I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also,…

The way that men learn to pray, it is by conviction for sin; and this is the way to make our sweet babes do so too. But the other way, namely, to be busy in learning Children forms of prayer, before they know any thing else, it is the next way to make them cursed hypocrites, and to puff them up with pride. Learn therefore your Children to know their wretched state, and condition; tell them of hell fire, and their sins, of damnation, and salvation: the way to escape the one, and to enjoy the other (if you know it your selves) and this will make tears run down your sweet babes eyes, and hearty groans flow from their hearts; and then also you may tell them to whom they should pray, and through whom they should pray; you may tell them also of Gods promises, and his former grace extended to sinners, according to the word.

The way that men learn to pray, it is by conviction for sin; and this is the way to make our sweet babes do so too. But the other way, namely, to be busie in learning Children forms of prayer, before they know any thing else, it is the next way to make them cursed hypocrites, and to puff them up with pride. Learn therefore your Children to know their wretched state, and condition; tell them of hell fire, and their sins, of damnation, and salvation: the way to escape the one, and to enjoy the other (if you know it your selves) and this will make tears run down your sweet babes eyes, and hearty groans flow from their hearts; and then also you may tell them to whom they should pray, and through whom they should pray; you may tell them also of Gods promises, and his former grace extended to sinners, according to the word.

Ah! poor sweet babes, the Lord open their eyes, and make them holy Christians. Saith David, Come ye Children, hearken unto me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord, Psalm 34. 11.