d); yet of the two it is better to fail on this hand, than for a Christian Parent to omit warning of their children, because both Law and Gospel require (as vvas partly hinted before) ⟨p. 421⟩vve should not let sin, either of omission or commission, rest on our neighbour(e), but should warn a brother(f), much more a child, and set him in joynt with a spirit of meekness. I grant this duty of dayly inspection is very difficult, but it is amiable and excellent: it is of great latitude; for Parents are evermore concern̄d to be eying of their children, to see they do that which is necessary and comly, both in religious and moral practice, according to what is really best esteem'd in civil behaviour. They must continually be watching them, as to their praying, reading, hearing, eating, drinking, playing, visiting, studying, working, sleeping, &c. to see they be not vain or idle, because commonly there is but a little distance in time, betwixt doing of nothing and doing of ill. Children should be exercised with variety; taught to sing Psalms(g), as those good children vvere, who made that short prayer to our Saviour, Hosanna, in Greek, out of the Psalm(h), 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Save O Lord I beseech thee, viz. blessed Messiah: to pray in secret sometimes by and for themselves; to be constant, timely, and revered at Family duties; to be charitable, respectful to the Embassadors of Christ; to be attentive to the reading of Chapters, and hearing of Sermons; and thereupon to put Questions, and give some account of their understanding of things, and be not as Parrats, that chatter vvithout knowledg; to be observant of the Lord's days, not left to themselves, to play and do what they list: for as Solomon observeth
she being either more indulgent in suffering him to get head, or more affected with it, when she seeth the evil of his idleness, especially on the Lord's days. But on other days, at fit seasons, such honest sports and recreations, agreeing with the children's temper, are to be allowed, as do not alienate their minds from duty, but promote health and cheerfulness, admit they be not with ungodly play-fellows, from whom ribaldry and profaneness are easily learned, but nothing that is good. The Philosopher †did advise the educators of children, to take heed they did not permit them to accompany with such, of whom they would learn bad words, hear smutty fables, or be brought to look upon indecent and deformed pictures; and that they did converse as little as may be with Servants. And in eating and drinking, Parents should with discretion lay restraints upon children's appetites, both as to the quantity and quality of food, consonant to the rules of right reason, that they transgress not the wholesome Laws of Temperance, for the preservation of strength, and activity of body and mind. So for their studying and working, &c. a continued inspection is requisite, that they do not neglect their time, or misspend their talents; which that they may not do, will usually need the Parents best skill, and utmost diligence, because of inbred pravity and untractableness. Yet as one‖ hath well observed, there be certain handles to take hold of these little souls, in their tender years, sith most of them are apt to be Shamefaced, Fearful, Curious and Credulous; which dispositions are to be attended by vigilant Parents with discretion, and laid hold on to lead to virtue. As on the other hand, those hindr•nc•• to good things, which soon bewray themselves in little ones, ⟨p. 422⟩are to be watched over and curbed, such as Pride, Wilfulness, Lying, and Intemperance; that these evil inclinations may not be predominant. Shame is to be managed to dissuade from things dishonest; Fear, to keep in awe, from consideration of punishment, or loss of reward; Curiosity, to form in the mind right notions of things; and Credulity, to gain the consent to things honest and good, and to make a right tincture which may abide. Then on the other side, vicious inclinations are to be timely curbed: As Pride arising from corrupt self-love, to plant in young minds humility; Wilfulness, to engage unto teachableness;
she being either more indulgent in suffering him to get head, or more affected with it, when she seeth the evil of his idleness, especiallly on the Lord's days. But on other days, at fit seasons, such honest sports and recreations, agreeing with the childrens temper, are to be allow'd, as do not alienate their minds from duty, but promote health and chearfulness, admit they be not with ungodly play-fellows, from vvhom ribaldry and profaneness are easily learn'd, but nothing that is good. The Philosopher †did advise the educators of children, to take heed they did not permit them to accompany vvith such, of whom they would learn bad words, hear smutty fables, or be brought to look upon indecent and deformed pictures; and that they did converse as little as may be with Servants. And in eating and drinking, Parents should with discretion lay restraints upon childrens appetites, both as to the quantity and quality of food, consonant to the rules of right reason, that they transgress not the wholsom Laws of Temperance, for the preservation of strength, and activity of body and mind. So for their studying and working, &c. a continued inspection is requisite, that they do not neglect their time, or mispend their talents; vvhich that they may not do, will usually need the Parents best skill, and utmost diligence, because of inbred pravity and untractableness. Yet as one‖ hath well observ'd, there be