A Body of PRACTICAL Divinity 
 
Book 4Chapter 2 
 
OF THE RESPECTIVE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN 
 
These duties arise from a relation founded in nature. There is a natural instinct[1] in all creatures, even in the brutal creation, and in the more brutish part of that, to love their young, take care of them, provide for them, supply them, protect and defend them; "Even the sea monsters give suck to their young ones", (Lam. 4:3) much more such an affection appears in human and rational beings; "Can a woman forget her sucking child?" &c. (Isa. 49:15) on the other hand, as they are among the most wicked and abandoned of mankind who are "disobedient to parents"; they are in the same description of them represented as "without natural affection", (Rom. 1:30, 31; 2 Tim. 3:2, 3) as such must be, as well as guilty of gross ingratitude, "who requite" not "their parents" with filial love and duty for all the care and trouble, pains and expenses, they have been at in bringing them forth, and bringing them up in the world. Their performance of these duties is one part of natural religion. The apostle calls it showing "piety"[2], or godliness, (1 Tim. 5:4). The heathens by the light of nature[3] taught these things; Solon[4], Phocylides[5] Pythagoras[6], Isocrates[7], Plutarch[8], and others, coupled and ranked them together, and exhorted first to "honour God", and then to "honour parents"[9]; and, indeed, parents in the exercise of their love, power, and care, greatly resemble the divine Being, as the Creator, Sustainer, Protector, and Governor of his creatures; since children receive their being from their parents, under God; who are the instruments of introducing them into the world, and of their sustentation, support, and protection in it; hence Philo[10] observes, that the "fifth command, concerning honouring parents, is placed between the two tables of the law; which seems to be done because the nature of parents is meyorion, a middle border, or term between immortal and mortal; being mortal with respect to cognation to men, and other animals, and the corruptible body; immortal, as it resembles in generation God, the parent of all." And children are therefore under great obligation to various duties with respect unto them; with which I shall begin, and the rather, as they stand first in order, in the directions the apostle gives to both parents and children. 
1. First, the duties of children to their parents are included and comprehended in that general exhortation; "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). The persons of whom this duty is required, are "children"; and the persons to whom it is to be performed, are "parents"; by the former are meant children of each sex, male and female, sons and daughters, being in an equal relation, and in equal obligation to obedience to parents; and of every age, from infancy to manhood; and though the power of parents over children is less when grown up, the duty of observance, gratitude, and filial reverence does not cease; yea, may be the more increased, since it may be then better known; and children of every class, state, and condition of life, though they may be superior to parents in worldly honour, wealth, and riches, are to obey them, as the cases of Joseph and Solomon show. And though such who are the true and genuine offspring of parents, or who are so in a proper sense, may be chiefly meant, yet in them are included spurious ones, and such who are children by adoption, as Moses and Esther; or by the law of marriage, sons and daughters-in-law, as Moses to Jethro, and Ruth to Naomi, who were all obsequious to those to whom they stood thus related. By "parents" are meant, though chiefly immediate ones, yet include all in the ascending line, as a fathers father and mother, a mothers father and mother, or grandfathers and grandmothers, or if any higher are living they are entitled to obedience; and, indeed, all who stand in the room and stead of parents, as adoptive ones, step-fathers and step-mothers, tutors, guardians, governors, nurses, &c. while under their care, and in a state of minority, obedience is to be yielded to them; but particularly both parents are meant, father and mother, as it is explained in the next verse; "Honour thy father and mother"; father is put first, on account of order, of precedence and dignity; sometimes the order is inverted, to show the equal respect that should be had to both (Lev. 19:3). The duty enjoined, is "obedience", which includes love, honour, reverence, gratitude, and subjection. 
1a. Love; from whence all true obedience to God, to Christ, and to creatures flow; disobedience is owing to a want of love; such who are disobedient to parents, are without natural affections, as before observed: parents are greatly to be loved, but not more than God and Christ; "He that loveth father or mother more than me", says Christ, "is not worthy of me", (Matthew 10:37). 
1b. Honour: obedience is explained by honour, (Eph. 6:1, 2; see Mal. 1:6) which honour lies, 
1b1. In thought and estimation; children are to think highly, and to entertain an honourable esteem of their parents; to which is opposed, a "setting light" by them, (Deut. 27:16) a mean and contemptible opinion of them leads to disobedience to them (Prov. 30:17). 
1b2. Is expressed by words; by speaking honourably of them and to them; "I go Sir", was language which carried in it honour and respect, though it was not attended with obedience (Matthew 21:30). Cursing father or mother with the mouth and lips, is shocking, and was punishable with death by the Levitical law, and followed with the judgments of God (Lev. 20:9; Prov. 20:20, 30:17). 
1b3. In gesture and behaviour; as by rising up to them, and bowing before them; instances of which are in Joseph and Solomon (Gen. 46:29,48:12; 1 King 2:19) 
1c. Obedience to parents, includes fear, and reverence of them, (Lev. 19:3) which is shown by a patient bearing their reproofs and by a submission to their corrections, (Heb. 12:2) by an acknowledgment of offences committed, and asking forgiveness of them, (Luke 15:18) by concealing their infirmities, natural and moral, whether through old age or otherwise, an instance of this we have in Shem and Japheth (Gen. 9:21-23). 
1d. Gratitude; a requital of them for all their kindness; by taking care of them when in want and distress, and in old age; so Joseph nourished his father and his family in a time of famine: so Ruth gleaned for Naomi, though only her mother-in-law; and her son Obed was by prophecy to be a nourisher of her in her old age; and David, though in a state of exile himself, provided for his father and his mother, to be with the king of Moab, till he knew how it would be with him (Gen. 47:12; Ruth 2:18 4:15; 1 Sam. 22:3, 4). The Pharisees are charged with a breach of this duty, by a tradition of theirs, which wickedly excused persons from relieving their indigent parents (Matthew 15:4-6). The heathens teach better things: Solon[11] pronounces such ignoble and dishonourable, who neglect the care of their parents: in Aeneas[12] may be seen a specimen of filial piety to an aged parent, whom he carried on his back at the destruction of Troy. The storks in the heavens may teach men their duty, who are careful of their dams in old age[13], which Aristophanes wittily calls an ancient law in the tables of the storks[14]. 
1e. Subjection and submission to their commands, advice, reproofs, and corrections. The rule is, "Children, obey your parents in all things", (Col. 3:20) not in things sinful, contrary to the laws of God, and ordinances of Christ; if parents command their children to worship another God, or a graven image; or to do anything forbidden in the first and second tables of the law; or enjoin them not to profess the name of Christ, nor submit to his ordinances; they are to be rejected, and, in a comparative sense, "hated", (Luke 14:26) for God is to be obeyed, and not man, not even parents, in such cases; but in things that are lawful and right, agreeable to the will of God, revealed in his word, and even in things indifferent, which are neither forbidden nor commanded, yet if enjoined by parents are to be observed; an instance of this we have in the Rechabites, and whose filial observance was approved of by the Lord, (Jer. 35:6-10, 18, 19) yea, also in things difficult and disagreeable to flesh and blood; as the cases of Isaac in submitting to be sacrificed by his father, and in Jephthas daughter, to be done unto by him according to his vow, show, (Gen. 22:9; Judg. 11:36). 
The manner in which this obedience is to be yielded is, "in the Lord", (Eph. 6:1) which may be considered as a limitation of the above rule; that it must be in things pertaining to the Lord, which are well pleasing in his sight, which make for his glory, and are done for his sake, according to his command and will, and in obedience to it; and also in imitation of the Lord Christ, who, in his human nature, was subject to his earthly parents and thereby left an example of filial obedience to tread in his steps (Luke 2:51). The reason enforcing such obedience is, "for it is right"; it is agreeable to the law and light of nature, as has been before observed; it is agreeable to reason, and to the law of equity; gratitude demands it, that children who have received so many favours from their parents, should make some suitable returns in a way of filial love, honour, reverence, and obedience: it is agreeable to the law of God; it stands among the precepts of the Decalogue, it is the "fifth" in order there; but, as the apostle says, it is "the first commandment with promise", with a promise of long life; which was always reckoned a great blessing, which disobedience to parents often deprives of, as in the case of Absalom. 
2. Secondly, there are duties incumbent on parents with respect to their children, which are, 
2a. First, negatively expressed; "Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath", (Eph. 6:4) which may be done, 
2a1. By words; by laying upon them unjust and unreasonable commands, by frequent, public, and severe chidings, by indiscreet and passionate expressions, and by contumelious and reproachful language; such as that of Saul to Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:30). 
2a2. By deeds; as by showing more love to one than to another; as Jacob did to Joseph, which so incensed his brethren that they hated Joseph, and could not speak peaceably to him, (Gen. 37:8) by not allowing them proper food, and a sufficiency of it, (Matthew 7:9, 10; 1 Tim. 5:8) by not indulging them with innocent recreation, which children should have, (Zech. 8:5) and when at a proper age for marriage, of them to persons not agreeable to their inclinations[15]; and by restraining them from those that would be, without any just reason; and by squandering away their substance in riotous living, when they should have preserved it, and laid it up for the present use, or future good of their children; and especially by any cruel and inhuman treatment; as that of Saul to Jonathan, when he made an attempt on his life (1 Sam. 20:33, 34). Such provocation should be carefully avoided; since it renders all commands, counsel, and corrections ineffectual, alienating the affections of their children from them; the reason to dissuade from it, given by the apostle, is, "lest they be discouraged", (Col. 3:21) be overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, and thereby their spirits be broken, become pusillanimous, disheartened and dispirited; and despairing of pleasing their parents, and sharing in their affections, become careless of duty, and indolent to business. Parents, no doubts have a right to rebuke and reprove their children when they do amiss; it was Elis fault that he was too soft and lenient, and his reproofs too easy, when he should have restrained his sons from acting the vile part; should have frowned upon them, put on stern looks, and laid his commands on them, and severely threatened them, and punished them if refractory (1 Sam. 2:23, 24; 3:13). And they may use the rod of correction, which they should do early, and while there is hope; but always with moderation, and in love; and should take some pains with their children to convince them that they do love them; and that it is in love to them, and for their good, that they chastise them. "Fathers" are particularly mentioned, because they are apt to be most severe, and mothers most indulgent. 
2b. Secondly, the duty of parents to children is expressed positively; "But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord", (Eph. 6:4) which may relate, 
2b1. To things civil, respecting them, that they should "bring them up"; that is, provide for their sustentation and support, food and raiment suitable and convenient for them, and what is honest in the sight of all men, (Rom. 12:17; 1 Tim. 5:8) take care of their education, suitable to their birth, to their capacity, and to what they are designed for in life; to put them to some trade and business at a proper time; the Jews[16] have a saying, "that he that does not teach his son, or cause him to be taught, some trade or business, it is all one as if he taught him to be a thief, to steal privately or rob publicly;" and when of age, to dispose of them in marriage, to take wives for their sons, and to give their daughters to husbands; and to give them portions, and part with some of their substance, to set them up in the world, according to their abilities; for all which purposes, to lay up for their children is their duty, as well as to leave something behind them for their future good. 
2b2. And this exhortation may have respect to the training of them up in a religious way; in the external ways of God, and paths of godliness, in which they should walk; from whence they will not easily[17] and ordinarily depart (Prov. 22:6). It becomes them to set good examples to them, of sobriety, temperance, prudence, &c. and to keep them from the company of such from whom they may learn what is evil; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and whereas the seeds of all sins are in children, which soon appear, they should check them early, and nip them in the bud, and expose the sinfulness of those vices they are most inclined unto; as using naughty words, and telling lies, &c. they should frequently pray with and for them, as Abraham for Ishmael; whereby they will be sensible, that they have not only their temporal good, but their spiritual and eternal welfare at heart; and they should bring them under the means of grace, the ministry of the word; and teach them to read the scriptures as soon as may be; and instruct them in the knowledge of divine things, as they are able to receive it; which seems to be meant by paideia, the nurture of the Lord. Though I cannot say I truly approve of the method of education used by some good people; as by teaching them the Creed, a form of belief, saying, I believe, so and so, before they have any knowledge of and faith in divine truths; and to babble over the Lords Prayer, as it is commonly called, and other forms of prayer; which seems to have a tendency to direct them to rest in an outward form, and to trust in an outward show of righteousness; which they need not be taught to do, it is natural unto them; and whenever they receive the grace of God, all this must be untaught and undone again. It is proper to instruct them in the necessity of faith in God and in Christ, and of the use of prayer; and to lay before them the sinfulness of sin, and show them what an evil thing it is, and what are the sad effects of it; to teach them their miserable estate by nature, and the way of recovery and salvation by Christ; and to learn them from childhood to read and know the holy scriptures, according to their capacity; and by these to be "admonished" of sin, and of their duty, to fear God, and keep his commandments; which may be meant by the "admonition of the Lord"; and the proper opportunity should be taken to instil these things into their minds, when their minds begin to open, and they are inquisitive into the meaning of things; (see Deut. 6:20) and these several respective duties are to be carefully attended to; since the peace and order of families, the good of the commonwealth, and the prosperity of the church, and increase of the interest of Christ, greatly depend upon them. 
ENDNOTES: 
 
