The first Duty of Parents for the Souls of their Children, is, to consecrate them to God in Baptism.

First, They ought to consecrate their Children to God in Baptism, so soon as conveniently they can: They cannot better express their gratitude to God for blessing them with Children, than by presenting them to him again in this holy Ordinance; that he may Page  5 set his Seal upon them, and admit them into his House and Family; that he may bestow upon them the priviledges of his Children, and give them a Right and Title to the Blessedness, the Grace and Glory purchased by Jesus Christ. It is for this End that Baptism is in∣stituted; not only to be a Ceremony of Admission into the Church, but to seal unto us the pardon of our Sins, to assure us of the Divine Favour, to make us Members of Christ, Heirs of God, and Inheritours of the Kingdom of Heaven, if we by wilful impeuitency and unbe∣lief, do not afterwards hinder and fru∣strate the Virtue thereof. It is not ne∣cessary for Parents to enquire how such things are done by Baptism; it is enough for them to know, That Baptism is ap∣pointed for those Ends, and we are sure that God appoints nothing in vain: Our Saviour is said, Eph. 5.26. To sanctify and cleanse his Church with the washing of water by the Word. And, Tit. 3.5. he is said to save us by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. And in the 22d. of the Acts and 16. it is said by Ananias unto Paul, A∣rise and be baptized, and wash away thy Sins: And says St. Peter, 1 Epist. 3.21. Page  6 The like Figure whereunto, even Baptism doth now also save us (not the putting away of the filth of the Flesh, but the answer of a good Conscience towards God,) by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And St. Paul tells us, Gal. 3.27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ: Which words import not only our owning and acknowledging him as the Saviour of the World, who alone is able to wash and cleanse us with his Blood, but also our professing our resolution to live holy lives, to walk in newness of life according to his Example; in token of which in the an∣cient Church, they who were baptized, were presently cloathed with White Rayment, to testify their resolution to live in holiness, and to put off the Old Man, that is, all their former wicked Deeds and Customs, and filthy Practi∣ces. Likewise, Rom. 6.3, and 4. it is thus written, Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death? There∣fore we are buried with him by Bap∣tism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of Life. These Page  7 words import not only our belief of a crucified Saviour, who dyed and was buried for sin, to save us from it; but al∣so our Repentance, whereby we re∣nounce sin, as dead and buried to it for the time to come. The general Design of this Sacrament, being suffi∣ciently plain and clear from these and other Scriptures; it is to little pur∣pose, (and oftentimes it proves to very ill purpose) to enquire any further as to particulars; for by so doing, a great many persons judging of divine things by their own weak and foolish appre∣hensions, have reasoned themselves (if I may so speak) both out of their Rea∣son and Religion.

2. Duty, to season their Minds betimes with good Impressions.

Secondly, When Children begin to speak and to discover some dawnings of Reason, it is fit to season their Minds with some good Thoughts, with some divine Impressions, that Religion be∣times may catch hold of their tender and innocent Minds, before they are corrupted and defiled with bad Princi∣ples, and vain & unreasonable Opinions, Page  8 which they are apt to learn too soon from evil Company. Teach them who made them; who dyed for them; for what end they were made; whither good Children go when they dye, and whither naughty Children go; what a place Hea∣ven is, and Hell, &c. These and such like plain and easie things are to be told them, which they can understand, and which may make some impression on their minds. In teaching Children such matters, it is necessary to condescend to their weak capacity: It is not fit to ask them such Questions at all times, nor yet to say too much to them at a∣ny one time: Such Instructions are to be dropt into their minds softly and leisurely, so as not to oppress them, but to recreate them; not to be a burden to them, but a pleasure. It cannot be expressed how great Advantages attend such early Instructions; these are the Seeds of Virtue, which take root insen∣sibly, and spring up sometimes very un∣expectedly; the Impressions which they make continue a great while, as Earthen Vessels retain the savour of that Liquor which was first put into them a long time after: So powerful are these first Instructions, that they are able to con∣quer Page  9 even Nature it self. The famous Lycurgus made this appear, by bring∣ing into the Market-place two Dogs of one Litter, and presenting before them a Pot of Pottage and a Hare; one of them (which was trained up in Hunting) run after the Hare; and the other (which was brought up in the House) fell to the Pottage. What a wonderful power may we daily ob∣serve in those early impressions which are made on mens minds? Thereby it comes to pass, that the most absurd and extravagant Opinions, which have been suck'd in, when one was young, can hardly be removed by the clearest and strongest Reasonings.

3. Duty, to teach them to pray.

Thirdly, Teach them, so soon as may be, to pray to God Morning and Evening; To say after you, or others whom you appoint for that purpose, two or three short Petitions, which are easie to be understood; and as their Understanding and Capacity in∣creaseth, teach them the Lord's Pray∣er; and after that some larger Form of Prayer, which they may say after Page  10 you, till they can read it themselves, or get it by heart.

You are to have a special care, that they perform their Devotions in as grave and serious a manner as their years can admit: You are to keep them from all sorts of indecent Acti∣ons and Postures, when they say their Prayers: For this end, you are to teach them who it is they speak to when they pray, and what these things mean, which they pray for.

Chuse the fittest times for them, wherein to say their Prayers: as in the Morning, when-ever they arise; while their Spirits are most vigorous, and their Thoughts most free. At Night let them say their Prayers rather be∣fore Supper than after; because after Supper, they are more apt to be very dull and sleepy, and thereby less fit for such a performance. God is not to be served with the refuse of our thoughts, and with sluggish sleepy de∣sires; but with our best and most live∣ly affections, and with the strength and fervour of our desires.

