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all_o other_o way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o child_n of_o men._n therefore_o where_o this_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o efficacy_n as_o on_o they_o who_o never_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o child_n of_o professor_n be_v sometime_o irrecoverable_o profligate_v there_o be_v more_o common_a housty_a and_o justice_n to_o be_v find_v among_o civilise_a heathen_n and_o mahometans_n than_o among_o false_a and_o degenerate_a christian_n their_o heart_n be_v judicial_o harden_v and_o their_o eye_n blind_v and_o the_o contempt_n of_o gospel_n light_n must_v needs_o beget_v and_o leave_v on_o the_o mind_n such_o a_o deprave_a corrupt_a habit_n as_o can_v but_o incline_v unto_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o and_o as_o all_o atheism_n spring_v from_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o see_v 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large_o express_v the_o state_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o how_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o ruin_n of_o soul_n be_v your_o care_n or_o unfaithfulness_n herein_o how_o can_v you_o serve_v the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o than_o by_o further_a the_o damnation_n of_o all_o under_o your_o roof_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o they_o and_o without_o give_v they_o assistance_n and_o help_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o will_v have_v continual_a temptation_n to_o sin_n in_o that_o house_n wherein_o god_n be_v not_o serve_v honour_v and_o worship_v the_o devil_n interest_n will_v prevail_v and_o since_o they_o have_v a_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o attain_v and_o endless_a misery_n to_o escape_v they_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o thank_v you_o for_o whatever_o else_o you_o can_v teach_v they_o or_o do_v for_o they_o if_o you_o will_v not_o
instruct_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o their_o most_o important_a concern_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o if_o parent_n do_v their_o part_n in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n first_o appoint_v mean_n to_o sanctify_v their_o child_n he_o will_v usual_o bless_v their_o endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o his_o save_a grace_n and_o when_o serious_a religion_n be_v once_o get_v into_o a_o family_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v for_o your_o encouragement_n that_o ordinary_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o soon_o leave_v it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o sad_a interruption_n yet_o it_o appear_v many_o time_n again_o in_o grandchild_n and_o great_a grandchild_n as_o in_o the_o seed_n of_o good_a jehoshaphat_n and_o other_o 2_o chron._n 20.21.22_o chap._n jotham_n have_v ahaz_n but_o ahaz_n have_v hezekiah_n and_o if_o not_o in_o the_o direct_a line_n yet_o collateral_o so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v transmit_v religion_n to_o posterity_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n as_o sin_n be_v propagate_v from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o from_o one_o wicked_a family_n diffuse_v to_o many_o other_o and_o you_o perpetuate_v your_o own_o name_n and_o honour_n too_o for_o godly_a child_n occasion_v their_o parent_n to_o be_v call_v to_o memory_n by_o behold_v timothy_n piety_n the_o apostle_n be_v mind_v to_o remember_v his_o mother_n and_o grandmother_n eunice_n and_o lois_fw-fr 2_o tim._n 1.5_o when_o i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o unfeigned_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o dwell_v first_o in_o thy_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o thy_o mother_n eunice_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o in_o thou_o also_o the_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o holy_a woman_n be_v record_v with_o honour_n act_v 16.1_o behold_v a_o certain_a disciple_n be_v there_o name_v timotheus_n the_o son_n of_o a_o certain_a woman_n which_o be_v a_o jewess_n and_o believe_v but_o his_o father_n be_v a_o greek_a such_o be_v the_o fingular_a usefulness_n of_o the_o holy_a government_n of_o family_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n have_v more_o objection_n against_o or_o more_o evasion_n and_o excuse_n to_o extenuate_v the_o noglect_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v none_o than_o in_o this_o case_n one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o prevail_a cavil_n be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o bring_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o the_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o minister_n there_o be_v no_o positive_a express_a scripture_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n to_o call_v they_o together_o to_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o read_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o how_o many_o other_o case_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o want_n of_o a_o positive_a express_a command_n will_v not_o conclude_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v no_o duty_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n the_o admission_n of_o woman_n to_o the_o lord's-table_n and_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n without_o positive_a express_a command_n the_o apostle_n be_v say_v to_o confound_v the_o jew_n dwell_v at_o damascus_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n act_v 9.21_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o deduction_n from_o express_a text_n for_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v any_o one_o particular_a scripture_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v in_o so_o many_o letter_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n nor_o do_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a against_o the_o pharisee_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n mat._n 22.37_o there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n as_o the_o resursurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a mention_v in_o that_o passage_n from_o which_o he_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o very_a perverse_a mind_n to_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o positive_a scriptural_a proof_n of_o that_o as_o our_o duty_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o for_o the_o public_a good_n there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o pretend_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o duty_n will_v little_o mind_v it_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o never_o so_o express_v for_o if_o man_n be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o most_o positive_a and_o express_v and_o repeat_v authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o will_v not_o raise_v such_o a_o scruple_n there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o repent_v of_o sin_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a to_o redeem_v your_o time_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o to_o pray_v every_o where_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o every_o call_v station_n and_o relation_n therein_o to_o abide_v with_o god_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o invisible_a world_n to_o prepare_v to_o die_v