Their affections, especially to their children, are very strong; so that I have knowne a Father take so grievously the losse of his childe, that he hath cut and stob’d himselfe with griefe and rage.
This extreme affection, together with want of learning, makes their children sawcie, bold and undutifull.
I once came into a house and requested some water to drinke; the father bid his sonne (of some 8 yeeres of age) to fetch some water: the boy refused, and would not stir; I told the father that I would correct my child, if he should so disobey me, &c. Upon this the father took up a sticke, the boy another, and flew at his father: upon my perswasion, the poor father made him smart a little, threw downe his stick, and run for water and the father confessed the benefit of correction, and the evil of their too indulgent affections.
From their Relations.—Observation generall.
In the minds of depraved mankinde, are yet to be founde Natures distinctions, and Natures affections.
More particular:
The Pagans wild confesse the bonds
Of married chastitie:
How vild are Nicolâitans that hold
Of Wives communitie?