You are to prevent their omitting their Prayers at any one time; because doing so once or twice, they are apt Page  11 to neglect them wholly, or to return to them with great aversness: Where∣as Custom and Constancy in perform∣ing their Devotions, will make them much more easie and pleasant to them.

When they are possessed with more perfect and solid thoughts about Re∣ligion, with stronger and more lively impressions of Divine things, and are able without great difficulty to express the sense of their Souls; They may do what they find does serve best the great purposes of Devotion: If praying without restraining themselves to any particular Form of Words, contribute more to their fervency and elevation of mind in Prayer, let them pray with∣out using a Form: But if they find that their Minds are more stayed and fixed, and their fervency and devotion greater in the use of a Form than with∣out it, let them do that which they find best.

When they pray for outward and temporal things, teach them to do it with an entire submission to the Will of God, who hath promised perishing things conditionally, that is, so far as he sees the bestowing of them will be for his Glory, and the good of his Page  12 Children: Therefore they must not be vehement and importunate in their de∣sires and Prayers for such things, but ought to pray for them with great hu∣mility and resignation to the Divine Will. As for spiritual Blessings, to wit, the pardon of Sin, the direction and assistance of the Spirit of God, his Grace to help them in time of need, power and strength to fight against the Devil, the World, and the Flesh, &c. These things are to be prayed for with all the importunity and earnest∣ness that is possible. The more vehe∣ment and fervent their desires and Prayers are for such things, the more acceptable are they to God, and the more likely to obtain from him the desires of their Souls; for he hath pro∣mised to satisfie the longing Soul with good things.

4. Duty, to observe carefully their tem∣per and disposition, and to endeavour to reform what is amiss therein.

Fourthly, Observe carefully their Temper and Disposition, what Vices they are most inclined to; If they are sturdy and proud, peevish and passio∣nate, Page  13 cunning, given to lying, flattery, and dissimulation; if they are conceit∣ed, rash, and unadvised, &c. Endea∣vour all you can to bend their minds another way: For Example, if they are sturdy and proud, strive to humble them, and break them, to tame their proud Spirits; accustom them to the doing acts of humility; do not gra∣tifie them in those things that are apt to make them proud; cause them to yield, and to submit to your Will, or to the Will of others, whom you think fit they should obey.

If you find them peevish and passio∣nate, teach them to be meek and gen∣tle; to be of a sweet and mild dispo∣sition; to love those who have done or said somewhat that crossed them; not to seek revenge, but to forgive them, and to be kind to them; to be ready, when they have occasion, to do them good for evil.

If they be given to Lying, shew them the evil of it, that a lying Tongue is an abomination to the Lord, Prov. 6.17. That the Devil is the Father of Lyars, and that they are in the num∣ber of those that are shut out of the new Jerusalem, and have their part in Page  14 the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, Rev. 21.8. and 22.15. Shew them how great hurt it will do them, and what shame it will bring upon them; That if they be found Lyars, people will not believe them, even when they speak Truth. Encourage them to confess their faults, if they have done any thing amiss; be apt to pardon them when they confess, and tell the Truth; and commend them for doing so: But if you find them in a Lye, be sure to chastise them for it, especially if they have done it oftner than once. Nothing tends more to the spoiling of Children, than their getting into such a habit: This is a Vice that grows up apace, if not time∣ly cured by good Education; There∣by they learn to grow so false and dis∣ingenuous, that they are not fit to be trusted or employed.

If you find them to be of too prodi∣gal a Temper, apt to be too profuse in their Expences; ready to throw away their Money upon Trifles, and when there is no reasonable occasion for it; you ought by all prudent and proper Methods to endeavour to make them a little more discreet and care∣ful; Page  15 That they waste nothing in vain, that may be of use to poor people; That they do not throw away that which may do good at some time or other. Suggest often to them, that we are Stewards of whatever God be∣stows upon us, that he will call us to an account; and that therefore we ought to employ to good purpose all those good things he gives us. Shew them what our Saviour said to his Di∣sciples, after he had sed five thousand men with five Loaves and two Fishes, Joh. 6.12. When they were filled, he said unto his Disciples, Gather up the frag∣ments that remain, that nothing be lost. He would not have any thing lost, or thrown away unnecessarily, which might be useful afterwards to one or other.

If you find them of a covetous Tem∣per, endeavour to enlarge their thoughts by the Principles of Christian Charity: Shew them what an excel∣lent thing it is to do good; to shew mercy and kindness; to make peoples hearts glad: Accustom them to the doing such kind and charitable offices; for which end, give them now and then money, and other things to bestow on Page  16 those who are poor and needy. Shew them the evil of Covetousness; that it's the root of all evil, that it takes the heart off from God, and rendereth it unfit for the consideration of Divine things, and for all worthy and useful designs; that it disposeth a man for the basest and vilest actions and undertakings, as it did Judas to betray his Lord; That it bereaves him of true repose and sa∣tisfaction of mind, and pierceth him through with many sorrows, 1 Tim. 6.9, 10.

If you perceive them to be naturally melancholy, and fearful of every little thing, endeavour to chear up their Spirits: Suggest to them such conside∣rations, and possess them with such Maxims and Principles, as tend to for∣tifie their minds against those things which are apt to make them uneasie, and are the occasion of their fear. If their distemper proceed from some bo∣dily indisposition, as oft-times it does, use such helps as are necessary: When such evil habits of body are once root∣ed and strongly fixed, and when the blood and spirits are deeply infected therewith, they are a very grievous clog to the Soul, and a great hindrance Page  17 to that chearfulness and liberty of Spi∣rit, wherewith people ought always to endeavour to serve God.

