CLII lectures vpon Psalme LI preached at Ashby-Delazouch in Leicester-shire / by that late faithfull and worthy minister of Iesus Christ, Mr. Arthur Hildersam.

Lecture LX. On Psalme 51.5. Iune 12. 1627.

THe second meanes all parents must use to destroy corruption of nature in their children, and to breed grace in them is Instruction. We heard in the motives, that parents are as expressely, and as often, and as straitly charged by God, to teach their children, as any minister is to teach his flocke. Yea, this do∣mesticall, and parently instruction God hath appointed, and sanctified for a speciall meanes to propagate religion, and to restraine and weaken the corrup∣tion of nature, and to prepare the heart, and make it more capable of grace. According as we heard from that speech of Hezekiah. Esa. 38.19. The living, the living, be shall praise thee, as I doe this day, the father to the children shall make knowne thy truth. Foure wayes there be, whereby you that are parents may, yea must do this.

[ 1] First, Betimes, while they are very young, as soone as they discover any ca∣pacity or understanding (as that they will doe, if you would observe it very soone) teach them to know God, to know what is good, and what is evill, teach them some few of the first, and easiest principles of religi∣on. Solomon saith when he was young and tender his father taught him, Pro. 4.3.4. Yea that his mother did so too, Pro. 31.1. And he oft putteth Gods peo∣ple in minde, not onely of the instruction and charge they received from their fathers, but also of the law or doctrine of their mothers, Pro. 1.8.6.20. which sheweth plainely, it was the practise of Gods Church then, that even mothers

were teachers of their children; even when they were very young and under their government, they were wont to teach them good things. Yea there is an expresse commandement for this, not onely that we should teach our children, but that we should teach them even when they are very young. Teach a child in his way, saith Solomon▪ Pro. 22.6. that is, that way that is fit for him, according to his capacity, as he is able to receive it, by a little at once, as you poure liquor into narrow mouthed bottells. As you do when first you begin to feed their bodies with the spoone, so must you do when first you begin to feed their soules with instruction.

Secondly, You must betimes acquaint them with the practise of religion, as [ 2] reading of the Word and prayer and giving of thankes at their meat and singing of Psalmes. We shall find, Mat. 21.15. that the little children had learned of their parents, to sing Hosanna part of the 118. Psalme to the praise of Christ. Yea more then this, parents should endeavour to restraine their children from evill and to breed in them a conscience of sin even while they are very young. You know the fourth commandement enjoyneth us, that not our selves onely rest from all our own works on the Sabbath but that our children do so too, Exo. ••0.10. Ezekiel professeth unto God, Ezek. 4 14 that from his child-hood (from his infancy as some read it) he had not eaten any thing that Gods law had forbidden. His parents had taught him even then (and yet then we know the appetite to meate is most strong, and unruly) to make conscience of it. Pa∣rents therefore must joyne instruction with corrections, that may breed in their children a knowledge and conscience of the sinne for which they correct them. Reproofes (or corrections) for instruction (saith Solomon, Pro. 6.23.) are the way of life. Without instruction, correction will do little good. And one fault amended by a child out of conscience, that it is a sin, is worth the amending of an hundred out of the feare of the rod onely. That which David saith of Gods corrections, may fitly be applyed to this, Psal. 94.12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Few or none, are the better even for the Lords rods, if they be corrected onely by him, if they be not instructed also.

Thirdly, You must bring them with you to the Church to the publique wor∣ship [ 3] of God, betimes even while they are very young, even so soone as they can come, and be there without disturbance of the Congregation, that they may be acquainted with Gods worship and ordinances betimes. Moses told Pha∣raoh, Exod. 10.9 they must have their little ones with them to the solemne wor∣ship they were to do unto God in the wildernesse; and would not accept of li∣berty for all the rest, unlesse they might have their little ones with them. And when Ioshuah (according to Gods commandement) read the law of God so∣lemnly to the Congregation of Israel, Io••••. 8.35. they had their little ones with them, in that solemne assembly. And when Christ was preaching in the Con∣gregation, the people brought their little children unto him, Mat. 19.13. that their little ones might have the benefit of his prayers.