and_o to_o remember_v the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n before_o which_o we_o must_v be_v make_v to_o stand_v to_o answer_v for_o all_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v in_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v express_a scripture_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v we_o believe_v they_o remember_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v reason_n and_o evidence_n sufficient_a for_o all_o that_o duty_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n in_o our_o family_n which_o i_o will_v now_o press_v i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o argument_n use_v from_o scripture_n upon_o this_o subject_a which_o many_o think_v will_v not_o conclude_v all_o that_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v as_o that_o because_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o man_n house_n rom._n 16.5_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v no_o common_a assembly_n of_o christian_n at_o rome_n that_o therefore_o every_o house_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o church_n by_o daily_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o church_n be_v god_n house_n i_o will_v not_o urge_v this_o because_o a_o house_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n in_o such_o a_o man_n house_n i_o grant_v the_o small_a congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a meet_v to_o worship_n god_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n however_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o argument_n because_o i_o believe_v it_o true_a of_o many_o in_o this_o city_n and_o nation_n and_o wish_v i_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o they_o have_v have_v frequent_a meeting_n in_o their_o house_n for_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o divers_a christian_n have_v resprt_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o and_o yet_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o house_n neither_o will_v i_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o pray_v with_o his_o disciple_n though_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o pattern_n as_o have_v a_o family_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o master_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n member_n constant_a residence_n in_o one_o house_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o constitute_v the_o relation_n between_o the_o head_n of_o a_o family_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o we_o read_v of_o his_o instruct_v they_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o praise_v god_n by_o sing_v together_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v not_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n on_o this_o example_n because_o though_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v occasional_o pray_v with_o his_o disciple_n as_o we_o find_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n yet_o his_o case_n and_o we_o be_v vast_o different_a what_o be_v suitable_a for_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o he_o he_o can_v not_o ordinary_o be_v their_o mouth_n in_o prayer_n for_o what_o they_o daily_o need_v he_o can_v not_o for_o himself_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o mortification_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v enough_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o will_v serious_o consider_v it_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o family_n religion_n and_o prayer_n as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o instance_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n that_o he_o resolve_v for_o himself_o
how_o profitable_a how_o honourable_a and_o pleasant_a a_o life_n that_o of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v hereby_o you_o remove_v or_o cure_v their_o prejudices_fw-la concern_v practical_a religion_n as_o a_o melancholy_n burdensome_a thing_n and_o take_v heed_n what_o book_n they_o read_v and_o what_o company_n they_o keep_v lest_o their_o mind_n be_v poison_v and_o corrupt_v by_o ill_a principle_n and_o their_o heart_n entice_v and_o draw_v to_o sin_n and_o so_o all_o your_o instruction_n fail_v of_o success_n without_o such_o care_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v up_o bill_n to_o minister_n week_n after_o week_n to_o pray_v for_o your_o dead_a child_n who_o soul_n you_o yourselves_o do_v murder_n by_o your_o negligence_n or_o ill_a example_n but_o your_o counsel_n and_o discourse_n back_v by_o a_o holy_a example_n to_o enforce_v they_o may_v do_v much_o good_a and_o will_v if_o these_o go_v together_o for_o if_o inferior_n see_v you_o to_o be_v unjust_a deceitful_a drunken_a 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employ_v you_o can_v insist_v too_o often_o upon_o the_o brevity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o little_a time_n on_o earth_n the_o swiftness_n and_o irrecoverableness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o redeem_v it_o well_o or_o ill_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v almost_o sure_a of_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o idleness_n and_o put_v no_o value_n upon_o their_o precious_a time_n urge_v this_o therefore_o to_o inferior_n and_o help_v they_o to_o improve_v their_o time_n and_o to_o begin_v every_o day_n with_o secret_a prayer_n alone_o and_o to_o employ_v the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o in_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o age_n capacity_n condition_n and_o relation_n you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o secret_a prayer_n to_o advise_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o pray_v alone_o every_o day_n as_o well_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o join_v in_o family-prayer_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o teach_v 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michal_n who_o he_o know_v come_v of_o a_o bad_a stock_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o by_o he_o to_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o time_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o what_o he_o desire_v but_o she_o despise_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n and_o mock_v at_o his_o zeal_n and_o prove_v a_o snare_n and_o a_o cross_n and_o make_v he_o repent_v his_o choice_n wo_n to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o philistin_n in_o his_o bosom_n as_o samson_n have_v marriage_n be_v the_o turning-point_n of_o life_n your_o future_a religion_n and_o your_o eternal_a interest_n be_v great_o concern_v therein_o we_o find_v the_o wickedness_n and_o ruin_n of_o several_a of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n lay_v at_o this_o door_n that_o they_o marry_v into_o a_o wicked_a family_n such_o a_o one_o he_o have_v a_o wife_n of_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n and_o be_v quick_o draw_v off_o from_o god_n by_o one_o who_o have_v a_o wicked_a ahab_n to_o her_o father_n and_o a_o curfed_a jezabel_n to_o her_o mother_n and_o she_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o work_v wickedness_n 1_o king_n 21.25_o a_o due_a care_n on_o this_o account_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o servant_n also_o such_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v who_o by_o education_n and_o as_o far_o as_o you_o can_v judge_v