If you see them to be of too gay and airy a Temper, so that they can∣not fix and be stayed at any time, you are to use a great deal of prudence and discretion to compose and settle their Spirits; See that they use their Wit and Fancy without giving offence, and that they hurt no body by indecent reflections: Let them by no means take liberty to indulge their humour in jesting about things that are Sacred, or that have any relation thereto: But you are to take heed lest your endea∣vouring to cure one fault, occasion a∣nother; lest your striving to deliver them from one extream, drive them to the contrary, that is, lest instead of their being too gay, you make them melancholy and dull: Their Wit and Spirit is not to be rooted out, but re∣formed and rightly managed; for this may be of use for seasoning and sweet∣ning Conversation.

If you observe them to be rash and forward, ready to speak and act with∣out due consideration; strive to make them more cautious and circumspect; Page  18 to reflect and think a little more, on what they say and do; lest other∣wise, they fall into a habit of speaking and acting impertinently and indiscreet∣ly: when they say or do a foolish thing, for lack of consideration, then take occasion to make them sensible what a shame it is for them to do so; what a reproach to those who are rea∣sonable Creatures, to speak and act like fools without Reason and Under∣standing: Shew them some of the bad consequences which attend speaking and acting in this manner.

Thus you are to make it your Busi∣ness to consider what are their defects and faults, and to do all that you can to cure them thereof, and to direct them in the ways of Wisdom and Virtue.

5. Duty, to see that they be taught to Read.

Fifthly, When once they are of an Age fit for it, see that they be taught to read, that thereby they may be able to make use of the Holy Bible. If your condition in the World is such, as disables you from doing much for Page  19 them as to their outward Estate; yet if you do this, it may prove (unless it be their own fault) of unspeakable advantage to them, and in some sense better than a great Portion. It is sad to see how a great many bestow rea∣dily enough on their Children, to learn a gainful Trade, that they may get Wealth: And yet they are very un∣willing to give a little money to one to teach them to read that sacred Book, which instructs them in the Art of be∣ing happy; how to be saved; how to obtain a Crown of Glory; to pur∣chase a Kingdom which cannot be sha∣ken; to obtain a Pearl of greatest price, and enduring Substance. The Word of God doth teach us all this; It's given to make us Wise to Salvation, that we may make our Calling and our E∣lection sure; and therefore neglect not to do this for them, to teach them to read: And when they can do it, cause them every day to read more or less in that Sacred Book: See that they do it with great Reverence, as being the Word of God: Cause them to consi∣der who it is that speaketh to them therein; and what it is that he com∣mands, promises, or threatens; direct Page  20 them at first to read such places, as are most easie to be understood, and which are apt to make the deepest impressions: After they have read, see what they remember; cause them to tell you what they can call to mind: Explain to them so far as you are able, what they do not know; especially in such things as are most useful to make them wiser and better. Appoint them now and then a verse or two, to get by heart; cause them to repeat them with due gravity; let them not do it in a trifling manner, as if they were telling a silly Story. Do not appoint them too many things to be got by heart; for this will do more hurt than good: A few things well understood do better than a great many by rote.

*Be careful lest they read any Books which tend to poyson their minds, to fill them with false Opinions, or to lead them to bad practices: Their tender minds are apt very quickly to be cor∣rupted by such Treatises. Even they who are of a more fixed and solid Vir∣tue, are in danger of receiving hurt by reading such Books; especially Page  21 when they are writ with great Art, and when their Notions are represented in fair and Beautiful Colours; They are apt to impress on the fancy some Ima∣ges of no good consequence to the Soul: How great need therefore have Parents to restrain their Children from reading such Books as tend to pollute their innocent and chaste minds, which are capable of receiving any sort of im∣pressions either good or bad?

As for Books of Devotion; great care is to be taken, that only such be put into their hands as are writ in a plain and easie style; which treat of things fit and needful to be known by them; and which are most likely to make them Wise and Good. They are to be accustomed to the Writings of those who are Men of greatest Mode∣ration; who do not impose their own conceits, as necessary Rules of Devo∣tion; who do not require such things as absolutely needful to be done, which God hath not declared to be so; nor yet who shorten the Rule, by cut∣ting off such things as God hath in∣joyned us: All Books which lead men to extreams, are carefully to be avoid∣ed; and such Treatises are to be made Page  22 use of, as contain the plain and neces∣sary Doctrines of Christianity; which tend to inspire Men with the Spirit of Purity, of Truth, of Peace and Love; which promote Sincerity, Justice, Tem∣perance, Charity, Meekness, Humility, Patience, Resignation to the will of God in all things, Zeal for his Ho∣nour and Glory, a firm belief and trust in him, &c.

When it is requisite to acquaint them with the different Opinions amongst Protestants, that their minds may not be unfixed and unsettled, when they go abroad into the World; be sure not to put into their hands such Tracts as are writ with a fiery uncharitable Spi∣rit, and in a dogmatick and magiste∣rial manner; but such as are writ with great Temper and Moderation; which tend to heal the Church of all Conten∣tions and Divisions, and not to kindle and increase them; which do not load Mens Opinions with unjust, extrava∣gant, and impious consequences, which never entred into the minds of those who vouched them: but such as make fair and fovourable constructions, and just allowances. Such Practices are chief∣ly to be chosen for them, which dis∣pose Page  23 Men to be humble and modest; not to be stiff and pertinacious in their own private Sentiments; not rashly and severely to condemn others who have different thoughts; and never on the account of any such particular O∣pinions to break the peace of Christian Society; nor to grow more cold in their respect and affection towards those who have not the same thoughts with themselves in lesser matters. They are as it were, to feed upon Books of this sort, and carefully to digest them.