certain handles to take hold of these little souls, in their tender years, sith most of them are apt to be Shamefac'd, Fearful, Curious and Credulous; which dispositions are to be attended by vigilant Parents with discretion, and laid hold on to lead to vertue. As on the other hand, those hindr•nc•• to good things, which soon bewray themselves in little ones, ⟨p. 422⟩are to be watch'd over and curb'd, such as Pride, Wilfulness, Lying, and Intemperance; that these evil inclinations may not be predominant. Shame is to be manag'd to disswade from things dishonest; Fear, to keep in awe, from consideration of punishment, or loss of reward; Curiosity, to form in the mind right notions of things; and Credulity, to gain the consent to things honest and good, and to make a right tincture which may abide. Then on the other side, vicious inclinations are to be timely curb'd: As Pride arising from corrupt self-love, to plant in young minds humility; Wilfulness, to engage unto teachableness;
Lying, to make way for justice and fidelity; and Intemperance, for the love of truth and sobriety, that the understanding may rule the appetite. Upon which account the same person suggests, we should not promise children Junkets, as the reward of their obedience, but honour and praise, which they should be made to love; which is the great thing they of Japan †use to implant in the tender minds of their little ones, proposing glory as the strong motive to persuade them unto obedience and good carriage. I should not have insisted so long upon this, but that I dare be bold to say, it is through default of this part of Education, I mean for want of watchfulness, that the Children of many Parents amongst us fall so much short of the instructions received: Their passions grow strong, and the things that gratify sense luscious, their Parents heed not, and so the hopeful fruit is blasted and spoiled for want of fence: or as in some gardens, where there be fine buds and fruits coming on, that have been raised with great pains and charges; they suffer Snails and Caterpillars to increase, which in a short time devour that the Master's and Gardiner's eye and hand might easily at first have prevented, by taking away the Caterpillars eggs, and killing of the Snails: So you may see in some Families, where there were great hopes of children (as of the pleasant fruits on a fair tree ripening) all lost for want of Parents and Governors narrow inspection: or through a tender Mother's unlimited indulgence, where she should keep a strict watch: and through the connivance‖, or misplaced kindnesses of some affectionate servants, who to ingratiate with their young Masters or Mistresses, take upon them to be wiser, than those that love them best, and secretly humour them with those things that may gratify their sensual appetites, though never so prejudicial in the consequence, and in the present judgments of their Superiors, who would have their children disciplined to self-denial and temperance, which the Gospel (k)sets a great value upon. I speak this from my own, and others certain experience of what I have seen and heard, both in Families of the Gentry (and others) in the Country, and those of the best rank in the City. Oh!
Lying, to make way for justice and fidelity; and Imtemperance, for the love of truth and sobriety, that the understanding may rule the appetite. Upon which account the same person suggests, we should not promise children Junkets, as the reward of their obedience, but honour and praise, which they should be made to love; which is the great thing they of Japan †use to implant in the tender minds of their little ones, proposing glory as the strong motive to perswade them unto obedience and good carriage. I should not have insisted so long upon this, but that I dare be bold to say, it is through default of this part of Education, I mean for want of watchfulness, that the Children of many Parents amongst us fall so much short of the instructions received: Their passions grow strong, and the things that gratifie sense luscious, their Parents heed not, and so the hopeful fruit is blasted and spoiled for want of fence: or as in some gardens, where there be fine buds and fruits coming on, that have been raised with great pains and charges; they suffer Snails and Caterpillers to increase, which in a short time devour that the Master's and Gardiner's eye and hand might easily at first have prevented, by taking away the Caterpillers egs, and killing of the Snails: So you may see in some Families, where there were great hopes of children (as of the pleasant fruits on a fair tree ripening) all lost for want of Parents and Governours narrow inspection: or through a tender Mother's unlimited indulgence, where she should keep a strict watch: and through the connivance‖, or misplac'd kindnesses of some affectionate servants, who to ingratiate with their young Masters or Mistresses, take upon them to be wiser, than those that love them best, and secretly humour them with those things that may gratifie their sensual appetitites, though never so prejudicial in the consequence, and in the present judgments of their Superiors, who would have their children disciplin'd to self-denial and temperance, which the Gospel (k)sets a great value upon. I speak this from my own, and others certain experience of what I have seen and heard, both in Families of the Gentry (and others) in the Country, and those of the best rank in the City. Oh!
†Gloriae studium & cupiditatem teneris animis implantare consucverunt, &c. Varen. de Regn. Jap p. 102.