Fourthly and lastly, You that are parents must examine your children how [ 4] they profit by the meanes of grace, try how they understand what they heare, repeate it, and make it plainer to them; and in repeating it, apply it also. Moses requireth the people, Deut. 6.6, 7. to teach that to their children, which they had heard of him. They might have objected, what needeth that, seeing they being present in the congregation, heard what thou taughtest as well as we? Yes, but thou must teach it them againe saith hee for all that, more plainly, more familiarly. Teach these things diligently to your children, saith hee; yea, whe•• and sharpen them upon your children (for so the word there signifieth) that is, so repeat, and make things plainer to them, as you may apply them also, & la∣bour to bring them to some feeling, and conscience of that that is taught them.

O how would Religion flourish, how would knowledge and grace grow in your children, if you that are parents would thus doe your duty, would bee teachers as well as wee, and lay to your helping hand to this worke? And the best ministery in the world will doe little good while you hang off, and will doe nothing.

Two objections there be, that some parents are apt to make against this.

First. It is an absurd thing (say they) to teach children religion, for them to meddle with the Scriptures, or for them to bee taught to say either their Cate∣chisme, or prayers, or grace. A Parrat may as well be taught these things, as a little child. For (alas) they have no capacity to understand, and bee sensible of such matters, and therefore it is but a taking of Gods name in vaine, to teach them such things.

Indeed, this hath ever beene the conceit of carnall men. Pharaoh could not abide to heare Moses say they must have their little ones with them to serve God, Exodus 10.10. And Matth. 21.15. When the high Priest and Scribes heard the little children meddle with the Psalme, and sing Hosanna, they were sore displeased. Yea, when the disciples themselves; Mar. 10.13 (carnall men also in this, as appeareth by the rebuke they received for it from their master, ver. 14. he was much displeased with them for it) when they saw men bring their children to Christ, they rebuked them for it. But this is but a carnall conceit, as shall appeare by three things that I have to answer unto it.

First. Children when they are very young, are capable of the seeds and be∣ginnings of regeneration, and saving grace. See a notable proofe for this, in the example of Iohn Baptist, Luk 1.44. Assoone as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine eares (saith his mother to Mary) the babe leaped in my wombe for joy. There were certainly in that babe the seeds; and beginnings of saving know∣ledge, and faith; of saving grace, both in his understanding, and in his will and affections also. But (you will say) that case was extraordinary and miraculous, I grant it was so indeed, yet is it to the purpose for all that. For it sheweth that the youngest infant is not so uncapable of saving grace, but that God is able to worke it even in them. And that this should encourage us, to use all the meanes wee can to breed grace in them betimes, because wee know not how soone God may bee pleased to worke with the meanes, and blesse them unto them. According to that of Ecclesi. 11.9. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with-hold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, ei∣ther this or that. But heare now some other examples to proove this, that are not so extraordinary, as that of Iohn Baptist was. First, for saving knowledge wee have the Apostles testimony of Timothy, 2 Tim. 3.15. that hee had knowne the holy Scriptures, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from his childhood, yea, from his infancy, as the word properly signifieth. And for the seeds and beginnings of holy affecti∣ons, see them in the little children of Gods people at Tyre, Acts 21.5. they shewed their love to the Apostle, and went with their parents, to bring him on his way unto the sea shore. And for conscience of sin, and feare to offend God, see it in Daniel. 1.8. Hee resolved with himselfe that (whatsoever came of it) he would not defile himselfe with the portion of the Kings meat, nor with the wine that hee dranke. And if you consider how long hee lived after this (in the reignes of foure Kings, Nebuchadnezzar, Evilm••rodach, Belshazzar, and Darius) it will appeare plainly, hee was very young when he made this consci∣ence of sinne.

