so_o natural_a and_o so_o reasonable_a a_o piece_n of_o religion_n so_o meet_v and_o equal_a a_o acknomledgment_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n towards_o we_o begin_v to_o grow_v out_o of_o date_n and_o use_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v religion_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o take_v away_o his_o blessing_n from_o we_o when_o we_o deny_v he_o this_o just_a and_o easy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n shall_v not_o god_n visit_v for_o this_o horrible_a ingratitude_n and_o shall_v not_o his_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n aâ—_n this_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o be_v you_o horrible_o astonish_v at_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o can_v be_v think_v misbecome_v the_o mean_a of_o god_n minister_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v to_o reprove_v even_o in_o the_o high_a and_o great_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o shameful_a and_o heinous_a a_o fault_n with_o a_o proportionable_a vehemence_n and_o severity_n second_o another_o and_o that_o also_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o this_o duty_n consist_v in_o instruct_v those_o commit_v to_o our_o charge_n in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o in_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n instil_v these_o into_o child_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a and_o into_o those_o that_o be_v more_o grow_v up_o by_o proper_a and_o suitable_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o by_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o book_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o teach_v they_o those_o thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a by_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n our_o child_n and_o servant_n shall_v be_v teach_v to_o read_v because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o business_n of_o instruction_n much_o easy_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v diligent_a and_o well-disposed_a they_o may_v after_o have_v be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o read_v the_o h._n scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n great_o improve_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v much_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o the_o public_a teach_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o in_o this_o work_n of_o instruction_n our_o great_a care_n shall_v be_v to_o plant_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o child_n and_o servant_n which_o be_v most_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v like_a to_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a influence_n upon_o their_o whole_a life_n as_o right_a and_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o god_n especial_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n also_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n if_o these_o principle_n once_o take_v root_n they_o will_v spread_v strange_o and_o probable_o stick_v by_o they_o and_o continue_v with_o they_o all_o their_o day_n whereas_o if_o we_o plant_v in_o they_o doubtful_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sect_n and_o the_o jargon_n of_o a_o party_n this_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o very_a pitiful_a account_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o our_o harvest_n will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o husbandry_n we_o have_v sow_v the_o wind_n and_o shall_v reap_v the_o whirlwind_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o full_o in_o the_o ensue_a sermon_n concern_v the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n and_o this_o work_n of_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v at_o other_o time_n so_o be_v it_o more_o peculiarly_a seasonable_a on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o we_o to_o religious_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o our_o child_n and_o servant_n shall_v diligent_o and_o devout_o attend_v because_o there_o god_n afford_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o more_o especial_a blessing_n there_o they_o will_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o god_n church_n and_o of_o share_n in_o the_o unspeakable_a beneâ—â—t_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o there_o they_o will_v also_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o be_v powerful_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n there_o likewise_o they_o will_v be_v invite_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o h._n sacrament_n of_o christ_n most_o bless_v body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o frequent_a participation_n whereof_o be_v by_o our_o b._n lord_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o die_a love_n enjoin_v upon_o all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o very_a particular_a care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v due_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o so_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v for_o it_o they_o may_v be_v present_a at_o this_o holy_a action_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o day_n be_v over_o our_o family_n shall_v be_v instruct_v at_o home_n by_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v to_o they_o and_o care_v likewise_o shall_v be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v this_o themselves_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a opportunity_n that_o most_o of_o they_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v servant_n have_v of_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o think_v serious_o of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o very_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o keep_v alive_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o this_o day_n be_v religious_o observe_v and_o spend_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o sure_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o time_n shall_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o purpose_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o they_o who_o neglect_v this_o so_o proper_a season_n and_o opportunity_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o other_o time_n for_o it_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o other_o as_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v seldom_o upon_o any_o other_o day_n allow_v to_o be_v so_o much_o master_n of_o their_o time_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n three_o i_o add_v further_o as_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n if_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n and_o will_v set_v they_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v they_o time_n and_o opportunity_n but_o that_o they_o do_v also_o strict_o and_o earnest_o charge_v they_o to_o retire_v themselves_o every_o day_n but_o more_o especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n morning_n and_o evening_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o condition_n respective_o because_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o know_v how_o to_o set_v about_o and_o perform_v these_o duty_n especial_o at_o first_o without_o some_o help_n of_o this_o kind_n four_o and_o last_o another_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o duty_n consist_v in_o give_v good_a