what cause then have some of us with heartiest thankfulness to adore our Heavenly Father, that our dear Parents have not only taught us the rudiments of goodness, but called upon us to exercise self-denial and temperance, and to enure our selves to hardship, as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ(l)? So the Apostle enjoined, agreeable to the Philosopher, who determined it best to accustom children in their tender years unto colds, as most advantageous to good health and ⟨p. 423⟩warlike actions. And to bless God that they kept a watchful eye upon us in our minority, giving check to our inordinate appetites, that we can now, in this luxurious and delicate age, in the midst of fullness, curb our selves, and not hanker after every dainty and fine fashion we see, or repine when it passeth by us, whose Souls are made for better attainments? But I forget my self in this business of Education, being yet to speak to the remaining offices of Parents. The next of which is 4. Disposal, or elocation of children, growing up, or adult, either into some particular employment, or marriage. [1] Into some fit way of employment, or particular calling. Christian Parents are concerned not only to train up their children for business in the world, but to do what they can to provide an honest, fit, and useful calling or profession, wherein they may serve their own generation according to the will of God(m), and the abilities he hath bestowed on them, and the inclinations he hath implanted in them, whereby they may mostly promote the Kingdom of Christ(o). To find out natural capacities in the obsequious part of age requires the diligent consideration of a sagacious mind: So that Parents herein have really need of the skill (were it attainable) of the boasting Spaniard▪ who (in his Trial of wits) pretended to know what complexion was fittest for every profession. For all dispositions and inclinations are not equally fit for every affair†. Some according to the temperament of the body and culture of the mind, are for more ingenuous and liberal, others more mechanic Arts: some in a more public, others more private station. Upon discerning of which Parents should strain hard, proportionable to their estates, to choose such honest and advantageous Callings, as their children are fittest for, so nigh as they can judge.
what cause then have some of us with heartiest thankfulness to adore our Heavenly Father, that our dear Parents have not only taught us the rudiments of goodness, but call'd upon us to exercise self-denial and temperance, and to enure our selves to hardship, as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ(l)? So the Apostle enjoyned, agreeable to the Philosopher, who determin'd it best to accustom children in their tender years unto colds, as most advantagious to good health and ⟨p. 423⟩warlike actions. And to bless God that they kept a watchful eye upon us in our minority, giving check to our inordinate appetites, that we can now, in this luxurious and delicate age, in the midst of fulness, curb our selves, and not hanker after every dainty and fine fashion we see, or repine when it passeth by us, whose Souls are made for better attainments? But I forget my self in this business of Education, being yet to speak to the remaining offices of Parents. The next of which is 4. Disposal, or elocation of children, growing up, or adult, either into some particular employment, or marriage. [1] Into some fit way of employment, or particular calling. Christian Parents are concern'd not only to train up their children for business in the world, but to do what they can to provide an honest, fit, and useful calling or profession, wherein they may serve their own generation according to the will of God(m), and the abilities he hath bestow'd on them, and the inclinations he hath implanted in them, whereby they may mostly promote the Kingdom of Christ(o). To find out natural capacities in the obsequious part of age requires the diligent consideration of a sagacious mind: So that Parents herein have really need of the skill (were it attainable) of the boasting Spaniard▪ who (in his Tryal of wits) pretended to know what complexion was fittest for every profession. For all dispositions and inclinations are not equally fit for every affair†. Some according to the temperament of the body and culture of the mind, are for more ingenuous and liberal, others more mechanick Arts: some in a more publiik, others more private station. Upon discerning of which Parents should strain hard, proportionable to their estates, to choose such honest and advantagious Callings, as their children are fittest for, so nigh as they can judge.
(l)2 Tim. 2.3. [Greek or Hebrew]. Arist. de Rep. l. 8. c. 17.2 Tim. 2.3. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Arist. de Rep. l. 8. c. 17.
Daniel and his companions were for liberal Sciences(p), and so was Moses before them(q), and Paul after them(r). These God made use of as eminent instruments of his honour in their generation; one of them a Prophet, another a Prophet and Magistrate, the third an Apostle, and all of them witnesses to the truth. Paul doth gratefully commemorate his Parents love in educating him at the best School, and University, under the best Tutor, living far from the City of his birth; nor without reason, for God's raising up Sons unto Parents for Prophets; and placing them in the Ministry (however despised in this decrepit age) was accounted a singular privilege(s). Others in their circumstances, were disposed into other Callings, which their Parents thought them fit for. In the morning of the world, the two first children, Cain and Abel, were put into different employments(t); so were Isaac's Sons into the like(u); and Samuel's Sons into another(w), though they very much misbehaved themselves in it; Jacob's Sons(x), Laban's and Revel's daughters were employed about cattle(y). None should be left to live idly, but if not disabled, all should be ordinarily in some stated employ (wherein they have an Heavenly guard(z) for the public good, and the honour of God, who, where he gives most, will not be content with the least, but requires either corporeal, or mental employment from all. And therefore Parents having consulted their children's inclinations, and considered what breeding they have given them for the bettering of their parts and improvement ⟨p. 424⟩of their gifts, should not fail to dispose of their so, that they may be able to maintain themselves(a), or use what they have honestly provided for them, to the doing of good in the Church and State, and the training up of others in succeeding generations; according as God hath distributed gifts to every one for his Calling, wherein he is to abide, till more clearly called to another(b), whether for husbandry(c), or handy-crafts, in more substantial(d), or more curious works(e), or yet more laudable employments(f), whereunto they are not to be intruded, but orderly called. All which gives check to such Parents who are negligent herein, after primaeve education; and those who either put their children into unfit Callings, or enter them not into fit ones, in a fair way, but by some indirect means.