Secondly, I answer. That childhood is the fittest age of all to bee wrought upon this way; children of all others, are the fittest to have the seeds and be∣ginnings of saving grace wrought in them. That which the Prophet saith by way of exprobation to the Iewes, may fitly bee applyed unto this purpose. Esa. 28.9. Whom shall hee teach knowleage? and whom shall hee make to un∣derstand

doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milke, and drawne from the breasts. They are not indeed fit to feed themselves, nor capable of strong meat, but they are the fittest of all other to bee fed, and dieted by others, to bee fed with milke. That is a comparison that the Apostle twice useth. 1 Cor. 3.2. Heb. 5.12. Your children while they are young, are like soft wax, apt to re∣ceive any impression, like little twigs, which you may bend and bow, which way you will. There is not in them that stubbornnesse, that spirit of contra∣diction, neither in their reason, nor will, to oppose and reason against good things, as you shall find in them of more yeares. In which respect our Saviour telleth us, Mar. 10.15. we must all be like unto them. Verily, I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdome of God as a little child, he shall not en∣ter therein.

Thirdly and lastly, I answer. That admit that your children have no under∣standing at all, nor feeling of the good things you teach them, while they are so young, admit no seeds, no beginnings of grace be wrought in them thereby then; yet will that which you teach them then, do them good afterward, and prepare, and make them fitter to receive good by the ordinary meanes of grace afterward, when they shall come to more understanding and discre∣tion. Wee baptize our children when they are infants, though they have for the present, no feeling nor understanding of it. It is twice noted of our Savi∣ours Disciples, Iohn 2.22. and 12.16. that the things which they under∣stood never a whit at the first, when Christ taught them, did them great good af∣terward. And the same is noted also of the disciples of Iohn, Iohn 10.41, 42. And parents may well thinke they have not lost their labour, but done a good, and blessed worke, if they have by their teaching prepared their children to re∣ceive good by the publike ministery of the Word. And thus have I answered the first objection.

The second objection they make is this. Admit that children by the teaching they have, may attaine to some beginnings of knowledge and grace, yet is there (say they) no heed to bee taken of the good things that bee in chil∣dren, they will quickly loose all againe. Many a young Saint hath proved an old Devill.

But to these that object this, I answere with the words of our Saviour to the Sadduces (for they are certainly little better then Sadduces, and Athiests, that say, or thinke thus) Matt. 22.29. Ye do erre, not knowing the Scriptures, and the power of God. For,

First, the Scripture teacheth us, that a great guesse may bee made what [ 1] our children will prove, when they grow in yeeres, by observing well their dis∣position when they are very young, Pro. 20.11. Even a child is knowne by his doing, whether his worke be pure, or whether it bee right. For then they cannot dissemble, but will more freely discover their inclinations, then they will doe when they are growne in yeares. And as experience hath proved in a number of lewd men••, our old proverbe to be true, soone it pricks, that thorne will be, they did when they were young discover a most ungracious disposition; so it hath also proved this true, of many worthy men, that the great towardnesse and inclinations unto good, that appeared in them, while they were very young, did presage what they would prove afterwards. And parents shall doe well to observe this, not onely that they may know thereby what cal∣lings to fit and prepare their children for; but also what vices they should chief∣ly labour to prevent in them, and what good things above others they should principally nourish in them.

Secondly. The Scripture teacheth us, that by teaching our children good [ 2] things while they are young, they will be made the better while they live, Pro. 22.6. Teach a child in his way, and when hee is old, hee will not depart from it.

And experience in all ages hath confirmed this, that as a vessell will long keepe the savour of that liquor it was first seasoned with, so doe men the instructions they have learned in their childhood. The seeds of knowledge and grace, which were sowne in Moses heart, by his mother, while she nursed him. Exod. 2.9, 10. could never be gotten out of him, by all the pleasures, and honors, and exam∣ples he had in Pharaohs Court.

[ 3] Thirdly. The Scripture teacheth us, that though some that have beene reli∣gious in their childhood, have proved most lewd (and so it hath beene with men too, as well as with children) yet the worthiest men, and such as have done God most excellent service, began to bee gracious and good betimes, even in their childhood. Many such examples we have, as Ioseph, and Moses, and Oba∣diah, 1 King. 18.12. and Ieremy, and Daniel, and Iohn Baptist, and Timothy, and many more. They that proved such excellent Saints, when they were old, were Saints when they were young. And on the other side; as of all that wee read were possessed with evill spirits, the divill was most hardly gotten out of him, whom he had possessed from his childhood, Mark 9.21, 29. so wee find by experience, that the most of them that are old divills in their age, were also young devills in their childhood, bewrayed much ungraciousnesse, even when they were very young. And thus have I finished the second meanes, that you that are parents must use to heale your childrens natures, and breed grace in them, you must instruct them betimes, even while they are very young.