6. Duty, to bring them to the place of pub∣lick Worship so soon as they are fit for it.

Sixthly, You are to bring them to the place of publick Worship so soon as they are fit for it, that they may have the benefit of the Prayers of God's People, and may learn, as they are ca∣pable, somewhat that may make them wiser and better. Take heed how they carry themselves in the House of God, that it be with all possible silence and reverence; and that they perform their publick Devotions in a decent manner. When they come from Church, see what they remember; if they have got Page  24 any thing by heart, encourage them: If they remember nothing, you may tell them somewhat or other of the Sermon which is fit for them to learn. Endea∣vour by their constant attendance on the publick Worship, to beget in them a mighty regard thereto, as be∣ing one great means appointed of God to increase in them, true Knowledge and Piety. Let them not spend the rest of the Lords day in rambling about; but so far as their age can bear it, let them be imployed usefully.

7. Duty, to make them understand their Baptismal Covenant.

Seventhly, Do all that you can to make them understand their Baptismal Covenant; and if there be opportuni∣ty to own and renew it publickly and solemnly, fail not to encourage their doing it. It's of great importance for them, to make a solemn profession of their Faith, and to declare their Re∣solution of performing their Baptismal Promise: It is of great advantage to them, at such an occasion, to have the Prayers of the Church, and particu∣larly of those, who are appointed of Page  25 God, to bless the People. It is true, the great abuses which have been com∣mitted in the performance of this an∣cient Ceremony, have made many people to slight and neglect it; but if Confirmation were performed with that care and seriousness, which ought to be used on such an occasion, it is a custom which might be of marvellous benefit in the Church; both to stir up Parents to instruct their Children, and Ministers to Catechise them, and ac∣quaint them with those things that are needful for them to know, to believe, and to do. The careful and Religi∣ous use of it, would tye Children more strictly to mind the great concerns of their Souls; it would afford them oc∣casion to consider what it is to have been baptised, and to be a Christian: It would work in them a more powerful sense of the Obligations of Christia∣nity; and make them more careful to live up to that holy Religion, where∣of they made so publick a profession: It would make them more afraid to do bad things, against which they had protested so solemnly. And not only fear, but shame in this case, would re∣strain them from doing wickedly. This Page  26 would be to young People a great de∣fence against Temptations: Bad men would not so boldly ask them to sin, if they knew they had openly and so∣lemnly disowned and renounced them, and all their wicked Courses; and if they were tempted, they would be more apt to say in their own minds; Shall we do such wicked things, and run the ha∣zard of being Covenant-breakers, and perjured persons? Shall we commit such Villanies, and practice such Abo∣minations, and thereby break our so∣lemn Vow and Engagement? Shall we by our folly and impiety give occasion of offence and scandal to the Church of Christ, which he hath purchased with his Blood? Shall we renounce the Captain of our Salvation, and prove Deserters, who have so lately vowed to renounce the Devil and all his Works? What a mighty defence would this be to your Children, when assaulted by the fiery Darts of the Devil, the Va∣nities of the World, and the lusts of their own deceitful hearts; to consi∣der, that by their own actual Consent, they have renounced all these, and gi∣ven up themselves into the hands of God, to be kept by his mighty Power, Page  27 through Faith unto Salvation? They have vowed, and they ought to per∣form it, to keep his righteous Judg∣ments. These things being impar∣tially considered, should mightily ex∣cite Parents to see that their Children do openly and solemnly profess their Faith in Christ crucified; their reso∣lution to obey him, to serve him, and love him, to fight under his Banner, against sin, the Devil, and the World, and to continue his Faithful Souldiers and Servants unto their lives end. Is not this your Glory, that your Chil∣dren are Christians? and do you think it a shame or dishonour for you or them, if they make a solemn professi∣on of their Christianity; that they a∣vow their Religion, and will by Gods help make good the promise which was made in their Name in Baptism? Of so great importance is this Custom, that the greatest men amongst the Re∣formers did highly commend it, and did earnestly with that it might be re∣stored, as a thing of great use to∣wards the reviving the true Spirit of Christianity.

8. Duty, to encourage them to come to the Lord's Table.

Eighthly, When they are fit for it, you should encourage them to come to the Table of the Lord, that they may be strengthened in their most holy Faith, and further assured of the love of God; that they may make a publick profession of their Christianity, of their love to their Lord and Master Jesus, of their Charity to all Men, and of their sincere affection to those who are Christs Mem∣bers and Followers: They ought to make use of this holy Sacrament, that their love to their dearest Lord and Sa∣viour may be kindled and enflamed, by remembring his Love, and shewing forth his Death; that they may bind them∣selves more strictly to serve and obey him, and to fulfil their Baptismal En∣gagement. How glad should Parents be to see their Children advanced to this honour, to eat and drink at their Lord's Table, to partake of so great a Testimony of his Kindness and Friend∣ship? How earnestly should they en∣courage them to embrace this opportu∣nity of renewing their Covenant with Page  29 the Lord, to live and to dye his faith∣ful Servants? Do you not desire to have them saved, to have them delivered from their Lusts and Passions, their Pride and Revenge, Uncharitableness and Malice, their Hatred and Envy, and from all manner of Sin and Folly, to be made pure and clean in Heart and Life, to be made meet for that ho∣ly place, where no unclean thing can enter? Do you not desire that their Sins may be blotted out, that they may be washed with the Blood of their Sa∣viour? And yet do you not advise and entreat them for their Souls Health and Safety, to come to the Holy Communi∣on, which is designed for these excel∣lent and great Ends and Purposes? But, alas! how far are too many Parents from doing this for their Children? How many do either wholly, or for the most part, neglect and slight this holy Ordinance themselves, as if our Lord had without any just or necessary ground appointed it? How can such Persons expect the precious Fruits of the Death of Christ, who will not remember his Death, when he so lovingly and kindly calls and invites them to do it? Do this in remembrance of me. What a Page  30 great Argument is it of a wonderful de∣cay of true Piety and Religion in the World, when Men do thus despise and set at naught the kindness of their Lord and Saviour? When they refuse to do a thing, so just and reasonable, and so easie as this is; which tends so much to his Glory and their own true Happiness and Welfare, both here and hereafter?

