A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto

2. From the text, taken in conjunction with this act of providence, we may observe the great advantage of a pious Education. Tho' the best means of such Education do not always prove Effectual; yet this being much the more probable course, upon which to expect Gods blessing, than the Parents profane negligence ⟨p. 191⟩of the souls of their Children; such an example, wherein God by his blessing testified his approbation of Parental care and diligence; should greatly quicken the endeavours of Parents herein; as hoping, hereby, to serve his great, and merciful, and most principal design, who hath these Keys; and whose office it is, to transmit Souls, when they are prepared and ready, out of this World of ours, into that Blessed glorious World above. And, though they may think themselves disappointed, when thorough Gods blessing upon their endeavours, they have educated one, to such a pitch, as this young Gentleman was raised and brought up unto; with a Prospect, and Hope of his having a long course of service to run through' here on the Earth: Yet let Parents ⟨p. 192⟩hence learn to correct what was amiss, or what was wrong; not what was right, and well. Their Action and Endeavour was, what ought to be. Their Error or Mistake (if there was any) was more principally, as the Case is here stated, about their design, and end. Not that they designed such an end, for that also was very justifiable, and laudable: But if they designed it as their more principal end; Which the Case, as it is now put, supposes, that is, that they take themselves to be disappointed, for no Man complains of it as a disappointment, if he miss of an inferior end, and attain that which is far nobler, and more excellent. Our great aim should be the subserving the design of the Great Lord of Heaven and Earth; which ultimately and supremely refers to the heavenly, eternal ⟨p. 193⟩state of things; & that Souls may be ripened and fitted for that, and to do service here on Earth, subordinately to the other; and while they are in Preparation for the heavenly state. His principal design must be for that which is principal And concerning that (as was formerly argued) there can be no more doubt than whether Heaven or Earth, Eternity or Time, a fixed, permanent, everlasting, or a temporary, transitory, vanishing state of things be more valuable, and to be preferred.