[1] "Communi autem animantium omnium est conjunctionis appetitus procreandi causa, et cura quaedam eorum quae procreata sunt", Cicero de Officiis, l. 1. c. 4. 
 
[2] eusebein. Valerius Maximus has a chapter, de Pietate in Parentes, l. 5. c. 4. 
 
[3] "Diligere parentes prima naturae lex", ib. s. 7. et extern. s. 5. 
 
[4] Laert. vit. Solon. p. 46. 
 
[5] Poem. Admon. v. 6. 
 
[6] Aurea Carmin. v. 1, 2. 
 
[7] Paraenes. ad Demonic. Orat. 1. 
 
[8] peri filadelfiav, p. 479. Vol. 2. 
 
[9] prwta yeon tima, metepeita te seio gonhav, Phocyl. Pythag. &c. ut supra. 
 
[10] Deut. Decalogo, 759, 760. 
 
[11] Laert. vit. Solon. l. 1. 
 
[12] "Ergo age, chare pater, cervici imponere nostrae: Ipse subibo humeris, nec me labor iste gravabit". Virgil. Aeneid. l. 2. prope finem. 
 
[13] Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 16. c. 23. Aristot. Hist. Animal. l. 6. c. 13. 
 
[14] monov palaiov, en toiv twn pelargwn kurbesin, Aves, p. 604. 
 
[15] "Hostis est uxor, invita quae ad virum nuptum datur", Plauti Stichus, Act. 1, sc. 2. v. 83. 
 
[16] T. Bab. Kiddushin. fol. 30. 2. 
 
[17] "Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem, testa diu", Horat. Epist. l. 1. ep. 2. v. 69.