The third meanes, is good example. You that are parents must care∣full to give good example unto your children; cause it to appeare unto them in your whole conversation, that your selves doe unfainedly feare God, and love good things. See three notable presidents, and examples of this care. 1. In Abraham, of whom God giveth this testimony, Gene. 18.19 that hee knew him that he would command his sons, and his house after him, to keep the way of the Lord, hee would goe before them himselfe in that way. 2. In Ioshua, I and my house (saith he. Iosh. 24.15.) will serve the Lord. 3. In David. Ps. 101.2. I will walke in the uprightnesse of mine heart, in the midst of mine house. With∣out this, neither your commandements, nor correction, nor instruction, will doe them any good. Therefore Paul requireth this even of Timothy, and Titus, men of such rare and extraordinary gifts, to see they gave good example, as well as teach well. 1 Timothy 4.12. Bee thou the example of the beleevers. And Titus 2 7. In all things, shew thy selfe a patterne of good workes. As if hee had said, you shall hardly doe good upon the people by your doctrine, if they shall not discerne in your lives, that your selves do beleeve, and make conscience of that which you teach, and perswade them unto. On the otherside, there is great force in example to draw others either to good or evill. See the force of a good example, even in an inferiour, specially such a one as we love. They that obey not the word (saith the Apostle, 1 Pet. 3.1.) may without the word be wonne by the good conversation of the wives. And the example of a superiour, of one whom we not only love, but reverence in our hearts, is of more force then any inferiours can be. The Apostle saith, Galat. 2.14. that Peter by his example, compelled the Gentiles to doe as the Iewes did. But domesticall exam∣ples, specially the example of parents, is of more force with their children, to do them either good or hurt, then all other examples are. See the force it hath to draw our children to goodnesse, at least in outward conformity, in three no∣table examples. It is said of Amazia King of Iuda, 2 Kin 14.3. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father, he did according to all things as Ioash his father did, And of Azaria (or Vzziah) his son, •• Kin. 15 3. Hee did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that Ama∣ziah his father had done. And of Iotham his son, 2 Kings 15.34. Hee did that

which was right in the sight of the Lord, he did according to all that his father Vz∣ziah had done. And on the other side, see the force that the parents example hath to corrupt their children in three other examples. The first of Zacharia, the King of Israel, of whom it is said, 2 Kings 15.9. Hee did evill in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done; he departed not from the sins of Ieroboam, hee would be of his fathers religion. The second is of the Samaritans, of whom it is said, 2 King. 17 41. These nations feared the Lord (made some kind of pro∣fession of the true religion, as the ten tribes had done) and served their graven Images too, both their children, and their childrens children did thus; as did their fathers, so doe they unto this day. The example of their fathers, drew them unto that idolatry, and rooted them in it. The third is of the kingdome, and Church of Iudah of which wee read, Iere. 17.1, 2. that the maine reason why they were so setled in their idolatry, that there was no hope of reclaiming them, it was graven upon the table of their heart, as with a pen of Iron, or with the point of a Diamond, the reason of it I say, is rendered to bee this, that their children remembred their altars, and their groves by the greene trees upon the high hills.

And certainly so it is also in these dayes; A chiefe cause why profanesse, and impiety doth so cleave to the hearts of most men, that no meanes are powerfull enough to reclaime them, is the evill example of parents. O thinke of this, you that are parents, and if nothing els will reclaime you from lewdnesse, and make you carefull to take heed to your wayes, yet let your love to your children doe it, that you may not corrupt them by your evill example. Is it not wrong enough that you have done unto them, in conveying into them so corrupt and cursed a nature, but will you also by your evill example make them two-fold more the children of hell, then they were by nature?

