PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Duty of P arenls. 229
ifying, if not vicious diversions, defrauds the community
of a benefactor, and bequeaths them a nuisance.
Som~, tbough not the same, preparation for the
sequel of their lives, is necessary for youth of every
description; and therefore for bastards, as well as
for children of better expectations. Consequently,
they who leave tIle education of their bastards to
chance, contenting themselves with making provision
for their sub~jstence, desert half ibeir duty.
III. A reasonable provision for the happiness of a
child in respect of outward condition, requires three
things: a situation suited to his habits and reasonable
expectations ; a competent provision for the exigences
of that $i~~ation; and a probable security for
hiJ virtue. -
The two iirst artides will vary with the coodi ..
tion of the parent. A situation somewhat approaching
in rank and condition to the parent's own ; or,
where that is not practicable, similar to what other
parents of like condition provide for their children,
. bounds the reasonable, as well as (generally speak ..
ing) the actual expectations of the child, and there ..
fore contains, the extent of the pareil~s obligation.
Hence, a peasant satisfies his duty, who sends out
his children, properly instructed for their occupation,
to husbandry, or to any branch of manufac.
ture. Clergymen, lawyers, physicians, officers in
the army or navy, gentlemen possessing moderate
fortunes of inheritance, or· exercising trade in a
large or liberal way, are required by the same rule to
provide their sons with learned professions, commissions
in the army or navy, places in public offices,
or reputable branches of merchandize. Providing
a child with a situation, includes a competent supply
for the expenses of that situation, until the profits
of it enable the child to support himself. Nobie"
men, and gentlemen of high rank and fortune, may
be bound to transmit an inheritance to the r~presentatives
of their family, sufficient for their support
without the aid of a trade or prof~'Ssimj, t~) whicJ~