you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n concern_v family-religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n lawrence_z jury_n july_n the_o 13_o the_o 1684._o josh._n xxiv_o 15._o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n namely_o ii_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a master_n and_o father_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o strange_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v in_o this_o loose_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o next_o to_o our_o personal_a homage_n and_o service_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o 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be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o man_n himself_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n for_o i_o know_v he_o say_v god_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n god_n pass_v his_o word_n for_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o numerous_a family_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o that_o he_o will_v likewise_o lay_v a_o strict_a charge_n upon_o they_o to_o propagate_v and_o transmit_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n next_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o our_o own_o person_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o do_v the_o same_o for_o every_o man_n must_v not_o only_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n but_o of_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v do_v not_o miscarry_v through_o his_o neglect_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v second_o i_o shall_v consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o interest_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o so_o common_a and_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o exceed_a great_a decay_n of_o piety_n among_o we_o four_o as_o a_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o both_o with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o the_o public_a in_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a need_v not_o to_o be_v long_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v long_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v much_o better_o know_v than_o practise_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o by_o set_v up_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o family_n by_o daily_a prayer_n to_o god_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o by_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n at_o those_o time_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o keep_v alive_a and_o to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o where_o it_o be_v neglect_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o family_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v esteem_v a_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o indeed_o to_o have_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o i_o think_v most_o family_n do_v for_o the_o due_a and_o decent_a discharge_n of_o this_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o say_v there_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o devotion_n calculate_v for_o the_o private_a use_n of_o family_n as_o well_o as_o for_o secret_a prayer_n in_o our_o closet_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a fountain_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o may_v do_v well_o likewise_o to_o add_v to_o these_o other_o pious_a and_o profitable_a book_n which_o by_o their_o plainness_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o capacity_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o sort_n god_n be_v thank_v there_o be_v a_o abundant_a store_n but_o none_o that_o i_o think_v be_v more_o fit_v for_o general_a and_o constant_a use_n than_o that_o excellent_a book_n so_o well_o know_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_o divide_v into_o part_n or_o section_n one_o of_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o family_n at_o any_o time_n when_o there_o be_v leisure_n for_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o whole_a family_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v bring_v and_o keep_v together_o and_o have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o attend_v upon_o these_o thing_n without_o distraction_n and_o which_o i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n omit_v because_o it_o be_v in_o many_o family_n already_o go_v and_o in_o other_o go_v out_o of_o fashion_n i_o mean_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o beg_v his_o blessing_n at_o our_o meal_n upon_o his_o good_a creature_n provide_v for_o our_o use_n and_o by_o return_v thanks_o to_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a religion_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o most_o place_n of_o the_o world_n but_o never_o so_o shameful_o and_o scandalous_o neglect_v and_o i_o fear_v by_o many_o slight_v and_o despise_v as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o most_o neglect_v where_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o i_o mean_v at_o the_o most_o plentiful_a table_n and_o among_o those_o of_o high_a quality_n as_o if_o great_a person_n be_v ashamed_a or_o think_v scorn_n to_o own_o from_o whence_o these_o blessing_n come_v like_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o god_n complain_v in_o the_o prophet_n hos_n 2._o 8._o she_o know_v not_o that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o silver_n and_o gold_n she_o know_v not_o that_o be_v she_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v from_o who_o bounty_n all_o these_o blessing_n come_v or_o as_o if_o the_o poor_a be_v oblige_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o a_o little_a but_o those_o who_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o who_o cup_n overflow_v so_o that_o they_o be_v almost_o every_o day_n surfeit_v of_o plenty_n be_v not_o at_o least_o equal_o bind_v to_o make_v return_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o great_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o bounty_n and_o blessing_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o do_v wait_v that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n o_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n do_v you_o thus_o reason_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a and_o unwise_a this_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o broad_a sign_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n among_o we_o when_o
