ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o ignorant_a of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o perceive_v many_o little_a child_n able_a to_o be_v their_o tutor_n so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v too_o urgent_a with_o all_o parent_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o management_n of_o child_n that_o they_o begin_v early_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o their_o catochism_n and_o that_o they_o take_v care_n that_o they_o learn_v to_o read_v betimes_o that_o they_o may_v of_o themselves_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o deplorable_a and_o move_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v send_v we_o a_o book_n from_o heaven_n concern_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o any_o among_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o those_o isa_n 29._o 12._o i_o can_v read_v it_o for_o i_o be_o not_o learned_a it_o be_v write_v in_o unknown_a character_n as_o to_o i_o because_o i_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o read_v we_o many_o time_n now_o hear_v such_o ignorant_a person_n blame_v their_o parent_n for_o neglect_v they_o in_o their_o youth_n when_o they_o come_v to_o perceive_v the_o want_n of_o such_o learning_n as_o they_o may_v have_v attain_v in_o their_o youth_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o many_o such_o parent_n will_v hear_v the_o more_o doleful_a accusation_n and_o curse_n of_o their_o wretched_a child_n in_o their_o torment_n hereafter_o where_o it_o may_v probable_o be_v say_v by_o many_o a_o person_n have_v my_o parent_n teach_v i_o better_o i_o may_v have_v escape_v these_o everlasting_a burn_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o my_o three_o observation_n viz._n iii_o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o good_a education_n and_o early_a instruction_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o a_o person_n in_o both_o world_n '_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o negligent_o they_o live_v vicious_o and_z die_v desperate_o this_o be_v so_o sad_o verify_v in_o the_o case_n of_o eli_n son_n 1_o sam._n 3._o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o terrify_v every_o sensible_a person_n out_o of_o such_o neglect_n his_o son_n be_v first_o child_n of_o darkness_n than_o son_n of_o belial_n and_o then_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o thus_o alas_o it_o usual_o fare_v with_o uncorrected_a ungoverned_a and_o uncatechize_v child_n as_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o the_o five_o follow_v particular_n which_o demonstrate_v the_o dismal_a case_n of_o ignorant_a and_o undisciplined_a youth_n 1._o they_o can_v live_v as_o christian_n if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n can_v act_v no_o better_o than_o his_o principle_n dictate_v to_o he_o and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o teach_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v they_o a_o express_a faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a mar._n 16._o 16._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v but_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v how_o can_v they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o person_n the_o office_n the_o covenant_n the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n except_o they_o learn_v it_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o friend_n out_o of_o their_o bibles_n and_o catechism_n it_o be_v true_a the_o foundation_n of_o the_o sacred_a moral_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o nature_n itself_o and_o the_o equity_n fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n for_o why_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v right_a say_v our_o bless_a lord_n luke_o 12._o 57_o but_o then_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o dim_a and_o faint_a that_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v obscure_v and_o overlay_v by_o sinful_a custom_n and_o if_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o man_n be_v darkness_n how_o gross_a be_v that_o darkness_n mat_n 6._o 23._o how_o extravagant_o vicious_a will_v those_o affection_n and_o passion_n be_v which_o have_v no_o light_n by_o which_o they_o may_v steer_v and_o no_o good_a principle_n from_o which_o they_o may_v act_v such_o uncatechize_v child_n i_o say_v can_v be_v good_a christian_n yea_o they_o usual_o prove_v the_o worst_a of_o men._n for_o 2._o for_o want_v of_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o be_v easy_o mislead_v into_o any_o error_n or_o heresy_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o ever_o any_o foolish_a opinion_n start_v but_o the_o vain_a author_n find_v some_o as_o vain_a as_o himself_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o mahomet_n mugleton_n and_o other_o and_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n that_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o such_o devotion_n the_o ignorant_a catch_n at_o any_o thing_n and_o hence_o proceed_v those_o unhappy_a division_n and_o party_n that_o be_v among_o we_o which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o the_o want_n of_o due_a catechise_v the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n whilst_o those_o be_v asleep_a that_o shall_v have_v sow_o better_a grain_n 3._o these_o undisciplined_a and_o uncatechize_v person_n usual_o prove_v ill_a member_n of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o very_a pest_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n in_o which_o they_o live_v one_o may_v indeed_o call_v they_o the_o very_a vermin_n of_o the_o public_a body_n hence_o come_v those_o swarm_n of_o idle_a pilfer_a and_o purloin_v people_n of_o which_o we_o hear_v daily_a complaint_n and_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n some_o of_o which_o be_v so_o crafty_a in_o their_o device_n and_o so_o harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a black_a guard_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o