A Body of PRACTICAL Divinity 
 
Book 4—Chapter 2 
 
OF THE RESPECTIVE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN 
 
These duties arise from a relation founded in nature. There is a natural instinct[1] in all creatures, even in the brutal creation, and in the more brutish part of that, to love their young, take care of them, provide for them, supply them, protect and defend them; "Even the sea monsters give suck to their young ones", (Lam. 4:3) much more such an affection appears in human and rational beings; "Can a woman forget her sucking child?" &c. (Isa. 49:15) on the other hand, as they are among the most wicked and abandoned of mankind who are "disobedient to parents"; they are in the same description of them represented as "without natural affection", (Rom. 1:30, 31; 2 Tim. 3:2, 3) as such must be, as well as guilty of gross ingratitude, "who requite" not "their parents" with filial love and duty for all the care and trouble, pains and expenses, they have been at in bringing them forth, and bringing them up in the world. Their performance of these duties is one part of natural religion. The apostle calls it showing "piety"[2], or godliness, (1 Tim. 5:4). The heathens by the light of nature[3] taught these things; Solon[4], Phocylides[5] Pythagoras[6], Isocrates[7], Plutarch[8], and others, coupled and ranked them together, and exhorted first to "honour God", and then to "honour parents"[9]; and, indeed, parents in the exercise of their love, power, and care, greatly resemble the divine Being, as the Creator, Sustainer, Protector, and Governor of his creatures; since children receive their being from their parents, under God; who are the instruments of introducing them into the world, and of their sustentation, support, and protection in it; hence Philo[10] observes, that the "fifth command, concerning honouring parents, is placed between the two tables of the law; which seems to be done because the nature of parents is meyorion, a middle border, or term between immortal and mortal; being mortal with respect to cognation to men, and other animals, and the corruptible body; immortal, as it resembles in generation God, the parent of all." And children are therefore under great obligation to various duties with respect unto them; with which I shall begin, and the rather, as they stand first in order, in the directions the apostle gives to both parents and children. 
1. First, the duties of children to their parents are included and comprehended in that general exhortation; "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). The persons of whom this duty is required, are "children"; and the persons to whom it is to be performed, are "parents"; by the former are meant children of each sex, male and female, sons and daughters, being in an equal relation, and in equal obligation to obedience to parents; and of every age, from infancy to manhood; and though the power of parents over children is less when grown up, the duty of observance, gratitude, and filial reverence does not cease; yea, may be the more increased, since it may be then better known; and children of every class, state, and condition of life, though they may be superior to parents in worldly honour, wealth, and riches, are to obey them, as the cases of Joseph and Solomon show. And though such who are the true and genuine offspring of parents, or who are so in a proper sense, may be chiefly meant, yet in them are included spurious ones, and such who are children by adoption, as Moses and Esther; or by the law of marriage, sons and daughters-in-law, as Moses to Jethro, and Ruth to Naomi, who were all obsequious to those to whom they stood thus related. By "parents" are meant, though chiefly immediate ones, yet include all in the ascending line, as a father’s father and mother, a mother’s father and mother, or grandfathers and grandmothers, or if any higher are living they are entitled to obedience; and, indeed, all who stand in the room and stead of parents, as adoptive ones, step-fathers and step-mothers, tutors, guardians, governors, nurses, &c. while under their care, and in a state of minority, obedience is to be yielded to them; but particularly both parents are meant, father and mother, as it is explained in the next verse; "Honour thy father and mother"; father is put first, on account of order, of precedence and dignity; sometimes the order is inverted, to show the equal respect that should be had to both (Lev. 19:3). The duty enjoined, is "obedience", which includes love, honour, reverence, gratitude, and subjection. 
1a. Love; from whence all true obedience to God, to Christ, and to creatures flow; disobedience is owing to a want of love; such who are disobedient to parents, are without natural affections, as before observed: parents are greatly to be loved, but not more than God and Christ; "He that loveth father or mother more than me", says Christ, "is not worthy of me", (Matthew 10:37). 
1b. Honour: obedience is explained by honour, (Eph. 6:1, 2; see Mal. 1:6) which honour lies, 
1b1. In thought and estimation; children are to think highly, and to entertain an honourable esteem of their parents; to which is opposed, a "setting light" by them, (Deut. 27:16) a mean and contemptible opinion of them leads to disobedience to them (Prov. 30:17). 
1b2. Is expressed by words; by speaking honourably of them and to them; "I go Sir", was language which carried in it honour and respect, though it was not attended with obedience (Matthew 21:30). Cursing father or mother with the mouth and lips, is shocking, and was punishable with death by the Levitical law, and followed with the judgments of God (Lev. 20:9; Prov. 20:20, 30:17). 
1b3. In gesture and behaviour; as by rising up to them, and bowing before them; instances of which are in Joseph and Solomon (Gen. 46:29,48:12; 1 King 2:19) 
1c. Obedience to parents, includes fear, and reverence of them, (Lev. 19:3) which is shown by a patient bearing their reproofs and by a submission to their corrections, (Heb. 12:2) by an acknowledgment of offences committed, and asking forgiveness of them, (Luke 15:18) by concealing their infirmities, natural and moral, whether through old age or otherwise, an instance of this we have in Shem and Japheth (Gen. 9:21-23). 
1d. Gratitude; a requital of them for all their kindness; by taking care of them when in want and distress, and in old age; so Joseph nourished his father and his family in a time of famine: so Ruth gleaned for Naomi, though only her mother-in-law; and her son Obed was by prophecy to be a nourisher of her in her old age; and David, though in a state of exile himself, provided for his father and his mother, to be with the king of Moab, till he knew how it would be with him (Gen. 47:12; Ruth 2:18 4:15; 1 Sam. 22:3, 4). The Pharisees are charged with a breach of this duty, by a tradition of theirs, which wickedly excused persons from relieving their indigent parents (Matthew 15:4-6). The heathens teach better things: Solon[11] pronounces such ignoble and dishonourable, who neglect the care of their parents: in Aeneas[12] may be seen a specimen of filial piety to an aged parent, whom he carried on his back at the destruction of Troy. The storks in the heavens may teach men their duty, who are careful of their dams in old age[13], which Aristophanes wittily calls an ancient law in the tables of the storks[14]. 
1e. Subjection and submission to their commands, advice, reproofs, and corrections. The rule is, "Children, obey your parents in all things", (Col. 3:20) not in things sinful, contrary to the laws of God, and ordinances of Christ; if parents command their children to worship another God, or a graven image; or to do anything forbidden in the first and second tables of the law; or enjoin them not to profess the name of Christ, nor submit to his ordinances; they are to be rejected, and, in a comparative sense, "hated", (Luke 14:26) for God is to be obeyed, and not man, not even parents, in such cases; but in things that are lawful and right, agreeable to the will of God, revealed in his word, and even in things indifferent, which are neither forbidden nor commanded, yet if enjoined by parents are to be observed; an instance of this we have in the Rechabites, and whose filial observance was approved of by the Lord, (Jer. 35:6-10, 18, 19) yea, also in things difficult and disagreeable to flesh and blood; as the cases of Isaac in submitting to be sacrificed by his father, and in Jephtha’s daughter, to be done unto by him according to his vow, show, (Gen. 22:9; Judg. 11:36). 
