Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n christian_a holy_a life_n 1,005 5 4.1291 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60133 Family religion in three letters to a friend / by John Shower. Shower, John, 1657-1715. 1694 (1694) Wing S3666; ESTC R33838 45,661 120

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
own_o example_n but_o if_o your_o endeavour_n shall_v not_o succeed_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n you_o will_v yet_o have_v much_o more_o peace_n than_o otherwise_o as_o have_v do_v what_o you_o can_v towards_o it_o whereas_o without_o such_o endeavour_n it_o must_v be_v a_o afflictive_a pierce_a thought_n when_o any_o of_o they_o die_v or_o when_o you_o yourselves_o must_v to_o consider_v that_o you_o do_v no_o more_o to_o prevent_v their_o damnation_n and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o through_o your_o unfaithfulness_n be_v like_a to_o perish_v for_o ever_o who_o spring_v from_o your_o loin_n or_o go_v to_o hell_n out_o of_o your_o house_n moreover_o what_o evidence_n can_v you_o have_v of_o your_o own_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n if_o you_o do_v not_o thus_o endeavour_v the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o those_o under_o your_o charge_n abraham_n will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n joshua_n resolve_v to_o engage_v all_o his_o house_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n with_o he_o though_o a_o general_n and_o a_o great_a man_n do_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o own_o religion_n before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v it_o he_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n alone_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o other_o to_o join_v with_o he_o propose_v his_o own_o example_n to_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v all_o his_o family_n at_o least_o shall_v be_v religious_a cornelius_n be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n we_o may_v without_o be_v uncharitable_a suspect_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o religion_n who_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o their_o family_n how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o faithfulness_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o care_n concern_v they_o if_o you_o be_v want_v in_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o salvation_n you_o shake_v the_o ground_n of_o hope_n concern_v your_o own_o and_o family_n prayer_n and_o instruction_n and_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o good_a man_n in_o their_o house_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o god_n common_o make_v use_v of_o to_o convince_v and_o turn_v and_o sanctify_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a at_o least_o education_n make_v the_o first_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n whatever_o change_n may_v be_v afterward_o make_v by_o free_a conversation_n somewhat_o of_o the_o first_o good_a tincture_n be_v like_a to_o abide_v ordinary_o i_o say_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o where_o the_o advantage_n of_o education_n be_v misimprove_v it_o be_v observe_v many_o of_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o good_a family_n prove_v worse_o than_o other_o if_o they_o forsake_v god_n he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v forsake_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o god_n when_o child_n cast_v off_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n if_o they_o turn_v apostate_n they_o many_o time_n run_v deep_a into_o sin_n and_o further_o from_o god_n than_o other_o as_o cain_n cham_n ishmael_n esau_n eli_n son_n absolom_n yea_o solomon_n rehoboam_n manasseh_n and_o few_o comparative_o recover_v the_o light_n and_o means_n they_o sin_n against_o provoke_v god_n to_o abandon_v they_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n why_o there_o be_v more_o atheist_n in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o reject_v than_o among_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o for_o 8._o for_o see_v to_o this_o purpose_n dr._n owen_n of_o spiritual-mindedness_a 4o._o chap._n 8._o god_n have_v design_v to_o magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n above_o 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 thing_n eternal_a and_o invisible_a to_o sense_n wherever_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o see_v the_o great_a the_o light_n be_v which_o shine_v about_o they_o the_o fast_o they_o must_v close_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o the_o disparagement_n but_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o many_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v atheist_n in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v for_o none_o can_v have_v any_o inclination_n thereto_o till_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o immediate_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n they_o take_v shelter_n from_o their_o fear_n in_o downright_a atheism_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o security_n against_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o mean_n can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o the_o most_o rational_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o shame_n and_o expose_v their_o foolish_a pretence_n but_o man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o atheistical_a thought_n be_v ensnare_v into_o they_o by_o a_o love_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o