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

even as by taking the rudder from a Ship, it is very soon tossed any way. And here I think it very advisable, that Parents who have their infirmities, should encourage their honest Children, by giving a favourable ear unto their humble and discreet monitions and good advice for their honour and spiritual welfare: even as Saul did, being convicted with reason, hearken unto the voice of Jonathan his son^(p): And as Terah, upon the discovery which his son Abraham did from the Lord make to him, complied with his advice for the removing of himself and family^(q). (4.) Labour to carry it with all evenness and impartiality to every child, according to a rational proportion, so that it may be evident, you account all that descend from you dear or beloved Children, as God himself doth his^(r); for you are really concerned in all. 'Tis true, you should very distinctly observe the different carriages of your Children towards God, your self, and others; to approve virtue, and disapprove vice: but yet you are to cherish, as near as may be, an equal desire of doing them all good alike: not hugging one, and hunching another out of some partial respect, or distorted apprehension. A good Parent, as one^† ingeniously notes, should observe a species of Gavelkind in dividing his affections to his children, to prevent envying amongst them: and if the expression thereof be different, it should be with equity and discretion, that they in their own consciences may plainly read the reasons of it. Though there is no necessity to make an equal distribution of Estate, wherein the right of Primogeniture may seem from Scripture ^(s)(as abovesaid) to claim a greater proportion; unless some kind of rebellion put in a demurrer. For however a prudent Parent should, like a well-drawn Picture, cast an eye equally upon all his Children, in point of affection: yet, when he makes a distribution of his Estate in point of justice, it can be no disparagement to him, to encourage the obedient with a reward; when by an equitable abatement he may suffer the disobedient ⟨p. 439⟩