The Fifth Exception

The Fifth Exception.

Tis possible a fifth person may have uncomfortable cause to plead,

I have those in my family that will not be instructed; I can't order them so far as to make them submit to it.

In this unhappy case, what shall be done but this? We are to pray for these creatures, that their hearts may be tamed and bowed by Him, that has them in His hand. We are also to watch when some affliction or some amazement is come upon them: then God opens their ear to discipline; then the wild asses are in the month where you may find them. We may likewise call in the help of some grave, pious, holy minister, who may come to them with the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Finally, if your children refuse to be instructed, what says the wise man, a rod for the fool's back. If your servants refuse to be instructed, what says the good man, he that works deceit shall not dwell within my house.