Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. The careful, prudent, and religious education of children hath for the most part a very good influence upon the whole course of their lives. I. WHEREIN DOTH THE GOOD EDUCATION OF CHILDREN CONSIST? 1. In the tender and careful nursing of them. 2. In bringing them to be baptized. 3. In a due care to inform and instruct them in the whole compass of their duty to God and to their neighbour. 4. In a prudent and diligent care to form their lives and manners to religion and virtue. 5. In giving them good example. 6. In wise restraints from that which is evil, by seasonable reproof and correction. 7. In bringing them to be publicly catechised. 8. In bringing them to be confirmed. II. MORE PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS WORK. The young have to be trained in the exercise of the following graces and virtues: Obedience, modesty, diligence, sincerity, tenderness, pity, good government of their passions, and of their tongues, to speak truth and to hate lying; to piety and devotion towards God, sobriety and chastity with regard to themselves, and to justice and charity towards all men, Endeavour to discover the particular temper and disposition of children, that you may suit and apply yourself to it. Endeavour to plant those principles of religion and virtue which are most substantial and likely to have the best influence on the future government of their lives. Check and discourage in them the first beginnings of sin and vice: as soon as ever they appear pluck them up by the roots. Take great heed that the children be not habituated and accustomed to any evil course. Bring them, as soon as they are capable of it, to the public worship of God. Put them upon the exercise and practice of religion and virtue, in such instances as their understanding and age are capable of. Add constant and earnest prayer to God on behalf of your children. III. SOME OF THE MORE COMMON MISCARRIAGES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS DUTY. These may be found in relation to instruction, example, and reproof. There often is too great rigour and severity; at other times too great laxity. It is always mischievous to punish while under the influence of passion. IV. SHOW HOW GOOD EDUCATION COMES TO BE OF SO GREAT ADVANTAGE. It gives religion and virtue the advantage of the first possession, and the further advantage of habit and custom. V. STIR UP THOSE WHOSE DUTY THIS IS TO DISCHARGE IT WITH GREAT CARE AND CONSCIENCE. Good education is the very best inheritance you can leave your children. In this way you promote your own comfort and happiness. The surest foundation of the public welfare and happiness is laid in the good education of children. Consider the great evils consequent on the neglect of this duty. (T. Tillotson, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.WEB: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. |
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