Daniel and his companions were for liberal Sciences(p), and so was Moses before them(q), and Paul after them(r). These God made use of as eminent instruments of his honour in their generation; one of them a Prophet, another a Prophet and Magistrate, the third an Apostle, and all of them witnesses to the truth. Paul doth gratefully commemorate his Parents love in educating him at the best School, and Ʋniversity, under the best Tutor, living far from the City of his birth; nor without reason, for God's raising up Sons unto Parents for Prophets; and placing them in the Ministry (however despised in this decrepit age) was accounted a singular priviledg(s). Others in their circumstances, were dispos'd into other Callings, which their Parents thought them fit for. In the morning of the world, the two first children, Cain and Abel, were put into different employments(t); so were Isaac's Sons into the like(u); and Samuel's Sons into another(w), though they very much misbehav'd themselves in it; Jacob's Sons(x), Laban's and Revel's daughters were employ'd about cattel(y). None should be left to live idly, but if not disabled, all should be ordinarily in some stated employ (wherein they have an Heavenly guard(z) for the publick good, and the honour of God, who, where he gives most, will not be content with the least, but requires either corporeal, or mental employment from all. And therefore Parents having consulted their childrens inclinations, and considered what breeding they have given them for the bettering of their parts and improvement ⟨p. 424⟩of their gifts, should not fail to dispose of their so, that they may be able to maintain themselves
There is another disposal and placing out of children, wherein good Parents ought to be greatly concerned, and that is [2.] Into the honourable estate of marriage (g)when at a competent age, considering the temper and inclinations of the children, upon a due expense of circumstances, in all Christian prudence, sooner, or later, to avoid temptations on one hand and another; by endeavouring to provide such matches, as they may have a good ground to hope for God's blessing upon; which they may then do, when they are in the Lord(h): Because that's the great Canon for the Regulation of Christian marriages, and should be the principal ponderation in this greatest affair of Parents and Children, that the persons marrying be not unequally yoked(i), and that they do it in the Lord: (as the obedience of wives and children is required to be(k) and to please the Lord, in my Text: yea, this of marriage is to be only in the Lord(l). For not to please him, by marrying in him, is by consequence to incur the displeasure of him, in whom alone a blessing is to be had. Wherefore professing Parents, who are charged by the Prophet in the name of the Lord(m), to take wives to their sons, and give daughters to their husbands, should with a good and serious conscience, without carnal glosses, study this prime Canon, as they really design the promotion and spiritual advancement of their offspring. Thus Abraham (so famous in his parental government(n) was very careful with respect to the Lord in covenant, for the matching of his son Isaac, that in a matter of so great importance, lest he should be tempted to a failure in his trust, he took a most solemn oath, by the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, from his faithful Steward Eleazer(o), upon serious seeking of God by Prayer, that he should take a wife for him out of a religious Family, and by no means yield that Isaac should be brought into a relation, communion, and residence, with any of those who might be an occasion to alienate his affections from the service of the true God, in a true manner: which had an excellent effect, sith Isaac and Rebekah were the most chaste pair of all those Patriarchal Worthies, their affections being entirely united. And Isaac at his wife Rebekah's motion, when almost dead for fear of an ungodly wife(p), followed his Father's example in the disposal of his son Jacob(q).
There is another disposal and placing out of children, wherein good Parents ought to be greatly concern'd, and that is [2.] Into the honourable estate of marriage (g)when at a competent age, considering the temper and inclinations of the children, upon a due expence of circumstances, in all Christian prudence, sooner, or later, to avoid temptations on one hand and another; by endeavouring to provide such matches, as they may have a good ground to hope for God's blessing upon; which they may then do, when they are in the Lord(h): Because that's the great Canon for the Regulation of Christian marriages, and should be the principal ponderation in this greatest affair of Parents and Children, that the persons marrying be not unequally yoked(i), and that they do it in the Lord: (as the obedience of wives and children is required to be(k) and to please the Lord, in my Text: yea, this of marriage is to be only in the Lord(l). For not to please him, by marrying in him, is by consequence to incur the displeasure of him, in whom alone a blessing is to be had. Wherefore professing Parents, who are charg'd by the Prophet in the name of the Lord(m), to take wives to their sons, and give daughters to their husbands, should with a good and serious conscience, without carnal glosses, study this prime Canon, as they really design the promotion and spiritual advancement of their offspring. Thus Abraham (so famous in his parental government(n) was very careful with respect to the Lord in covenant, for the matching of his son Isaac, that in a matter of so great importance, lest he should be tempted to a failure in his trust, he took a most solemn oath, by the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, from his faithful Steward Eleazer(o), upon serious seeking of God by Prayer, that he should take a wife for him out of a religious Family, and by no means yield that Isaac should be brought into a relation, communion, and residence, with any of those who might be an occasion to alienate his affections from the service of the true God, in a true manner: which had an excellent effect, sith Isaac and Rebekah were the most chast pair of all those Patriarchal Worthies, their affections being entirely united. And Isaac at his wife Rebekah's motion, when almost dead for fear of an ungodly wife
