common_o leave_v their_o innocency_n 5._o the_o mean_n of_o procure_v to_o child_n a_o happy_a education_n be_v not_o use_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o mean_n be_v instruction_n encouragement_n and_o correction_n instruction_n be_v very_o much_o neglect_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n parent_n seldom_o give_v good_a direction_n to_o their_o child_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v they_o do_v worse_o they_o train_v they_o up_o to_o ill_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o bad_a instruction_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o maxim_n they_o utter_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o child_n they_o infuse_v sentiment_n and_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n sensuality_n and_o dissimulation_n into_o they_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o motive_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n or_o by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o false_a honour_n nay_o they_o do_v sometime_o direct_o teach_v they_o vice_n they_o encourage_v they_o to_o lie_v and_o cheat_n to_o be_v revengeful_a and_o passionate_a so_o that_o young_a people_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o good_a instruction_n but_o they_o be_v beside_o infect_v from_o their_o infancy_n with_o several_a most_o pernicious_a principle_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o education_n be_v like_a to_o be_v if_o few_o child_n be_v form_v to_o virtue_n by_o instruction_n few_o be_v make_v virtuous_a by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n it_o be_v much_o when_o this_o example_n be_v not_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a in_o most_o family_n child_n see_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o christianity_n except_o some_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n be_v employ_v about_o temporal_a thing_n the_o discourse_n they_o hear_v turn_v altogether_o on_o interest_n or_o some_o trifle_a subject_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o quarrel_n of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n of_o their_o avarice_n their_o swear_v their_o lie_v their_o intemperance_n their_o impiety_n and_o their_o want_n of_o respect_n for_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o example_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n child_n have_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o which_o corrupt_v they_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o at_o that_o age_n almost_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o imitation_n and_o example_n and_o no_o example_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o parent_n because_o it_o be_v always_o in_o sight_n and_o they_o think_v beside_o they_o can_v do_v amiss_o as_o long_o as_o they_o copy_n after_o it_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o educate_v child_n to_o encourage_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exhort_v and_o incite_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o honour_n and_o from_o the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v the_o do_v of_o it_o but_o that_o likewise_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o satisfaction_n and_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o word_n of_o praise_n a_o little_a reward_n inspire_v new_a ardour_n into_o they_o we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o please_v with_o child_n when_o we_o can_v prevail_v upon_o they_o with_o gentle_a method_n and_o win_v their_o love_n they_o then_o accustom_v themselves_o betimes_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o from_o noble_a and_o generous_a view_n but_o to_o use_v always_o severity_n towards_o child_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v well_o be_v the_o way_n to_o discourage_v they_o and_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n yet_o severity_n be_v necessary_a and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v rigour_n and_o correction_n those_o indulgent_a parent_n who_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o false_a tenderness_n can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o chastise_v their_o child_n do_v infallible_o ruin_v they_o but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n make_v child_n unruly_a chastisement_n ill_o dispense_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n there_o be_v common_o three_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o correct_v of_o child_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v chastise_v correction_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v but_o for_o those_o fault_n which_o have_v something_o of_o vice_n in_o they_o as_o when_o child_n be_v guilty_a of_o malice_n of_o some_o ill_a habit_n or_o of_o great_a negligence_n and_o even_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o chastisement_n but_o after_o we_o have_v try_v other_o way_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v little_o observe_v child_n be_v punish_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o fault_n indifferent_o and_o very_o often_o for_o small_a one_o they_o will_v sometime_o be_v severe_o chastise_v because_o they_o can_v not_o say_v their_o lesson_n without_o book_n or_o for_o some_o other_o little_a disorder_n they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o house_n through_o imprudence_n and_o without_o malice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fault_n against_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o these_o correction_n produce_v several_a ill_a effect_n and_o especial_o this_o that_o child_n form_n to_o themselves_o false_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o fancy_n that_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o be_v punish_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o hurt_n in_o spoil_v their_o clothes_n or_o in_o miss_v a_o word_n of_o their_o lesson_n that_o in_o lie_v or_o in_o pray_v without_o attention_n which_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o vice_n the_o second_o error_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o correction_n inflict_v upon_o child_n be_v when_o no_o other_o chastisement_n be_v use_v but_o those_o which_o make_v the_o body_n smart_n such_o correction_n without_o doubt_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a because_o child_n be_v chief_o move_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o strike_v the_o sense_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o to_o which_o recourse_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o beat_v child_n every_o time_n they_o do_v amiss_o be_v to_o use_v they_o like_o beast_n there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o punish_v be_v mortify_v they_o the_o most_o profitable_a correction_n be_v those_o which_o excite_v in_o they_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n for_o the_o ill_a they_o have_v do_v last_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o chastise_v of_o child_n when_o they_o be_v not_o correct_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n