N07105:61
The well-ordered family
The well-ordered family: wherein the duties of it's [sic] various members are described and urged. A small, but very comprehensive piece, suitable to be in the hand of every householder [sic]; and may be especially seasonable in the present day. / By that eminently pious and learned divine, Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Minister of the Gospel at Preston. ; [Two lines from John]The well-ordered family: wherein the duties of it's [sic] various members are described and urged. A small, but very comprehensive piece, suitable to be in the hand of every housholder [sic]; and may be especially seasonable in the present day. / By that eminently pious and learned divine, Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Minister of the Gospel at Preston. ; [Two lines from John]
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland, 1762
The Well-Ordered Family. › Section 3: Of the Duties of Parents to their Children.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Let Children be Catechized constantly from Day to Day; only with this Caveat, that Parents deal with ⟨p. 12⟩their Children, as skilful Nurses and Mothers do in feeding their Children, not to give them too much at once: over much dulls a Child's Understanding, and breeds Wearisomeness to it; it is most suitable to give them Precept upon Precept, Precept upon Precept, Line upon Line, Line upon Line, here a little, & there a little, Isai. 28.10. Thus shall they learn with Ease & Delight, and in Time a great Measure of Knowledge will be gained thereby.
3. Let Parents declare to their Children, the admirable Works that God in former Times hath done for his Church, especially such Works as he hath done in their Time: outward sensible Things do best work upon Children, and therefore this Direction was given under the Law, Josh. 4.6.21.
4. Let Parents be to their Children a good Pattern in Piety, leading them to Christ by their Examples: This will take Place with Children, more than all Precepts or parental Instructions: But as for me (said Joshua) and my House, we will serve the Lord: Josh. 14.13. He sets himself first, as a Guide to the rest.