We indeed live in an age wherein there is much complaint by many wealthy Parents, that though they like well of this grand rule, yet they know not where to have suitable matches ⟨p. 425⟩for their children, especially of the female sex. I confess there is too much ground for this lamentation: The Lord remove it! Yet I may with submission, not being solicitous to please man, but my Lord and Master (r)put these complainants in mind of what hath been observed by another before me: That Persons of quality and estate, likely have in one respect a greater advantage than others, in that they have a greater latitude of choice amongst those who are in estate below them: So that of religious, prudent, and suitable persons, they may choose almost whom they please. But the truth is, many Parents who sit at the upper end of the world, though they profess Religion, they are too often so biassed with the love of this world, that marrying to the very height of their estate, hath the casting vote, and so they bestow their pious, hopeful children, upon persons in whom they have no probable positive evidence of real godliness and sobriety; or on such who are not comparably so virtuous, as others they might have more religious, prudent, and desirable, who upon conjuncture of Estates, would be abundantly well accommodated for a comfortable and cheerful livelihood: When alas! some of them are so swayed by carnal motives, that (as one saith†) they marry (their children to) a swine, for a golden trough; they prefer temporals to spirituals and eternals; riches and honour, or comeliness, to virtue and godliness, and take one that is at enmity with God(s), into the nearest and strictest league of amity with those they are obliged to love best. And thence it comes to pass that in succeeding generations, by unequal mixture of the holy seed with the profane(t), there is such a decay of piety (as at this day) amongst those sprung (on one side) from worthy Progenitors; being much like those of the old world, who defiled the face of the earth with an unblest generation, which so grieved the Almighty, that after he had given the inhabitants fair warning by the preacher of righteousness(u), he swept them all away but eight persons, with an universal deluge.
We indeed live in an age wherein there is much complaint by many wealthy Parents, that though they like well of this grand rule, yet they know not where to have suitable matches ⟨p. 425⟩for their children, especially of the female sex. I confess there is too much ground for this lamentation: The Lord remove it! Yet I may with submission, not being sollicitous to please man, but my Lord and Master (r)put these complainants in mind of what hath been observ'd by another before me: That Persons of quality and estate, likely have in one respect a greater advantage than others, in that they have a greater latitude of choice amongst those who are in estate below them: So that of religious, prudent, and suitable persons, they may choose almost whom they please. But the truth is, many Parents who sit at the upper end of the world, though they profess Religion, they are too often so biassed with the love of this world, that marrying to the very height of their estate, hath the casting vote, and so they bestow their pious, hopeful children, upon persons in whom they have no probable positive evidence of real godliness and sobriety; or on such who are not comparably so vertuous, as others they might have more religious, prudent, and desirable, who upon conjuncture of Estates, would be abundantly well accommodated for a comfortable and chearful livelyhood: When alas! some of them are so sway'd by carnal motives, that (as one saith†) they marry (their children to) a swine, for a golden trough; they prefer temporals to spirituals and eternals; riches and honour, or comliness, to vertue and godliness, and take one that is at enmity with God(s), into the nearest and strictest league of amity with those they are oblig'd to love best. And thence it comes to pass that in succeeding generations, by unequal mixture of the holy seed with the profane(t), there is such a decay of piety (as at this day) amongst those sprung (on one side) from worthy Progenitors; being much like those of the old world, who defiled the face of the earth with an unblest generation, which so grieved the Almighty, that after he had given the inhabitants fair warning by the preacher of righteousness(u), he swept them all away but eight persons, with an universal deluge.
I know upon the hearing of this, some professing Parents of our Age, will be touched to the quick (though they do thereby a little shake their own title to the best inheritance) but it concerns a watchman when called, to give them warning from the Lord (w)to deal faithfully: Upon the remembrance of which, and an affecting apprehension of this growing epidemical distemper, I do in the name of the Lord, put all Christian Parents in mind, not too vehemently to seek after great things to themselves(x), in bestowing of their children richly; but labour to link them with gracious and suitable persons, where there may be mutual kindness and hearty liking of each other, and with whom they may live religiously and contentedly: For the truth is, without this mutual complacency and loving contentment each in other (which the Scripture calls for(y) upon a good foundation, there cannot be an happy match. Wherefore in this great office of Parents, which is a comfortable one for their Children, if well done; but most uncomfortable if otherwise; they are mostly concerned to look after the fear of the Lord. For the Wise man by the spirit of God hath so determined upon weighing of things, saying,(z), Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised: and so shall the man also. If ⟨p. 426⟩things be tried at God's balance, Religion will weigh most. Houses and riches are the inheritance of Fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord(a): and so is a prudent husband too. Either is to be valued as a more blessed gift, than any temporal portion left by Parents, who may, and ought to be provident: but there is a more special finger of God, who gives wisdom, and unites hearts in every happy match. Wherein good-nature or (as we now speak) good-humour doth much sweeten society in a humane way, but I pray you, what doth it in a Christian way, wherein the married couple should live, as being heirs together of the grace of life, that their prayers he not hindered(b)? Alas! my Friends! as to this, a good nature as one saith*) is but like the white of an egg, which as it offends not, so it relisheth not. There may be a tolerable conversation as to temporals on the week day, but what is pleasant in it, as to spirituals, especially on the Lord's day, and at other seasons, when the Soul hath need of quickening, direction, and comfort, or a companion in Heavenly joys?