by_o inclination_n too_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o help_v they_o may_v have_v to_o do_v so_o in_o a_o religious_a family_n and_o how_o orderly_o and_o beautiful_a be_v family-worship_n where_o all_o in_o the_o house_n do_v hearty_o join_v in_o it_o you_o complain_v you_o can_v bring_v your_o servant_n to_o do_v what_o you_o desire_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v you_o have_v nothing_o of_o religion_n in_o your_o eye_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o servant_n it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o small_a sum_n less_o with_o a_o apprentice_n or_o for_o the_o same_o wage_n to_o another_o servant_n you_o may_v have_v have_v one_o who_o education_n and_o inclination_n will_v have_v be_v more_o encourage_v and_o who_o will_v thank_v god_n to_o enjoy_v such_o advantage_n for_o the_o knowledge_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o he_o may_v have_v in_o your_o house_n servants_z also_o in_o dispose_v themselves_o and_o parent_n in_o the_o dispose_n their_o child_n aught_o to_o consider_v this_o a_o wicked_a master_n will_v common_o choose_v wicked_a servant_n and_o make_v they_o worse_o when_o a_o ruler_n of_o a_o house_n or_o town_n or_o country_n hearken_v to_o lie_n or_o be_v otherwise_o wicked_a all_o his_o servant_n be_v wicked_a prov._n 29.12_o such_o a_o one_o can_v endure_v the_o constant_a reproof_n that_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o good_a conversation_n even_o of_o a_o servant_n and_o therefore_o will_v desire_v no_o more_o religion_n in_o a_o servant_n than_o not_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o trust_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o some_o master_n even_o among_o those_o who_o will_v be_v account_v religious_a who_o be_v shy_a of_o choose_v servant_n that_o have_v the_o character_n of_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o david_n practice_n psal_n 101.4_o 5_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a some_o that_o have_v be_v well_o educate_v have_v prove_v very_o ill_o afterward_o and_o master_n have_v find_v themselves_o mistake_v after_o all_o their_o care_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v the_o best_a choice_n and_o use_v the_o best_a endeavour_n they_o can_v they_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o their_o own_o mind_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o disappointment_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v they_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o who_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o family_n unless_o they_o value_v their_o particular_a call_v above_o their_o general_n one_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v the_o mischief_n that_o one_o bad_a servant_n may_v do_v in_o a_o house_n one_o sinner_n destroy_v much_o good_a as_o one_o joseph_n may_v bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o a_o family_n and_o upon_o all_o that_o his_o master_n have_v in_o the_o house_n you_o can_v hardly_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v succeed_v you_o with_o a_o blessing_n in_o what_o you_o undertake_v when_o you_o care_v not_o with_o what_o tool_n you_o work_v or_o who_o you_o employ_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o they_o who_o be_v false_a to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v ordinary_o be_v faithful_a to_o you_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o be_v no_o good_a man_n viz._n laban_n and_o potiphar_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v thrive_v the_o better_a for_o take_v good_a servant_n into_o their_o family_n but_o i_o no_o where_o read_v of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v the_o better_a for_o a_o wicked_a servant_n we_o have_v sad_a experience_n every_o day_n to_o the_o
family_n religion_n in_o three_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n by_o john_n shower_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1694._o of_o family_n religion_n the_o first_o letter_n sir_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o late_o preach_v concern_v family_n religion_n and_o worship_n i_o now_o send_v you_o at_o your_o desire_n in_o three_o letter_n the_o first_o recommend_v the_o duty_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o second_o answer_v some_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o practice_n the_o three_o direct_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n etc._n etc._n the_o success_n of_o these_o plain_a discourse_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v beyond_o expectation_n to_o bring_v the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n into_o several_a house_n where_o before_o there_o be_v none_o and_o to_o have_v it_o constant_a where_o it_o be_v perform_v but_o seldom_o and_o uncertain_o and_o to_o be_v now_o every_o day_n instead_o 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magistrate_n or_o minister_n can_v expect_v success_n in_o do_v they_o nation_n will_v be_v wicked_a and_o church_n will_v be_v corrupt_a and_o city_n will_v abound_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o impurity_n if_o particular_a family_n out_o of_o which_o the_o member_n be_v all_o compose_v be_v disorder_v and_o irregular_a they_o who_o be_v not_o teach_v the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n betimes_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o run_v into_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o that_o so_o many_o be_v thus_o corrupt_v in_o principle_n and_o conversation_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o neglect_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o head_n of_o family_n reformation_n must_v therefore_o begin_v in_o family_n and_o a_o whole_a street_n will_v soon_o be_v make_v clean_o by_o every_o man_n care_n as_o to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o sweep_v before_o his_o own_o door_n the_o psalmist_n begin_v that_o in_o his_o own_o family_n which_o he_o design_v shall_v 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more_o upon_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o recover_v and_o preserve_v serious_a godliness_n in_o the_o world_n than_o either_o upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o place_n and_o whence_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o any_o useful_a magistrate_n or_o faithful_a minister_n if_o they_o be_v not_o form_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v such_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a instruction_n of_o holy_a parent_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n thereupon_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v like_a to_o profit_v little_a by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o prepare_v mind_n by_o the_o instruction_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n at_o home_n at_o least_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o who_o have_v have_v that_o advantage_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o people_n do_v not_o better_o understand_v sermon_n and_o profit_n more_o by_o they_o be_v because_o they_o never_o well_o understand_v their_o catechism_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a therefore_o to_o talk_v against_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o looseness_n of_o the_o age_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v that_o reformation_n shall_v begin_v at_o home_n and_o every_o one_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o reform_v his_o own_o little_a family_n it_o be_v from_o thence_o that_o wickedness_n do_v spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o over_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n one_o ignorant_a atheistical_a erroneous_a or_o wicked_a family_n may_v do_v much_o to_o corrupt_v defile_v and_o destroy_v several_a other_o when_o the_o branch_n thereof_o be_v separate_v as_o by_o a_o son_n go_v into_o one_o family_n and_o a_o daughter_n into_o another_o and_o a_o servant_n into_o a_o three_o they_o carry_v and_o communicate_v their_o evil_a principle_n and_o
nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v person_n oblige_v by_o a_o superinduce_v band_n they_o be_v to_o give_v they_o instruction_n and_o holy_a principle_n as_o they_o give_v they_o meat_n it_o be_v certain_a parent_n may_v better_o stipulate_v for_o their_o child_n than_o the_o church_n can_v for_o man_n or_o woman_n they_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n and_o the_o next_o day_n may_v change_v their_o resolution_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o vow_n and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o that_o child_n can_v do_v when_o they_o come_v of_o age_n and_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o parent_n whether_o the_o child_n shall_v do_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o for_o education_n can_v introduce_v a_o habit_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n against_o which_o child_n can_v kick_v unless_o they_o do_v some_o violence_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o inclination_n and_o although_o it_o fail_v too_o often_o whenever_o it_o fail_v yet_o we_o pronounce_v prudent_o concern_v future_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v a_o less_o influence_n into_o the_o event_n than_o in_o the_o present_a case_n this_o will_v succeed_v often_o if_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n to_o they_o while_o young_a it_o will_v common_o succeed_v if_o you_o begin_v betimes_o according_a to_o the_o comparison_n which_o one_o make_v of_o childhood_n and_o youth_n to_o water_v spill_v on_o a_o table_n it_o run_v after_o you_o that_o way_n which_o you_o draw_v your_o finger_n they_o may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o settle_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o profit_v by_o public_a preach_n but_o your_o teach_v they_o at_o home_n as_o it_o may_v begin_v soon_o so_o will_v prevail_v more_o and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v your_o teach_v to_o be_v with_o more_o authority_n than_o we_o i_o fear_v say_v a_o great_a 11._o great_a see_v more_o large_o mr._n baxter_n saint_n rest_v part_n 3_o chap._n 14._o sect._n 11._o divine_a that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o good_a people_n do_v little_o understand_v or_o consider_v the_o authority_n which_o their_o teacher_n have_v over_o they_o from_o christ_n they_o know_v it_o may_v be_v to_o value_v their_o gift_n but_o think_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o learn_v of_o they_o and_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n however_o the_o obligation_n of_o minister_n to_o teach_v you_o and_o your_o child_n will_v not_o cancel_v your_o duty_n of_o teach_v they_o at_o home_n no_o more_o than_o that_o because_o magistrate_n must_v govern_v you_o and_o your_o child_n you_o shall_v therefore_o not_o govern_v your_o own_o family_n how_o many_o yet_o misimprove_v all_o these_o advantage_n to_o do_v the_o devil_n work_n and_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o way_n to_o hell_n by_o induce_v they_o to_o sin_n betimes_o by_o instruct_v they_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o revengeful_a to_o backbite_v and_o rail_v to_o speak_v filthy_o to_o curse_v and_o swear_v to_o scorn_v holiness_n and_o the_o word_n and_o minister_n and_o way_n of_o god_n how_o much_o worse_o say_v one_o be_v such_o parent_n than_o the_o devil_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v worse_o for_o a_o mother_n to_o dash_v out_o the_o brain_n of_o her_o own_o child_n against_o a_o wall_n than_o for_o a_o wolf_n or_o a_o dog_n or_o a_o bear_n to_o kill_v her_o child_n it_o be_v in_o your_o hand_n to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a kindness_n or_o cruelty_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o if_o you_o see_v a_o burn_a furnace_n much_o more_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o that_o parent_n who_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o cast_v the_o child_n into_o it_o or_o to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o that_o will_v if_o therefore_o you_o love_v they_o show_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o their_o great_a interest_n be_v concern_v do_v not_o say_v you_o love_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v so_o unmerciful_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o and_o what_o can_v you_o possible_o do_v more_o to_o damn_v they_o than_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o sensuality_n and_o neglect_v of_o god_n the_o devil_n damn_v none_o but_o by_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o godliness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n for_o you_o do_v by_o your_o child_n but_o as_o you_o do_v by_o yourselves_o you_o say_v you_o desire_v not_o to_o damn_v yourselves_o but_o yet_o you_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o they_o shall_v he_o that_o cast_v his_o child_n into_o the_o sea_n say_v he_o intend_v not_o to_o drown_v he_o or_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o a_o pest-house_n or_o a_o stew_n say_v he_o intend_v not_o to_o endanger_v his_o health_n or_o that_o train_v he_o up_o in_o thievery_n and_o rob_v say_v that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o have_v he_o hang_v it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n for_o the_o law_n determin_n it_o and_o the_o judge_n will_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o do_v as_o ever_o you_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v by_o god_n with_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o have_v they_o cry_v out_o against_o you_o in_o everlasting_a fire_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o ruin_n be_v now_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a for_o their_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v sad_a for_o those_o who_o dedicate_v their_o child_n to_o god_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n that_o afterward_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o up_o for_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n as_o god_n complain_v ezek._n 16.20_o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n which_o thou_o have_v bear_v unto_o i_o and_o these_o thou_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o be_v devour_v that_o sin_n in_o the_o israelite_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n to_o devil_n psal_n 106.37_o be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o negligent_a and_o profane_a parent_n who_o sacrifice_v not_o only_o the_o body_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o child_n to_o satan_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o murderer_n hos_fw-la 9.13_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o