when_o he_o employ_v he_o in_o that_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n isaac_n what_o pain_n do_v he_o take_v what_o prudence_n do_v he_o use_v what_o fidelity_n do_v he_o show_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o great_a trust_n give_v himself_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v accomplish_v the_o business_n he_o be_v send_v about_o god_n seem_v purposely_o to_o have_v leave_v these_o two_o instance_n upon_o record_n in_o scripture_n to_o encourage_v father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o how_o do_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n secure_a joseph_n fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o restrain_v he_o from_o so_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a a_o act_n and_o to_o which_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_o tempt_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n his_o master_n repose_v in_o he_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o but_o above_o all_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n preserve_v he_o from_o consent_v to_o so_o vile_a and_o wicked_a a_o action_n how_o can_v i_o say_v he_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n so_o that_o in_o prudence_n and_o from_o a_o wise_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o will_v thereby_o redound_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o great_a care_n to_o instill_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n into_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o for_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v sow_v in_o they_o we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v certain_o find_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o if_o out_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n god_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v reverence_v and_o regard_v we_o at_o least_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a hold_n of_o they_o for_o nothing_o but_o religion_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o conscience_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o certain_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o fidelity_n man_n will_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o other_o tie_v when_o a_o fit_a occasion_n and_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n do_v strong_o tempt_v they_o and_o as_o religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n which_o that_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a likewise_o to_o secure_v the_o mutual_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o iii_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o so_o common_a and_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o exceed_a great_a decay_n of_o piety_n among_o we_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n but_o chief_o to_o our_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o only_o divide_v and_o scatter_v our_o parochial_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o have_v enter_v likewise_o into_o our_o family_n and_o make_v great_a disturbance_n and_o disorder_n there_o first_o this_o may_v in_o good_a part_n be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n which_o for_o the_o time_n do_v lay_v all_o law_n asleep_a and_o do_v not_o only_o occasion_v a_o general_a licentiousness_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o manner_n but_o have_v usual_o a_o proportionable_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o family_n by_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o govern_v and_o by_o give_v the_o opportunity_n of_o great_a licence_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v govern_v for_o when_o public_a law_n lose_v their_o authority_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v 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different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n do_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o great_a measure_n neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n haunt_v and_o frequent_a place_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o do_v be_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n however_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o become_v impossible_a for_o the_o most_o careful_a master_n of_o family_n to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n how_o they_o â—pend_v their_o time_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o any_o certain_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o methinks_v be_v so_o great_a and_o sensible_a a_o inconvenience_n and_o have_v have_v such_o dismal_a effect_n in_o many_o family_n as_o aught_o effectual_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o endeavour_v a_o great_a union_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o happy_a day_n when_o god_n be_v serve_v in_o one_o way_n and_o whole_a family_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o father_n and_o master_n have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n continual_o under_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o devotion_n both_o in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o work_n of_o religious_a education_n and_o instruction_n be_v effectual_o carry_v on_o and_o a_o steady_a authority_n and_o decent_a order_n be_v maintain_v in_o family_n man_n be_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o in_o religion_n and_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v glorify_v and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o till_o we_o be_v better_o agree_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o unhappy_a and_o childish_a difference_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o till_o the_o public_a and_o unanimous_a worship_n of_o god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v its_o reputation_n the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o family_n as_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o obtain_v and_o to_o have_v any_o considerable_a effect_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v make_v all_o man_n who_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o consider_v serious_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o difference_n that_o in_o our_o private_a family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o brethren_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o christian_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v and_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v very_o brief_o speak_v to_o namely_o iu._n the_o very_a mischievous_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o to_o ourselves_o first_o to_o the_o public_a family_n be_v the_o first_o seminary_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o care_n be_v not_o there_o take_v to_o prepare_v person_n especial_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n for_o public_a teach_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v but_o very_o little_a effect_n the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o child_n and_o
