The way to true honour and happiness A friendly address to all parents, masters of families, and landlords, the persons most capable to honour ... , and to gain honour to themselves, by beginning and carrying on a rational reformation. To which is added, [A] memorandum for mothers. By John Mitchell, M.A. Mitchell, John, fl. 1697. 1697 Approx. 68 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A51033 Wing M2287B ESTC R221889 99833134 99833134 37609 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A51033) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 37609) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2191:15) The way to true honour and happiness A friendly address to all parents, masters of families, and landlords, the persons most capable to honour ... , and to gain honour to themselves, by beginning and carrying on a rational reformation. To which is added, [A] memorandum for mothers. By John Mitchell, M.A. Mitchell, John, fl. 1697. 48 p. printed by I. Dawks, for B. Barker by the Fountain-Ta... at the foot of the Hay-Market, near Pell-Mell; sold by R. Baldwin in Warwick-lane, London : 1697. Gathered in 4's. Copy tightly bound with loss of title and text. Reproduction of the original in the Lambeth Palace Library, London. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Repentance -- Early works to 1800. Christian life -- Early works to 1800. Family -- Religious life -- Early works to 1800. Women -- Conduct of life -- Early works to 1800. Mother and child -- Religious aspects -- Early works to 1800. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-11 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-02 TCP Staff (Oxford) Sampled and proofread 2002-02 TCP Staff (Oxford) Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-03 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Way to True Honour and Happiness . A FRIENDLY ●DDRESS TO ALL ●ARENTS , 〈…〉 ters of Families , AND ●ANDLORDS , 〈◊〉 Persons most capable to Honour 〈◊〉 and to gain Honour to them 〈…〉 by beginning and carrying on a 〈…〉 IONAL REFORMATION . To which is Added , 〈…〉 emorandum for Mothers , 〈◊〉 Iohn Mitchell , M. A. LONDON , 〈◊〉 I. Dawks , for B. Barker by the Fountain-Ta 〈…〉 the Foot of the Hay-Market , near Pell-Mell ; 〈…〉 d by R. Baldwin in Warwick-lane , 1697. Price stitch't , 4 d , IT is earnestly desired , That Magistrates , Landlords , and other Rich People , would distribute some Copies of this little Book , among their Tenants and Servants , and among poor People , that many may be awakened to a sense of their Duty , and may concur and unite their Endeavours for carrying on that Glorious REFORMATION , which all sober Persons are longing and praying for . Dan. 12. 3. They that turn many to Righteousness shall shine . A Friendly ADDRESS TO ALL PARENTS , ●asters of Families , AND LAND LORDS , &c. Dear Friends , ●N reading the New Testament , you may 〈◊〉 see , That the Practice of Christianity is 〈◊〉 degenerated ; and in observing the ways 〈◊〉 of Men , you do see , that the Nation is 〈…〉 rupted . Vice abounds , and Wickedness 〈…〉 ails . Almost none walking in the ways 〈…〉 ety and Vertue , and very few walking in 〈◊〉 ways of Civility or Honesty . All Fami●● all Persons have corrupted their Ways ; most are vitious and all are negligent ; there is none Righteous , no not one . The Justice of the Eternal Majesty is provoked , his Laws contemned , his Mercy despised , his Grace abused , his Promises and Threatnings disregarded , and all the Methods of his P●●vidence neglected . And what shall be the end thereof ? The Word of God gives us ground to hope , that a real and speedy Re●ormation may be a Mean to prevent deserved Condemnation , Isa. 55. 6 , 7. But without this , let none presumptuously expect Mercy . For the Righteous Judge of the world is unchangeably just and holy , and will not , yea , cannot pardon impenitent Sinners : for it were against the Declarations of his Eternal Truth , which is firmer than the Pillars of Heaven and Earth . For tho' the Mercies of God and the Merits of Christ ar● infinite , yet neither of these can save one Impenitent Sinner ; for He who cannot lye , hath said , Luke 13. 3 , 5. Except ye repent , ye shall likewise perish , Mat. 18. 3. So that true Repentance and a thorow Re●ormation is the only door of Hope , and way to Escape . Quest. But how shall this Reformation be done ? who shall begin and promote it ? Answ. Some Person must beg●n it , otherwise it cannot be done ; and who is so capable ●s you , my Friends ? Indeed Magistrates and 〈…〉 s●ers may do much , but they cannot do all . 〈◊〉 so ●it as you ( Masters of Families and 〈…〉 lords ) to Reform the Nation , and to reap 〈◊〉 Honour and Reward of so Noble and Glo 〈…〉 a Work. The whole Nation depends 〈◊〉 you , and lodges within your Doors ; and 〈◊〉 can say with good resolution , courage 〈◊〉 zeal , as that good Man said , Ios. 24. 15. 〈◊〉 for me and my house , we will serve the Lord : 〈◊〉 may you signalize your selves for Men of 〈…〉 our , and gain the honour due to Conque 〈…〉 , over the power of Darkness . And tho' 〈◊〉 meet with opposition and discouragement 〈◊〉 , yet after wards , when Men are inlight 〈…〉 and made sensible of their own good , the 〈…〉 ole Nation will respect and honour you , yea 〈…〉 ren and Earth will smile upon you , and join 〈◊〉 you in Songs of everlasting Joy and 〈…〉 mph . Object . Alas ! What can we do ? We need 〈…〉 ormation as well as others . Most of us are 〈…〉 orant , and all of us are Guilty : we know 〈◊〉 what to do ; we cannot Re●orm our selves , 〈◊〉 less others . Answ. It is true , you have neither Skill , 〈…〉 ll nor Power , to Reform others , until your 〈…〉 res be new Creatures ; you cannot direct o 〈…〉 rs in the way which you know not , and you 〈◊〉 not assist others in the work which you 〈◊〉 not ; you cannot lead others , while your 〈◊〉 are Blind , nor strengthen others , while 〈◊〉 selves are weak in Grace . Therefore Self-Reformation must go before Family-Reformation ; you must first learn before you can teach . And for your Assistance , this Method is humbly offered to each of you . 1. Retire from the world for some time , and remove from thy mind all thoughts of it , and all Concerns about it , that there may be room for Spiritual Meditation . 2. Consider that thou hast a faculty or power of thinking , whereby thou art capable to know spiritual Things , and to converse with spiritual Beings : And that this spiritual part of thee , is out of its Element , and acting contrary to its Nature , when it is employed about earthly Things . 3. Consider that thou gavest not Being to thy self ; for thou canst not make thy self wiser nor taller ; thou canst not give to thy self the things which thou wantest ; thou canst not add one finger to thy Hand , nor one joint to thy Body ; neither can any other Creature give them to thee . And this will oblige thee to believe , that there is a Supream Being , which made all things , and upon whom all do depend . 4. Being convinced that there is a God , or a Supream Being , who made and maintains all things , and to whom all are accountable ; surely there must be some acknowledgments of dependance upon him , and of Duty towards him ; and this will oblige thee to enquire after his Will , Laws and Commands . 5. And since his Will and Laws are to be 〈◊〉 no where so likely , as in that Book which 〈…〉 lled the BIBLE , and which is commonly 〈…〉 ed for his Word , thou wilt think it thy 〈◊〉 to enquire diligently and seriously into 〈◊〉 Book , and remark every thing contained 〈…〉 ein , which will wonderfully inform thy 〈◊〉 and direct thy Judgment , and shew thee 〈◊〉 his will and ways , and thy state and duty . 〈…〉 Particularly , this Holy Book will teach thee 〈◊〉 Six Things ; without the knowledge 〈…〉 ereof thou art not safe , and canst not be 〈…〉 ppy . 1. That Man was created innocent and ho 〈…〉 endued with the Image of God , whereby 〈…〉 was admirably furnished and fitly qualifyed 〈…〉 glorify and enjoy God. 2. That God the Creator made a Covenant 〈…〉 Man , including all his Posterity , promi 〈…〉 g them Life and Happiness upon their Obe 〈…〉 ence ; and threatning them with Death and 〈…〉 isery , upon their Disobedience . 