recommend_v and_o urge_v the_o duty_n till_o i_o hear_v what_o be_v further_o object_v beside_o the_o want_n of_o express_v positive_a scripture_n some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o next_o letter_n let_v conscience_n be_v faithful_a and_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o conviction_n by_o what_o you_o have_v read_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o stifle_v it_o or_o delay_v to_o do_v that_o which_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o be_o you_o of_o family_n religion_n the_o second_o letter_n sir_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o may_v be_v say_v and_o more_o methodical_o to_o prove_v and_o urge_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o family_n religion_n and_o worship_n than_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o former_a letter_n what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o interruption_n now_o a_o little_a and_o then_o a_o little_a can_v be_v expect_v shall_v have_v that_o beauty_n order_n and_o exactness_n of_o method_n and_o connexion_n which_o you_o may_v think_v necessary_a however_o i_o proceed_v to_o what_o i_o promise_v in_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n only_o let_v i_o premise_v that_o it_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o on_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v rejoice_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o inscription_n on_o the_o mitre_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o very_a bell_n of_o the_o horse_n and_o the_o pot_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n or_o the_o ordinary_a pot_n in_o the_o kitchen_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o bowl_n before_o the_o altar_n 21._o altar_n zech._n 12.10_o chap._n 14.20_o 21._o which_o receive_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n yea_o every_o pot_n in_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v holiness_n unto_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o be_v the_o utensil_n of_o private_a house_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n every_o family_n shall_v be_v a_o temple_n wherein_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v and_o as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o jew_n a_o continual_a burnt-offering_a or_o a_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o two_o lamb_n the_o one_o in_o the_o morning_n the_o other_o in_o the_o evening_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o so_o often_o at_o least_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v every_o day_n in_o the_o family_n of_o his_o people_n
god_n and_o reproach_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o without_o repentance_n he_o will_v condemn_v they_o too_o psal_n 50.17_o these_o thing_n baste_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o keep_v silence_n thou_o think_v i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o but_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thou_o i_o will_v reject_v your_o sacrifice_n i_o will_v spread_v the_o dung_n of_o your_o solemn_a service_n before_o your_o face_n your_o very_a prayer_n shall_v witness_v against_o you_o a_o caution_n yet_o be_v needful_a here_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o easy_o believe_v one_o against_o our_o neighbour_n do_v not_o hasty_o credit_v every_o story_n you_o be_v tell_v against_o such_o as_o profess_v religion_n for_o the_o devil_n employ_v a_o great_a many_o to_o do_v his_o work_n by_o defame_v and_o discredit_v such_o every_o lesser_a fall_n of_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v blazon_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o single_a fault_n commit_v but_o once_o and_o soon_o and_o hearty_o repent_v of_o and_o seldom_o or_o never_o relapse_v into_o it_o shall_v yet_o be_v long_o talk_v of_o and_o more_o aggravate_v than_o the_o customary_a continue_a foul_a miscarriage_n of_o other_o this_o be_v see_v daily_o among_o such_o who_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o enmity_n against_o real_a holiness_n grant_v therefore_o what_o be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o some_o few_o who_o pray_v to_o god_n every_o day_n do_v yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o yet_o compare_v the_o family_n of_o such_o as_o daily_a worship_n god_n together_o with_o the_o family_n of_o other_o that_o neglect_n god_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o true_a that_o the_o former_a be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o latter_a the_o family_n of_o such_o be_v common_o the_o nursery_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o noah_n family_n better_a than_o the_o drown_a world_n though_o there_o be_v one_o cham_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v one_o judas_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christ_n himself_o what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o a_o man_n say_v mr._n baxter_n who_o look_v over_o his_o neighbour_n garden_n when_o his_o own_o be_v all_o overrun_v with_o weed_n and_o whole_o neglect_v shall_v see_v in_o his_o neighbour_n ground_n here_o and_o there_o a_o weed_n mix_v with_o much_o better_a stuff_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v say_v these_o man_n that_o bestow_v so_o much_o pain_n about_o their_o garden_n in_o dung_v and_o weed_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o have_v weed_n in_o their_o garden_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o do_v nothing_o therefore_o who_o will_v be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n thus_o foolish_o do_v people_n talk_v of_o those_o that_o pray_v and_o read_v and_o instruct_v their_o family_n and_o hear_v sermon_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v their_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o other_o wicked_a person_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a garden_n that_o be_v overrun_v with_o weed_n as_o you_o be_v it_o be_v but_o here_o and_o there_o a_o weed_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o spy_v any_o they_o pluck_v they_o up_o and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v their_o growth_n and_o spread_a there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n indeed_o as_o to_o those_o who_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o prayerless_a family_n who_o will_v be_v glad_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n keep_v up_o but_o have_v either_o no_o power_n or_o prevalency_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o my_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o ignorant_a worldly_a profane_a family_n say_v a_o religious_a servant_n where_o they_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n from_o week_n to_o week_n or_o at_o most_o never_o more_o than_o once_o a_o week_n if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o apprentice_n and_o bind_v by_o his_o parent_n who_o shall_v have_v choose_v better_a for_o he_o he_o may_v bear_v it_o the_o better_a as_o hope_v god_n will_v not_o charge_v it_o as_o his_o fault_n but_o if_o you_o rash_o engage_v yourselves_o into_o such_o a_o family_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o more_o ease_n or_o more_o profit_n you_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o beg_v of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o some_o spiritual_a judgement_n