your_o god_n promise_v you_o so_o shall_v the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o you_o all_o evil_a thing_n until_o he_o have_v destroy_v you_o from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o chap._n 23._o 15._o after_o this_o he_o call_v they_o together_o a_o second_o time_n and_o give_v they_o a_o brief_a historical_a account_n and_o deduction_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n who_o he_o have_v call_v out_o from_o among_o his_o idolatrous_a kindred_n and_o countryman_n unto_o that_o day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o he_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o for_o his_o particular_a satisfaction_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n solemn_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o serve_v god_n and_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o idol_n now_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o very_a elegant_a scheme_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v once_o more_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n who_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v not_o that_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o but_o to_o insinuate_v to_o they_o that_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o considerate_a man_n choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o after_o all_o the_o demonstration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o miraculous_a presence_n among_o you_o and_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o you_o by_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n by_o so_o outstretched_a a_o arm_n and_o by_o drive_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o you_o and_o give_v you_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o can_v think_v it_o â—it_n to_o quit_v the_o service_n of_o this_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o you_o have_v subdue_v those_o vanquish_a and_o baffle_v deity_n if_o you_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a so_o to_o do_v but_o sure_o you_o can_v then_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n he_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o own_o resolution_n which_o he_o hope_n will_v also_o be_v they_o and_o as_o he_o have_v heretofore_o be_v their_o captain_n so_o now_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o example_n but_o whether_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o or_o not_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v fix_v and_o immovable_a in_o this_o resolution_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o effect_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o best_a religion_n to_o your_o choice_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v nay_o i_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v all_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a so_o much_o your_o interest_n and_o your_o happiness_n to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n so_o wilful_a and_o so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o embrace_v it_o though_o you_o shall_v all_o make_v another_o choice_n and_o run_v away_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n i_o for_o my_o part_n be_o steadfast_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o case_n so_o manifest_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o reasonable_a no_o number_n no_o example_n shall_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v if_o need_v be_v stand_v alone_o in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o unquestionable_o right_a and_o though_o this_o whole_a nation_n shall_v revolt_v all_o at_o once_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o i_o be_v the_o only_a family_n leave_v in_o all_o israel_n nay_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n i_o will_v still_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o will_v still_o persist_v in_o this_o resolution_n and_o act_n according_a to_o it_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n a_o resolution_n true_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n and_o so_o good_a a_o man_n in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o double_a pattern_n to_o we_o first_o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n namely_o that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n second_o of_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o i._o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n say_v joshua_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n joshua_n here_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n that_o not_o only_o the_o great_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o in_o who_o land_n they_o dwell_v be_v all_o long_a since_o revolt_v to_o idolatry_n and_o pretend_v great_a antiquity_n and_o long_a prescription_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n but_o he_o suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o only_a true_a and_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v likewise_o general_o revolt_v and_o forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o happen_v he_o declare_v his_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o though_o all_o other_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o resolution_n from_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o singular_a and_o peremptory_a kind_n of_o resolution_n may_v seem_v liable_a first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o one_a the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n joshua_n here_o resolve_v that_o if_o need_n be_v and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o or_o with_o very_a few_o adhere_n to_o he_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a supposition_n of_o a_o impossible_a case_n which_o can_v never_o happen_v for_o it_o may_v and_o have_v real_o and_o in_o fact_n happen_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o some_o great_a part_n of_o god_n church_n from_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n
part_n of_o good_a education_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o child_n to_o be_v public_o catechise_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o solemn_a confirmation_n it_o be_v with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o this_o work_n of_o public_a catechise_n and_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o it_o that_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o treat_v thus_o large_o of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o handle_v this_o subject_a more_o full_o than_o it_o have_v usual_o be_v do_v at_o least_o to_o my_o knowledge_n from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o and_o that_o very_o brief_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a usefulness_n of_o catechise_v child_n first_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a way_n of_o teach_v by_o question_n and_o answer_n accommodate_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v that_o this_o particular_a method_n be_v any_o where_o enjoin_v in_o scripture_n but_o instruction_n in_o general_n be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o upon_o this_o general_a warrant_n parent_n and_o minister_n may_v use_v that_o way_n of_o instruction_n of_o child_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o instill_v into_o they_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o our_o word_n catechism_n do_v come_v be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v teach_v in_o general_a but_o it_o have_v since_o by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o particular_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o have_v be_v long_o in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v common_o call_v catechise_v second_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n and_o great_a usefulness_n of_o it_o catechise_v have_v a_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o child_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a 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beside_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o religion_n fix_v in_o they_o they_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o seducer_n and_o we_o have_v have_v sad_a experience_n of_o this_o in_o our_o age_n and_o among_o many_o other_o dismal_a effect_n of_o our_o late_a