3. That Man did disobey , and rebelled a●●inst his Maker , and turned away from him , 〈…〉 made himself and all his Posterity , 〈◊〉 〈…〉 miserable ; so that the holy Nature of God 〈…〉 orred him , the righteous Law of God con 〈…〉 ned him , and the Honour and Justice of 〈…〉 , required , that the Curse of the Law should 〈…〉 inflicted upon him . 4. Man being thus become abominable and 〈…〉 serable , he was altogether unable to restore himself to his former State ; he had no power to satisfy the Justice of God , no skill to intreat his Mercy , and no Merit to procure his Favour . Yea , he had no Creature in Heaven not Earth to befriend him , nor to interceed for him . 5. In this extremity of Misery , the infinitely wise and gracious God , was pleased to pity Mankind , and did promise , and in due time sent a Saviour to redeem him , and to restore him to Favour , and that without any necessity , merit or motive , but only of his own free Love and abundant Grace , Gen. 3. 15. Io. 3. 16. 6. That in and through this Saviour , God was graciously pleased to enter into new Terms with Man , to make a Covenant o● Grace with him , promising Life and Salvation to those who believe , and receive him upon the terms that he is offered ; and denouncing Death and Damnation to those who believe not , but despise and reject this Saviour , Io. 3. 18 , 36. Quest. What needs all this ? Is Sin so great an Evil as to offend God , and make Man so miserable ? Answ. Sin is the greatest Evil in the world 〈…〉 and the only Cause of all other Evil , because i 〈…〉 is contrary to the Nature and Will of the● greatest Good. It is the only thing in the world that God hates , yea , he must abhor and● spunish it , because it is contrary to his Purity and Holiness , and the violation of his Laws● which are holy , just and good , Hab. 1. 23. So that as the Law of God is violated by 〈…〉 , it must be repaired by Suffering , either in 〈…〉 Sinner or his Surety . For the honour of 〈…〉 d is concerned to vindicate his Justice , and 〈…〉 Justice is concerned to maintain his Law. Quest. Adam sinned , and must I suffer ? What ●th his sin affect me ? Answ. Adam being the natural and federal 〈…〉 ent to all Mankind , his guilt is reckoned 〈…〉 e , his punishment is due to thee , his cor 〈…〉 ted nature is inherent in thee , and many 〈…〉 of Rebellion and Transgression like unto 〈…〉 ● have been committed by thee . And if 〈◊〉 did most justly condemn the whole world 〈…〉 one sin , he may likewise most justly con 〈…〉 n thee for many sins . Quest. What way then can I be saved ? Answ. There is Salvation to be obtained . 〈…〉 d if thou diligently studiest two Books , thou 〈…〉 be thereby disposed to look and long for 〈…〉 Saviour , and gladly accept of him , being of 〈…〉 d unto thee . ● . Seriously study the Book of God's Law , 〈…〉 be firmly persuaded , that all the Precepts 〈…〉 eof are holy , just and good , and do oblige 〈…〉 inward as well as the outward Man , the 〈…〉 rt and Affections as well as Words and 〈…〉 ions ; and declareth every one accursed 〈…〉 o continueth not in every thing written in 〈…〉 Law to do the same , Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10 , The Law cannot pass by a Transgression , nor 〈…〉 give a Sin. ● Diligently acquaint thy self with the Book of thine own Conscience , that thou may 〈◊〉 know thy self ; and thou wilt find , that thou ● art a Sinner , and a Transgressor of the Holy ● Laws of God , both in thoughts , words and ● actions . Yea , thou wilt find , that in thy natural and unregenerate State , thou dost nothing● but sin , Heb. 11. 6. Rom. 8. 7 , 8. And in thy renewed State , thou dost nothing without 〈◊〉 Eccles. 7. 20. 1 Io. 1. 8. Thou wilt find , that naturally thou art destitute of the Image of God ; that thou a● dead in Trespasses and Sins , and art by natu●● a child of Wrath , and lyable to the just Judgments of God , Rom. 5. 18. Ephes. 2. 1 , 3. That thy whole Man is corrupted , and treasures of wickedness in every faculty of thy sou● 1. Thy Understanding is full of Darkne● and Error , great ignorance of God and of sp●ritual Things , and yet thou would be accounte● wise , but art negligent in seeking after use●● Knowledge , Eph. 4. 18. 2. Thy Will is obstinate , perverse and co●●trary to good , rebelling and fighting again●● God and his Law , and wholly inclined to Ev●● and Vanity , Io. 5. 40. 3. The Conscience is perverted , corrupted an● de●iled , full of treachery , deceit and lies , apt 〈…〉 call evil good , and good evil , and to flatter t 〈…〉 Soul with formal pretences and shadows , wit● out sincerity or reality , 1 Tim. 4. 2. Tit. 1. 1● 4. The Memory is corrupted and vain , a 〈…〉 to forget God , dependance upon him , and eve● ●●ty towards him , both as to matter and 〈…〉 er , substance and quality . It is apt to re 〈…〉 Wickedness , Vanity and Trifles , but to let 〈…〉 seful and necessary Truths . 5. The Affections and Passions are all cor 〈…〉 ed and abused ; our admiration , our love , 〈…〉 anger , our hatred , our desire , our fear , our 〈…〉 , our grief , our anger , &c. are often em 〈…〉 ed and exercised about things quite con 〈…〉 y to the appointment of God's Law. 〈◊〉 that the heart of Man is become a very 〈◊〉 generate thing , a sink of Sin and mass of Cor 〈…〉 ion , full of Malice , Impiety and Impurity , 〈…〉 ereby the spiritual and heaven-born Soul is 〈…〉 ome despicable , base and miserable , a slave 〈◊〉 own Servants , yea even to its greatest 〈…〉 mies , under the dominion of Sin , Satan , the 〈…〉 rld and the Flesh. And yet the greatest misery of all is , That 〈◊〉 is not sensible of this his miserable condi 〈…〉 , he knows it not , he is not affected with it ; 〈…〉 goes light under his load , and is chearful 〈…〉 is chains , fancying himself safe , happy and 〈◊〉 Rev. 3. 17. And why ? because his mind 〈…〉 nded , and his heart hardned . For it is of 〈◊〉 nature of sin to blind the Mind and harden 〈◊〉 Heart , as well as to de●ile the Conscience 〈◊〉 pollute the Soul. That very sin which 〈…〉 es the Man guilty , makes him likewise past 〈…〉 ng , Eph. 4. 18 , 19. ●oe is me ! is this my condition ? Am I one 〈…〉 hese miserable creatures ? Am I yet in a natural and unregenerate State ? I am not safe . What shall I do ? If thou art truly awakened from thy Lethargy , and convinced of thy Sin and Misery ; if thou art deeply humbled under a sense of the same ; if thou art perswaded , that thou canst not be saved by thy own Power , thy Skill , thy Duties , nor thy Merits ; if thou art so humble , that thou art willing to be beholden to another for help and safety ; yea , if thou hast hungring and thirsting Desires after Salvation , and art glad to submit to any terms to escape Sin and Misery , and to obtain Happiness and Glory : Then ( and not till then ) art thou fit to hear of Christ the Saviour , and to receive that comfortable invitation , Mat. 11. 28. Come unto me , &c. Isaiah 55. 1 , 2. Christ came to seek and to save such lost Sinners , as despair of Salvation any other way ; He will be a Physitian to such sick Souls . Behold the Terms of the Gospel-Covenant . If thou truly and sincerely repentest of sin , so that thou inwardly loathest and abhorrest it , and thy self , for being guilty of it . If thou truly and sincerely believest in Christ , so as to prize him above all things ; If thou receivest and acceptest of Him upon the Terms of the Covenant of Grace , as he is offered in the Gospel , for thy Prophet and Teacher , for thy Priest and Peace-maker , for thy King and Ruler , for thy Lord , and Law-giver , as well as thy Saviour and Redeemer ; if thou submittest 〈◊〉 committest thy self unto him , and art as 〈…〉 ing to give obedience to him as to receive 〈…〉 ation from him , to be sanctified by his Spi●●s well as to be saved by his Merits , and 〈…〉 ly resolvest to continue stedfast in this hap 〈…〉 〈…〉 emper of Mind to the end of thy life ; then 〈…〉 Sin is pardoned , thy Soul regenerated , thy 〈…〉 re sanctified , and thy Salvation infallible , 〈…〉 8. 1. Io. 6. 35 , 37. Io. 5. 24. Io. 3. 18 , 36. 〈◊〉 after thou hast laid the firm Foundation of 〈◊〉 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ , thou dili●●ly addest to thy Faith , Vertue , Knowledge , 〈…〉 perance , Patience , Godliness , Brotherly 〈…〉 dness , Charity , and the rest of those heaven●● Graces and holy Vertues , which are Fruits 〈◊〉 Effects of Faith ; and dost abound in all 〈…〉 se , acting all Graces , practising all Ver●ues , 〈◊〉 performing all Duties ; and yet 〈…〉 ting in 〈…〉 ce of them , but only in Jesus Christ for Sal●●ion ; Then art thou as sure to be eternally 〈◊〉 , as thou art sure that thy Repentance is 〈◊〉 , thy Faith true , and thy Obedience sincere , 〈◊〉 . 