(2.) They must take heed that they do not exercise severity for trifles, or those inadvertencies which children are chargeable with, on the one hand; nor too much indulge them in that incorrigibleness and profaneness which they sometimes see in them, on the other.
(3.) They must separate from them all companions, or servants, from whom they may imbibe the principles of sin, and oblige those who have the immediate care of their education, to instil into them the principles of religion, and, at the same time, to recommend to them, the pleasure, beauty, and advantage of holiness in all, but especially in young ones.
(4.) The examples which we have, either in scripture, or our own observation in the world, of those who have devoted themselves to God, and been religious betimes, is to be frequently inculcated, for their imitation, with all the affecting and moving expressions that it is possible for them to use, and with a particular application thereof to their case; and, on the other hand, the miserable consequences which have attended persons neglecting to embrace the ways of God in the days of their youth, and the sore judgments which often ensue hereupon; as it is said, His bones are full of the sin of youth, Job xx. 11.
(5.) Reproofs for sin are to be given, with a zeal and concern for the glory of God; and yet with that affection as may convince children, that in those things, in which they are ready to think their parents their enemies, they appear to be their greatest friends.
(6.) They, who have the care of children, ought to take heed, that they do not lead them into, or give them occasion, to rest in, a formal, or external appearance of religion, on the one hand; nor, on the other hand, are they to use any methods which may induce them to think, that, a burden, or a reproach, which they ought to esteem their delight and honour.
(7.) Those opportunities are more especially to be embraced, when instructions are most likely to be regarded by them; as when they are inquisitive about divine things. This should give the parent occasion to be particular in explaining them to them. Thus God commands Israel, when thy son asketh thee in time to come, what mean the testimonies and the statutes, and the judgments; which the Lord thy God commanded you? to say unto him, we were Pharaoh’s bondsmen, Deut. vi. 20, 21. and so they were to relate to them those dispensations of providence towards them, that gave occasion to these statutes which he had appointed.
(8.) Parents should let their children know, that their obedience to God’s commands, will always entitle them to the greatest share in their affection, that this may be a motive and inducement thereunto.
2. We are now to consider the duty which masters owe to their servants. And,
(1.) They ought to recommend the good ways of God to them, endeavouring to persuade them to be religious; and, by their exemplary conversation in their families, whereby they adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, in all things, afford them an additional motive hereunto.
(2.) They should encourage religion in their servants, as well as diligence and industry. For, as the one tends to their advantage, to whom their service is due; the other tends to the glory of God, and the good of their souls, who are found in the practice of it.