civil_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o public_a catechise_n be_v almost_o whole_o disuse_v and_o private_a too_o in_o most_o family_n for_o have_v catechise_v of_o child_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o age_n will_v have_v be_v infest_a with_o few_o error_n and_o with_o few_o schism_n and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o apostasy_n from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o catechise_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o martyr_n have_v be_v the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n there_o be_v then_o so_o great_a a_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n i_o will_v earnest_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o work_n shall_v lie_v whole_o upon_o minister_n you_o must_v do_v your_o part_n at_o home_n who_o by_o your_o constant_a residence_n in_o your_o family_n have_v better_a and_o more_o easy_a opportunity_n of_o inculcate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n there_o you_o must_v prepare_v they_o for_o public_a catechise_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v not_o be_v too_o heavy_a upon_o he_o as_o to_o the_o part_n which_o concern_v minister_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o business_n can_v be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a method_n to_o begin_v this_o exercise_n and_o i_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o that_o have_v young_a child_n and_o servant_n to_o bring_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v public_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v think_v expedient_a spend_v some_o time_n in_o this_o work_n between_o afternoon_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n the_o catechism_n to_o be_v use_v shall_v be_v that_o appoint_v in_o our_o liturgy_n which_o be_v short_a and_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a explication_n of_o the_o head_n of_o it_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o because_o this_o may_v not_o probable_o be_v of_o so_o great_a advantage_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a year_n and_o understanding_n yet_o because_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o well_o as_o man_n i_o must_v entreat_v those_o who_o be_v like_a to_o carry_v away_o the_o least_o profit_n to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o more_o patience_n especial_o since_o i_o shall_v for_o their_o sake_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o my_o afternoon_n sâ—rmons_n more_o large_o and_o full_o explain_v the_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n a_o work_n which_o you_o know_v i_o have_v some_o time_n ago_o enter_v upon_o viii_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v and_o with_o which_o the_o state_n of_o childhood_n end_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o child_n to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v solemn_o confirm_v by_o their_o take_n upon_o themselves_o the_o vow_n which_o by_o their_o surety_n they_o enter_v into_o at_o their_o baptism_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o almost_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o of_o very_o great_a use_n when_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o that_o due_a preparation_n of_o person_n for_o it_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o who_o charge_n they_o belong_v and_o with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v require_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v more_o frequent_a and_o in_o small_a number_n at_o a_o time_n that_o so_o the_o bishop_n may_v apply_v himself_o more_o particular_o to_o every_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o thing_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n and_o lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v wish_v both_o to_o prevent_v confusion_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n also_o of_o the_o bishop_n that_o his_o work_n may_v not_o be_v endless_a that_o minister_n will_v take_v care_n that_o none_o may_v present_v themselves_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o be_v present_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v confirm_v a_o second_o time_n because_o a_o great_a many_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v themselves_o every_o time_n there_o be_v a_o confirmation_n which_o be_v both_o very_a disorderly_a and_o unreasonable_a there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o little_a reason_n for_o a_o second_o confirmation_n as_o there_o be_v for_o a_o second_o baptism_n and_o if_o any_o person_n need_v so_o often_o to_o be_v confirm_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o confirmation_n have_v very_o little_a effect_n upon_o they_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o management_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o its_o end_n first_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o child_n that_o you_o may_v suit_n and_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o it_o and_o by_o strike_v in_o with_o nature_n may_v steer_v and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a way_n this_o be_v like_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ground_n to_o be_v plant_v which_o husbandman_n be_v wont_n very_o careful_o
by_o the_o severity_n of_o parent_n do_v break_v forth_o strange_o assoon_o as_o ever_o they_o get_v loose_a and_o from_o under_o their_o discipline_n second_o another_o miscarriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v when_o reproof_n and_o correction_n be_v accompany_v and_o manage_v with_o passion_n this_o be_v to_o betray_v one_o fault_n and_o perhaps_o a_o great_a in_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o beside_o that_o this_o make_v reproof_n and_o correction_n to_o look_v like_o revenge_n and_o hatred_n which_o usual_o do_v not_o persuade_v and_o reform_v but_o provoke_v and_o exasperate_v and_o this_o probable_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n parent_n provoke_v not_o your_o child_n unto_o wrath_n because_o that_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o good_a effect_n correction_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o physic_n which_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o passion_n but_o upon_o counsel_n and_o good_a advice_n and_o that_o passion_n be_v incident_a to_o parent_n upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n of_o our_o flesh_n chasten_v we_o for_o their_o pleasure_n heb._n 10._o 12._o that_o be_v they_o do_v it_o many_o time_n to_o gratify_v their_o passion_n but_o god_n chasten_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n not_o in_o anger_n but_o with_o a_o design_n to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o can_v we_o have_v a_o better_a pattern_n than_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o imitate_v a_o father_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o judge_n in_o his_o family_n there_o he_o give_v law_n and_o inflict_v censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o offender_n but_o how_o misbecome_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o judge_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o a_o man_n in_o choler_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o see_v a_o father_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o fury_n of_o his_o