5. 4. Act. 3. 19. Mark 16. 16. Act. 16. 〈…〉 Heb. 5. 9. 2 Pet. 1. 5 , 10 , 11. Be carefull still , to use humble and hearty 〈…〉 yers , as the Mean to procure all this , Mat. 〈…〉 . And still apply unto , and depend upon 〈◊〉 Holy Spirit , as the effectual worker of all 〈◊〉 , Rom. 8. 26. Io. 15. 5. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Now , my Friends , This is the way , walk ye 〈◊〉 . If ye know these things , happy are ye , if 〈…〉 o , and teach them . Be not content to go to Heaven alone , but take compassion upon other● and help them forward in this good way . Per●swade your selves , that Christ's command ob●liges you , Luke 22. 32. When you are Converted , strengthen you Brethren , especially your Children , Servant and all within your gates , and under you● Charge . God's Command is your Duty , and bin● you to obedience in this particular , Mat. 22. 39● Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self . Quest. What Method shall we use in Reform●ing our Families ? Answ. Having brought your Mind to a ser●●ous Frame , and being perswaded of the nece●sity and excellency of Holiness , and havin● learned the Duties of Humility and Self-D●●nyal ; Then follow this Method . 1. Presently set ●p , and zealously keep up th● Worship of God in your Families , use Prayer● Praises , and reading of the Scriptures twice ●●very day at least , in presence of all the Family ●let nothing be an ordinary hindrance of thes● daily Sacrifices each day ; and on the Lord Day , let these Duties be doubled , as the ol● Sacrifices were , Numb . 28. 9 , 10. 2. Spend one hour at least , in instructin● and examining your Children and Servants , i● explaining Difficulties , and opening the mean●ing of the Scriptures to them . At first you ma● set them Tasks in some fit Books of Question● and Answers , till their capacity be enlarged . 〈…〉 ecially be careful to teach them to know 〈…〉 selves , what they are in their natural and 〈…〉 State , and what the effects , consequents 〈…〉 wages of sin are ; and this will make your 〈…〉 er-work more easy . For if you can tho●ly convince them , that they are sinners , 〈…〉 that the wages of every sin is death and 〈…〉 ation , and that there is no safety but in 〈…〉 Christ , and that in him is perfect Righ 〈…〉 sness and plenteous Redemption to all that 〈…〉 receive him as he is offered ; Then it will 〈…〉 asy to perswade them to learn to know 〈…〉 st and the Method of Salvation by him . 〈…〉 ey will be glad to be directed to the City 〈…〉 Refuge , when they see themselves pursued 〈…〉 the Justice of the Sin-revenging God , and 〈…〉 ble to all the Curses of his Law. Whereas without the knowledge of them●●es and their own State , they will not desire 〈…〉 knowledge of Christ , nor submit to Chri 〈…〉 Duties . What are all the Physitians in 〈…〉 wn to a Man in Health and Vigour , or all 〈…〉 places of Refuge to a Man that thinks 〈…〉 self honest and innocent . 3. Allow them time , and exhort them to 〈…〉 prove it in secret Prayer , reading the Scrip●●es , Meditation , and examining their own 〈…〉 rts ; and give them directions how to do 〈…〉 se things to good purpose . 4. Let your holy Example be their constant 〈…〉 ern , and your watchful Eye their constant 〈…〉 itor , and your frequent and familiar Conferences with them , be their constant Encouragement . Occasional Advices and pious Directions insinuated and dropt into them a● VVork , or at Meals , will wonderfully advanc● and set forward your solemn Teachings . 5. Neglect not to use Meekness and Patience , Love and Kindness in all your Dealing with them , in matters of Religion , that the● may be convinced , that you chiefly intend th● good of their Souls . 6. Let no stubborn Despisers of Piety remain within your Doors , lest they poison th● rest , and render your Labours fruitless . 7. Encourage the tractable and diligent , a● first , with little Rewards , till they come t● feel the sweetness of Holiness , the power o● Grace , and the habits of Vertue ; till they b● acquainted with the teachings of the holy Spirit , and then your work will be pleasant and delightful , your Scholars will then become Teachers . If you doubt of your Duty , and think that this is more than is required of you , then consider these Arguments to prove your Obligation . 1. It is the express command , and positive● Law of the great King of Heaven , the loving and gracious God , that you should teach and instruct your Families ; and therefore it is your indispensible Duty : And you cannot neglect it without Rebellion against your Creator , your Father and Soveraign . Take your Bible , read 〈◊〉 consider these Texts , Deut. 6. 4. Deut. 〈…〉 .19 . Deut. 4. 10 Eph. 6. 4. 〈…〉 God 's faithful Children and Servants 〈…〉 carefully performed this Duty . Christ 〈…〉 ed with and instructed his Family , Luke 〈…〉 Mark 4. 10 , 14. Cornelius feared God 〈…〉 all his House , Act. 10. 2. Abraham's pur 〈…〉 s approved of the Lord , Gen. 18. 19. And 〈…〉 Lord tells you , Io. 8. 39. If ye were Abra 〈…〉 Children , ye would do the Works of Abra 〈…〉 ; that is , if ye had Faith , ye would imi 〈…〉 his Example . 〈…〉 holy David's Practice be your daily 〈…〉 ern , Psal. 101. 2 Sam. 6. 20. 〈…〉 The Law of Nature obligeth you to this 〈◊〉 ; your Children are pieces of your selves , your Servants stand in a near relation to 〈◊〉 You feed and cloath their Bodies , and 〈…〉 it your Duty to do so , it is unnatural 〈…〉 ty to neglect and starve the Soul , and suf 〈…〉 to perish for want of knowledge and good 〈…〉 ation . They cannot serve you without 〈◊〉 , but with the whole Man ; therefore 〈…〉 ght to take care of the whole Man , and 〈…〉 t your greatest care upon the better 〈◊〉 ; otherwise many Birds and Beasts are 〈…〉 ng behind with you . Let your Religion Reason appear , in taking more care of the 〈…〉 t s of the most high God , than of your 〈…〉 and Horses . 〈…〉 The Oath of God is upon you by your 〈…〉 smal Engagements , that you will keep God's holy VVill and Commandments all the days of your life ; and you daily pray , that the VVill of God may be done on Earth as it is in Heaven . And since it is the Command and Will o● God , that you worship Him in your Families and oblige all that are under your charge to d● the sam● , you mock God , if you act not according to your Promise and Prayers , and yo● give your selves the lye , when you do not a● you s●y . 5. God hath intrusted you with the charg● of your F●milies , as his Vicegerent and Deputy and hath invested you with Christ's three O●●fices , to enable you to discharge that Trust. 1. Of a Prophet , to instruct and teach all u●●der your charge , to make known to them t●● mind of God. 2. Of a Priest , to offer up to God the Sacr●●fices of Prayer and Praises , with and for the●● 3. Of a King , to rule , govern , and keep goo● order in your Family ; to rebuke and puni 〈…〉 Error and Vice , and to encourage and rewa 〈…〉 Piety and Vertue . And since you must give account of this yo● Charge and Stewardship to the righteo 〈…〉 Judge , be careful so to manage and dischar 〈…〉 it , that neither the Law of God , the Gospel 〈◊〉 Christ , your own Conscience , nor any in yo 〈…〉 family , may accuse or condemn you at that da 〈…〉 6. Seriously consider the bad and dread 〈…〉 effects of the neglect of Family-Piety , Solom 〈…〉 〈…〉 you , Prov. 22. 6. Train up a Child in the 〈◊〉 where in he should go , and when he is old , he 〈◊〉 not depart from it . So that all the Enor 〈…〉 es and Impieties that every where abound , 〈◊〉 the miserable and unhappy consequences 〈◊〉 your neglect and carelesness . And when all 〈…〉 ese Iniquities are charged upon your score , 〈…〉 at a dreadful r●ckoning will it make ? No 〈…〉 nks to you , that England is yet 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 doth not suffer like Sodom . 7. Consider the glorious and com●ortable ●ffects that will attend your diligent and faith 〈…〉 ● discharge of Family-Duties , and that in a 〈…〉 reesold respect . 