One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

1. In our own Families, in training up children and servants in the way of the Lord, and inculcating the Doctrine of God upon them. This is a commanded duty, as you may see Deut. 6. 6, 7. And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. What then? and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lyest down, and when thou risest up. Morning and evening, rising up and lying down, at home and abroad, they should be instructing their Families. When the word of God is in the heart, thus it will break out. And ch. 11. 19. you have the same again. This is a duty God reckoneth upon, that you will not omit such a necessary piece of service. Gen. 18. 19. I know Abraham, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. God promiseth himself, that from Abraham and his Family he should have respect. God hath made many great promises to Abraham, as he doth now to all believers; but if you would have him bring upon you that which he hath spoken, you must not disappoint him. The seasoning of youth betimes in your Families, is a very great advantage. The Family is the Seminary of the Church and State; and usually those that are bred ill in the Family, they prove ill when they come abroad. A fault in the first concoction is not mended in the second; and therefore here you should be declaring the mind and counsel of God to them. Many that afterwards prove eminent Instruments of Gods glory, will bless you for it to all Eternity. It is the best love you can express to your children, when you take care to season them with the best things. A husband is charged to love his wife, how shall he express this love? Eph. 5. 25, 26. Even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, &c. I suppose the degree is not only commended for a Pattern, but the kind; it must be such a love as Christ bore to his Church: He gave himself for her, that he might sanctify her. It must be such a love as tends to sanctification. It is a poor kind of love Parents express to their Children, in providing great Estates and Portions for them, or bringing them up in Trades that they may thrive in the world; but when you train them up for Heaven, there's the best love. Prov.