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

Dut! if ParentI. 235
consult a child's virtue will appear to differ in Doth.
jng from that by which the parent is bound to provide
for his maintenance or fortune. The child's
interest is concerned in the one means of happiness as
well as in the other; and b~'jith means are equ~lly,
and almost c'xclusively, in the parel1t's power.
For this purpose, the liTH point to be endeavoured
after is, to impress upon .:hildren the idea of accountnblcness,
that is, to accu~tom them to look forward to
the consequences of ~~eir actions in anoth{;r world;
\vhich can only be broubl)t about by the pareats
visibly acting with a vieW to ti1~se con~equences them­
~elves. Parents, to do them justi~e, are seldom sparing
in lessons of virtue and religion; in admonitions
which cost little, and which profit less; whilst their
example exhibits a continual contradic~ion of what
they teach. A father, for instance, will, -,~ith much
solemnity and apparent earnestness, warn his son
against idleness, excess in drinking, debaucher);, and
extrayagance, who himself loiters about all day wu~out
employment; comes home e\-ery night dmnk;
is made infamous in his neighbourhood by Sf-me profligate
connexion; and wastes the fortunE: which
should support or remain a provision for his family
in riot, or luxury, or ostentation. Or he win discourse
gravely before his children of the obligation
and importance of revealed religion, whilst they set.;
the most frivolous and ofi"entioles feigned excu~
detain hinl from its reasonable and solemn ordinances.
Or he will set before them, perhaps, the supreme and
tremendous authority of Almighty God; that sur.h
a being ought not to be nalned~ or even thought upon,
without sentiments of profound awe and veneration.
This m~y be the lecture he delivers to hjs family
one hour; wI-.en the l!ext, if an occasion arise to
excite has anger, hi" mirth, or his surprise, they will
hear him t:-eat the naine of the Deity with the most
irreverent profanation, al~d sport with the terms and
denunciations of the Chri$tian religion, as if they
were the bnguage of some ridiculous and long ex ..