The thief, quaking before the Judge, cannot but compare
his own lot with that of the good man who sits above him. The one has
followed every bent of his inclination, which gradually became more and
more capricious, more difficult to satisfy. The other put on a steadying
curb in early life, denied himself nine times where he humored himself
once, and
FINALLY HAD A CHARACTER
which made few demands upon him, and whose demands were decent and in
order. Thus "some as corrupt in their morals as vice could make them,
have yet been solicitous to have their children soberly, virtuously, and
piously brought up." We therefore, on every ground, must teach our
children religion, dignity, and probity. "Parents," says Jeremy Taylor,
"must give good example and reverent deportment in the presence of
their children. And all those instances of charity which usually endear
each other--sweetness of conversation, affability, frequent
admonition--all significations of love and tenderness, care and
watchfulness, must be expressed toward children; that they may look upon
their parents as their friends and patrons, their defence and sanctuary,
their treasure and their guide.
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