fruitful_a nursery_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n which_o fill_v the_o goal_n and_o load_v the_o gallow_n a_o very_a sad_a but_o a_o very_a great_a truth_n 4._o these_o untaught_a and_o uneducated_a people_n be_v they_o who_o chief_o bring_v a_o reproach_n on_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o they_o live_v like_o infidel_n in_o a_o christian_a land_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o no_o employment_n at_o home_n be_v force_v by_o their_o necessity_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n abroad_o and_o so_o they_o carry_v our_o shame_n together_o with_o their_o villainy_n into_o foreign_a part_n and_o many_o foreigner_n take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o our_o nation_n and_o against_o our_o religion_n by_o what_o they_o see_v and_o suffer_v from_o these_o profligate_n which_o have_v prove_v a_o great_a bar_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 5._o that_o which_o be_v yet_o the_o most_o dreadful_a thought_n of_o all_o be_v that_o the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o will_v reject_v they_o at_o the_o last_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n isa_n 27._o 11._o they_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o their_o father_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v be_v adjudge_v to_o he_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o he_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o they_o have_v long_o live_v in_o defiance_n and_o enmity_n to_o he_o that_o come_v to_o be_v the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hate_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o have_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o he_o as_o apostate_n from_o their_o creator_n and_o as_o they_o love_v darkness_n more_o than_o light_n they_o must_v inevitable_o take_v their_o portion_n in_o eternal_a darkness_n for_o they_o die_v without_o instruction_n and_o go_v astray_o from_o god_n and_o his_o beatific_a presence_n o_o dreadful_a end_n of_o such_o as_o be_v neglect_v in_o reform_a enough_o to_o create_v horror_n in_o every_o soul_n that_o consider_v it_o who_o be_v there_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o that_o will_v not_o think_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o care_n pain_n and_o estate_n well_o lay_v out_o if_o he_o may_v but_o be_v instrumental_a to_o save_v some_o few_o yea_o but_o one_o single_a person_n from_o this_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o that_o i_o may_v incline_v every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o to_o take_v this_o move_a and_o mournful_a case_n into_o consideration_n i_o now_o come_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v since_o the_o case_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n be_v thus_o dreadful_a and_o deplorable_a we_o may_v see_v infer_v 1._o to_o how_o divine_a and_o bless_a a_o state_n the_o holy_a gospel_n
from_o it_o with_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o earnestness_n that_o the_o matter_n can_v be_v press_v show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a pit_n in_o which_o people_n bury_v their_o all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n that_o blind_v the_o mind_n oppress_v the_o conscience_n harden_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v such_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n to_o the_o sensual_a faculty_n as_o over-bears_a all_o that_n good_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o the_o beginning_n of_o such_o sinful_a way_n seem_v smooth_a as_o oil_n and_o sweet_a as_o honey_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o yet_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o end_n as_o bitter_a as_o wormwood_n and_o sharp_a as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o hell_n and_o to_o eternal_a weep_v and_o wail_v for_o as_o the_o poor_a wander_a youth_n hate_v instruction_n and_o will_v not_o bear_v restraint_n but_o count_v those_o his_o enemy_n who_o show_v he_o his_o danger_n and_o admonish_v he_o to_o do_v better_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o that_o dreadful_a case_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n to_o be_v abandon_v of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o he_o die_v without_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o folly_n he_o go_v astray_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v here_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o he_o intimate_v that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a end_n of_o such_o a_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v youth_n he_o come_v most_o common_o to_o this_o tragical_a exit_fw-la and_o conclusion_n namely_o to_o die_v as_o wretched_o as_o he_o live_v and_o to_o go_v off_o his_o stage_n of_o vice_n and_o vanity_n in_o horror_n and_o confusion_n this_o be_v the_o dreadfule_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o die_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a in_o their_o chain_n and_o hoodwink_v by_o their_o delusion_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v involve_v and_o immerse_v in_o their_o torment_n this_o be_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o man._n what_o parent_n will_v not_o find_v their_o bowel_n pain_v to_o consider_v this_o as_o the_o case_n of_o any_o of_o their_o child_n you_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o to_o see_v a_o lion_n or_o a_o bear_n snatch_v up_o a_o child_n of_o you_o in_o its_o devour_a mouth_n and_o carry_v it_o off_o as_o its_o prey_n you_o can_v bear_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o devil_n appearance_n in_o some_o horrible_a shape_n and_o carry_v away_o your_o child_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n before_o your_o eye_n yet_o alas_o how_o many_o parent_n permit_v the_o devil_n that_o roar_v and_o devour_a lion_n as_o st._n peter_n call_v he_o to_o seize_v their_o