1. In respect of the Publick . Your Fami 〈…〉 are the Nurseries and Se●inaries both of ●hurch and State. Parishes , Towns , Cities ●nd Societies are made up of them , and all ●e 〈…〉 ions flow from them . Therefore to make Families good and reli●ious , is the most ready way to make good ●●gistrates , good Subjects , good 〈◊〉 , ●ood Church Members , good Husbands , good ●ives , good Masters , good Servants , good ●iends and good Neighbours . So that if your Families be Schools of Piety 〈◊〉 Vertue , both Church and Commonwealth ●ill reap the Fruits of your Labours , and ●weetly commemorate your Commendation . Neither Magistrates nor Ministers are ●o ●a●●ble to do this as you are , because your 〈◊〉 are contin●ally under your ●ye , and do more immediately depend upon you , and ar● more awed by you . B● this your religious care and diligence● ye mi●ht be very helpful both to Magistrate● and Ministers , and make their Offices pleasant and delightful , which now are comfortl●ss and toilsom . Particularly you would greatly assist and encourage Ministers , by preparing ●he ground wherein they might sow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by laying a good Foundation o● 〈◊〉 and solid Principles , whereupon they 〈◊〉 ●uild by Preaching ; whereas now by 〈◊〉 neg●●ct , their Labour is lost , and their P●ins unprofitable . Mo●eover , were your Families reformed a●d made Sanctuaries for the VVorship and Service of God , good Ministers would take pleasure to visit you , to assist and encourage you : VVhereas now they are afraid to come near you , lest they be flattered , ●louted or vainly diverted by your carnal Conversation . For I verily suppose , that much of the fault lyes in you , that they do not practice that ant●●nt and laudable custom of teaching from house to house , whereby they might do more good ●o Souls in one year , than perhaps they can do by publick Preaching in seven . 2. In respect of your selves , the effects of your religious care of your Families will be g●●at . VVhen the Inhabitants of your house become the Children and Servants of the great King of H●aven , your Families will be happy 〈…〉 ourable ; the rich Blessings of the boun 〈…〉 God will be multiplyed unto them , as La 〈…〉 as blest for Iacob's sake , and Potiphar 〈…〉 sephs . Moreover , they will be more active , 〈◊〉 and faithful in serving you , when they 〈…〉 m their Duties in the fear of the Lord , 〈…〉 om a Principle of good Conscience . Piety 〈…〉 ays the best Policy . The Fruits of your religious Care will be 〈◊〉 , with respect to your Children and Ser 〈…〉 themselves , both as to time and eter 〈…〉 Your holy care may be a Mean to make 〈…〉 happy , both here and hereafter . You may 〈…〉 r●ments of preventing and preserving 〈◊〉 from many Miscarriages , Misfortunes and 〈…〉 ies , which the want of good Education , 〈◊〉 vitious course exposes them to , and of 〈…〉 ying them from eternal Damnation . 〈…〉 now , my Friends , what greater honour , 〈…〉 ess and comfort can you desire , than 〈◊〉 employ and signalize your selves , in 〈…〉 e honourable and happy Instruments 〈…〉 orifying God , and of reforming both 〈…〉 h and Kingdom , of promoting Religio● , 〈…〉 eating the designs of Satan , of prevent 〈…〉 〈…〉 d removing much Wickedness , and 〈…〉 g many Souls to eternal happiness . 〈…〉 efore zealously ply your work , and 〈…〉 ntly expect your Reward , from Him 〈…〉 at h promised , 1 Sam. 2. 30. Them that 〈◊〉 ●e , will I honour , &c. Dan. 12. 3. They 〈◊〉 many to Righteousness , shall shine as the Stars , for ever and ever , James 5. 20. He th●● converteth a Sinner from the evil of his way , sh●● save a Soul from Death , and shall hide a mult●tude of Sins , Psal. 112. 6. The righteous shall in everlasting remembrance , Mat. 25. 46. T●● Righteous shall go into Life eternal . Let this encourage your diligence , that yo●● satisfaction and comfort will be great in th●● life , your Memory will be sweet to Posteri●● and your Reward will be everlasting Glory . Not withstanding all that hath been sa●● wicked Men and Hypocrites will be apt 〈◊〉 make several Objections , to excuse themselv●● from this Noble and Excellent Work ; un●● which I shall subjoin proper Answers , as 〈◊〉 many Arguments and Motives , to encoura●● your Labour and excite your Diligence . 1 Object . If we should instruct our Famili●● we may make them Hypocrites , we cann●● make them Christians ; It 's God alone th●● can change the Heart . Answ. God ordinarily worketh by mea● and bestoweth his Grace in the use of the O●●dinances which he hath appointed . VVhatev●● God worketh in us or , for us , He ordinar● doth by us , and with us ; and what He promiseth to us as Blessings , he requireth of us as D●ties , Ezek. 36. 26. Ezek. 18. 31. 2 Object . The work is impossible , the case 〈◊〉 desperate ; wickedness is become so univers●● that it is folly to attempt a Reformation . Answ. God and his Servants can do ●● 〈◊〉 Phil. 4. 13. God hath promised his ho 〈…〉 it to all those who ask him , Luke 11. 13. 〈…〉 a Spirit of Wisdom , Couns●l and Power , 〈…〉 if you sincerely use the means of his Ap 〈…〉 ment , He will guide you into all Truth , 〈…〉 ill help your Infirmities , he will encourage 〈◊〉 Hearts , direct your Judgments , and as 〈…〉 your Endeavours . ● Object . We have not time nor leasure to 〈…〉 ct our Families every day , and to call 〈…〉 to account , to pray with them , and read ●hem , &c. Answ. You will ●ind time to eat , drink , 〈◊〉 , and to enjoy your sensual Pleasures , and 〈◊〉 not to mind spiritual Pleasures , which are 〈…〉 e Noble ? You will ●ind time to die , and 〈◊〉 be judged , and why not to prepare for the 〈…〉 e ? Your only business in the world is to honour 〈◊〉 glorify God , and to work out your Salva 〈…〉 ; this is the one thing needful : ●f this be 〈…〉 glected , all other business is to no purpose . Be careful to Redeem your time from these 〈◊〉 great Robbers , and you will have leasure 〈…〉 ough for spiritual concerns : to wit , from , 〈◊〉 Vain Recreations , 2. Vain Discou●ses , 3. Vain 〈…〉 houghts , 4. Immoderate Sleepi●g , Eating 〈…〉 d Drinking ; and 5. Immoderate Care about 〈…〉 orldly Business . There is nothing can hinder your minding 〈…〉 spiritual concerns of your selves and Fami 〈…〉 , but the Vanities of the VVorld , or the Lusts of the Flesh ; and these ye have renounced in your Baptism , and vowed a perpetual VVar against them ; so that you are perjured if you suffer your selves to be entangled an● hindred by them , Mat. 16. 26. 1 Io. 2. 15 , 16. 4 Object . It is below us to stoop to so mea● an Office , as to teach Children and Servant● the first Principles of Religion ; we can employ our selves more Nobly in the Tavern or Alehouse , in playing at Cards , or conversing with our Friends . Answ. This is rather the Language of Practice , than of the Tongue . Christ our Lord was of another mind , who went about doing good , and hath left us an Example that we should follow his steps . He took delight , and counted it his Meat and his Drink , to do the VVill of his heavenly Father ; and so should we , Prov. 11. 30. He that winneth Souls , is wise . Lewis IX . King of France , was found teaching a Kitchen-Boy : and being asked why he stoopt to so mean an Office ? he said , The meanest Child of Adam has as pretious a Soul as mine , and bought with the same pretious Blood of Christ , and must shine in Heaven , or fry in Hell for ever . The ●irst step to Christianity , is a profound humility . A proud Christian is a painted Devil . 5 Object . VVe are ashamed to begin that Exercise , which we have often intermitted , or long neglected . Answ. If thou art ashamed to repent and 〈…〉 d , and to own Christ and his Service , pre 〈…〉 thee to receive that Sentence , Depart from 〈…〉 ye workers of Iniquity , Luke 13. ●7 . Mark 〈…〉 8. Christ rejoiced to take our Nature● that 〈◊〉 night die , to redeem us . VVe should re 〈…〉 to have our Nature renewed , that we 〈…〉 become like him , and be made partakers 〈◊〉 Salvation , 2 Cor. 5. 17. Rom. 8. 9. ● Object . VVe are wllling to set up the Wor 〈…〉 of God , and to reform our Families , but 〈…〉 e loath to begin yet ; we would have 〈◊〉 to shew us the way , and bring this Exer 〈…〉 into custom . 〈…〉 sw . All Delays are dangerous , but here 〈◊〉 are damnable , because contrary to God's 〈…〉 mands , Heb. 3. 7 , 8. 2 Cor. 6. 