I know upon the hearing of this, some professing Parents of our Age, will be touch'd to the quick (though they do thereby a little shake their own title to the best inheritance) but it concerns a watchman when call'd, to give them warning from the Lord (w)to deal faithfully: Upon the remembrance of which, and an affecting apprhension of this growing epidemical distemper, I do in the name of the Lord, put all Christian Parents in mind, not too vehemently to seek after great things to themselves(x), in bestowing of their children richly; but labour to link them with gracious and suitable persons, where there may be mutual kindness and hearty liking of each other, and with vvhom they may live religiously and contentedly: For the truth is, without this mutual complacency and loving contentment each in other (vvhich the Scripture calls for(y) upon a good foundation, there cannot be an happy match. Wherefore in this great office of Parents, vvhich is a comfortable one for their Children, if well done; but most uncomfortable if otherwise; they are mostly concern'd to look after the fear of the Lord. For the Wise man by the spirit of God hath so determin'd upon weighing of things, saying,(z), Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised: and so shall the man also. If ⟨p. 426⟩things be tryed at God's ballance, Religion will weigh most. Houses and riches are the inheritance of Fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord(a): and so is a prudent husband too. Either is to be valued as a more blessed gift, than any temporal portion left by Parents, who may, and ought to be provident: but there is a more special finger of God, who gives wisdom, and unites hearts in every happy match. Wherein good-nature or (as we now speak) good-humour doth much sweeten society in a humane way, but I pray you, what doth it in a Christian way, wherein the married couple should live, as being heirs together of the grace of life, that their prayers he not hindred(b)? Alas! my Friends! as to this, a good nature as one saith*
Then real grace with all its faults, will be better than refined nature(c), as light than darkness. Discretion will set a lustre on Religion, and is to be looked after; else how troublesome will it be for wisdom to be subject to folly? No one can live lovingly and comfortably with a Fool. Next an ungodly, an unworthy yoke-fellow (especially if in Husbands) is to be feared. And next to a religious and prudent, a pleasing person should be chosen; amiableness helps to root and settle amity, which gains reputation by an inheritance(d). But in these things, especially the last, without regard to the former, Parents should take heed of exercising Tyranny: and when God hath given them children, how they give them away: be careful herein they do not contrary to my Text discourage their dutiful children by pressing them to marry where they cannot love: Because herein one† characters the good Parent to be such, as draws arguments from his children's good, rather than his own authority; accounting it a style too princely, herein to will and command, he rather chooseth to will and desire: remembering the Parental power is for edification, not destruction; and should not be exerted to cast a child against its mind upon a disaffected (much less an unworthy) match. In the treaty of marriage betwixt Isaac and Rebekah, when there was a good agreement betwixt Abraham's Steward, and her Father and Brother, they would not come to a conclusion, till the Maid was called and asked as to her affection and consent(e): All was but complement till that was gained: Parents herein are to persuade upon good reason, but 'tis too harsh to attempt the compelling of love. Some rigorous ones are apt, for their own worldly advantage, to use their awful authority, in matching to constrain their obedient children, contrary to their affections and dispositions: but they should rather learn of their Heavenly Father, who disposeth all things sweetly, and would have them to do so too: in the disposal of their children, he would have them do more with the sway of love, than power; and to be rather affectionate, than imperious in their Government. Grave and prudent Dr. Harris †condescended to his sons, saying, When you are youths, choose your Callings, when men, choose your Wives, only take me ⟨p. 427⟩along with you, it may be old men may see further than you.
