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

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.