chilin_n a_o way_n as_o certain_a and_o as_o terrible_a though_o not_o so_o visible_a they_o hear_v their_o child_n blaspheme_v god_n and_o offend_v he_o daily_o gross_o and_o familiar_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v under_o his_o power_n and_o management_n yet_o some_o laugh_n at_o all_o this_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v due_o concern_v about_o it_o how_o few_o be_v effectual_o awaken_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n their_o catechism_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o may_v gird_v they_o with_o that_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o from_o the_o malicious_a fury_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n how_o few_o be_v concern_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n through_o a_o convert_v faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o grossness_n of_o their_o ignorance_n go_v astray_o and_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o the_o pit_n of_o eternal_a misery_n where_o there_o be_v this_o pernicious_a neglect_n of_o catechise_v in_o parent_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o youth_n it_o be_v a_o error_n which_o be_v seldom_o correct_v by_o sermon_n afterward_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o very_a term_n and_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o principle_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o thus_o alas_o the_o text_n come_v to_o be_v dreadful_o exemplify_v they_o die_v without_o instruction_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o man_n in_o his_o save_a office_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o sinful_a and_o perish_a condition_n and_o of_o the_o term_n on_o which_o salvation_n be_v offer_v they_o and_o so_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o destructive_a ignorance_n and_o go_v astray_o from_o the_o fold_n of_o the_o true_a shepherd_n and_o fall_v a_o prey_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o he_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o devour_v this_o be_v methinks_v one_o of_o the_o most_o move_a case_n that_o one_o can_v think_v of_o and_o call_v the_o loud_a for_o christian_a compassion_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v further_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o follow_v observation_n 1._o all_o person_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n as_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v without_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o suitable_a concernment_n about_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o text_n suppose_v that_o all_o young_a person_n need_v instruction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o dreadfule_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v without_o it_o 2._o good_a instruction_n in_o youth_n be_v god_n appoint_a mean_n to_o bring_v people_n to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o book_n verify_v this_o and_o it_o be_v express_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n throughout_o it_o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o early_a instruction_n and_o good_a education_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o a_o person_n in_o both_o world_n they_o live_v vicious_o and_o die_v desperate_o they_o pass_v from_o the_o error_n and_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o place_n of_o utter_a and_o eternal_a darkness_n they_o die_v without_o instruction_n and_o go_v astray_o and_o perish_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n i._o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v that_o which_o i_o first_o observe_v namely_o that_o all_o person_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n as_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v without_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o text_n suppose_v that_o all_o young_a person_n need_v instruction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o dreadfule_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v without_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o pious_a instruction_n be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a blessing_n that_o can_v come_v to_o any_o one_o in_o his_o youth_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o zophar_n one_o of_o job_n friend_n job_n 11._o 12._o that_o man_n be_v bear_v as_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n utter_o rude_a and_o unuseful_a except_o it_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o hand_n by_o a_o very_a early_a and_o careful_a management_n and_o than_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o we_o see_v it_o plain_o so_o in_o our_o child_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o be_v rude_a froward_a stubborn_a wanton_a undutiful_a and_o unmannerly_a like_o a_o neglect_a garden_n which_o bring_v forth_o weed_n of_o itself_o but_o needs_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n to_o store_v it_o with_o useful_a plant_n there_o be_v alas_o a_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n ever_o since_o the_o apostasy_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n we_o ourselves_o also_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n tit._n 3._o 3_o till_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o saviour_n appear_v to_o he_o by_o divine_a illumination_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o all_o till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v we_o better_o for_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n jam._n 1._o 17._o and_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o ask_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o ver._n 5._o if_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o let_v he_o consider_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o man_n shall_v delight_v in_o thing_n so_o unfit_a and_o improper_a as_o all_o the_o way_n of_o vice_n be_v whence_o be_v it_o that_o child_n need_v no_o teacher_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o lie_v pride_n and_o stubbornness_n whereas_o they_o need_v much_o instruction_n and_o correction_n too_o mingle_v with_o many_o promise_n and_o allurement_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a