prudence_n and_o even_a justice_n require_v that_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o fault_n to_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o other_o circumstance_n and_o it_o become_v that_o love_n which_o a_o father_n owe_v his_o child_n to_o correct_v they_o with_o lenity_n and_o moderation_n and_o to_o forbear_v excessive_a severity_n child_n shall_v perceive_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o parent_n even_o in_o their_o correction_n and_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n and_o only_o in_o order_n to_o their_o good_a that_o they_o treat_v they_o with_o some_o rigour_n if_o chastisement_n be_v dispense_v with_o these_o caution_n they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o cause_n pain_n beget_v in_o child_n mind_n a_o sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o they_o will_v make_v they_o love_v their_o parent_n even_o while_o they_o be_v punish_v they_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n parent_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o child_n chastise_v they_o without_o discretion_n and_o with_o a_o rigour_n which_o border_n upon_o cruelty_n they_o punish_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o passion_n spite_n or_o revenge_n than_o upon_o wise_a and_o sober_a consideration_n such_o a_o proceed_n discourage_v and_o provoke_v child_n and_o it_o make_v they_o hate_v their_o duty_n i_o confess_v this_o method_n may_v strike_v terror_n into_o they_o and_o curb_n they_o a_o little_a but_o they_o grow_v the_o more_o stout_a and_o incorrigible_a by_o it_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o licentiouness_n assoon_o as_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n corruption_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o education_n they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v up_o child_n in_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v education_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o educate_v of_o youth_n first_o in_o the_o knowledgwe_n and_o then_o in_o the_o
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
practice_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o consideration_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o concern_v the_o first_o head_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o or_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o instruct_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v two_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n ought_v to_o depend_v and_o those_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o child_n and_o here_o two_o fault_n be_v commit_v the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o second_o be_v when_o such_o instruction_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o age_n or_o 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who_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o sermon_n particular_a truth_n be_v dwell_v upon_o and_o the_o general_a one_o be_v touch_v only_o by_o the_o by_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o child_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v ignorant_a about_o many_o important_a article_n they_o be_v perplex_v with_o divers_a useless_a or_o not_o very_o necessary_a instruction_n instead_o of_o limit_v they_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n their_o mind_n and_o memory_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v the_o dispute_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o abstruse_a question_n and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o get_v several_a thing_n by_o heart_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n child_n learn_v these_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o without_o book_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v as_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o rank_n among_o divine_a truth_n school_n term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o neither_o apprehend_v the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o use_n and_o thus_o have_v none_o but_o intricate_a idea_n about_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n the_o solidity_n or_o the_o excellence_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v neither_o true_a love_n nor_o respect_n for_o it_o when_o child_n be_v once_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o duty_n in_o religion_n first_o the_o duty_n conceme_v divine_a worship_n or_o service_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n the_o first_o be_v adoration_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o as_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v either_o outward_o or_o in_o wardly_a it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v child_n apprehend_v that_o brayer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n aught_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o iu._n that_o john_n iu._n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o this_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v only_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o tell_v child_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o go_v to_o church_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n all_o this_o be_v but_o external_a and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o if_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o inform_v they_o that_o true_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hypocrite_n of_o they_o by_o tench_a they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v religious_a acts._n the_o fault_n then_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o indevotion_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o negligence_n the_o religion_n of_o most_o christian_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a action_n they_o think_v they_o have_v fulfil_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o have_v recite_v some_o prayer_n or_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o all_o they_o do_v this_o kind_n they_o have_v neither_o attention_n nor_o elevation_n of_o heart_n but_o this_o error_n which_o be_v so_o capital_a and_o yet_o so_o common_a arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o that_o child_n be_v form_v only_o to_o a_o mere_a outside_n devotion_n and_o worship_n young_a people_n be_v not_o much_o better_o instruct_v in_o moral_a duty_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v here_o upon_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o the_o subject_n may_v afford_v because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o want_n of_o instruction_n concern_v moral_n in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part._n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n proceed_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o youth_n much_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o about_o the_o doctrine_n than_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v handle_v and_o examine_v large_o enough_o in_o catechism_n and_o controversy_n be_v not_o forget_v but_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v explain_v in_o so_o