Then real grace with all its faults, will be better than refined nature(c), as light than darkness. Discretion will set a lustre on Religion, and is to be look'd after; else how troublesom will it be for wisdom to be subject to folly? No one can live lovingly and comfortably with a Fool. Next an ungodly, an unworthy yoke-fellow (especially if in Husbands) is to be feared. And next to a religious and prudent, a pleasing person should be chosen; amiableness helps to root and settle amity, which gains reputation by an inheritance(d). But in these things, especially the last, without regard to the former, Parents should take heed of exercising Tyranny: and when God hath given them children, how they give them away: be careful herein they do not contrary to my Text discourage their dutiful children by pressing them to marry where they cannot love: Because herein one† characters the good Parent to be such, as draws arguments from his childrens good, rather than his own authority; accounting it a style too princely, herein to will and command, he rather chooseth to will and desire: remembring the Parental power is for edification, not destruction; and should not be exerted to cast a child against its mind upon a disaffected (much less an unworthy) match. In the treaty of marriage betwixt Isaac and Rebekah, when there vvas a good agreement betwixt Abraham's Steward, and her Father and Brother, they vvould not come to a conclusion, till the Maid vvas call'd and ask'd as to her affection and consent(e): All vvas but complement till that vvas gain'd: Parents herein are to perswade upon good reason, but 'tis too harsh to attempt the compelling of love. Some rigorous ones are apt, for their own vvorldly advantage, to use their awful authority, in matching to constrain their obedient children, contrary to their affections and dispositions: but they should rather learn of their Heavenly Father, vvho disposeth all things sweetly, and vvould have them to do so too: in the disposal of their children, he would have them do more vvith the sway of love, than power; and to be rather affectionate, than imperious in their Government. Grave and prudent Dr. Harris †condescended to his sons, saying, When you are youths, choose your Callings, when men, choose your Wives, only take me ⟨p. 427⟩along with you, it may be old men may see further than you.
Be sure then they see well, when they aim chiefly at piety: As an ancient Hermite relates* in his own life, the consultation of a principal inhabitant of Constantinople with his Lady, about the disposal of their only child which was a daughter; the result whereof was not to look at greatness and riches, lest marrying her to a vicious person, they should make her miserable; but rather to one of a lower rank fearing God, who from conscience of his duty would love and make much of her, and so render her condition comfortable; in prosecution whereof, they found out and bestowed her upon the honest son of a very charitable Father, who had a small Estate, but great Virtue, with whom she lived very happily. But my discourse swells, and I must shorten what remains. (5) Maintenance is another part of the Parents office towards their children, unto whom they are to allow a competency, according to their quality and estates to live upon. A just allowance for subsistence is presupposed requisite to the right discharge of the precedent duties from Parents to Children, both in their minority, and when come to maturity, for the accommodating of them with necessaries according to their birth: The neglect of which temporal provision would argue Christian Parents worse than Infidels, who are not so enormous(f): Sith amongst the barbarous people, they spare not cost to provide suitably for the fruit of their bodies, till at least they are able to carve for themselves. Our blessed Saviour takes for granted amongst the common notions of mankind, that Earthly Parents will give good gifts unto their needy Children, which are most proper for them(g). But as a superaddition unto this general provision, there is also somewhat more particular which even Nature it self teacheth upon the disposal of children, and Christian institution requires and commends: namely Parents, as God hath blessed them, should lay up for their children(h): yea so, as that when they are placed in Callings, and married, they may by some stock or competent portion be able to lay up for themselves, and be really serviceable to God's glory, and others welfare with their substance(i). Abraham is commended for this devising of his Estate, and so Jacob in providing for his(k). God did under the Law direct to a double portion, real or personal, unto the eldest, as an acknowledgement of the right of primogeniture;
Be sure then they see well, when they aim chiefly at piety: As an ancient Hermite relates* in his own life, the consultation of a principal inhabitant of Constantinople with his Lady, about the disposal of their only child which was a daughter; the result whereof was not to look at greatness and riches, lest marrying her to a vitious person, they should make her miserable; but rather to one of a lower rank fearing God, vvho from conscience of his duty would love and make much of her, and so render her condition comfortable; in prosecution whereof, they found out and bestowed her upon the honest son of a very charitable Father, who had a small Estate, but great Vertue, with whom she lived very happily. But my discourse swells, and I must shorten what remains. (5) Maintenance is another part of the Parents office towards their children, unto whom they are to allow a competency, according to their quality and estates to live upon. A just allowance for subsistence is presupposed requisite to the right discharge of the precedent duties from Parents to Children, both in their minority, and when come to maturity, for the accommodating of them with necessaries according to their birth: The neglect of which temporal provision would argue Christian Parents worse than Infidels, who are not so enormous(f): Sith amongst the barbarous people, they spare not cost to provide suitably for the fruit of their bodies, till at least they are able to carve for themselves. Our blessed Saviour takes for granted amongst the common notions of mankind, that Earthly Parents will give good gifts unto their needy Children, which are most proper for them(g). But as a superaddition unto this general provision, there is also somewhat more particular which even Nature it self teacheth upon the disposal of children, and Christian institution requires and commends: namely Parents, as God hath blessed them, should lay up for their children(h): yea so, as that when they are placed in Callings, and married, they may by some stock or competent portion be able to lay up for themselves, and be really serviceable to God's glory, and others welfare with their substance(i). Abraham is commended for this devising of his Estate, and so Jacob in providing for his(k). God did under the Law direct to a double portion, real or personal, unto the eldest, as an acknowledgment of the right of primogeniture;