passion_n correct_v his_o child_n if_o a_o father_n can_v but_o see_v himself_o in_o this_o mood_n and_o how_o ill_o his_o passion_n become_v he_o instead_o of_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o child_n he_o will_v be_v out_o of_o patience_n with_o himself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o iv._o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n by_o show_v how_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n come_v to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o have_v so_o good_a and_o last_a a_o influence_n upon_o their_o whole_a life_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o wild_a and_o savage_a nature_n monstrous_a and_o prodigious_a temper_n hard_o as_o the_o rock_n and_o barren_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n which_o discover_v strong_a and_o early_a propension_n to_o vice_n and_o a_o violent_a antipathy_n to_o goodness_n such_o temper_n be_v next_o to_o desperate_a but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o intractable_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o parent_n i_o hope_v such_o temper_n as_o these_o be_v very_o rare_a though_o god_n be_v please_v they_o shall_v sometime_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n as_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o great_a need_n of_o dâ—vine_a grace_n but_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o temper_n that_o be_v absolute_o and_o irrecoverable_o prejudice_v against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a this_o will_v be_v so_o terrible_a a_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v answer_v god_n be_v thank_v most_o temper_n be_v tractable_a to_o good_a education_n and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o and_o wise_o manage_v and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o very_a great_a advantage_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o child_n 1_o sy_n it_o give_v religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o first_o possession_n 2_o dly_z the_o advantage_n of_o habit_n and_o custom_n first_o good_a education_n give_v religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o first_o possession_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v be_v employ_v about_o something_o or_o other_o it_o can_v stand_v idle_a and_o will_v therefore_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o so_o soon_o as_o reason_n put_v forth_o itself_o and_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o be_v exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n discover_v a_o natural_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o greedy_o drink_v in_o that_o which_o come_v first_o if_o it_o have_v not_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o pure_a stream_n of_o goodness_n to_o allay_v that_o thirst_n it_o will_v seek_v to_o quench_v it_o in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n and_o impure_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n now_o since_o child_n will_v be_v busy_v their_o mind_n about_o something_o it_o be_v good_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v entertain_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n and_o with_o the_o best_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o which_o their_o understanding_n and_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v principled_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v prejudice_v the_o better_a way_n and_o that_o religion_n shall_v get_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o religion_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o a_o tender_a and_o fresh_a soil_n and_o if_o parent_n be_v careless_a and_o neglect_v this_o advantage_n the_o enemy_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o sow_v his_o tare_n whilst_o the_o husbandman_n be_v asleep_a therefore_o we_o shall_v prevent_v the_o devil_n by_o give_v god_n and_o goodness_n a_o early_a possession_n of_o our_o child_n and_o by_o let_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n betimes_o possession_n be_v a_o great_a point_n and_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o have_v nature_n plant_v with_o good_a seed_n before_o vicious_a inclination_n spring_v up_o and_o grow_v into_o strength_n and_o habit._n i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiteful_a proverb_n currant_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v take_v care_n to_o spread_v it_o to_o the_o discouragement_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n a_o young_a saint_n and_o a_o old_a devil_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o a_o young_a saint_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o prove_v a_o old_a one_o solâ—mon_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o make_v as_o wise_a and_o true_a proverb_n as_o any_o body_n have_v do_v since_o he_o only_o except_v who_o be_v a_o much_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n than_o solomon_n second_o good_a education_n give_v likewise_o the_o advantage_n of_o habit_n and_o custom_n and_o custom_n be_v of_o mighty_a force_n it_o be_v as_o pliny_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n say_v of_o it_o efficacissimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la magister_fw-la the_o most_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a master_n in_o every_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o acquire_v and_o a_o sort_n of_o second_o nature_n and_o next_o to_o nature_n it_o self_n a_o principle_n of_o great_a power_n custom_n bear_v a_o huge_a sway_n in_o all_o human_a action_n man_n love_v those_o thing_n and_o do_v they_o with_o ease_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o enure_v and_o accustom_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a man_n go_v against_o custom_n with_o great_a regret_n and_o uneasiness_n and_o among_o all_o other_o that_o custom_n be_v most_o strong_a which_o be_v begin_v in_o childhood_n and_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n the_o strange_a power_n of_o education_n in_o form_v person_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n now_o education_n be_v nothing_o but_o certain_a custom_n plant_v in_o childhood_n and_o which_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n whilst_o nature_n be_v tender_a we_o see_v likewise_o in_o common_a experience_n how_o dangerous_a a_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o to_o be_v alter_v therefore_o the_o cretan_n when_o they_o will_v curse_v a_o man_n to_o purpose_n wish_v that_o the_o god_n will_v engage_v he_o in_o some_o bad_a custom_n look_v upon_o a_o man_n after_o that_o to_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a custom_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n especial_o for_o child_n to_o be_v habituate_v to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a course_n before_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n have_v take_v root_n and_o be_v confirm_v in_o they_o we_o be_v too_o natural_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o yet_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o contrary_a cuâ—â—om_n have_v do_v much_o in_o many_o case_n even_o where_o nature_n have_v be_v strong_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n demosthenes_n do_v by_o great_a resolution_n and_o almost_o infinite_a pain_n and_o after_o a_o long_a