live_v secure_o in_o sin_n and_o no_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o effectual_a cure_n to_o the_o predominant_a love_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o habitual_a course_n in_o it_o where_o man_n have_v reject_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n unto_o that_o end_n declare_v in_o divine_a revelation_n parent_n however_o have_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o their_o faithful_a endeavour_n there_o be_v many_o can_v speak_v of_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o as_o their_o father_n god_n from_o age_n to_o age._n if_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n to_o child_n which_o be_v ordinary_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o miscarry_v they_o can_v challenge_v god_n for_o not_o perform_v his_o covenant-promise_a but_o must_v condemn_v themselves_o but_o whatever_o the_o success_n be_v every_o parent_n and_o head_n of_o family_n be_v oblige_v to_o honour_n god_n and_o promote_v religion_n and_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o within_o his_o sphere_n this_o all_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n you_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n in_o every_o relation_n and_o in_o every_o capacity_n if_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o single_a capacity_n as_o private_a person_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o dedication_n of_o yourselves_o to_o he_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o every_o relation_n as_o husband_n parent_n master_n and_o head_n of_o family_n in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n according_a to_o your_o capacity_n and_o by_o family_n prayer_n and_o worship_n god_n have_v great_a honour_n than_o by_o secret_a prayer_n though_o therein_o you_o may_v more_o particular_o and_o 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
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
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
go_v to_o heaven_n without_o they_o who_o will_v not_o hinder_v their_o inferior_n from_o serve_v god_n whereas_o you_o have_v much_o to_o do_v of_o positive_a duty_n to_o 16._o to_o see_v mr._n baxters_n saint_n rest_v part._n 3._o chap._n 14._o sect._n 16._o inform_v their_o mind_n to_o furnish_v their_o memory_n to_o rectify_v their_o will_n to_o quicken_v their_o affection_n to_o keep_v tender_a their_o conscience_n and_o restrain_v their_o tongue_n and_o watch_v over_o their_o outward_a carriage_n to_o make_v they_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_v holiness_n and_o prize_v the_o bible_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o like_o good_a company_n and_o dislike_v all_o other_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n give_v you_o the_o authority_n of_o parent_n or_o master_n if_o not_o to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o promote_v holiness_n in_o your_o family_n humane_a nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o unless_o in_o some_o few_o with_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n begin_v very_o early_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o holy_a baptism_n be_v discover_v in_o childhood_n there_o need_v to_o be_v great_a restraint_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o young_a people_n your_o authority_n must_v be_v keep_v up_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v despise_v by_o those_o that_o you_o shall_v rule_v labour_v therefore_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o extent_n of_o that_o authority_n with_o relation_n to_o all_o in_o your_o family_n and_o the_o more_o you_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_n the_o better_a will_v you_o preserve_v your_o authority_n among_o all_o your_o inferior_n humility_n and_o wisdom_n and_o circumspect_a walk_v will_v enable_v you_o to_o do_v they_o the_o more_o good_a in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v you_o the_o indulgence_n and_o allowance_n of_o child_n in_o what_o be_v sinful_a you_o know_v do_v high_o provoke_v god_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eli_n and_o how_o dear_a do_v it_o cost_v he_o that_o his_o son_n make_v themselves_o vile_a and_o he_o restrain_v they_o not_o ●_o sa●_n 3.13_o you_o must_v not_o let_v wickedness_n dwell_v in_o your_o tabernacle_n job_n 11.14_o or_o in_o those_o of_o your_o family_n they_o will_v observe_v your_o order_n and_o regard_v your_o command_n if_o you_o do_v not_o indiscreet_o lose_v your_o authority_n by_o not_o keep_v your_o distance_n or_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a with_o you_o or_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n make_v they_o too_o strange_a so_o as_o to_o be_v fearful_a and_o discourage_v i_o here_o speak_v especial_o of_o child_n if_o what_o you_o resolve_v upon_o and_o order_n in_o command_v what_o be_v good_a or_o forbid_v what_o be_v evil_a you_o see_v be_v punctual_o observe_v still_o manage_v all_o with_o affection_n and_o love_n and_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o salvation_n to_o have_v be_v your_o great_a motive_n and_o remember_v that_o commendation_n when_o they_o do_v well_o be_v as_o needful_a as_o reproof_n and_o correction_n when_o they_o sinful_o transgress_v which_o also_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o partiality_n or_o the_o causeless_a cocker_a or_o countenance_v of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v though_o with_o some_o difference_n with_o respect_n to_o your_o servant_n