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o severity_n if_o religion_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o with_o a_o attractive_a aspect_n they_o will_v certain_o embrace_v it_o with_o eagerness_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o teach_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o with_o a_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o a_o dismal_a tone_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o it_o command_n threaten_n and_o constraint_n be_v use_v to_o make_v they_o take_v their_o catechism_n or_o say_v their_o prayer_n if_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v this_o their_o teacher_n be_v angry_a and_o beat_v they_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o piety_n in_o stead_n of_o go_v about_o this_o with_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o may_v make_v virtue_n amiable_a to_o they_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o harsh_a and_o chide_a manner_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v that_o child_n see_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v entice_a take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o instruction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o a_o hard_a piece_n of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n religion_n be_v no_o soon_o mention_v but_o it_o damp_n their_o good_a humour_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o against_o their_o will_n they_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o constraint_n assoon_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o bear_v during_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifference_n to_o religion_n ii_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v hitherto_o of_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o prove_v that_o general_o speak_v child_n be_v ill_o instruct_v i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v education_n with_o relation_n to_o practice_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o infuse_v into_o young_a people_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o chide_v though_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o that_o religion_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o certain_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o beside_o to_o slight_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n these_o pernicious_a sentiment_n be_v infuse_v into_o child_n when_o instruction_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o practice_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o design_n of_o propose_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o shall_v let_v they_o see_v their_o certainty_n their_o importance_n and_o their_o use_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v careful_o inculcate_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o concern_v we_o near_o than_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o it_o all_o that_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o very_o little_a or_o no_o consequence_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a bessedness_n by_o this_o method_n instruction_n will_v always_o terminate_v in_o practice_n by_o teach_v child_n to_o know_v god_n we_o shall_v excite_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o that_o supreme_a be_v by_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o providence_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o apprehend_v that_o god_n
see_v every_o thing_n and_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o by_o tell_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o observe_v in_o those_o various_a event_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n wisdom_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o shall_v chief_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v what_o these_o sacred_a ceremony_n oblige_v christian_n to_o what_o a_o august_n and_o venerable_n thing_n baptism_n be_v and_o what_o purity_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o child_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o truth_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o ought_v to_o engage_v child_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n with_o relation_n both_o to_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o first_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a family_n where_o something_o be_v not_o do_v with_o this_o intention_n child_n be_v make_v to_o learn_v some_o prayer_n to_o say_v they_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a and_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o the_o main_n shall_v be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o sincerity_n in_o divine-service_n lest_o they_o fall_v into_o impiety_n and_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o accustom_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o attention_n and_o reverence_n this_o may_v at_o first_o seem_v difficult_a we_o neither_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n nor_o can_v regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v way_n to_o fix_v their_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v successful_o use_v and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v not_o think_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o head_n consider_v the_o importance_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o will_v not_o have_v child_n pray_v before_o they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v there_o be_v a_o custom_n establish_v every_o where_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o indevotion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v little_a child_n recite_v prayer_n and_o long_o one_o too_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n of_o this_o nor_o where_o the_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v if_o child_n do_v not_o pray_v at_o a_o age_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o speak_v a_o articulate_a word_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v wait_v till_o then_o they_o may_v pray_v with_o attention_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o reverence_n child_n think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o do_v what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n if_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o pray_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a age_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o pray_v as_o a_o particular_a privilege_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o pray_v before_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o do_v it_o put_v this_o notion_n into_o their_o head_n that_o pray_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o recite_v of_o prayer_n and_o beside_o that_o obligation_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o perform_v regular_o a_o duty_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o necessity_n or_o the_o use_n make_v that_o they_o only_o observe_v