the_o great_a charity_n of_o instruct_v poor_a child_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n botolph_n aldgate_n upon_o lord's-day_n mar._n 24._o 1700._o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o charity-school_n new_o erect_v in_o that_o parish_n by_o josiah_n woodward_n minister_n of_o poplar_n london_n print_v by_o k._n astwood_n for_o ra._n sympson_n at_o the_o harp_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a francis_n lord_n guildford_n my_o lord_n that_o noble_a delight_n and_o industry_n wherewith_o your_o lordship_n advance_v the_o knowledge_n and_o service_n of_o god_n demonstrate_v the_o honour_n that_o almighty_a god_n do_v you_o in_o make_v you_o eminent_a in_o that_o work_n for_o which_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o on_o this_o account_n those_o school_n of_o charity_n which_o your_o lordship_n together_o with_o other_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o quality_n have_v studious_o advance_v in_o this_o city_n and_o other_o part_n those_o good_a book_n which_o be_v by_o these_o mean_v distribute_v into_o poor_a family_n and_o those_o catechetical_a library_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v compile_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o our_o plantation_n abroad_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v with_o sensible_a respect_n and_o gratitude_n by_o all_o but_o such_o as_o have_v slight_a thought_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v such_o a_o pitch_n of_o gross_a and_o odious_a insensibleness_n as_o one_o will_v hope_v can_v never_o have_v appear_v in_o a_o christian_a land_n but_o yet_o alas_o we_o have_v too_o many_o notorious_a instance_n of_o it_o through_o the_o desperate_a depravity_n of_o man_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o manner_n i_o know_v i_o need_v not_o mind_v your_o lordship_n though_o some_o other_o can_v be_v call_v upon_o too_o often_o to_o consider_v it_o that_o our_o adore_v lord_n and_o saviour_n arise_v as_o a_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n to_o give_v light_n and_o warmth_n to_o this_o dark_a and_o degenerate_a world_n and_o that_o the_o splendid_a beam_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n excel_v the_o 27._o the_o prov._n 20._o 27._o candle_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o those_o taper_n which_o the_o best_a philosopher_n hold_v forth_o to_o man_n as_o much_o as_o the_o glorious_a sun_n exceed_v those_o twinkle_v lamp_n and_o torch_n wherewith_o we_o endeavour_v to_o supply_v its_o absent_a light_n yet_o alas_o through_o the_o depravity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o man_n condemn_a love_n of_o darkness_n more_o than_o light_n we_o find_v some_o like_o the_o mole_n and_o bat_n decline_v the_o splendour_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o dote_v on_o the_o dimness_n of_o humane_a reason_n say_v with_o philostratus_n porphirie_n and_o the_o ancient_a humanist_n or_o rather_o with_o julian_n and_o former_a apostate_n let_v my_o soul_n take_v its_o risque_n with_o philosopher_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o natural_a reason_n rather_o than_o with_o the_o disciple_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o admirer_n of_o the_o book_n which_o god_n send_v from_o heaven_n like_o the_o wayward_a jew_n who_o be_v for_o desert_v the_o pillar_n of_o heavenly_a fire_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o canaan_n and_o conspire_v to_o make_v a_o captain_n of_o their_o own_o who_o may_v lead_v they_o back_o into_o egyptian_a darkness_n again_o a_o amaze_a choice_n and_o what_o can_v otherwise_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o 4._o we_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o namely_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o we_o see_v indeed_o with_o sorrowful_a heart_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o permit_v the_o legion_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n to_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o in_o this_o great_a and_o general_a contest_v all_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v engage_v on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v 30._o declare_v mat._n 12._o 30._o that_o none_o can_v be_v consider_v as_o neuter_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o with_o he_o be_v against_o he_o and_o though_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o the_o devil_n be_v confederate_n that_o be_v hardy_a enough_o to_o own_o the_o side_n they_o take_v but_o call_v it_o the_o defence_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o humane_a liberty_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n yet_o alas_o they_o busy_o do_v the_o devil_n work_n they_o sap_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o subvert_v the_o authority_n of_o its_o sacred_a author_n it_o be_v therefore_o my_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o devout_a mind_n that_o we_o find_v some_o person_n of_o eminent_a rank_n piety_n and_o honour_n who_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o height_n of_o worldly_a blandishment_n and_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o corrupt_a example_n brave_o trample_v on_o all_o that_o the_o usurp_a god_n of_o this_o world_n can_v offer_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o party_n and_o who_o in_o christian_a zeal_n for_o the_o prince_n of_o light_n oppose_v the_o pernicious_a encroachment_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v daily_o instrumental_a in_o discover_v to_o ignorant_a soul_n the_o certain_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o eternal_a light_n and_o bliss_n in_o which_o glorious_a work_n