and_o it_o may_v be_v temporal_a too_o shall_v follow_v you_o you_o ought_v to_o remove_v into_o a_o better_a air_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o can_v convenient_o but_o let_v i_o beg_v you_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n while_o you_o stay_v in_o such_o a_o wicked_a family_n endeavour_v with_o utmost_a humility_n modesty_n seriousness_n and_o circumspection_n to_o adorn_v your_o profession_n to_o leave_v a_o conviction_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o dwell_v that_o serious_a godliness_n do_v make_v the_o best_a servant_n how_o sad_a be_v it_o if_o by_o you_o who_o profess_v religion_n your_o ungodly_a master_n or_o fellow-servant_n shall_v be_v harden_v and_o stumble_v and_o prejudice_v against_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o if_o you_o carry_v it_o so_o as_o to_o win_v the_o love_n of_o all_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o opportunity_n offer_v humble_o to_o suggest_v and_o urge_v something_o to_o promote_v family-prayer_n and_o worship_n and_o possible_o obtain_v to_o have_v it_o begin_v be_v sure_a however_o that_o you_o be_v more_o diligent_a and_o constant_a in_o secret_a prayer_n the_o less_o help_v you_o have_v in_o the_o family_n the_o more_o shall_v you_o redeem_v to_o be_v alone_o with_o god_n but_o servant_n who_o value_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o grace_n shall_v take_v heed_n what_o family_n they_o choose_v to_o dwell_v in_o do_v not_o out_o of_o choice_n place_n yourselves_o in_o a_o house_n where_o god_n do_v not_o dwell_v to_o which_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v threaten_v you_o know_v he_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n his_o own_o house_n be_v such_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o too_o and_o he_o inhabit_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o people_n my_o case_n be_v yet_o worse_o may_v some_o object_n i_o be_o son_n to_o a_o prayerless_a father_n and_o i_o can_v leave_v the_o house_n or_o i_o be_o wife_n to_o a_o husband_n that_o mind_v not_o god_n or_o his_o own_o soul_n much_o less_o i_o or_o any_o in_o the_o family_n the_o like_a advice_n as_o be_v give_v before_o to_o religious_a servant_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v here_o viz._n to_o spend_v the_o more_o time_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o closet_n devotion_n and_o to_o pray_v the_o more_o earnest_o and_o fervent_o for_o such_o a_o relation_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o family_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n the_o holy_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o believe_a child_n or_o wife_n may_v help_v to_o save_v a_o unbelieving_a parent_n or_o husband_n it_o may_v obtain_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o turn_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o next_o sickness_n or_o under_o the_o next_o worldly_a cross_n or_o disappointment_n or_o family-strait_a and_o affliction_n you_o may_v have_v a_o season_n offer_v with_o meekness_n to_o suggest_v this_o and_o other_o duty_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v the_o success_n however_o take_v heed_n to_o adorn_v your_o profession_n and_o let_v such_o near_a relation_n with_o who_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o dwell_v be_v convince_v by_o your_o christian_a carriage_n of_o the_o amiableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o be_v make_v to_o think_v and_o speak_v well_o of_o practical_a godliness_n if_o the_o parent_n or_o husband_n be_v either_o unfit_a or_o unwilling_a to_o pray_v in_o the_o family_n can_v you_o not_o obtain_v that_o some_o other_o may_v do_v it_o in_o his_o room_n and_o stead_n though_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n yet_o in_o many_o case_n another_o may_v be_v substitute_v even_o a_o holy_a servant_n sometime_o with_o the_o master_n leave_n and_o desire_v or_o in_o his_o sickness_n or_o absence_n i_o know_v not_o why_o in_o divers_a case_n the_o wife_n who_o be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o family_n may_v not_o perform_v family-prayer_n at_o least_o with_o those_o of_o she_o own_o sex_n and_o with_o all_o the_o family_n if_o she_o be_v a_o widow_n and_o if_o she_o be_v a_o wife_n why_o not_o in_o the_o husband_n absence_n for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o she_o may_v not_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o family_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n rather_o
than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v these_o plain_a thing_n i_o offer_v and_o recommend_v with_o seriousness_n to_o remove_v the_o common_a objection_n plea_n and_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o family-religion_n and_o worship_n and_o touch_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o several_a relation_n in_o religious_a family_n if_o any_o may_v be_v hereby_o confirm_v or_o convince_v i_o know_v you_o will_v rejoice_v with_o i_o and_o bless_v god_n i_o be_o you_o of_o family_n religion_n the_o three_o letter_n sir_n without_o far_a preface_n i_o continue_v to_o make_v good_a my_o promise_n by_o send_v you_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o paper_n on_o this_o subject_a contain_v some_o direction_n and_o counsel_n relate_v to_o family_n religion_n you_o who_o be_v head_n of_o family_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n oblige_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a serious_a and_o exemplary_a in_o your_o life_n you_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o give_v no_o example_n of_o vice_n before_o inferior_n they_o will_v soon_o imitate_v you_o in_o what_o be_v evil_a than_o good_n let_v they_o have_v no_o encouragement_n or_o countenance_n give_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o any_o thing_n they_o see_v you_o do_v you_o will_v quick_o lose_v all_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o reprove_v or_o suppress_v their_o evil_n if_o your_o own_o example_n countenance_v they_o in_o it_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o religion_n shall_v thrive_v among_o child_n and_o servant_n where_o the_o parent_n or_o master_n give_v a_o pattern_n of_o drunkenness_n or_o lewdness_n of_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o fraud_n or_o only_o keep_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o cloak_v his_o own_o wickedness_n or_o serve_v some_o secular_a design_n wo_n to_o those_o parent_n and_o master_n who_o child_n be_v witness_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o like_a enough_o to_o follow_v they_o without_o a_o wonderful_a grace_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n never_o parent_n have_v such_o a_o wicked_a child_n say_v a_o bad_a either_o once_o to_o a_o rebellious_a son_n yes_o sir_n reply_v the_o impudent_a youth_n my_o grandfather_n have_v some_o have_v inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n call_v for_o vengeance_n on_o the_o child_n that_o mock_v he_o and_o style_v he_o baldpate_n 2_o king_n 2.23_o when_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v probable_a hardly_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v the_o reason_n assign_v be_v this_o because_o the_o child_n learn_v that_o language_n from_o their_o parent_n and_o god_n punish_v the_o parent_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o child_n