2. If you 〈…〉 se your selves , and postpone , decline and 〈◊〉 this great and necessary work , God may 〈◊〉 remove you out of the way , and raise up 〈…〉 rs , who may be Instruments of a great and 〈…〉 ious Reformation , which you may never 〈◊〉 the happiness to see . For the glorious 〈◊〉 will be glorified , and his holy Name shall 〈…〉 llowed ; and happy they who shall be in 〈…〉 ents of it . Let a holy Ambition always 〈…〉 s your Souls , and covet that Honour 〈◊〉 cometh from God. If you desire the 〈…〉 est Honour and Reward , do not decline 〈…〉 rdest VVork . ● Object . VVe shall be jeered and laughed 〈◊〉 i● we be singular , and differ from our 〈…〉 ghbours . Answ. Sober singularity , is safer than joint ●●mpiety . It is better to walk alone in God'●● way , than with company in the Devils . As th●● world goes now , none can get to Heaven , wh 〈…〉 go not contrary to its course . Let Ioshuah'● Resolution be your Example , Ios. 24. 15. A● for me and my House , we will serve the Lord 〈◊〉 Yea , the great God commands you to be singu●lar , Exod. 23. 2. Thou shalt not follow a multi●tude to do evil , Rom. 12. 2. Be not conformed t● this world . Yea , you need not be altogether● singular ; join Counsels with some hones● Neighbours , and encourage and assist one ano●ther . 8 Object . If we shall spend so much time a●bout Religio●s Matters as is requisite to ac●complish these ends , we shall neglect our Em●ployments , lose our Custom , and so becom● Poor . Answ. That is the suggestion of Satan , an● the distrustfulness of thy corrupt heart . God'● Promises are a sure Portion , Mat. 6. 33. Luk● 12. 31 , 32. Psal. 84. 11. Psal. 37. 3. Moderate your worldly Desires and sensu●● Appeti●es ; deny the extravagant Cravings o● your corrupt Nature , and be contented , if yo 〈…〉 have Food and Rayment ; then you are as ric 〈…〉 as you desire to be , and no Man is more . If your greatest care be for the better part● you will find by experience , that a few thought● of holy Faith , Hope and Trust , will save you 〈◊〉 great many thoughts , cares and fears for you ●emporal Life . Notice these Texts , Prov. 〈…〉 . 2 , 3 , 4 , 22. Psal. 34. 10 , 22. ● Object . If we sh●ll addict our selves to a 〈…〉 ligious Life , then we shall be dull , mopish 〈…〉 melancholy , and never have a joyful day 〈…〉 pleasant hour . Answ. Mistake not the Shadow for the Sub 〈…〉 ce ; carnal Pleasures are transient and vain , 〈◊〉 spiritual Pleasures are satisfying and dura 〈…〉 , Iob 20. 5. The triumphing of the Wicked is 〈◊〉 , and the joy of the Hypocrite is but for a 〈…〉 nt , Psal. 37. 35 , 36. You may read , Iob 〈…〉 Iob 20 , Iob 21. Prov. 24. 20. how unsa 〈…〉 ing and uncertain the Pleasures of the 〈…〉 ed are . ●arthly Pleasures may for a season gratify 〈◊〉 earthly part of us , the Bodily Appetites , 〈◊〉 they can never fill the unlimited D●sires of 〈◊〉 spiritual Substance the Soul , which those 〈◊〉 have been under trouble of Mind , do 〈◊〉 by experience . 〈…〉 deed , sensual and ●arthly-minded persons , 〈…〉 se Souls are dead , and Consciences asleep , 〈…〉 seem to rejoice and be merry , when they 〈◊〉 the Objects of their Desires ; but their 〈◊〉 is both shallow and short , Prov. 14. 13. Even ●ughter the Heart is sorrowful , and the end 〈…〉 t Mirth is heaviness . 〈◊〉 is true , the Children of God may ●ave 〈◊〉 sad and sorrowful hours , before they be 〈…〉 ed of their Reconciliation with God ; the 〈◊〉 and sense of their corrupt Nature , their sinful State and sinful Practices , their estrangement from God , and the sense of his displeasure against sin , their daily rebelling corruptions , and restless enemies , do cost them many Groans , Sighs and Tears , much Sorrow and Lamentation ; yet the end of that heaviness is joy , Psal. 30. 5. Weeping may endure for a night , but joy cometh in the morning . In the midst of all their Sorrows and Sufferings , the faithful Servants of God can draw present Comfort , solid Joy , and spiritual Rejoycing , from these five Springs which never fail . 1. From the Fountain of God's Bounty and Goodness , who gives to all Men liberally . They recounting the great Mercies and many Blessings which they enjoy , and finding that they far exceed the Troubles they undergo , their hearts are filled with Praise and Thanksgiving , whereby their Minds are eased , and their Souls comforted , so that they can joyfully serve the God of their Mercies , even when he seems to frown upon them , Iob 1. 21. and 2. 10. and 13. 15. 2. They find the Spirit of God carrying on the work of Sanctification in their Souls , in his ordinary method , first humbling the Soul , and breaking the heart , exciting to Mourning , Contrition and Repentance , before he intimate Pardon and Forgiveness . And they know , that he who is now a sancti●ier and worker of grace , will e're long , appear to be a Comforter and 〈…〉 ne●s of grace , Mat. 5. 4. Psal. 126. 5 , 6. Rom. 〈…〉 16. They know that the Penitent have 〈…〉 omise of Pardon ; and finding Repentance 〈…〉 rking in their Hearts , by their hatred and 〈…〉 hing of sin ; in hope of pardon of Sin , 〈…〉 ce with God , and Inheritance among them 〈…〉 t are sanctified , they joy in the Lord , and 〈…〉 oice in the God of their Salvation . 3. The VVord of God assures them , that 〈◊〉 are spiritual Pleasures sufficient to fill the 〈…〉 res of the Soul , Io. 16. 24. 1 Io. 1. 4. Ps 〈…〉 11. And their Spirits do experimentally 〈…〉 est this Truth ; so that they are filled with 〈…〉 oy and Peace in believin● Rom. 15. 13. and 〈…〉 glory even in Tribul 〈…〉 n , Rom. 5. 2 , 3. 4. The Promises of God are an overflowing 〈…〉 ntain of Joy , Peace and Comfort to all the 〈…〉 ithful . The Child of God esteems them 〈…〉 etious , and would not part with them for 〈◊〉 whole world , 2 Pet. 1. 4. Psal. 110. 72. These Promises do fully assure us , that Sor 〈…〉 and Mourning shall come to an end , and 〈…〉 Joy , Peace and Com●ort , shall succeed , and 〈…〉 ure for ever , Io. 16. 20. Isaiah 51. 11. 〈…〉 . 21. 4. 5. The Children of God do rejoice , and 〈…〉 re inward comfort in their Union with 〈…〉 i st , and Conformity to him . Since he who their Head , did live here a Life of Sorrows 〈◊〉 Sufferings , and then entred into his Glo 〈…〉 they rejoice to suffer with him , that they 〈…〉 be glorified together with him , 1 Pet. 4. 〈…〉 . Rom. 8. 17. So you see , and you ought to believe , that if you sincerely love and serve God , you may have solid Joy and continual Comfort from these five grounds : 1. From God's love and goodness . 2. From the Workings and Witness of the glorious Spirit . 3. From the Truth of God. 4. From his gracious Promises . And , 5. From your interest in Christ , and likeness to him . Yea , Prayer and Meditation will never fail to refresh the Soul , and chear the heart . So that it is your great mistake to think , that Religion yields no Pleasure , but is a dull and Melancholy State ; ●it is great ignorance and delusion , that makes ●s ●en to think or speak so , contrary to God's Word , and his Childrens Experience , Prov. 3. 17. All her ways are ways of pleasantness , and all his paths are peace , Psal. 34. 8. O taste , and see that God is good ; blessed is the Man that trusteth in him , Psal. 63. 5. My Soul shall be satisfied as with Marrow and Fatness , and my Mouth shall praise thee with joyful Lips. Yea , there is no true Pleasure in the world but in the ways of Religion , because none else can satisfy the Soul. All earthly Pleasures are Brutish and ●it for the Body , that earthly part of us , and are common to us with the Brutes , and which some of them enjoy in a larger measure than we do . Only spiritual Pleasures are fit for spiritual Beings . If this be your temper , that you take more pleasure in earthly Things and bodily Concerns , than in Religious Exercises and the divine Promises : besure , you are yet in your ●atural and sinful State , and cannot be sa●ed , till you be renewed , regenerated and ●orn again , Rom. 8. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 13. Io. 3. 3. 10 Object . Our Consciences tell us , and we confess ingenuously , that the chief cause o● our Neglect of these Duties , is our Sloth and Lazi●ess , Prov. 15. 19. Answ. This is as dangerous , deadly and ●mning a Sin as you can be guilty of , and will ●ore slily and as effectually undo you , as the ●ost heinous Crimes , Mat. 25. 