your_o lordship_n and_o the_o worthy_a gentleman_n with_o you_o be_v very_o happy_o engage_v and_o will_v certain_o find_v the_o bless_a account_n of_o it_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o such_o as_o glorify_v their_o creator_n and_o administer_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v thing_n most_o true_o great_a and_o noble_a for_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v chief_o wish_v to_o live_v and_o a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o grudge_v to_o die_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v long_o be_v successful_a in_o these_o divine_a erterprise_n and_o at_o last_o reap_v the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o they_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o incessant_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o honour_n be_v most_o respectful_a and_o obedient_a humble_a servant_n josiah_n woodward_n a_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n prov_n v._o 23._o he_o shall_v die_v without_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o folly_n he_o shall_v go_v astray_o solomon_n who_o have_v a_o very_a virtuous_a education_n and_o be_v honour_v with_o singular_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o youth_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o infinite_a love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o write_v this_o book_n of_o proverb_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n prov._n 1._o 4._o to_o teach_v the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n that_o be_v to_o show_v they_o how_o bless_v it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a betimes_o and_o to_o embrace_v those_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o all_o that_o despise_v they_o in_o their_o youth_n come_v to_o lament_v in_o their_o age_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o spirit_n at_o last_o how_o have_v i_o hate_a instruction_n and_o my_o heart_n despise_a reproof_n prov._n 5._o 12._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o consider_v this_o wise_a prince_n as_o a_o tutor_n to_o youth_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o we_o see_v he_o begin_v it_o like_o a_o grave_a catechist_n to_o his_o child_n my_o son_n attend_v unto_o my_o wisdom_n and_o bow_v thy_o ear_n to_o my_o understanding_n ver._n 1._o in_o which_o he_o intimate_v that_o since_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n all_o young_a person_n however_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o will_n as_o youth_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v ought_v to_o submit_v and_o bow_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o his_o divine_a and_o fatherly_a instruction_n and_o know_v the_o unsteadiness_n of_o youth_n in_o virtuous_a purpose_n to_o engage_v they_o more_o firm_o herein_o he_o show_v they_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n such_o young_a person_n usual_o come_v who_o slight_a the_o counsel_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o friend_n and_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n to_o which_o their_o youthful_a lust_n prompt_v they_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o insist_o upon_o it_o throughout_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n dissuade_v young_a people_n
and_o virtuous_a yea_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o natural_o delight_v in_o god_n above_o all_o other_o object_n since_o he_o be_v undeniable_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n these_o be_v demonstration_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v he_o to_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o soul_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o heaven_n and_o the_o near_a presence_n of_o god_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v this_o with_o a_o double_a asseveration_n john_n 3._o 5._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n must_v clear_v up_o his_o understanding_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n must_v mortify_v his_o vile_a affection_n and_o passion_n and_o turn_v the_o bent_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o chief_a good_a or_o he_o will_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o divine_a state_n and_o work_n of_o heaven_n but_o will_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o all_o pure_a and_o godlike_a state_n and_o this_o our_o natural_a state_n of_o spiritual_a ignorance_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o too_o deep_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o remedy_v by_o the_o best_a light_n that_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o humane_a art_n and_o study_n can_v supply_v we_o withal_o we_o need_v a_o light_n from_o heaven_n and_o wisdom_n from_o above_o to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n for_o when_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v st._n paul_n concern_v the_o conceit_a greek_a learning_n which_o be_v then_o in_o great_a vogue_n and_o esteem_v the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n that_o be_v i_o conceive_v when_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v that_o all_o the_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o just_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o a_o righteous_a god_n yet_o pardon_v and_o justify_v a_o penitent_a sinner_n it_o then_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v or_o by_o that_o plain_a but_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o orator_n of_o those_o time_n account_v foolish_a to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v man_n have_v indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n some_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o how_o imperfect_a this_o knowledge_n be_v we_o see_v by_o the_o many_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o barbarous_a custom_n of_o all_o those_o heathen_a country_n which_o be_v not_o