it_o out_o of_o custom_n 2._o i_o can_v wish_v that_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o make_v child_n pray_v we_o shall_v teach_v they_o plain_a and_o short_a prayer_n wherein_o they_o may_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o understand_v two_o or_o three_o sentence_n be_v enough_o in_o those_o beginning_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n long_a prayer_n may_v be_v prescribe_v they_o brevity_n be_v to_o every_o body_n a_o help_n to_o devotion_n but_o child_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o long_a attention_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o long_a prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o fit_a for_o they_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o discourse_n with_o they_o about_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v what_o a_o honour_n it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a our_o necessity_n before_o he_o 4._o in_o order_n to_o accustom_v child_n to_o look_v upon_o prayer_n with_o reverence_n and_o to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o seriousness_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v strong_o posseff_v with_o some_o passion_n or_o object_n or_o when_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o considerable_a fault_n against_o piety_n 5._o it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o regulate_v and_o observe_v their_o behaviour_n and_o look_n while_o they_o be_v at_o prayer_n and_o then_o likewise_o to_o express_v a_o reverence_n ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v or_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v give_v they_o any_o distraction_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o family_n to_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o be_v busy_a and_o to_o talk_v all_o the_o while_n that_o child_n be_v say_v their_o prayer_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o amid_o all_o that_o noise_n which_o will_v even_o hinder_v old_a people_n to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v child_n who_o thought_n be_v so_o ramble_v shall_v not_o be_v distract_v and_o what_o reverence_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d show_v none_o at_o all_o this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v to_o observe_v concern_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n very_o particular_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v child_n observe_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v next_o to_o instruction_n be_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o piety_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o essential_a character_n of_o a_o christian_n but_o the_o exhortation_n direct_v to_o they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dispense_v with_o prudence_n sometime_o parent_n spoil_v all_o though_o they_o mean_v well_o they_o exhort_v and_o chide_v at_o every_o turn_n they_o be_v perpetual_o admonish_v and_o moralize_v by_o this_o they_o give_v a_o disgust_n to_o their_o child_n instead_o of_o win_v upon_o they_o exhortation_n ought_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n above_o all_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v and_o to_o prevail_v upon_o child_n by_o reason_n that_o so_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n of_o the_o justice_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v practice_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o with_o pleasure_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v child_n as_o be_v fit_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o temper_n and_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v their_o predominant_a inclination_n that_o if_o those_o inclination_n be_v good_a they_o may_v be_v cultivate_v and_o if_o bad_a correct_v and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o child_n because_o they_o deal_v ingenuous_o and_o have_v not_o yet_o â—â—arned_a the_o art_n of_o dissemble_v if_o man_n do_v make_v this_o their_o study_n if_o they_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o good_a disposition_n which_o may_v be_v in_o child_n if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o oppose_v the_o predominant_a fault_n to_o which_o either_o their_o age_n or_o their_o constitution_n incline_v they_o they_o will_v preserve_v they_o from_o many_o vice_n and_o make_v they_o great_a proficient_n in_o virtue_n beside_o this_o parent_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o ought_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o inquire_v strict_o whether_o they_o practise_v the_o lesson_n which_o be_v give_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n whether_o they_o forbear_v those_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v reprove_v whether_o they_o resist_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n whether_o they_o be_v gentle_a sober_a humble_a and_o moderate_a in_o their_o discourse_n action_n and_o behaviour_n to_o this_o end_v it_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v too_o much_o liberty_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o the_o
eye_n of_o some_o wise_a person_n who_o may_v observe_v their_o deportment_n i_o do_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o consideration_n because_o they_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o neither_o do_v i_o speak_v here_o of_o encouragement_n correction_n and_o example_n nor_o of_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v very_o useful_o take_v in_o hand_n for_o regulate_v the_o conduct_n of_o child_n because_o these_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o corruption_n proceed_v primary_o and_o chief_o from_o the_o ill_a education_n of_o youth_n the_o ordinary_a education_n of_o child_n be_v not_o christian_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o true_a christianity_n and_o folid_a virtue_n shall_v be_v so_o scarce_o the_o first_o impression_n be_v the_o strong_a the_o principle_n which_o have_v be_v imbibe_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n do_v not_o wear_v out_o afterward_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o good_a education_n be_v not_o often_o know_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a in_o their_o conduct_n let_v it_o not_o be_v object_v here_o what_o many_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o the_o error_n of_o education_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v correct_v afterward_o and_o that_o wisdom_n come_v with_o year_n thus_o those_o man_n reason_n who_o only_o examine_v thing_n superficial_o but_o such_o person_n do_v never_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o man_n temper_n upon_o the_o manner_n how_o ill_a habit_n be_v form_v or_o upon_o experience_n almost_o all_o good_a or_o ill_a habit_n begin_v in_o infancy_n and_o they_o grow_v strong_a afterward_o the_o age_n which_o succeed_v youth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o education_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o return_v to_o virtue_n if_o he_o do_v not_o set_v out_o well_o at_o