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

Therein he left his Children excellent instructions for their Souls, their Bodies, their Callings (both as to the choice and use of them) for their company, for their marriages, for their Children, for themselves within themselves, for their Estates, and for the Public. Things really worth the reading and observing, both by Parents and Children. In imitation of which (but not published) I have likewise with delight read very good advice left by a serious Citizen ^†(as it should appear lying sick of a Consumption whereof he died) to be given to his only Son and Child, then a little one, when he should come to the use of his reason, which, I doubt not, but is faithfully performed by his Executor. It might be of great advantage to their posterity, if Parents would have more regard in due circumstances to this last office of theirs, which is much slighted by many in our days, who seem unconcerned what shall become of their posterity, when they are gone, as to the best of enjoyments. 'Tis true, there be on another hand, Parents over solicitous to leave great Estates to their Children, when they themselves leave the world (being loth to part with them before); they think they can never make their Children rich enough in the world, without any regard to the riches of grace, never considering that convenience is really more eligible than abundance^(a); and where there is much wealth, more grace and wisdom are needful to enjoy it well: For if Children have not their hearts established with grace^(b), or want prudence to manage an Estate, they are but like a Ship that hath more sail than ballast, which is ready to be overset with any gust of wind. A great Estate without Virtue is but strong poison without an antidote: and earthly minded Parents in this respect do with their Children, as the Ostrich with her Eggs, leaves them in the dust, but takes no further care of them; so they leave them rich in temporals, but for their spiritual and eternal welfare, they are little or nothing concerned. That they may eat, drink, be merry, and clothed with the best, they provide by setting their nest high, and making their seed great on the earth^(c); when alas! they do but consult shame to their house, and wrong their own souls: