SECTION I. 531 of instruction, as far as they are able ; or at least to provide such instructors for them, and to put the children under their care. Here let us therefore enquire, what are the several things in which children should be instructed ? And upon a due survey, we shall find the most important things which children ought to learn and know, are these which follow. SECT. I. -Of instructing Children in Religion. RELIGION, in all the parts of it, both what they are to believe and what they are to practise, is most necessary to be taught. I mention this in the first place, not only because it is matter of the highest importance, and of most universal con- cern to all mankind, but because it may be taught even in these very. early years of life. As soon as children begin to know almost any thing, and to exercise their reason about matters that lie within the reach of their knowledge; they may be brought to know so much of religion as is necessary for their age and state. For instance; 1. Young children may be taught that there is a God, a great and almighty God, who made them, and who gives them every good thing. That he sees them every where, though they cannot see him ; and that he takes notice of all their behaviour. 2. They must be told what they should do, and what they should avoid, in order to please God. They should be taught in general to know the difference between good and evil. They may learn, that it is their duty to fear and love, and worship God, to pray to him for what they want, and to praise him for what they enjoy ; to obey their parents, to speak truth, and to be honest and friendly to all mankind and to set a guard upon their own appetites and passions. And that to neglect these things, or to do any thing contrary to them, is sinful in the sight of God. 3. Their consciences are capable of receiving conviction when they have neglected these duties, or broken the commands of God or of their parents ; and they may be made sensible that the great and holy God, who loves the righteous and bestows blessings upon them, is angry with those who have broken his commands and sinned against him ; and therefore that they them- selves are become subject to his displeasure. 4. They may be told, that there is another world after this ; and that their souls do not die when their bodies die : that they shall be taken up into heaven, which is a state of pleasure and happiness, if they have been good and holy in this world : but if they have been wicked children they must go down to hell, which is a state of misery and torment. 5. You may also inform them, that though their bodies die and are buried, yet God can and will raise theta to life again : and that their body and soul together must be made happy or miserable, according to their behaviour in this life. t.12
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