9. Duty, to take care that they ac∣custom themselves to Self-Exa∣mination.

Ninthly, When they are fit for it, see that they accustom themselves to Self-Examination, that they spend a few moments every night (if another time of the day be not more conve∣nient for them to do it in,) in calling themselves to an account; That they may see what good or what evil they have done; That they may give praise and thanks unto God for any thing they have done, which was good and right; and that they may confess their Sins and Follies, begging his gracious pardon; Page  31 and renewing their purposes and re∣solutions to do better for the time to come.

But besides these daily short Re∣views of their Heart and Life, 'tis fit to call upon them when they are well advanced in years, to a more strict and solemn Examination of themselves; to Prayer and Fasting, as their Age and Strength can bear it. This may be done once a Month, or once in two Months, or once a Quarter at least. As to their abstinence from Food on such days, there's no Rule can be given to serve all persons; if they can fast one meal or two, it is well; if not, then they may eat less at a time, and of such things as are less apt to be a hinderance to their Devotion: That is to be done that serves most to render them fit for Prayer and Meditation. It will be convenient in order to their doing this to good purpose, to be directed to a method, that so their Thoughts may not wander and be unfixed: For which end, it will be of good use, to have the direction of their Minister, if he be a discreet and good Man, or of some o∣ther prudent serious Christian Friend: Page  32 Or you may recommend to them some plain and easie short Treatise on this Subject, such as you shall find written discreetly with due moderation of Spi∣rit.

There is not any one method can be prescribed for all persons, nor fit for all times: But in general, upon such days it's fit for them to begin with Prayer to God, humbly begging the Divine Assistance and Direction; that he may open their eyes to see their sin and folly; and to discover his mercy and kindness, his long suffering and patience towards them, that they may be thereby led to Repentance.

They may next enquire particularly and strictly into their ways and doings; which they may do, by considering what have been their thoughts, their words and deeds; each of which they are to examine according to the Rule of God's Word: Or, (which comes to the same thing) they may go over the Com∣mandments, and see wherein they have broken any of them: Wherein they find themselves guilty, they are with un∣feigned sorrow and inward contrition, to confess it, to mourn for it, and ear∣nestly to beg forgiveness of God; re∣solving Page  33 with full purpose of heart, to do so no more; but to cease from evil, and to learn to do well. They are to con∣sider what Temptations they are most in danger of; that they may avoid them: They are also to consider what course they must take, and what Christian Methods they must use, to overcome their evil Inclinations, and foolish and bad Customs; and they are to resolve to govern themselves accordingly; and sin∣cerely to endeavour to go on unto perfection. After this, they may reflect on the kind Providences they have met with; that their Souls may be fil∣led with a grateful sense thereof; that they may return all praise and thanks to God for his mercy and love; and may be excited for the time to come, to trust more firmly in him, and to de∣pend upon him. They may particu∣larly consider, wherein God hath been pleased to answer their Prayers, and to grant them the good things they have asked of him for their Souls and Bodies, for themselves or for others; that their Piety and Love to God may be there∣by the more kindled, and their Devo∣tion excited; that their Faith and Hope may be made more strong and live∣ly.

Page  34They may take notice likewise of the Corrections and Chastisements, where∣with God hath thought fit to exercise them; that thereby they may be a∣wakened from sin, and made wiser and better for the time to come.

It will be very useful for them to have a Note in writing of those vari∣ous particulars; that they may on such days review them, and with the more ease make such Reflections on them, as tend to their improvement in real Pie∣ty.

Besides these Acts of Devotion, which concern themselves immediately; it will be fit on such days to make earnest and hearty Prayers to God for all Mankind; for the Conversion of Jews, Turks and Pagans: For the Reformati∣on of those Christian Countries that are corrupted with Superstition and Idolatry; for Union amongst those that are divided in their Opinions about les∣ser matters; for deliverance to those who are persecuted for Righteousness sake; and for these Lands, (that God may inspire us with a Spirit of Peace, of Love, and of true Piety;) For our King and Queen; for all Judges and Ma∣gistrates; for all the Ministers of the Page  35 Gospel; for all their Frie nds and Rela∣tions; for all their Enemies, and for all who desire their Prayers; of whom it is not unfit to keep a particular Note in writing, that this Christian Office may be performed towards them with all faithfulness and kindness.

They are next to consider, what may be done by them for the honour of God and the good of Men; and are to resolve to do some Act or other of Piety or Cha∣rity, which may be of real advantage to Mens Souls or Bodies.

One thing more I shall mention, which may be very useful on such days; and that is, That they consider what are the things wherein they desire more earnestly the divine Assistance and Di∣rection; which they may write down distinctly, that they may renew their Petitions therein every day. And there∣after, especially on such days as they appoint for more solemn Reflection and Humiliation, they may consider what Answers God has been pleased to afford them.

These are a few General Heads on this Subject, which may be of great ad∣vantage, in order to the promoting of true Devotion: But the designed brevi∣ty Page  36 of this Treatise does not permit the enlarging upon them.

