Section 16

SECT. XVI.

Before I have done, I must endeavor

III. To propound some incentives to family instruction.

Therefore

Consider, first, the needfulness of it.

Christians, instruct your families, for I may say, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. And as God's will, so their state calls for it. O look upon the ignorance of your families. May it not be said of them as in (Psalm 14:2), The Lord looked on the children — to see if there were any that did understand; they are all gone aside. Instruct them; lest they be destroyed for lack of knowledge. Look upon the corruption of your families. May it not be said of them, as in (Ecclesiastes 5:3), The hearts of the children is full of evil. Instruct them, lest they be the children of Belial, to consume your eyes and grieve your hearts.

In a word, instruct your families or else the blood of their souls will be required at your hands. It was complained of old, in (Jeremiah 2:34), In your skirts is found the blood of the souls of poor innocents. What a dreadful word is that! And what a dreadful thing will it be, for your poor families to follow you in the ever-burning lake below; shrieking and roaring, If you had done your duty to us, 'tis like we had never arrived here!

Consider, secondly, the usefulness of it.

Instruct your families and it will issue in their good. They shall be brought home to God. As he said in (Psalm 51:13), I will teach them, and they shall be converted to you. You may see converted children, and converted servants, filling of your families. They may bless the name of God for ever, that ever they knew your house, or saw your face; because you have promoted in them that knowledge which is life eternal.

Instruct your families; and it will issue in your joy. They shall afford you that [illegible], of which the Apostle said, I have no greater joy. 'Tis said in (Proverbs 10:1), A wise son makes a glad father. 'Tis a taught son that proves a wise son. What a joyful thing will it be, for you to see all your children and servants, calling you their spiritual father, here! But what a much-more joyful thing will it be for you to meet them all at the right hand of our Lord in the day of his appearing!

O consider of these things; and go away determined, [I hope you are now determined] Thus I and my house will serve the Lord.