indeed been criminal hitherto to omit. This is a mean and unworthy shame, and would prevent our reforming evils which are indeed shameful. It will be a glory to you, to be willing and solicitous to revive languishing religion; a glory to give to other families an example, which, if they have the wisdom and courage to follow it, will undoubtedly bring down a rich variety of blessings on themselves, and, if followed by considerable numbers, on the public. At least, it will be an honour to you in the sight of men, and what is infinitely more, in the sight of God, to have made the generous effort; and not to make the guilty neglect of former years, an excuse for continuing to neglect, what it should rather be a powerful argument immediately to practise.

But I would by no means insist upon it, that divine worship should be introduced into your family in the particular manner I have recommended. Use your own judgment, and pursue your own inclination; so that it be but effectually and immediately done. You may perhaps think it convenient to call them together, and read over this letter to them; telling them at the conclusion, that you are in your conscience convinced there is reason in it which cannot be answered, and that therefore you are resolved to act agreeably to it. You may then proceed to read a portion of scripture, and to pray with them in such a manner as you may think most expedient. But in whatever manner it be done, you will remember, that it must be with reverence and solemnity, and with unfeigned fervour of devotion, as in the sight of the heart-searching God. And you will farther remember, that when once introduced, it must be resolutely and constantly carried on; for to cast out this heavenly

guest will in some degree be more shameful, than not to admit it. But I hope, sweet experience of the pleasures of these duties will be instead of a thousand arguments, to engage your adherence to them. May God give you resolution immediately to make the attempt! And may he assist and accept you, and scatter down every desirable blessing of providence and of grace, on you and yours! So that this day, (for I hope it will be introduced this very day,) may become memorable in your lives, as a season from whence you may date a prosperity and a joy hitherto unknown, how happy soever you may have been in former years: for very imperfect, I am sure, must that domestic happiness be, in which domestic religion has no part.

How shall I congratulate myself, if in consequence of the representation and address I have now been making to you, I may be the blessed instrument in the divine hand, of inspiring you with such a resolution! What an additional bond will then be added to our friendship, while God continues us together in life! Yea what an everlasting bond of a nobler friendship, in a future state; where it will be before the throne of God my joy to have given such admonitions as these, and yours faithfully and obediently to have received them!

But if after all you will not be persuaded, but will hearken to the voice of cowardice, and sloth, and irreligion, in defiance of so many awakening and affecting reasons, you must answer it at large. If your children and servants grow up in the neglect of God, and pierce your heart with those sorrows, which such servants, and especially such children, are like to occasion; if they raise profane and profligate families; if they prove the curse of their country, as well as the torment and ruin of those most

intimately related to them; the guilt is in part yours, and (I repeat again,) you must answer it to God at the great day, that you have omitted the proper and appointed method of preventing such fatal evils.— In the mean time, you must answer the omission to your own conscience; which probably has not been easy in former days, and in future days may be yet more unquiet. Yes, Sir, the memory of this address may continue to torment you, if it cannot reform you: and if you do not forsake the house of God, as well as exclude God and his worship from your own house, you will meet with new wounds; for new exhortations and admonitions will arm reflection with new reproaches. And in this uncomfortable manner you will probably go on, till what has been the grief and shame of your life, become the affliction of your dying bed; nor dare I presume to assure you that God will answer your last cries for pardon. The best you can expect under the consciousness of this guilt is, to pass trembling to your final doom:-But whatever that doom be, you must acquit your minister who has given you this faithful warning;* and this letter, transcribed as it were in the records of the divine omniscience, shall testify that a matter of so great importance hath not been wholly neglected, hath not been coldly and slightly urged, by,

Dear Sir, your affectionate friend,

and faithful servant, in our common Lord, P. DODDRIDGE. NORTHAMPTON, Dec. 20, 1749.

*If this letter should be presented by any of my brethren in the Ministry to any of their hearers, they may easily see, that this expression is applicable to them, as well as to those who may receive it from my hands.

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR

REARING AND EDUCATING A FAMILY,

IN

A LETTER

FROM

MARGARET WESLEY TO HER BELOVED SON,

JOHN WESLEY.