10. Duty, to observe what Providences they meet with, and to acquaint them therewith in due time.

Lastly, Consider what Providences they meet with, what signal Mercies and Favours their merciful Father bestow∣eth upon them; what Dangers and Hazards they have escaped; wherein God's kindness and mighty power has appeared towards them, in preserving them, and keeping them alive: Keep a Note thereof in writing; that so when they come to be of age, you may ac∣quaint them therewith, that they may therein read the loving kindness and tender Mercies of the Lord, and his wonderful goodness and favour towards them; and may be excited to be thank∣ful, and to put their trust and confi∣dence in him, whose Mercies are over all his Works. But, alas! How far are most Parents from doing this? Very few do any such thing for themselves; the Mercies of God are renewed to them every morning, they live at his cost and charge, he gives them richly all Page  37 things to enjoy; all their good things are from him alone: But how little do they consider, and take notice of the Hand of God, in those many and great benefits he loads them with every hour and moment? They do not reflect up∣on the great and marvellous things that he does for them; they live as if they were altogether insensible of God's mercies and loving kindnesses; and no wonder if they take little thought to possess their Children with any Im∣pressions of that whereof they have no sense themselves.

Some Directions to Parents, how to render their Endeavours effectual.

Now, to render your Admonitions and all other Endeavours effectual,* for the good of your Chil∣dren; First, you must give them good Example; when you bid them read or pray, or partake of the Holy Sacrament, or attend the publick Worship, &c. you must do (so far as is needful and fit) the same things your selves: This will make your Admoni∣tions successful: Children learn more Page  38 by the eye than by the ear. If they see you do contrary to what you ad∣vise them, they will be apt to think you do not believe what you say; or that you are very cruel and unmerciful to∣wards them, to bind heavy burdens up∣on them, and not to touch them your selves; and if you should constrain your Children to do what you do not your selves; what would it signify? It would only make them Hypocrites and Dis∣semblers, to do that which they have no heart unto, and which they are not persuaded to be their Duty. Such Chil∣dren, when once the restraint and force which is upon them is removed, will be sure to give themselves the full swing in all manner of Folly; they will do those things which they have seen in you, and learned by your Example.

*2dly. Chuse good Com∣pany for your Children, (so far as you have op∣portunity and ability to do it,) otherwise, neither your Admo∣nitions nor Examples will signifie much: Their ordinary Company, if naughty, will pull down faster than yeu are able to build: Corrupt Nature is easily drawn away by the Example and Allurements Page  39 of sinners; This is like going down hill, which is easie, considering Mens natu∣ral bent and inclination: Whereas Self-denyal and mortifying our Lusts and Passions, is more difficult, especi∣ally at first, like going up hill. When therefore you see your Children fal∣ling into the acquaintance of vicious and foolish Persons, delay not to rescue them from the share; to break off their Familiarity, that they be not corrupt∣ed thereby, and utterly ruined. We see how careful People are to keep their Children from those who have the Small Pox, or any other infectious Di∣stemper; and yet what a strange mad∣ness is it for them to trust them to the Society of those, whose Lives and Man∣ners are full of the deadly Poyson of Sin, which infects and kills the Soul.

As this Rule is neces∣sary to be followed at all times,* so especially when Parents send their Chil∣dren into Foreign Coun∣tries, when they are fit to Travel; how careful should they be not to trust them to every body? But to the Conduct of those who not only may be useful to advance them in the Page  40 Knowledge of the World, to assist them in their Journeyings, to take care about their Lodging and Diet, to wait on them to visit great Men, to see fine Places, curious Fabricks, famous Mo∣numents, and ancient Inscriptions, to learn the Language of the Countrey, and the different Modes and Fashions, the Government and Policy, and such like: But who likewise (through the Blessing of God on their Endeavours,) may preserve them from the Vices of those Countries where they Travel; from those bad Customs to which they have a great inclination: Who may make it their business to season their Minds with deeper and more lively im∣pressions of Virtue; to possess them with a mighty regard for such excellent Ex∣amples as they have occasion now and then to see, to fortify them against the many wicked and dangerous Opinions and Practices they meet with; to ac∣quaint them chiefly with the wisest and best Men, by whose Conversation they may be improved in Wisdom and Vir∣tue; that they may return into their own Country with their Minds fur∣nished with useful Notions, with solid Principles, and wise Observations; that Page  41 they may be able, either in a more private way, or in a publick capacity, to do somewhat, not unworthy of those who have had such good occasi∣ons for improving themselves in those things which are excellent. To serve this design, Parents are to be careful of two things; One is, That their Children travel under the conduct of one who is wise and prudent, and is of a sincere and solid Piety: If he be one that is either foolish, or prophane and Atheistical, his Company must needs be very hurtful and dangerous; It may utterly ruine the young persons who are intrusted to him. What an unaccountable thing is it to think, that men who are careful to have a skilful Groom to look to their Horses, should be so mad, as to venture their Chil∣dren (who are their chiefest Possession, and the principal Objects of their care and kindness) into the hands of those who have little discretion, and less pie∣ty? The second thing that Parents ought to be careful of, in this matter; is, That their Children do not travel till they are come to somewhat of stayedness, and solidity of Judgment; till their understanding and discretion Page  42 is such, as may give ground to hope that their Travelling shall do them no hurt, but good. It is none of the wi∣sest parts in some Parents, to send their Children too soon into Foreign Coun∣tries, before their Judgment is prepa∣red, and made fit to make useful Refle∣ctions and Observations on the World; before their minds are possessed with solid Principles of Virtue, and with a deep sense of Religion; so as not to be in great danger from the tentati∣ons which they are sure to meet with in most places: Before they know any thing at home, it is too soon to send them abroad: Before they know them∣selves a little, it is not advisable to send them into the wide World, to know a vast multitude of other things: Hence it too often comes to pass, that a great many return after their Tra∣vels greater Fools than they went; they bring back nothing but a load of the Vices and Vanities of other Coun∣tries.