The manner in which this obedience is to be yielded is, "in the Lord", (Eph. 6:1) which may be considered as a limitation of the above rule; that it must be in things pertaining to the Lord, which are well pleasing in his sight, which make for his glory, and are done for his sake, according to his command and will, and in obedience to it; and also in imitation of the Lord Christ, who, in his human nature, was subject to his earthly parents and thereby left an example of filial obedience to tread in his steps (Luke 2:51). The reason enforcing such obedience is, "for it is right"; it is agreeable to the law and light of nature, as has been before observed; it is agreeable to reason, and to the law of equity; gratitude demands it, that children who have received so many favours from their parents, should make some suitable returns in a way of filial love, honour, reverence, and obedience: it is agreeable to the law of God; it stands among the precepts of the Decalogue, it is the "fifth" in order there; but, as the apostle says, it is "the first commandment with promise", with a promise of long life; which was always reckoned a great blessing, which disobedience to parents often deprives of, as in the case of Absalom. 
2. Secondly, there are duties incumbent on parents with respect to their children, which are, 
2a. First, negatively expressed; "Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath", (Eph. 6:4) which may be done, 
2a1. By words; by laying upon them unjust and unreasonable commands, by frequent, public, and severe chidings, by indiscreet and passionate expressions, and by contumelious and reproachful language; such as that of Saul to Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:30). 
2a2. By deeds; as by showing more love to one than to another; as Jacob did to Joseph, which so incensed his brethren that they hated Joseph, and could not speak peaceably to him, (Gen. 37:8) by not allowing them proper food, and a sufficiency of it, (Matthew 7:9, 10; 1 Tim. 5:8) by not indulging them with innocent recreation, which children should have, (Zech. 8:5) and when at a proper age for marriage, of them to persons not agreeable to their inclinations[15]; and by restraining them from those that would be, without any just reason; and by squandering away their substance in riotous living, when they should have preserved it, and laid it up for the present use, or future good of their children; and especially by any cruel and inhuman treatment; as that of Saul to Jonathan, when he made an attempt on his life (1 Sam. 20:33, 34). Such provocation should be carefully avoided; since it renders all commands, counsel, and corrections ineffectual, alienating the affections of their children from them; the reason to dissuade from it, given by the apostle, is, "lest they be discouraged", (Col. 3:21) be overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, and thereby their spirits be broken, become pusillanimous, disheartened and dispirited; and despairing of pleasing their parents, and sharing in their affections, become careless of duty, and indolent to business. Parents, no doubts have a right to rebuke and reprove their children when they do amiss; it was Eli’s fault that he was too soft and lenient, and his reproofs too easy, when he should have restrained his sons from acting the vile part; should have frowned upon them, put on stern looks, and laid his commands on them, and severely threatened them, and punished them if refractory (1 Sam. 2:23, 24; 3:13). And they may use the rod of correction, which they should do early, and while there is hope; but always with moderation, and in love; and should take some pains with their children to convince them that they do love them; and that it is in love to them, and for their good, that they chastise them. "Fathers" are particularly mentioned, because they are apt to be most severe, and mothers most indulgent. 
2b. Secondly, the duty of parents to children is expressed positively; "But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord", (Eph. 6:4) which may relate, 
2b1. To things civil, respecting them, that they should "bring them up"; that is, provide for their sustentation and support, food and raiment suitable and convenient for them, and what is honest in the sight of all men, (Rom. 12:17; 1 Tim. 5:8) take care of their education, suitable to their birth, to their capacity, and to what they are designed for in life; to put them to some trade and business at a proper time; the Jews[16] have a saying, "that he that does not teach his son, or cause him to be taught, some trade or business, it is all one as if he taught him to be a thief, to steal privately or rob publicly;" and when of age, to dispose of them in marriage, to take wives for their sons, and to give their daughters to husbands; and to give them portions, and part with some of their substance, to set them up in the world, according to their abilities; for all which purposes, to lay up for their children is their duty, as well as to leave something behind them for their future good. 
2b2. And this exhortation may have respect to the training of them up in a religious way; in the external ways of God, and paths of godliness, in which they should walk; from whence they will not easily[17] and ordinarily depart (Prov. 22:6). It becomes them to set good examples to them, of sobriety, temperance, prudence, &c. and to keep them from the company of such from whom they may learn what is evil; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and whereas the seeds of all sins are in children, which soon appear, they should check them early, and nip them in the bud, and expose the sinfulness of those vices they are most inclined unto; as using naughty words, and telling lies, &c. they should frequently pray with and for them, as Abraham for Ishmael; whereby they will be sensible, that they have not only their temporal good, but their spiritual and eternal welfare at heart; and they should bring them under the means of grace, the ministry of the word; and teach them to read the scriptures as soon as may be; and instruct them in the knowledge of divine things, as they are able to receive it; which seems to be meant by paideia, the nurture of the Lord. Though I cannot say I truly approve of the method of education used by some good people; as by teaching them the Creed, a form of belief, saying, I believe, so and so, before they have any knowledge of and faith in divine truths; and to babble over the Lord’s Prayer, as it is commonly called, and other forms of prayer; which seems to have a tendency to direct them to rest in an outward form, and to trust in an outward show of righteousness; which they need not be taught to do, it is natural unto them; and whenever they receive the grace of God, all this must be untaught and undone again. It is proper to instruct them in the necessity of faith in God and in Christ, and of the use of prayer; and to lay before them the sinfulness of sin, and show them what an evil thing it is, and what are the sad effects of it; to teach them their miserable estate by nature, and the way of recovery and salvation by Christ; and to learn them from childhood to read and know the holy scriptures, according to their capacity; and by these to be "admonished" of sin, and of their duty, to fear God, and keep his commandments; which may be meant by the "admonition of the Lord"; and the proper opportunity should be taken to instil these things into their minds, when their minds begin to open, and they are inquisitive into the meaning of things; (see Deut. 6:20) and these several respective duties are to be carefully attended to; since the peace and order of families, the good of the commonwealth, and the prosperity of the church, and increase of the interest of Christ, greatly depend upon them. 
ENDNOTES: 
 
