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the instrument of good to the object of their choice, though the reverse is by far the more common effect. Yet this hope should not afterwards be abandoned but deep humiliation, with earnest prayers to a merciful God, to pardon and overrule for the best what cannot now be disannulled, should be considered as above all things needful. To this the observance of the foregoing rules should be added; and the consideration of the sin by which the cross has been incurred, should constitute an additional motive to persevering patience, meekness, and kindness, even in return for harsh treatment: and in one way or other, the Lord will support, comfort and rescue such humble penitents, and make all to work together for good to their souls.

These hints indeed, are very inadequate to the full discussion of so copious and important a subject; but they may throw some light upon the path of those, who read them with prayer, and compare them with the sacred Scriptures, from an upright desire of knowing and doing the will of God, and "adorning the doctrine of God our "Saviour, in all things."

ESSAY XXI.

The subject continued..

HAVING very compendiously stated the conduct

to which the principles of the gospel will influence the believer, in respect to marriage, and in the conjugal relation; we proceed,

II. To consider the reciprocal duties of parents and children. This subject indeed has been already in great measure discussed;' but a few hints must here be subjoined, beginning with the duty of children to their parents. The apostle exhorts "children to obey their parents in the Lord;" in obedience to his will, for the honour of his gospel, from grateful love to the Lord Jesus, and in imitation of his example; as this also "is right" in itself, and required by the holy law of God. The general grounds and nature of this duty have been stated; it remains for us to consider it, as practised by a believer from evangelical motives. If a young disciple have the blessing of pious parents; in honouring and obeying them he will commonly honour and obey the Lord; and gratitude for the Essay iv.

spiritual benefits derived to him, by means of their instructions, example, and prayers, will be an additional incitement to a respectful, submissive, and obliging deportment; to a steady concern for their comfort, ease, interest, and reputation; and to a self-denying, frugal, and diligent endeavour to ward off want and distress from their old age: as pious Joseph maintained his father and family, just as many years in his old age, as Jacob had maintained him in his youth. In this case it will be peculiarly proper to bear with their infirmities, and conceal them from others; to submit to inconveniences and restraints in compliance with their wishes, and in order to sooth their sorrows; to consult them in every undertaking as long as they live; to pay a deference to their opinion, even when it is in a measure unreasonable, if it do not interfere with other duties; and never to grieve them by a contrary behaviour, without a very satisfactory reason, and with the most evident reluctance.

On the other hand, it sometimes happens that pious children have parents, whom they cannot but consider as strangers to the power of godliness. In this case it must be the leading desire of their hearts to win them over to the doctrine and grace of Christ; but in order to accomplish this purpose, it is peculiarly needful to watch against a hasty zeal and a violent spirit. They should expect to be opposed in their religious pursuits; to

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be assailed by arguments and authority, and perhaps by reproaches and menaces; to be restrained by various methods from attending divine ordinances; and to be allured into such companies and diversions as are inconsistent with their profession. They ought therefore to beg of God to give them the meekness of wisdom as well as a steadfast mind; that they may not refuse obedience in frivolous or doubtful matters, or in a harsh and disobliging manner; but only where evident duty requires it, and with calm and mild declarations of the grounds on which they proceed. Thus it will appear that a scriptural conscientiousness (and not caprice, self-will, or self-conceit,) compels them to act in this manner: and in proportion as this is done, redoubled diligence and self-denial should be used, to oblige their parents in all other things. In general, children are not required to preach to their parents: at least every word should be spoken with modesty, tenderness, and unassuming gentleness; and they should rather aim to induce them to hear sermons, to read books, or to converse with pious and prudent christians, than themselves to give instructions, or engage in arguments with them, except in very particular circumstances. For parents will seldom become docile scholars to their own children, especially if they teach in magisterial and reproving language. The most conclusive argument which they can use consists in an uniform conscientious

conduct, in obliging attention, silent submission to undeserved rebukes, diligence in business, fidelity to every trust reposed in them, and a disinterested regard to the temporal advantage of the whole family. When a young person uniformly acts in this manner, he will have opportunities of speaking or writing a few words with weight and propriety, which being joined with persevering prayer, may at length be crowned with the desired success; whilst a contrary conduct will close a parent's ear against the most conclusive arguments and most zealous discourse.

These brief hints concerning the duties of children may properly introduce those of parents, who are appointed both by reason and revelation to be the guardians of their offspring, in respect to their present and future welfare. Attention to the duties of this important relation, must indeed commence, not only from the time when they actually become parents; but many things should previously be arranged, with reference to the probability of this important event; important, because every human being, that is brought into existence, must be completely happy, or miserable to all eternity! From the very first, wise and conscientious parents will do nothing, for the sake of ease, indulgence, or any other selfish purpose, which may endanger the life, health, understanding, or morals of their children; as far as may be, they will personally

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