and_o both_o at_o once_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o wary_a and_o cautious_a not_o to_o speak_v a_o uncomely_a word_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o child_n certain_o the_o head_n of_o a_o christian_a family_n be_v oblige_v to_o behave_v himself_o wise_o in_o a_o upright_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v within_o his_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n psal_n 101.2_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o show_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.7_o a_o prudent_a grave_a cheerful_a sincere_a deportment_n as_o become_v saint_n will_v recommend_v religion_n and_o diffuse_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o all_o about_o it_o but_o if_o you_o give_v they_o never_o so_o good_a counsel_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v influence_v by_o a_o bad_a life_n than_o by_o the_o best_a of_o word_n all_o your_o good_a precept_n and_o counsel_n will_v be_v as_o water_v spill_v on_o the_o ground_n if_o not_o accompany_v by_o a_o good_a example_n what_o you_o will_v reprove_v and_o amend_v in_o their_o word_n or_o action_n let_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o hear_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o your_o discourse_n and_o see_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o your_o practice_n you_o must_v lead_v they_o the_o way_n in_o humility_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n passion_n appetite_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o love_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v a_o drunken_a or_o unrighteous_a father_n or_o master_n expect_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n shall_v be_v sober_a and_o faithful_a can_v you_o hope_v to_o teach_v they_o sobriety_n and_o they_o see_v you_o be_v intemperate_a or_o meekness_n when_o they_o see_v you_o can_v govern_v your_o passion_n they_o will_v soon_o learn_v your_o sin_n than_o your_o trade_n and_o be_v not_o the_o money_n give_v with_o such_o a_o apprentice_n very_o ill_o bestow_v one_o two_o three_o hundred_o pound_n or_o more_o to_o have_v they_o teach_v to_o serve_v the_o devil_n and_o damn_v their_o soul_n by_o the_o example_n of_o a_o wicked_a master_n but_o such_o master_n shall_v have_v double_a damnation_n therefore_o let_v your_o own_o example_n teach_v all_o your_o relation_n that_o holiness_n and_o unblamableness_n in_o tongue_n and_o life_n which_o you_o desire_v they_o shall_v learn_v and_o practice_v but_o beside_o your_o own_o example_n you_o be_v oblige_v by_o all_o other_o way_n to_o endeavour_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_n you_o be_v worse_o than_o insidel_n if_o you_o provide_v not_o what_o be_v needful_a and_o fit_a for_o they_o as_o to_o their_o temporal_a life_n much_o more_o if_o you_o neglect_v their_o soul_n o_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o pity_n and_o compassion_n help_v they_o as_o know_v their_o ignorance_n their_o temptation_n and_o danger_n remember_v they_o must_v short_o die_v and_o be_v save_v or_o perish_v for_o ever_o use_v all_o advantage_n you_o have_v to_o do_v they_o good_a let_v they_o not_o be_v betray_v to_o eternal_a ruin_n by_o your_o neglect_n minister_n by_o public_a preach_v can_v do_v so_o much_o to_o further_a their_o salvation_n as_o you_o and_o it_o be_v very_o little_a we_o can_v hope_v to_o do_v without_o your_o assistance_n you_o can_v speak_v sharp_o enough_o sometime_o of_o unfaithful_a minister_n who_o neglect_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o people_n but_o consider_v not_o your_o own_o gild_n and_o dreadful_a reckon_a upon_o the_o like_a account_n you_o expect_v more_o duty_n sometime_o from_o one_o minister_n than_o six_o can_v perform_v while_o you_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o neglect_v your_o own_o duty_n in_o your_o proper_a sphere_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dreadful_a meeting_n in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n to_o have_v your_o child_n or_o servant_n to_o accuse_v their_o parent_n and_o master_n say_v i_o be_v so_o many_o year_n in_o my_o father_n house_n or_o i_o live_v so_o long_o with_o such_o a_o master_n who_o never_o concern_v himself_o about_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v never_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n if_o he_o have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o prevent_v it_o the_o like_a will_v be_v true_a of_o ungodly_a husband_n and_o wife_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o duty_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o save_v one_o another_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v o_o cruel_a husband_n o_o curse_a wife_n it_o be_v long_o of_o you_o that_o i_o be_o now_o a_o lose_a undo_v creature_n you_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o assist_v my_o salvation_n it_o be_v long_o of_o you_o that_o i_o come_v to_o this_o miserable_a end_n you_o neither_o by_o example_n or_o discourse_n or_o prayer_n or_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n discover_v any_o care_n for_o your_o own_o soul_n or_o for_o i_o yea_o how_o many_o in_o such_o relation_n do_v much_o to_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o oblige_v to_o help_n for_o if_o the_o one_o be_v ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o be_v a_o awaken_v serious_a christian_a the_o latter_a shall_v common_o find_v the_o great_a opposition_n and_o difficulty_n and_o hindrance_n in_o religion_n from_o he_o or_o she_o who_o shall_v have_v give_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n remember_v therefore_o that_o beside_o prayer_n in_o your_o house_n you_o have_v other_o endeavour_n to_o use_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o live_v with_o you_o you_o mock_v god_n by_o pray_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o you_o do_v not_o otherwise_o endeavour_v it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o do_v not_o recommend_v he_o as_o the_o best_a master_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o certain_a account_n they_o must_v give_v to_o god_n another_o day_n of_o all_o their_o time_n and_o talent_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o this_o neglect_n be_v now_o so_o common_a that_o they_o be_v reckon_v good_a parent_n and_o good_a master_n who_o will_v but_o give_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n leave_v to_o be_v good_a and_o