bless_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o most_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o worship_v or_o serve_v he_o aright_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o the_o only_a way_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n nor_o of_o become_v good_a through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o this_o spirit_n yea_o we_o find_v some_o of_o they_o profess_a votary_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o worst_a enemy_n by_o the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n and_o barbarity_n hence_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v concern_v the_o unregenerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o eph._n 4._o 18._o we_o may_v from_o all_o this_o assure_o discern_v what_o sort_n of_o life_n such_o child_n be_v like_a to_o live_v who_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v catechize_v and_o govern_v in_o their_o youth_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n john_n 3._o 6._o carnal_a principle_n will_v produce_v nothing_o better_a than_o a_o carnal_a life_n so_o then_o since_o child_n have_v none_o but_o bad_a principle_n and_o inclination_n of_o themselves_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v from_o they_o but_o the_o great_a lewdness_n and_o the_o black_a impiety_n except_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o other_o they_o be_v better_a principled_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o busy_a and_o crafty_a the_o devil_n will_v always_o be_v to_o prompt_v they_o to_o all_o wickedness_n whilst_o alas_o the_o poor_a child_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n so_o that_o a_o youth_n without_o instruction_n will_v be_v like_o a_o benight_a traveller_n walk_v alone_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o unknown_a pit_n and_o precipice_n it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o fall_v into_o some_o of_o they_o to_o his_o utter_a ruin_n but_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o that_o love_n and_o fear_n god_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o service_n of_o their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n that_o they_o may_v shun_v the_o dreadful_a case_n of_o the_o text_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o observation_n viz._n ii_o that_o good_a instruction_n in_o youth_n be_v god_n appoint_a mean_n to_o bring_v people_n to_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v to_o young_a people_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o bow_v their_o ear_n to_o good_a instruction_n that_o they_o come_v not_o to_o the_o dreadful_a end_n foreshew_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n indeed_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a time_n in_o nature_n for_o good_a instruction_n child_n be_v apt_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o thing_n they_o hear_v and_o to_o retain_v it_o and_o repeat_v it_o their_o faculty_n be_v fresh_a and_o vigorous_a and_o they_o perceive_v themselves_o void_a of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v greedy_a to_o take_v information_n and_o soft_a and_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n they_o be_v also_o void_a of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la against_o truth_n and_o virtue_n which_o they_o be_v afterward_o likely_a to_o take_v up_o and_o they_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o such_o bodily_a labour_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v their_o learning_n in_o their_o more_o adult_a year_n on_o all_o these_o account_n the_o time_n of_o youth_n be_v the_o fit_a of_o any_o for_o good_a instruction_n and_o the_o proper_a season_n to_o plant_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o chief_o because_o it_o be_v god_n time_n and_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v the_o fit_a and_o best_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v often_o bind_v this_o duty_n very_o awful_o on_o the_o conscience_n both_o of_o parent_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n and_o upon_o child_n to_o mind_v the_o instruction_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o tutor_n parent_n be_v require_v to_o train_n up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v prov._n 22._o 6._o and_o child_n be_v require_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6._o 1._o parent_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6._o 4._o and_o child_n be_v command_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o their_o father_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n prov._n 6._o 20._o and_o these_o injunction_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o high_a promise_n and_o threaten_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o five_o commandment_n be_v the_o first_o commandment_n with_o promise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v live_v long_o on_o the_o earth_n eph._n 6._o 2_o 3._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v threaten_v that_o the_o eye_n that_o mock_v his_o father_n or_o despise_v to_o obey_v his_o mother_n the_o raven_n of_o the_o valley_n shall_v pick_v it_o out_o and_o the_o young_a eagle_n shall_v cat_n it_o prov._n 30._o 17._o and_o suitable_o to_o all_o this_o we_o find_v the_o mother_n and_o grandmother_n of_o timothy_n commend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o timothy_n be_v commend_v for_o his_o proficiency_n suitable_a to_o his_o education_n as_o we_o read_v in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o he_o and_o be_v it_o here_o observe_v that_o if_o any_o one_o be_v not_o teach_v to_o read_v and_o to_o know_v his_o catechism_n in_o his_o youth_n it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o whether_o ever_o he_o learn_v either_o of_o these_o afterward_o the_o senseless_a pride_n of_o a_o ignorant_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o disdain_v instruction_n in_o these_o thing_n afterward_o and_o they_o be_v utter_o