*Thirdly, Let not over-great fondness blind your eyes, so as not to see the faults of your Children; nor cause Page  43 you to stop your ears against just com∣plaints. It's true, there are some wick∣ed people who love to sow discord, to kindle strife and contention; to divide the nearest Relations: But all are not so very wicked; you cannot but know some who love you and your Children sincerely; and when such persons tell you of their faults, you ought to do the part of those who are wise, as well as kind Parents; that is, you ought to do all you can to reform their faults, and make them better; and withal you ought to be heartily thankful to those who do not flatter you and your Chil∣dren, to the hurt both of you and them.

In order to their Reformation, try first all gentle Methods to make them better: Endeavour to conquer them with the Weapons of Kindness and Affection; Endeavour by Instructions and Admonitions to make them sensible of their Faults; Use Promises and Encouragements to allure them to do what they ought; When Threatnings are necessary, make use of them like∣wise; and if they do not serve the turn, then try the Rod; but let it be always the last remedy, after you have Page  44 in vain attempted their Reformation by milder and gentler Methods: And when you use Severity, do it with due moderation, and with great care; lest you kindle your own passion, and ex∣ceed the bounds of wisdom and discre∣tion. If once you give way to this rough, severe, and vio∣lent Method of dealing with your Children,* there is a threefold disadvan∣tage attends it; First, you discourage your Children, you break their Spi∣rits, you make them unfit for any use∣ful thing; you tempt them to do such things as are hurtful to themselves, and may prove grievous to you. If op∣pression makes a wise man mad; 'tis no wonder if a Child, or young person, is sadly disordered, and made half mad by cruel and tyrannical usage: Tho' it be a fault in Children to be so; yet Parents ought to be careful not to provoke them over-much to wrath, by a severe unmerciful carriage towards them. Secondly, you kindle your own passions, you disorder your minds, and accustom your selves to a fiery Tem∣per; you become fierce, barbarous, and savage; thereby you turn one of your Page  45 great Temporal Comforts into a grie∣vous Cross and heavy Burden. Third∣ly, you hereby likewise teach your Children, thorough your Example, to be of a passionate and violent Spirit; and so you do them more hurt, than all your Corrections and Instructions can do them good: Never think to cure them of their Faults, by your committing as bad your selves: You must not do evil that good may come of it: The wrath of man worketh not the Righteousness of God.

Fourthly, When it pleaseth God to visit them with sickness,* or any other adversity; be sure to do all that you can, to bear in upon their minds, a sense of those things you are most desirous to have them touched with, and which in time of their health they made but very little account of. Affliction is the time, in which God useth to work up∣on the hearts of people most powerful∣ly and effectually; Then he awaken∣eth them, and convinceth them of their Page  46 sad and dangerous state; He casts them down, that being made sensible of their sin and danger, he may again raise them up, and speak comfortably to them. I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her, Hos. 2.4. Therefore all they who sincerely desire to reclaim their Children, or others, from their bad and foolish courses, ought to take the opportunity of their sickness, their pain and grief, their losses and disap∣pointments, and of any other sorts of troubles and afflictions wherein they are, that then they may suggest to them such Counsels and Advices as are pro∣per for their Instruction, their Convi∣ction, and Amendment. At other times, there are a great many things which are apt to hinder good Counsel from entring into the mind, or from making any deep impression thereon; pleasures and vanities are apt to choak the good seed: But when they are af∣flicted and humbled a little by some outward pressure, or bodily distem∣per; they are thereby somewhat bet∣ter disposed to hear friendly Admoni∣tions and Counsels, and to think a little more seriously of their ways and Page  47 doings. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his Youth; He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, &c. Lam. 3.27, 28.

Fifthly, Be earnest in your Prayers to God daily for them;* that he would make them what he requires them to be, his du∣tiful and obedient Children and Ser∣vants; That he would season their hearts with his Fear and Love; That he would turn them from Sin and Fol∣ly; and incline their hearts to keep his Precepts always, even unto the end; That he would hold up their goings in his paths, that their footsteps may not slide; That he would be their God and guide; their Sun and shield, and their portion for ever; and that he would give every one of them those things which be best and most needful for them. You have great encourage∣ment to do this; because you are assu∣red that God heareth Prayer; He hath said, Every one that asketh receiveth. So that either he will grant your Chil∣dren what you beg for them, or if they render themselves unworthy of the mercy and kindness of God, by Page  48 their perverseness and stubbornness; yet you are sure of one thing, that your Prayers are not lost; they shall return into your bosom: God will plentifully reward your Piety, your Charity, and Zeal, with more Grace here, and Glory hereafter.

Some Motives to excite Parents to do these things.

Now to stir you up to perform these things;* Consider, first, It is the Will of God that you bring up your Children in his Fear, and acquaint them with his holy Laws and Commandments. He who made you, requires you to do this; he who preserves you and keeps you alive; he who is your King and Lord, who has a Right to your service, to all that you are able to do; who is your Father in Heaven; who daily takes care of you, and loads you with his benefits; who is the God of your Salvation; who hath sent his Son into the World to die for you: It is even he who saith, Eph. 6.4. And ye Fa∣thers, provoke not your Children to wrath, Page  49 but bring them up in the nurture and ad∣monition of the Lord. If you then be the Subjects, the Servants, and the Children of the great God; If you love and fear him, as you ought to do, you will be sure to make it your busi∣ness to train up your Children in true Virtue and Piety; to make them what God requires them to be, holy, as he who hath called them is holy, in all manner of Conversation; you will excite them to strive to enter in at the strait gate; To work out their Salvation with fear and trembling; To remember their Creator in the days of their youth; To seek God while he may be found, and to call upon him while he is near; To love the Lord with all their heart, and their Neighbours as themselves.