[1] "Communi autem animantium omnium est conjunctionis appetitus procreandi causa, et cura quaedam eorum quae procreata sunt", Cicero de Officiis, l. 1. c. 4. 
 
[2] eusebein. Valerius Maximus has a chapter, de Pietate in Parentes, l. 5. c. 4. 
 
[3] "Diligere parentes prima naturae lex", ib. s. 7. et extern. s. 5. 
 
[4] Laert. vit. Solon. p. 46. 
 
[5] Poem. Admon. v. 6. 
 
[6] Aurea Carmin. v. 1, 2. 
 
[7] Paraenes. ad Demonic. Orat. 1. 
 
[8] peri filadelfiav, p. 479. Vol. 2. 
 
[9] prwta yeon tima, metepeita te seio gonhav, Phocyl. Pythag. &c. ut supra. 
 
[10] Deut. Decalogo, 759, 760. 
 
[11] Laert. vit. Solon. l. 1. 
 
[12] "Ergo age, chare pater, cervici imponere nostrae: Ipse subibo humeris, nec me labor iste gravabit". Virgil. Aeneid. l. 2. prope finem. 
 
[13] Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 16. c. 23. Aristot. Hist. Animal. l. 6. c. 13. 
 
[14] monov palaiov, en toiv twn pelargwn kurbesin, Aves, p. 604. 
 