by_o a_o total_a neglect_n and_o for_o some_o master_n of_o family_n i_o know_v not_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v but_o the_o use_n of_o a_o good_a form_n may_v be_v more_o advisable_a and_o more_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o join_v than_o to_o pray_v without_o one._n all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v for_o edifieation_n and_o for_o those_o to_o use_v a_o form_n who_o can_v otherwise_o do_v so_o well_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o experience_n will_v prove_v that_o some_o can_v do_v so_o well_o without_o one_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o pray_v so_o that_o if_o you_o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o you_o you_o will_v increase_v in_o this_o and_o other_o gift_n by_o exercise_n the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n and_o expression_n and_o if_o you_o study_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o observe_v the_o state_n of_o your_o family_n you_o will_v be_v competont_o able_a to_o apply_v they_o and_o god_n will_v afford_v you_o that_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v needful_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n he_o excuse_v himself_o from_o speak_v to_o pharaoh_n as_o god_n will_v have_v he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o cloquent_a but_o slow_a of_o speech_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n exod._n 4.11_o who_o veak_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v who_o have_v make_v man_n mouth_n have_v not_o i_o the_o lord_n now_o therefore_o go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o shall_v say_v his_o call_n to_o speak_v to_o pharach_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o so_o be_v his_o promise_a assistance_n from_o god_n you_o to_o family_n prayer_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o ordinary_a help_n and_o assistance_n you_o therein_o need_v you_o may_v likewise_o expect_v it_o be_v a_o great_a disconragement_n to_o other_o from_o the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n that_o they_o be_v often_o compose_v of_o such_o person_n as_o care_v not_o to_o join_v in_o such_o duty_n or_o they_o be_v such_o scoffer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o scruple_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v present_a if_o they_o be_v willing_a some_o have_v rather_o pray_v alone_o than_o endeavour_n or_o desire_v such_o company_n they_o think_v they_o have_v better_o leave_v they_o out_o than_o have_v their_o presence_n who_o will_v not_o hearty_o join_v in_o the_o request_n that_o be_v make_v to_o god_n and_o who_o desire_v not_o his_o grace_n or_o seek_v his_o favour_n to_o such_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o you_o know_v not_o what_o success_n their_o join_n with_o you_o may_v be_v attend_v with_o some_o have_v date_v their_o first_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n from_o family_n prayer_n and_o instruction_n you_o know_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o in_o your_o family_n shall_v be_v very_o serious_a in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o god_n may_v touch_v their_o heart_n and_o give_v they_o repentance_n however_o if_o you_o look_v to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o regard_v iniquity_n there_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o in_o the_o family_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n while_o you_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o you_o for_o their_o recovery_n the_o presence_n of_o judas_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n when_o he_o pray_v with_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o render_v they_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n for_o i_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o father_n thou_o hear_v i_o always_o if_o you_o be_v sincere_a in_o your_o worship_n the_o presence_n of_o unworthy_a person_n will_v not_o obstruct_v your_o acceptance_n with_o god_n another_o man_n unbelief_n will_v not_o prejudice_v thy_o faith_n if_o you_o shall_v scruple_n to_o pray_v in_o your_o family_n on_o that_o account_n what_o think_v you_o of_o a_o minister_n prayer_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n if_o any_o neglect_n family_n worship_n on_o this_o pretence_n they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v such_o as_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n because_o of_o the_o admission_n of_o suppose_a unworthy_a person_n but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n while_o this_o objection_n be_v strong_a there_o than_o with_o reference_n to_o prayer_n in_o their_o own_o house_n the_o authority_n of_o parent_n as_o to_o their_o child_n be_v so_o manifest_a and_o their_o duty_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v principal_o as_o to_o scornful_a or_o stubborn_a servant_n that_o this_o objection_n speak_v and_o as_o to_o they_o unless_o they_o prove_v much_o otherwise_o than_o you_o think_v they_o will_v you_o be_v great_o to_o blame_v in_o admit_v such_o and_o after_o trial_n of_o other_o mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o cure_n if_o they_o can_v be_v remove_v you_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o psal_n 101.4_o 5_o 7._o a_o froward_a heart_n shall_v depart_v from_o i_o a_o slanderer_n will_v i_o cut_v off_o he_o that_o tell_v lie_n shall_v not_o tarry_v in_o my_o sight_n or_o dwell_v in_o my_o house_n but_o where_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o head_n of_o a_o family_n all_o this_o while_n shall_v they_o not_o observe_v your_o order_n in_o matter_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n you_o will_v quick_o let_v they_o know_v you_o be_v their_o master_n and_o do_v that_o relation_n signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o while_o they_o dwell_v under_o your_o roof_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o your_o service_n do_v not_o the_o four_o commandment_n suppose_v a_o master_n authority_n to_o bring_v his_o family_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o and_o your_o concern_v for_o their_o soul_n chlige_v you_o to_o endeavour_v it_o there_o be_v one_o very_o common_a objection_n that_o i_o fear_v have_v too_o much_o of_o sad_a truth_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o and_o keep_v up_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n beyond_o their_o neighbour_n do_v yet_o live_v no_o better_o than_o such_o as_o pray_v not_o their_o child_n be_v no_o better_a than_o other_o man_n child_n their_o servant_n be_v no_o better_o than_o other_o man_n servant_n they_o themselves_o not_o better_a than_o their_o prayerless_a neighbour_n they_o be_v one_o thing_n on_o their_o knee_n and_o another_o on_o their_o foot_n they_o be_v as_o vain_a and_o worldly_a as_o proud_a and_o passionate_a as_o hard_o to_o the_o poor_a as_o false_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o revengeful_a and_o inexorable_a as_o other_o etc._n etc._n will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o objection_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o such_o offence_n but_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o by_o who_o they_o come_v who_o can_v tell_v what_o unspeakable_a mischief_n such_o do_v who_o keep_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o yet_o walk_v disorderly_a in_o their_o daily_a conversation_n who_o begin_v with_o god_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o devil_n all_o the_o day_n after_o what_o stumbling-block_n do_v they_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ignorant_a child_n and_o ungodly_a servant_n and_o neighbour_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o be_v atheist_n and_o deny_v god_n and_o make_v they_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o religion_n but_o whatever_o hypocrisy_n any_o such_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o such_o like_a duty_n it_o will_v not_o discharge_v you_o from_o the_o obligation_n to_o perform_v they_o sincere_o you_o may_v as_o well_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n because_o some_o constant_a hearer_n be_v no_o better_a than_o some_o of_o those_o who_o stay_v away_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n 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