Secondly,* Is not this a work worthy of all your care and pains, to save the Souls of those, who are parts of your selves, who derive their Being from you? You are the Instruments not on∣ly of their Being, but the means of conveying unto them natural defile∣ment and corruption: And therefore you ought with a great deal of Zeal Page  50 to endeavour to have their pollutions washed off by true unfeigned Repen∣tance, and a hearty turning from Sin unto God; by their putting off the works of darkness, and putting on the Armour of light; by their putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, and walking as he walked. Are you ready to do all that you can to make your Children rich and wealthy, great and honoura∣ble in the World? And yet are you at so little pains to do that for them, which tends to make them rich in Faith, and Heirs of a glorious Inheri∣tance? You endeavor to acquaint them with those who may be useful to them in their worldly Affairs and Concerns; And why do you not strive to acquaint them with God, their greatest and best Friend? Who is sure to stand by them, to take them up, and to take care of them, when all forsake them, and turn their backs upon them? Why do you not with greater earnestness endeavour to procure unto them his Friendship and Love, who is infinitely Powerful, and infinitely Good and Kind; and therefore not only can, but will do for them exceeding abundantly above all that either you or they can think or ask?

Page  51Thirdly, The doing of this is attended with great Rewards,* not only in ano∣ther World, but even in this Life. You cannot but find unspeakable Joy and Comfort, when you behold your Children walking in the fear of God, going from strength to strength, and from Grace to Grace, that at last they may come and appear before the Lord in Sion. It will free you from a great many anxious thoughts about them for the time to come, when you know that they have God for their Friend, who will be a Guide and Buck∣ler to them: What a great satisfacti∣on will it afford you, to think that they, for whom you make so great provision, and are at so much pains, are good and wise, and in all probability will make good use of what is given them, or designed for them? When you see them humble, of a mild and gentle temper, apt to bear uneasie things meekly and patiently; when you see them sober and temperate, charitable and compassionate, just and upright, true and faithful, wise and prudent, devout and religious, zealous Page  52 for the Honour of God, and studying daily to grow up in all Virtue and Piety; How will this fill you with a Pleasure that cannot be expressed? So true is it that is said by the Wise Man, Prov. 15. and 20. A wise Son maketh a glad Father.

Fourthly, If you neglect to do these things for the Souls of your Children,* and leave them to them∣selves to do as they list, then you may expect that their Sins and Follies, their Pride and Passion, their Gluttony and Drunkenness, their Cursing and Swearing, their Ly∣ing and Deceiving, their Malice and Re∣venge, their Chambering and Wanton∣ness, their Atheism and Irreligion, will not only prove Tragical to them, but occasion great uneasiness, vexa∣tion and grief of mind to you. Prov. 10.1. A Foolish Son is a heaviness to his Mother, and Ch. 17.21. He that beget∣teth a Fool, doth it to his sorrow, and the Father of a Fool hath no joy.

'Tis true, 'tis not in the Power of Parents to infuse good Qualities into the Minds of their Children; some are so very perverse, that all that can Page  53 be said or done by Parents, is altoge∣ther slighted, and neglected by them: However such Parents, who have the affliction of sad and wretched Children, have some comfort and satisfaction in having done their Duty for them, and in endeavouring to approve themselves unto God, who will accept of their honest and sincere endeavours; and will crown them with glorious Re∣wards. But it is otherwise, when Chil∣dren prove bad through the too great indulgence or the negligence and bad Example of Parents. What a deep wound must it needs give them, when they begin to consider that they did not their part to make their Children good, and were so far from it, that they corrupted and ruined them by their bad Example, and over great kindness and indulgence? Such Parents do often eat the Fruits of their cruel fondness, and feel the sad Effects of their own bad Example, by means of their Prophane and Graceless Children. As God doth often visit the iniquity of the Parents upon the Children; so when Children are suf∣fered to go on in their foolish and wicked courses, through the indiscreet gentleness and kindness of Parents, Page  54 who, perhaps, are in other respects good people; the Lord doth sometimes pu∣nish such Parents, and bring Tempo∣ral Judgments upon them. Ely was a great instance of this, 1 Sam. 2. and 22. He heard all that his Sons did unto all Israel; which were things of a very vile nature, whereby, as it's said Chap. 3. and 13. they made themselves Vile, that is, hateful to God, and base and con∣temptible to all the People, by their lewd and abominable practices. Ely did reprove them, but it was too coldly and gently. Chap. 2.23, 24. And he said unto them, why do you such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this People: Nay, my Sons; for it is no good report that I hear; you make the Lord's People to transgress. Besides his reproof, he ought to have restrained them, Ch. 3. and 13. as being High-Priest, a Judge, and Chief Governour amongst the People: He ought to have put them out of the Priesthood, as accursed per∣sons, and executed the Laws of God against them. Which because he did not, therefore God denounced very dreadful judgments against him by a Prophet, whom he sent unto him, Chap. 2.31, 32, 33, 34, 36. and Chap. Page  55 3.13, 14. And in Chap. 4. we find his two Sons Hophni and Phineas were slain in Battel by the Philistines, and the Ark of God was taken; upon the news whereof, the Old Man fell from off his Seat backwards, and his neck brake, and he dyed.

We see likewise in David, what was the Effect of his too great indul∣gence to some of his Children; espe∣cially Absalom and Adonijah, who not only wrought their own destruction, but proved great Crosses to their aged Father.