be_v just_o compassionate_a and_o love_v to_o they_o but_o lose_v not_o your_o authority_n as_o a_o master_n be_v faithful_a and_o affectionate_a in_o your_o counsel_n of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o stubborn_a and_o slight_a your_o advice_n and_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o deride_v serious_a godliness_n in_o their_o fellow-servant_n you_o must_v use_v other_o method_n or_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o can_v you_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o wickedness_n dwell_v not_o within_o your_o house_n without_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v of_o it_o you_o must_v warn_v they_o who_o be_v anruly_a and_o of_o other_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n some_o must_v be_v rebuke_v sharp_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n judas_n 22_o 23_o verse_n as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v trade_n and_o family_n but_o god_n have_v not_o bless_v they_o with_o child_n or_o have_v take_v they_o away_o by_o death_n their_o care_n and_o labour_n and_o trust_n be_v thereby_o lessen_v and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o servant_n they_o have_v many_o consideration_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o repine_v or_o sorrow_v much_o for_o the_o want_n of_o child_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o pain_n the_o care_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n which_o they_o be_v free_v from_o for_o in_o this_o dissolute_a age_n how_o few_o child_n answer_v the_o hope_n desire_n and_o pain_n of_o parent_n or_o prove_v comfort_n to_o they_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o if_o god_n have_v give_v you_o child_n or_o prolong_v their_o life_n what_o a_o life_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n may_v they_o probable_o have_v pass_v in_o this_o world_n beside_o the_o constant_a fear_v you_o will_v have_v have_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n which_o may_v be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o uncertain_a comfort_n of_o those_o who_o have_v child_n abstract_v from_o that_o consolation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o they_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v advisable_v with_o family_n prayer_n to_o join_v serious_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a seripture_n every_o day_n and_o frequent_a catechise_v or_o instruct_v of_o inferior_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n abraham_n have_v such_o train_v catechize_v servant_n in_o his_o house_n these_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o his_o ancient_a people_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n deut._n 4.9_o chap._n 11.19_o teach_v a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o prov._n 4.4_o chap._n 22.6_o 2_o tim._n 1.3_o acquaint_v they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a with_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n give_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v and_o bear_v it_o acquaint_v they_o betimes_o with_o the_o word_n and_o work_v of_o god_n when_o you_o sit_v in_o the_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n or_o lie_v down_o or_o rise_v up_o by_o ask_v they_o question_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o ask_v you_o abraham_n example_n be_v approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n gen._n 18.19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n never_o diel_n any_o age_n afford_v better_a help_n for_o catechise_v than_o this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a catechism_n or_o summary_n of_o christian_a religion_n already_o print_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v have_v if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v a_o method_n for_o regular_n catechise_v in_o your_o family_n as_o suppose_v upon_o a_o lord's-day_n evening_n or_o once_o a_o week_n let_v i_o mention_v one_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o many_o with_o good_a success_n in_o some_o county_n of_o this_o nation_n viz._n let_v the_o master_n of_o the_o faly_n begin_v with_o a_o short_a invocation_n of_o god_n pray_v for_o his_o presence_n assistance_n and_o blessing_n and_o then_o ask_v the_o young_a sort_v three_o question_n out_o of_o the_o assembly_n catechism_n and_o upon_o each_o of_o the_o three_o answer_n ask_v the_o explicatory_a question_n in_o mr._n joseph_n allen_n catechism_n or_o mr._n lye'_v so_o that_o by_o answer_v yes_o or_o no_o you_o will_v perceive_v whether_o they_o understand_v the_o matter_n treat_v of_o after_o this_o read_v the_o full_a explication_n of_o those_o three_o question_n in_o some_o large_a catechism_n as_o that_o of_o mr._n thomas_n vincent_n and_o then_o close_o with_o a_o short_a prayer_n and_o if_o you_o can_v sing_v a_o psalm_n all_o which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o hour_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o very_o profitable_a both_o for_o young_a and_o elder_a people_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frequent_o in_o your_o family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o your_o closet_n upon_o the_o weekday_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o lord's-day_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o use_v many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v deut._n 11.18_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o they_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o case_n that_o you_o