[15] "Hostis est uxor, invita quae ad virum nuptum datur", Plauti Stichus, Act. 1, sc. 2. v. 83. 
 
[16] T. Bab. Kiddushin. fol. 30. 2. 
 
[17] "Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem, testa diu", Horat. Epist. l. 1. ep. 2. v. 69.

A Body of PRACTICAL Divinity Book 4—Chapter 2 OF THE RESPECTIVE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN These duties arise from a relation founded in nature. There is a natural instinct[1] in all creatures, even in the brutal creation, and in the more brutish part of that, to love their young, take care of t

Of the Duties of Parents and Children.

1 Samuel 8 - 10. There is not in Scripture a character that furnishes more solemn warning than that of King Saul. As we pass on from stage to stage through his history, it fills the soul with very awful thoughts of the treachery and corruption of the heart of man; and as we are sure that it has been

King Saul

David is the principal object before the mind of the Spirit of God in both the 1st and the 2nd books of Samuel. In the 1st book we see him brought from obscurity into honour and praise, and there standing, by the good hand of God, in full righteousness amid the persecutions of the wicked. In the 2nd

Absalom

There is a great need in the body of Christ for consistent reading of the Holy Scriptures in their entirety, book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. In this case we are encouraging a chronological reading of the Scriptures. Most of the confusion is created when certain teachers, groups, or denominations take singular verses out of context and compare them with others. Though it is a good spiritual principle to compare spiritual truths with spiritual truths,1139 yet this must all be done in the larger context of God’s Word. Therefore we are encouraging all of God’s saints to have a consistent discipline of reading through the whole Scriptures once a year as a supplemental reading plan. 
This plan takes just 10-25 minutes of your day to read through the given chapters. One recommendation is to mark or underline one verse that stood out to you that you can apply into your life or memorize.1140 In your reading, see the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in all the chapters for our Lord said that the Scriptures testified of Him.1141 Learn of the character of God and spend time praying to the Lord what you have learnt. Also, we recommend that believers spend extra time reading through the Book of Acts on an ongoing basis for it is a clear blueprint for the Church and need for the Holy Spirit. 
Lastly, we highly recommend you spend much more time in the Scriptures on your own where the Holy Spirit is leading you to meditate on.1142 Let this plan be a possible solution for you to ensure you are reading through all the Scriptures at least once per year. You can check the boxes * beside each passage as a checklist. 
 
 
1139 1 Corinthians 2:13 
1140 James 1:22, Psalm 119:11 
1141 Luke 24:27 
1142 Psalm 119:15-16 
 
 
 
 
 