first_o for_o beside_o that_o habit_n be_v then_o strong_a and_o deep_o root_v business_n do_v also_o come_v with_o age_n and_o people_n have_v no_o long_o that_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v young_a those_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o take_v right_a measure_n early_o and_o who_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ill_a principle_n be_v still_o grow_v worse_a instead_o of_o amend_v this_o be_v verify_v by_o daily_a experience_n age_n seldom_o alter_v man_n for_o the_o better_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o people_n who_o be_v neglect_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o who_o youth_n have_v be_v unruly_a be_v sometime_o know_v to_o change_v their_o manner_n and_o their_o conduct_n when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age._n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o this_o change_n happen_v and_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o it_o be_v a_o thorough_a change_n and_o a_o sincere_a return_n to_o virtue_n god_n sometime_o work_v conversion_n in_o the_o great_a sinner_n and_o he_o do_v this_o common_o by_o affliction_n sickness_n and_o pain_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a the_o change_n which_o we_o think_v we_o observe_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v often_o no_o more_o than_o a_o effect_n of_o age_n of_o the_o state_n we_o be_v in_o or_o of_o custom_n age_n do_v two_o thing_n it_o deaden_v the_o passion_n and_o it_o change_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n passion_n be_v violent_a and_o make_v a_o great_a stir_n when_o the_o prime_a of_o life_n be_v over_o a_o man_n perhaps_o be_v no_o long_o a_o libertine_n or_o a_o deboshee_n but_o his_o exterior_a only_a be_v reform_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o his_o heart_n he_o that_o be_v sensual_a and_o give_v to_o lewdness_n moderate_v himself_o but_o still_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o imagination_n be_v defile_v he_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o impious_a do_v no_o long_o profess_v libertinism_n open_o he_o practise_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o devotion_n or_o faith_n than_o before_o age_n do_v likewise_o change_v man_n passion_n and_o inclination_n young_a people_n have_v their_o passion_n and_o suppose_v these_o shall_v abate_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o or_o even_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v quite_o leave_v off_o which_o yet_o happen_v but_o seldom_o there_o be_v other_o passion_n which_o succeed_v those_o of_o youth_n and_o which_o work_n the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o mistrust_v and_o because_o they_o make_v less_o noise_n and_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v thus_o we_o see_v often_o that_o libertine_n and_o deboshee_n end_n with_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o world_n call_v the_o change_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o man_n conversion_n and_o amendment_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o young_a day_n when_o his_o conduct_n be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a or_o manifest_o criminal_a but_o if_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o which_o he_o have_v not_o then_o he_o be_v no_o long_o dissolute_a but_o he_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o ambition_n he_o be_v covetous_a unjust_a and_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n more_o than_o ever_o nay_o all_o thing_n well_o consider_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o he_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n since_o he_o have_v run_v from_o one_o vice_n into_o another_o and_o load_v himself_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o every_o alteration_n which_o age_n make_v in_o man_n conduct_n and_o manner_n be_v a_o true_a conversion_n the_o various_a state_n calling_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n do_v likewise_o put_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o alter_v their_o way_n of_o live_v and_o make_v they_o give_v over_o those_o excess_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v addict_v for_o some_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n or_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o place_n he_o must_v of_o hecessity_n grow_v more_o regular_a in_o his_o conduct_n and_o forsake_v several_a disorder_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o before_o he_o become_v more_o â—erious_a he_o apply_v himself_o close_a to_o labour_n â—e_v life_n more_o retire_v and_o he_o take_v leave_v of_o â—he_n amusement_n of_o youth_n honour_n decency_n interest_n the_o necessity_n of_o make_v a_o family_n and_o other_o consideration_n oblige_v he_o to_o â—his_n but_o religion_n have_v not_o always_o a_o share_n in_o â—his_fw-la change_n lasty_a a_o habit_n of_o sin_v do_v often_o blind_a â—nd_n hard_a man_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v a_o sincere_a amendment_n in_o â—hem_n when_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o nay_o when_o â—hey_n be_v more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o they_o be_v young_a man_n at_o first_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n conscience_n check_v they_o for_o the_o sin_n â—hey_n commit_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o perceive_v they_o no_o more_o conscience_n grow_v sear_v â—nd_v they_o sin_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o habit_n seldom_o fail_v to_o produce_v this_o effect_n of_o which_o we_o see_v a_o thousand_o instance_n in_o old_a sinner_n all_o this_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v lay_v in_o youth_n â—nd_v that_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o man_n live_v ill_a be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o educate_v i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o mention_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v observe_v they_o all_o along_o in_o show_v the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v before_o i_o dismiss_v the_o subject_a that_o all_o this_o do_v proper_o concern_v master_n of_o family_n and_o pastor_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o parent_n will_v take_v more_o care_n than_o they_o do_v to_o breed_v their_o child_n well_o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o will_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n prescribe_v they_o be_v mistake_v if_o they_o think_v they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o obligation_n which_o both_o nature_n and_o piety_n lie_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n in_o this_o point_n may_v very_o just_o be_v wonder_v at_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n be_v general_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o mind_v the_o least_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o themselves_o want_v religion_n and_o piety_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n â—s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v