26 , 30. The ●thful and unprofitable Servant is condemned as ●ll as the wicked , Prov. 18. 9. Every omission of a Duty , is the commission ●f a Sin , Iam. 4. 17. Rom. 12. 11. Now , my Friends , I am perswaded , that ●●st of you will approve of , and assent unto , ●hat is here proposed ; and you will own , that ●is every ones Duty and Interest to help for●ard a Reformation . You do faintly wish , O ●at the world were better ! O that People ●ere more honest and faithful ! O that my ●hildren were good and tractable ! O that my 〈…〉 vants were more honest and trusty ! O that ●eighbours were more kind and friendly ! ●c . But Wishes are vain , where E●deavour●●e wanting , Prov. 13. 4. Prov. 21. 25. Therefore since your Judgment approves , and your Conscience consents , let not your Will gainsay , and your Practice contradict . But agree with your self , be all of one piece ; let all the Faculties of your Soul and Powers of your Body , be employed in carrying on one Design , to wit , the Glory and Honour of God , and the eternal Happiness of Souls , 1 Cor. 10. 31. Phil. 2. 4. Let not not this Paper be a witness against you , nor a mean to condemn you , but rather a motive to excite you , and an instrument to perswade you . Let your Conscience be so informed and exercised now , that you may not be afraid nor asham'd of its Testimony at the day of Judgment . Take heed to your selves , what Conscience you have , For Conscience will damn , and Conscience will save . A MEMORANDUM FOR Mothers , And those who expect to be so . Honoured and loving Friends , YOU being reasonable Creatures , and called by the Noble Name of CHRISTIANS , 〈…〉 supposed and taken for granted , that you 〈◊〉 well informed in your Judgment , and firm 〈…〉 persuaded in your Conscience , that the Glo 〈…〉 os and Wise CREATOR of all things , hath 〈…〉 ed and appointed you to bring forth , and 〈…〉 g up Children for his Honour and Service , prepare Members of his Church on Earth , 〈…〉 Partakers of his Glory in Heaven . And it 〈◊〉 be thought , that all of you are ambitious ● this Honour , to be instrumental Causes of a 〈…〉 oly Seed and Blessed Off-spring , which may ●ake up the Church of Christ in the world , and replenish Heaven with Saints , to shine in Glory , and celebrate the Praises of the Eternal King. I believe all of you are desirous of Dignity , and ambitious of Honour , and here is Honour indeed , to be the Mothers and Nurses of little Angels , Children of the most high , that may reign in Glory , and shin● in Heaven for ever . I believe none of you will say , that you are willing to gratify Satan to bring forth and educate Children to be his Slaves , and Subjects of hi● Kingdom ; who being Enemies to God and his Ways , may carry on the Devil's work in the world , and then 〈◊〉 tormented with him , and howl in Hell for ever . Surely , you will not affirm , that you are willing to go to that place of torment your selves , nor to have any of your Children so unhappy and miserable , as to remain in the burning bottomless Pit to all Eternity . And yet woful Experience doth plainly shew , that many imprudent and fond Parents ( especially Mothers ) are the greatest Enemies to their own Children , and do further their Ruine and Misery more than the Devil , or any other Enemy can do , by gratifying their sens●al Appetites , pleasing their foolish Fancies , satisfying their unreasonable Desires , pampering their corrupt Nature , encouraging them in Vanity and Folly , and perhaps by shewing them bad Examples ; in a word , by giving them their own Will , and with-holding from them that ●ecessary instruction and seasonable correction , ●hich is requisite to the renewing of their co●rup●ed Nature , and bringing them out of a 〈…〉 ate of Sin and Vice , into a State of Holiness ●d Vertue . And by this means , they are fit●ed for Satan's Service , and prepared to com●ly with most of his Temptations . It is most certain , that neither the Devil nor ●e World , can tempt Children , until they be ●apable of yielding and giving their consent . Now if the fi●st buddings of Vice and Wicked●ess springing from the Root of corrupt Na●●re , were timely suppressed and removed , the Root would languish and decay , and Satan ●ould find nothing in them whereupon to fa●en his Temptations , Io. 14. 30. And if the Seeds of true Knowledge , Piety and Vertue , ●ere timely and carefully sown , and duly and diligently watered , the● would be sufficiently ●●rnished against his Assaults , and quali●ied to resist his greatest Temptations , Eph. 6. 11 , 13. Now since Children are born ignorant ( tho' ●ot innocent ) they must be taught and in●●ructed , they must know their Duty before they can do it ; And who can so properly do this as Parents , especially you MOTHERS , who have the immediate management of them i● their Tender Age , who are oftenest with them , have greatest influence upon them , and are most capable to oblige and prevail with them . You who are the causes of their Being , are most obliged to contribute to their well-being . Quest. What Means shall we use ? What Method shall we take ? Answ. 1. Being entred into a Married State , and having diligently and faithfully acquainted your selves with the Duties incumbent upon you in that State ( which God's Word and other good Books do teach ; ) let your chief Design be to honour and glorify God in that holy State which he hath ordained . And by humble Supplication beg his Blessing on the means of his own Appointment , that your Seed and Off-spring may be instruments of his Glory , and Subjects of his Kingdom ; And imitate holy Hannah , 1 Sam. 1. 11. Dedicate unto the Lord what he lends unto you ; and pray that his Grace may sanctifie and prepare it for his Service . 2. When your Child is born , renew your Oblation , dedicate and offer it up to God as a living Holy-Sacrifice , to be employed in his Service , to live to his Honour , and to be under his Protection all the days of its life , Exod. 34. 19. 3. At the time of the Child 's solemn and publick Dedication or Christning , instead of foolish Feasting , Flattering and Pratling , call together some Christian Friends , who may join with you in praising God , for adding a new Member to his Church , and for making you the happy instrument of it ; and in praying to God for the Preservation , Sanctification and Salvation of the Child . 4. If it be possible , carefully nurse the Child ●our self , and let it take its Nourishment ●hence it derived its Substance , that it may be ●holly yours . You may read your Duty in ●his particular , in Ier. Taylor 's Doctrine con●●rning the Virgin Mary's nursing the Holy Child Jesus , in his Book called , The great Examplar . And in the Section concerning Wives , in the Book called , The Ladies Calling . 5. When the dawnings of Reason appears , ●●d Nature begins to shew it self in the Child , ●●en bestir your self , and apply great care and ●iligence in Prayer and Pains , to have the cor●apt Nature rectified , the Image of Satan re●oved , and the divine Nature and Image of God renewed in it . Quest. Are Children destitute of God's 〈…〉 age , and a new Nature ? Answ. Yes ; All the Posterity of Rebelliou● Adam , are guilty a●d polluted , void of good , 〈…〉 d full of evil , Psal. 51. 5. They are shapen in ●quity and conceived in sin , Job . 14. 4. They are 〈…〉 clean branches of a corrupt root , Jo. 3. 6. That ●●ich is born of the flesh , is flesh ; that is , unholy ●●d corrupt , Rom. 8. 8. They that are in the ●lesh , cannot please God , because they are not 〈…〉 ke him , they are not pure and holy . You find , Col. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 24. that th●●●age of God consists in Knowledge , Righte●sness and true Holiness . Now you see , that Children are altogether ●estitute of these Qualifications , and are very averse and backward to learn or acquire them , which Teachers of Youth find by experience . Quest. Have Children the Image of Satan , and a corrupt Nature ? Answ. Yes ; All Adam's Posterity are not only destitute of Righteousness , but inclined to all iniquity , Gen. 6. 5. A Subject capable of two contrary Qualities , must have one of them ; the Air must be either dark or light , Wax must be either hard or soft . The Heart of Mankind must be either good and holy , or else bad and wicked , it must be ei●her for God or against him . Now God's Word tells us , Rom. 8. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God , and is no● subject to his Law. And indeed no worse can● be in the Devil , than Enmity against God , and Rebellion against his Laws . We are not only Strangers , but Enemies to God , Psal. 58. 3. Rom. 5. 10. But the depraved and corrupted Nature in Children , appears in several particulars . 1. They are altogether ignorant and destitute of Knowledge , a thick cloud of darkness overspreads their Understanding , Eph. 4. 18. They are wholly unacquainted with the natural as well as the positive Law of God , and unwilling to use means , or take pains to know the same . 2. Pride and Self-conceit appears very early in them ; they love to be flattered , to be called good and pretty ; they are apt to value 〈…〉 emselves upon account of their great or rich 〈…〉 ents , their fine Ornaments or gay Cloath● &c. Now Pride is said to be the first sin 〈…〉 he Devil , and is most contrary to the na 〈…〉 e of God , and abominable in his sight , 〈…〉 Pet. 5. 5. 3. All know how Children are generally in●ined to Lying , Dissimulation and Falshood , 〈…〉 ich plainly shews , that they have too much 〈…〉 the Nature and Image of him who is the 〈…〉 ther of Lyes , Io. 8. 44. 4. All their Passions and Affections are cor●pted and distempered , and far from that 〈…〉 nd , which was in the Lord Jesus , and must 〈…〉 in every Disciple of his , before they can 〈◊〉 saved , Phil. 2. 5. Io. 3. 3. Mat. 18. How 〈…〉 ward are Children to Anger , Hatred , Ma●e , Envy , Revenge , Quarreling , Fighting , 〈…〉 enging themselves on those that wrong 〈…〉 m , domineering over those they can Con●er ? How much are they inclined to sensual 〈…〉 tish Pleasures , Vanity , Folly and Trifling ? 〈…〉 w prone are they to Fretting , Murmuring , 〈…〉 ishness and Discontent , if their Humours 〈◊〉 not pleased , and their Appetites satisfied ? 〈◊〉 these are plain indications , that their na●e is wholly Evil , and directly contrary to 〈◊〉 innocent , patient , meek , humble and holy 〈…〉 ure , which appeared in our Lord Jesus 〈…〉 rist , Mat. 11. 29. 1 Pet. 2. 21 , 22 , 23. 5. That Faculty the Will , is basely 〈…〉 rupted and and depraved , which plainly appears in Children , by their Stubbornness , Perverseness , Wilfulness , Untractableness , Unplyableness and Disobedience . If Childrens Will were not restrained by something without them , they would soon run into Ruine . 6. Their Memory ( that Treasury of the Soul , ) is corrupted and vitiated . How soon do they forget good Instructions , Admonitions and Advices ; yea , their own Promises and Resolutions ? How apt are they to remember Trifles , Folly , Play and Vanity ? 7. Their continuing in this black and miserable State , when they come to years , their willingness to squander away time in idleness , play or wickedness , and their backwardness to go to School , to yield or hearken to the instructions of Parents and Teachers ; their unwillingness to go to Church , and their unattentiveness there , doth plainly declare , That they are not only under the dominion of Sin and Satan , but that they are willing Slaves to that ●oul Spirit ; and delight to do the Devil's Drudgery , rather than to serve the high and holy God in Spirit and Truth . Doth not all this shew , that Children have need of early Care and diligent Education ? Now if you , Parents , patiently permit them to run on in their natural Course , and do not timely and diligently use means to convert and reclaim them , you consent to their Sin and Wickedness , and declare your willingness , tha● they be miserable for ever . But if you en●ourage them in their Vices , and smile upon 〈…〉 eir Follies ; if you feed their Lusts and please 〈…〉 eir Humours , if you give them their Will 〈…〉 nd approve their Cunning , if you pamper and 〈…〉 eck their Bodies , put Mony in their Pockets , & 〈…〉 ovide Portions for them , to feed their sensual 〈…〉 esires ; then you forward their Damnation , 〈…〉 ou side with Satan to make them miserable , 〈…〉 d you put Weapons in their hands , whereby 〈…〉 ey may rebel against the King of Heaven . Tho' you do not think this , nor believe it 〈…〉 hen it is told you , yet your Practice speaks it , 〈…〉 d the Event often declares it . And it is not 〈…〉 obable , that you can be acquitted , when you 〈…〉 tribute so much to the condemnation of 〈…〉 ur Children . Many of you complain much of your Chil●ens Ignorance , Negligence , Idleness , Diso 〈…〉 dience and Extravangancy . Truly , when I 〈…〉 sider their Education , I nothing wonder 〈…〉 t they walk in the way which they have 〈…〉 en accustomed to , and obey that Master whose 〈…〉 ice they love best , Ier. 13. 23. Io. 8. 44. If your Children prove your cross and af 〈…〉 tion , blame your selves , who are the prin 〈…〉 al Causes , by neglecting timely Instruction 〈…〉 prudent Correction , and perhaps by gi 〈…〉 g them bad Example . And if you smart 〈…〉 der the Rod of your own preparing and 〈…〉 serving , do not complain , but seriously re 〈…〉 t and speedily amend . For as you are the Causes of your Childrens Being , so should you be of their Well-being ; as you contribute to their natural life , so should you to their spiritual : As God has made them yours by natural Generation , so should you endeavour to make them his by vertuous and religious Education . They are a Trust committed to your Charge by our heavenly Father , who will surely call you to account . As for you , whose Children have more Years than Vertue , and do follow their own Will more than the Will of God , I leave you to the advice of Spiritual Guides , or Civil Magistrates , according to the Command , Deut. 21. 18. But as for you who have , or may have young Children , be careful to observe these Rules , and you may easily rule them , and reap good Fruit and Comfort for your Labour . 1. Speak Truth and no Lies to your Children ; that is , whatever you teach them , see that you practice it your selves ; otherwise they will not believe that you are in earnest , nor listen to your Dictates . Few words will suffice , where there is a continual good Example . Therefore let every Christian Duty as well as Moral Vertue , be your daily Practice . 2. Love your Children prudently , and do not hate them effectually . Fond and foolish love , proves to be the greatest hatred , Prov. 13. 24. Away with that fond and foolish , hurtful and childish Flattering , Hugging , Caressing and Dandling of Children , that is usual , which lessens your Authority , tickles their Fancy , and feeds their Folly. Make not Idols of your Children ; they are God's gifts , make them not his Rivals ; set them not up in his Throne , lest he pull them down , and punish you , either by taking them from you , or making them your cross and scourge . Therefore love your Children piously , and let the Fruits and Effects of it , appear in promoting their spiritual Good. 3. Feed , but do not poison your Children . God has given them sive Senses , but has left it to you to regulate the Objects . Let them neither see nor hear any thing , that may corrupt their Mind or Fancy . Do not poison their Eyes with seeing any base , wicked or foolish Action , till they be fortified against it , and capable to reprove and abhor it . Do not poison their Ears with hearing any wicked , vain or idle words , till they be able to tes●i●ie against them , and r●buke the Tongue that speaks them . For Children are capable to think as soon as to see , and to form Idea's as soon as to hearken . They are capable to remember , before they can judge or determine . Therefore let them hear none speak , who have not learned the Language of Canaan ; and let them converse with none , but those who are acquainted with the Lord Jesus , and can help to make them so . Let the Streets and Publick Places be an abomination unto them , until Holiness to the Lord be written on the Foreheads of all who walk there . 4. Seasonably and gently bow their IronSinew , before it become too strong ; that is , make their Will plyable . Teach them to be denyed , and to deny themselves : Let them not know , that you give them their Will in any thing : Humour them not in any thing they cry for : And let them have what is fit at another time , rather than when they call for it . If you let them have their own Will , they will soon torment you , and ruine themselves . An unbridled Will , makes an ungovernable Person . But when you have effectually and prudently brought the Will into good subjection and order , more than the half of your work is done . 