READING SCHEDULE 
 
Jan 1: Genesis 1-3 * 
Jan 2: Genesis 4-7 * 
Jan 3: Genesis 8-11 * 
Jan 4: Job 1-5 * 
Jan 5: Job 6-9 * 
Jan 6: Job 10-13 * 
Jan 7: Job 14-16 * 
Jan 8: Job 17-20 * 
Jan 9: Job 21-23 * 
Jan 10: Job 24-28 * 
Jan 11: Job 29-31 * 
Jan 12: Job 32-34 * 
Jan 13: Job 35-37 * 
Jan 14: Job 38-39 * 
Jan 15: Job 40-42 * 
Jan 16: Genesis 12-15 * 
Jan 17: Genesis 16-18 * 
Jan 18: Genesis 19-21 * 
Jan 19: Genesis 22-24 * 
Jan 20: Genesis 25-26 * 
Jan 21: Genesis 27-29 * 
Jan 22: Genesis 30-31 * 
Jan 23: Genesis 32-34 * 
Jan 24: Genesis 35-37 * 
Jan 25: Genesis 38-40 * 
Jan 26: Genesis 41-42 * 
Jan 27: Genesis 43-45 * 
Jan 28: Genesis 46-47 * 
Jan 29: Genesis 48-50 * 
Jan 30: Exodus 1-3 * 
Jan 31: Exodus 4-6 * 
Feb 1: Exodus 7-9 * 
Feb 2: Exodus 10-12 * 
Feb 3: Exodus 13-15 * 
Feb 4: Exodus 16-18 * 
Feb 5: Exodus 19-21 * 
Feb 6: Exodus 22-24 * 
Feb 7: Exodus 25-27 * 
Feb 8: Exodus 28-29 * 
Feb 9: Exodus 30-32 * 
Feb 10: Exodus 33-35 * 
Feb 11: Exodus 36-38 * 
Feb 12: Exodus 39-40 * 
Feb 13: Leviticus 1-4 * 
Feb 14: Leviticus 5-7 * 
Feb 15: Leviticus 8-10 * 
Feb 16: Leviticus 11-13 * 
Feb 17: Leviticus 14-15 * 
Feb 18: Leviticus 16-18 * 
Feb 19: Leviticus 19-21 * 
Feb 20: Leviticus 22-23 * 
Feb 21: Leviticus 24-25 * 
Feb 22: Leviticus 26-27 * 
Feb 23: Numbers 1-2 * 
Feb 24: Numbers 3-4 * 
Feb 25: Numbers 5-6 * 
Feb 26: Numbers 7 * 
Feb 27: Numbers 8-10 * 
Feb 28-29: Numbers 11-13 * 
Mar 1: Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90 * 
Mar 2: Numbers 16-17 * 
Mar 3: Numbers 18-20 * 
Mar 4: Numbers 21-22 * 
Mar 5: Numbers 23-25 * 
Mar 6: Numbers 26-27 * 
Mar 7: Numbers 28-30 * 
Mar 8: Numbers 31-32 * 
Mar 9: Numbers 33-34 * 
Mar 10: Numbers 35-36 * 
Mar 11: Deuteronomy 1-2 * 
Mar 12: Deuteronomy 3-4 * 
Mar 13: Deuteronomy 5-7 * 
Mar 14: Deuteronomy 8-10 * 
Mar 15: Deuteronomy 11-13 * 
Mar 16: Deuteronomy 14-16 * 
Mar 17: Deuteronomy 17-20 * 
Mar 18: Deuteronomy 21-23 * 
Mar 19: Deuteronomy 24-27 * 
Mar 20: Deuteronomy 28-29 * 
Mar 21: Deuteronomy 30-31 * 
Mar 22: Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91 * 
Mar 23: Joshua 1-4 * 
Mar 24: Joshua 5-8 * 
Mar 25: Joshua 9-11 * 
Mar 26: Joshua 12-15 * 
Mar 27: Joshua 16-18 * 
Mar 28: Joshua 19-21 * 
Mar 29: Joshua 22-24 * 
Mar 30: Judges 1-2 * 
Mar 31: Judges 3-5 * 
Apr 1: Judges 6-7 * 
Apr 2: Judges 8-9 * 
Apr 3: Judges 10-12 * 
Apr 4: Judges 13-15 * 
Apr 5: Judges 16-18 * 
Apr 6: Judges 19-21 * 
Apr 7: Ruth * 
Apr 8: 1 Samuel 1-3 * 
Apr 9: 1 Samuel 4-8 * 
Apr 10: 1 Samuel 9-12 * 
Apr 11: 1 Samuel 13-14 * 
Apr 12: 1 Samuel 15-17 * 
Apr 13: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11, 59 * 
Apr 14: 1 Samuel 21-24 * 
Apr 15: Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, 52 * 
Apr 16: Psalms 56, 120, 140-142 * 
Apr 17: 1 Samuel 25-27 * 
Apr 18: Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63 * 
Apr 19: 1 Samuel 28-31; Ps 18 * 
Apr 20: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130 * 
Apr 21: 2 Samuel 1-4 * 
Apr 22: Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21 * 
Apr 23: 1 Chronicles 1-2 * 
Apr 24: Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87 * 
Apr 25: 1 Chronicles 3-5 * 
Apr 26: Psalms 73, 77-78 * 
Apr 27: 1 Chronicles 6 * 
Apr 28: Psalms 81, 88, 92-93 * 
Apr 29: 1 Chronicles 7-10 * 
Apr 30: Psalms 102-104 * 
May 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12 * 
May 2: Psalm 133 * 
May 3: Psalms 106-107 * 
May 4: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16 * 
May 5: Psalms 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68 * 
May 6: Psalms 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132 * 
May 7: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17 * 
May 8: Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, 39 * 
May 9: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18 * 
May 10: Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75 * 
May 11: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20 * 
May 12: Psalms 65-67, 69-70 * 
May 13: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20 * 
May 14: Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122 * 
May 15: 2 Samuel 13-15 * 
May 16: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55 * 
May 17: 2 Samuel 16-18 * 
May 18: Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64 * 
May 19: 2 Samuel 19-21 * 
May 20: Psalms 5, 38, 41-42 * 
May 21: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57 * 
May 22: Psalms 95, 97-99 * 
May 23: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30 * 
May 24: Psalm 108-110 * 
May 25: 1 Chronicles 23-25 * 
May 26: Psalm 131, 138-139, 143-145 * 
May 27: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127 * 
May 28: Psalms 111-118 * 
May 29: 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94 * 
May 30: Psalm 119:1-88 * 
May 31: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72 * 
Jun 1: Psalm 119:89-176 * 
Jun 2: Song of Songs * 
Jun 3: Proverbs 1-3 * 
Jun 4: Proverbs 4-6 * 
Jun 5: Proverbs 7-9 * 
Jun 6: Proverbs 10-12 * 
Jun 7: Proverbs 13-15 * 
Jun 8: Proverbs 16-18 * 
Jun 9: Proverbs 19-21 * 
Jun 10: Proverbs 22-24 * 
Jun 11: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3 * 
Jun 12: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4 * 
Jun 13: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5 * 
Jun 14: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136 * 
Jun 15: Psalms 134, 146-150 * 
Jun 16: 1 King 9; 2 Chronicles 8 * 
Jun 17: Proverbs 25-26 * 
Jun 18: Proverbs 27-29 * 
Jun 19: Ecclesiastes 1-6 * 
Jun 20: Ecclesiastes 7-12 * 