supposing no manifest forfeiture by disobedience(l): For in the exercise of Parental authority, there may be some special consideration and rational regards had to the most dutiful, but still according to equity. Daughters, according to that constitution were to be copartners and share as coheirs in the inheritance(m). And how Parents without valuable reasons, can now disinherit them, considering the prohibition in my Text, is not easy to conceive. But in laying up for, and apportioning their children, Parents should have a care [1.] That they be not dilatory, as those who unseasonably put off the supplies of their children with that God hath given them, till they themselves be dead; or, so long till it hath occasioned an abatement of affections in their Children, which is not to be excused in them; but the Parents should not tempt ⟨p. 428⟩them; or put them upon any sharking tricks, to supply necessities, by keeping all the patrimony in their own hands, above an handsome reserve of conveniences for their own food and raiment: Being of a different temper from that Prince's Father†, who coming into his son's Closet, and seeing there all the gold and silver plate he had a long time before given to him, said, I see you have not a generous mind enough; for with all the gifts you had from me, you have not known hitherto how to make your self one friend. Or in any other respect, by any avaricious detention of what is requisite to be bestowed on their Children, lay them under the discouragement, which Parents are in my Text obliged to avoid, as that which is displeasing to God. [2.] They should be sure they came honestly by the portions they leave their Children, that they are goods well gotten, and well used: For if they be treasures of iniquity, they will not long abide(n), having a curse attending them: yea, a little ill gotten, will be as a little leaven, that will sour the whole lump: or, as the coal, which the Eagle carried with the flesh she took from the Altar, that fired all: but if they are well-gotten, then, as one said, of a small portion, they will wear like steel.
supposing no manifest forfeiture by disobedience(l): For in the exercise of Parental authority, there may be some special consideration and rational regards had to the most dutiful, but still according to equity. Daughters, according to that constitution were to be copartners and share as coheirs in the inheritance(m). And how Parents without valuable reasons, can now disinherit them, considering the prohibition in my Text, is not easie to conceive. But in laying up for, and appòrtioning their children, Parents should have a care [1.] That they be not delatory, as those who unseasonably put off the supplies of their children with that God hath given them, till they themselves be dead; or, so long till it hath occasion'd an abatement of affections in their Children, which is not to be excus'd in them; but the Parents should not tempt ⟨p. 428⟩them; or put them upon any sharking tricks, to supply necessities, by keeping all the patrimony in their own hands, above an handsome reserve of conveniencies for their own food and rayment: Being of a different temper from that Prince's Father†, who coming into his son's Closet, and seeing there all the gold and silver plate he had a long time before given to him, said, I see you have not a generous mind enough; for with all the gifts you had from me, you have not known hitherto how to make your self one friend. Or in any other respect, by any avaritious detention of what is requisite to be bestowed on their Children, lay them under the discouragement, which Parents are in my Text obliged to avoid, as that which is displeasing to God. [2.] They should be sure they came honestly by the portions they leave their Children, that they are goods well gotten, and well used: For if they be treasures of iniquity, they will not long abide(n), having a curse attending them: yea, a little ill gotten, will be as a little leaven, that will sour the whole lump: or, as the coal, which the Eagle carried with the flesh she took from the Altar, that fired all: but if they are well-gotten, then, as one said, of a small portion, they will wear like steel.
, represented in the instituted Sacrifice, which Cain wanted faith to offer acceptably, as Abel did, giving credit to the divine institution, and behaving himself sincerely in this solemn worship as he was instructed. Noah also taught his Children, though one of them did not observe the instructions
. But we have Abraham the Father of the faithful expresly commended with a special approbation of God for effectually instructing, i. e. training or catechizing his children and servants after his example to keep the way of the Lord
, he did no less instruct in the divine precepts and their observation, than train up to war.
⟨p. 420⟩
in catechizing his Sons Arcadius and Honorius, with the assistance of Arsenius. A notable means was Catechizing to propagate the Reformed Religion, notwithstanding the contagion of Popery, (as Sir Edwyn Sandys well observ'd
*Token and little Book for Children.Token and little Book for Chi•dren.
†Survey of Religion in Europe, 1593. pag. 113. mihi.
. We know Abraham that Father of blessed memory, commanded his children (as was noted before) and there was a positive Law after to command children, upon their lives, to observe and do what God enjoyned
, or use what they have honestly provided for them, to the doing of good in the Church and State, and the training up of others in succeeding generations; according as God hath distributed gifts to every one for his Calling, wherein he is to abide, till more clearly called to another
, whereunto they are not to be intruded, but orderly called. All which gives check to such Parents who are negligent herein, after primaeve education; and those who either put their children into unfit Callings, or enter them not into fit ones, in a fair way, but by some indirect means.
) is but like the white of an egg, which as it offends not, so it relisheth not. There may be a tolerable conversation as to temporals on the week day, but what is pleasant in it, as to spirituals, especially on the Lord's day, and at other seasons, when the Soul hath need of quickening, direction, and comfort, or a companion in Heavenly joys?