The fourth meanes parents must use for the saving of their childrens soules, is this, They must take heed how they dispose of them, when they place them abroad from them. And as every true Christian will bee carefull of placing of himselfe, that however he do for other commodities, and conveniences, he will not live where hee shall want the meanes of grace, but resolveth with David. Psal. 23.6. I will dwell in the house of the Lord, all the dayes of my life. So will hee in placing of his children, be carefull that they may doe so too. They must take heed what schoole-masters and tutors they send them to, what services, and what marriages they place them in 1. The Apostle Paul reporteth Act. 22 3 that he was sent by his parents to Ierusalem, the best schoole, the best Vniversity, the best colledge, & to Gamaliel the best teacher, the best tutour there, where he was was taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and learned to bee to zealous towards God. 2. As for services, it is threatned as a great curse to Gods people, that their children should serve the greatest Noble man, yea, the greatest Prince in the world, if he be a wicked man, and enemy to God, yea, though they serve him in the highest offices that may be. Thy sons that shall issue from thee (saith the Lord to Hezechiah, Esa. 39.7.) shall be Eunuches in the palace of the King of Babylon. 3. For marriages, we see the care of A∣braham first, Gen. 24.3, 4. and of Rebecca after, Gen. 27, 46. that their children might by no meanes match with the Canaanites.

Certainly in this point, most parents do evidently bewray, they have no care at all of their childrens soules. In placing of their children any of these three wayes, they aime at nothing but this, that they may get that that may make them able to live, and to live in credit, but as for living under the meanes of grace, for living so as they may live eternally, that they have no respect at all unto. Whereby they shew themselves to be wholy sensuall, not having the spirit, as the Apostle speaketh, Iude 19.

The fift and last meanes, without which all the former are to no purpose, is

prayer. Parents must be earnest with God, in prayer, for their children. Solo∣mons mother calleth him the son of her vowes, Pro. 31.2. she had beene wont to pray much for him. They should not onely use these meanes, but pray earnestly to God to give them wisdome, to know what they may do to destroy corrupti∣on, and breed grace in their children. They should pray as Manoah did, Iudg. 13.8. Lord teach me what I shall do to the child, that thou hast given me. We should do as the woman of Canaan did. complaine to God of the corruption that is in our childrens natures, and desire him to heale it. Have mercy on me O Lord (saith she, Mat. 15.22.) my child is miserably vexed with a divell. And as Iob did, Iob 1.5. offer sacrifice daily for them, pray daily for them, that God would forgive them their sins.

Now to conclude all this that I have said, touching the Meanes that parents are to use for the restraining and weakning of that corruption in their children, which they have infected them with, and to breed grace in them. Though I cannot assure you that if you use these meanes, you shall see the effect and fruit of them, in every one of your children; but you may justly object that many parents that have been as carefull as is possible in the use of these means, have had as ungracious children as any others (for the Lord is the God of all grace and the onely author of it, 1 Pet. 5.10. and he giveth successe and fruit to all meanes thereof, 1 Cor. 3.6. and he worketh herein most freely, according to the good purpose of his owne will; as the wind bloweth where it listeth, Ioh 3.8. he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardneth, Rom. 9.18.) Yet have I two things to say for your incouragement and comfort that are Christian parents, 1 None have more cause to expect and with patience to wait for a blessing from God, in the use of the meanes of grace towards any, then you have to∣wards your children, because of the promises God hath made to you concerning your children, Gen. 17.7. Psal. 22.29, 30. Esa. 44.3. And the fruit of your la∣bour may appeare hereafter, though it do not yet; as experience hath proved in many good mens children, that for a long time lived most ungraciously. 2. Admit God be never pleased to vouchsafe a blessing to your labours, in your children, yet shall your labours and the fruit of them rebound into your own bo∣some, Psal. 35.13. For 1 you highly please God in doing your duty, and he accepteth your worke neverthelesse, Esa. 49.4. 2 Cor. 8.12. which will yeeld you unspeakable comfort, 2 Cor. 1.12. 2 You have hereby delivered your owne soules so as the sins and damnation of your ungracious children, shall ne∣ver be imputed unto you, Ezek. 3.19.

Notes

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