5. Throw water on their Wild Fire , that is , let not Passions prevail : Let Frowns , Rebukes and Rods , curb , restrain and suppress their immoderate Passions and irregular Desires : Let Discipline chastise and keep in order these Wild Beasts , till Reason be able to tame them : Let them know by your Countenance and Behaviour , that Patience , Meekness and Sobriety , are lovely and commendable Vertues . Beware of giving bad Example here . 6. Regulate their Diet ; nourish their Bodies , but do not pamper them : Let them know that Temperance is a Vertue , and that Fasting is Physick : Let their Food be course and plain , for Strength and Nourishment , not for pleasing the sensual Appetite : And as soon as possible , let them gain their Bread by the Sweat of their Brow , according the Command , Gen. 3. 19. 2 Thes. 3. 10. 7. Moderate their Apparel , and do not feed their ●ide : Adorn their Minds before you deck their Bodies : ●●ch them the use of ●loaching , and let Gaudiness be 〈◊〉 Abomination to them : Suffer them not to be proud 〈◊〉 that which covers their Shame . 8. Moderate their Recreations ; let them never be ●e , and let every thing they do be useful and instructive , ●●pen their Reason and inform their Judgment . 9. When they are capable of being instructed , then ●ch them first by the Ear , before you make a Book ●ir Burden : Let them have a good Treasure of sound 〈◊〉 useful Truths in their Memory , and be able to answer ●any Questions , before you ●ix their Eyes upon a let● 〈◊〉 And that ye may build them high in Faith and Ho●●ss , be careful to lay a sure and solid Foundation : 〈◊〉 therefore , let Humility be the first Vertue that you ●●t in them . And for this end , make them acquaint●●ith themselves : Let them know , That they are 〈◊〉 degenerate Off-spring o● sinful Adam ; shew them the ●●ption of their Nature in all the parts of it ; what 〈◊〉 ought to have been , and what they are in their cor●ed State. Make known to them the Purity and Ho●●ss of God's Nature and Law , and that every sin is an ●ence against God , and a Transgression of his Law : 〈◊〉 them the Evil of Sin , and the dreadful consequents 〈◊〉 , that every Sin deserves Death and Damnation , and 〈◊〉 this is due to them , because they are Sinners , guilty 〈◊〉 unclean Creatures , Enemies to God by nature , and ●●els against his just and holy Laws : Let them know , ●t whatever good they receive and enjoy , is purely 〈◊〉 God's Free Grace and Bounty , and not of their own ●●●ving ; and that it is of God's great Mercy , Patience 〈◊〉 Long-suffering , that they are not thrown into Hell ●ady . 10. When you have thus awakened their Minds , con●●ed their Judgments , humbled their Hearts , and sof●● their Spirits , then ●ou may make known to them , 〈◊〉 Lord Jesus Christ , the only Saviour , his Person , his ●●ures , Mediation and Offices , and what way he is given for Mankind , offered unto them , and must be received by them , in order to their Reconciliation with God : Shew them the Doctrine of the Covenant of Grace , and the Method and Terms of Salvation , and what is the nature and extent of that Holiness , which is absolutely necessary to fit them for Glory and Happiness , Heb. 12. 14. Teach them to understand the Person , the Offices , the Dictates , Motions and Operations of the Holy Ghost the Sanctifier and Comforter . Teach them to understand the nature and manner of the Temptations of their spiritual Enemies , and how to resist and overcome them . Make them acquainted with the Doctrine and Duty of Prayer ; and oblige them to pray by themselves , not by a formal repeating of Words , but expressing the humble and hearty desires of their Souls , from a sense of their own wants of God's Goodness and gracious Promises , of Christ's Merits and Mediation , and of the Holy Spirit 's Assistance and Intercession ; and teach them to trust in God , and wait for a return of their Prayers ; and in every thing to be thankful to him . Particularly teach them to believe in , to prize , esteem and love the Lord Jesus Christ , as the Fountain and Foundation of all the Blessings and Benefits which they enjoy and expect , Io. 14. 6. and that they are bound in Covenant with him by their Baptism . 11. Being thus instructed and prepared , it will be easy for you to teach them to Read ; and to understand the Word Preached , for their further Edification , and to inform their Judgment , and excite their Practice in all the Parts of Publick Worship . And when they are examined and approved by the Governours of the Church , they may be admitted to renew their Covenant with God publickly and solemnly at the Lord's Table . 12. When they are thus prepared , fenced and fortified , by the pious care and faithful diligence of Parents , and especially of you MOTHERS , then may they go abroad , and be sent to School to learn Languages , Arts and Sciences , and such Accomplishments as are requisite and useful for them ; which they will easily attain to , 〈◊〉 the Mind is so enlightned in the Knowledge of 〈◊〉 ● there I shall leave them to the Conduct of faith●●chers : But do not you leave them , while life lasts . 〈◊〉 However you may be pleased with your Childrens ●●●●dings , yet never flatter them ; never commend 〈◊〉 , till they really deserve it : Never call them good , 〈◊〉 be effectually so ; tell them that Perfection is 〈◊〉 Duty , and that yet they are far from it , but must ●●rance to higher degrees of Grace and Holiness . Now , MOTHERS , these are some hints of that 〈◊〉 you ought to do for the Sanctification and Salva● of your Children . This is no matter of indifferency , 〈◊〉 your indispensable Duty , ( Prov. 1. 8. and 6. 20. ) ●●●ore neglect it not ; it cannot be done in a short time , 〈◊〉 little pains , therefore delay it not ; but begin 〈◊〉 , and proceed diligently ; and endeavour to obtain 〈◊〉 Honour of being the happy Instruments of a glori●●● Reformation in England ; and may all your endea●●●● be crowned with happy Success . 〈◊〉 It is not good to burthen Children , and break 〈◊〉 Spirits with too much Religion ; it raises Prejudi●●● in them , and gives them false Notions and apprehen●● of God and Religion . 〈◊〉 Surely , this Language proceeds from the Devil this greatest Instruments , because it is so directly con●y to the Dictates of God's holy Spirit , Prov. 22. 6. 〈◊〉 a Child in the way he should go , and when he is old , 〈◊〉 depart from it , Eccl. 12. 1. Remember thy Grea●● the days of thy Youth , &c. 2 Tim. 3. 15. Timothy i●●●mended for knowing the Holy Scriptures from a 〈◊〉 , whereby he was made wise unto Salvation . 〈◊〉 . We have not leisure to take all this care and 〈◊〉 upon our Children . 〈◊〉 . You find leisure to beger , nurse , feed and cloath 〈◊〉 ; to take care of the Body ; and will you neglect 〈◊〉 Soul ? He who gives you time , and all that you en 〈…〉 appoints you this Work , and will reward you ac●●ing to your management of it . Therefore let nothing be a hindrance now , which cannot excuse you at that ● of Account . Yea , let compassion to the Fruit of your ● dies , be a forcible motive to excite your diligent ● zealous endeavour , for its Sanctification and Salvat ● And when you have done your utmost , still acknowle●●● your selves unprofitabls Servants , and that all you'● done , is to no purpose , without the sanctifying Grac● 〈◊〉 the HolySpirit . Therefore continue your earnest Sup●cations to the good and gracious God , the giver of ev● good Gift , that he would give his Holy Spirit , to m● your Labours successful and effectual ; and the Rig●ousness of his beloved Son , to make your Endeavour● 〈◊〉 ceptable with him . Therefore , tho' you ought , and 〈◊〉 obliged to use every Mean of his Appointment , yet 〈◊〉 to no Mean , rely upon none of your Performances , 〈◊〉 all your dependance be upon the Lord Jesus Christ ; beg the Spirit of Christ for your Assistance , and the 〈◊〉 rits of Christ for your Acceptance : And in every th● give Thanks and Praise to God the Father , Son 〈◊〉 Holy Ghost . FINIS .