Jun 21: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9 * 
Jun 22: Proverbs 30-31 * 
Jun 23: 1 Kings 12-14 * 
Jun 24: 2 Chronicles 10-12 * 
Jun 25: 1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16 * 
Jun 26: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17 * 
Jun 27: 1 Kings 17-19 * 
Jun 28: 1 Kings 20-21 * 
Jun 29: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18 * 
Jun 30: 2 Chronicles 19-23 * 
Jul 1: Obadiah; Psalms 82-83 * 
Jul 2: 2 Kings 1-4 * 
Jul 3: 2 Kings 5-8 * 
Jul 4: 2 Kings 9-11 * 
Jul 5: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24 * 
Jul 6: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25 * 
Jul 7: Jonah * 
Jul 8: 2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26 * 
Jul 9: Isaiah 1-4 * 
Jul 10: Isaiah 5-8 * 
Jul 11: Amos 1-5 * 
Jul 12: Amos 6-9 * 
Jul 13: 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12 * 
Jul 14: Micah * 
Jul 15: 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17 * 
Jul 16: Isaiah 13-17 * 
Jul 17: Isaiah 18-22 * 
Jul 18: Isaiah 23-27 * 
Jul 19: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48 * 
Jul 20: Hosea 1-7 * 
Jul 21: Hosea 8-14 * 
Jul 22: Isaiah 28-30 * 
Jul 23: Isaiah 31-34 * 
Jul 24: Isaiah 35-36 * 
Jul 25: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76 * 
Jul 26: Isaiah 40-43 * 
Jul 27: Isaiah 44-48 * 
Jul 28: 2 Kings 18:9-19:37; Psalms 46, 80, 135 * 
Jul 29: Isaiah 49-53 * 
Jul 30: Isaiah 54-58 * 
Jul 31: Isaiah 59-63 * 
Aug 1: Isaiah 64-66 * 
Aug 2: 2 Kings 20-21 * 
Aug 3: 2 Chronicles 32-33 * 
Aug 4: Nahum * 
Aug 5: 2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35 * 
Aug 6: Zephaniah * 
Aug 7: Jeremiah 1-3 * 
Aug 8: Jeremiah 4-6 * 
Aug 9: Jeremiah 7-9 * 
Aug 10: Jeremiah 10-13 * 
Aug 11: Jeremiah 14-17 * 
Aug 12: Jeremiah 18-22 * 
Aug 13: Jeremiah 23-25 * 
Aug 14: Jeremiah 26-29 * 
Aug 15: Jeremiah 30-31 * 
Aug 16: Jeremiah 32-34 * 
Aug 17: Jeremiah 35-37 * 
Aug 18: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74, 79 * 
Aug 19: 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36 * 
Aug 20: Habakkuk * 
Aug 21: Jeremiah 41-45 * 
Aug 22: Jeremiah 46-48 * 
Aug 23: Jeremiah 49-50 * 
Aug 24: Jeremiah 51-52 * 
Aug 25: Lamentations 1:1-3:36 * 
Aug 26: Lamentations 3:37-5:22 * 
Aug 27: Ezekiel 1-4 * 
Aug 28: Ezekiel 5-8 * 
Aug 29: Ezekiel 9-12 * 
Aug 30: Ezekiel 13-15 * 
Aug 31: Ezekiel 16-17 * 
Sep 1: Ezekiel 18-19 * 
Sep 2: Ezekiel 20-21 * 
Sep 3: Ezekiel 22-23 * 
Sep 4: Ezekiel 24-27 * 
Sep 5: Ezekiel 28-31 * 
Sep 6: Ezekiel 32-34 * 
Sep 7: Ezekiel 35-37 * 
Sep 8: Ezekiel 38-39 * 
Sep 9: Ezekiel 40-41 * 
Sep 10: Ezekiel 42-43 * 
Sep 11: Ezekiel 44-45 * 
Sep 12: Ezekiel 46-48 * 
Sep 13: Joel * 
Sep 14: Daniel 1-3 * 
Sep 15: Daniel 4-6 * 
Sep 16: Daniel 7-9 * 
Sep 17: Daniel 10-12 * 
Sep 18: Ezra 1-3 * 
Sep 19: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137 * 
Sep 20: Haggai * 
Sep 21: Zechariah 1-7 * 
Sep 22: Zechariah 8-14 * 
Sep 23: Esther 1-5 * 
Sep 24: Esther 6-10 * 
Sep 25: Ezra 7-10 * 
Sep 26: Nehemiah 1-5 * 
Sep 27: Nehemiah 6-7 * 
Sep 28: Nehemiah 8-10 * 
Sep 29: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126 * 
Sep 30: Malachi * 
Oct 1: Luke 1; John 1:1-14 * 
Oct 2: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38 * 
Oct 3: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52 * 
Oct 4: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 * 
Oct 5: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51 * 
Oct 6: John 2-4 * 
Oct 7: Mark 2 * 
Oct 8: John 5 * 
Oct 9: Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6 * 
Oct 10: Matthew 5-7 * 
Oct 11: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7 * 
Oct 12: Matthew 11 * 
Oct 13: Matthew 12:22-50 * 
Oct 14: Matthew 13; Luke 8 * 
Oct 15: Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5 * 
Oct 16: Matthew 9-10 * 
Oct 17: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17 * 
Oct 18: John 6 * 
Oct 19: Matthew 15; Mark 7 * 
Oct 20: Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27 * 
Oct 21: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62 * 
Oct 22: Matthew 18 * 
Oct 23: John 7-8 * 
Oct 24: John 9:1-10:21 * 
Oct 25: Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42 * 
Oct 26: Luke 12-13 * 
Oct 27: Luke 14-15 * 
Oct 28: Luke 16-17:10 * 
Oct 29: John 11 * 
Oct 30: Luke 17:11-18:14 * 
Oct 31: Matthew 19; Mark 10 * 
Nov 1: Matthew 20-21 * 
Nov 2: Luke 18:15-19:48 * 
Nov 3: Mark 11; John 12 * 
Nov 4: Matthew 22; Mark 12 * 
Nov 5: Matthew 23; Luke 20-21 * 
Nov 6: Mark 13 * 
Nov 7: Matthew 24 * 
Nov 8: Matthew 25 * 
Nov 9: Matthew 26; Mark 14 * 
Nov 10: Luke 22; John 13 * 
Nov 11: John 14-17 * 
Nov 12: Matthew 27; Mark 15 * 
Nov 13: Luke 23; John 18-19 * 
Nov 14: Matthew 28; Mark 16 * 
Nov 15: Luke 24; John 20-21 * 
Nov 16: Acts 1-3 * 
Nov 17: Acts 4-6 * 
Nov 18: Acts 7-8 * 
Nov 19: Acts 9-10 * 
Nov 20: Acts 11-12 * 
Nov 21: Acts 13-14 * 
Nov 22: James * 
Nov 23: Acts 15-16 * 
Nov 24: Galatians 1-3 * 
Nov 25: Galatians 4-6 * 
Nov 26: Acts 17-18:18 * 
Nov 27: 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians * 
Nov 28: Acts 18:19-19:41 * 
Nov 29: 1 Corinthians 1-4 * 
Nov 30: 1 Corinthians 5-8 * 
Dec 1: 1 Corinthians 9-11 * 
Dec 2: 1 Corinthians 12-14 * 
Dec 3: 1 Corinthians 15-16 * 
Dec 4: 2 Corinthians 1-4 * 
Dec 5: 2 Corinthians 5-9 * 
Dec 6: 2 Corinthians 10-13 * 
Dec 7: Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3 * 
Dec 8: Romans 4-7 * 
Dec 9: Romans 8-10 * 
Dec 10: Romans 11-13 * 
Dec 11: Romans 14-16 * 
Dec 12: Acts 20:4-23:35 * 
Dec 13: Acts 24-26 * 
Dec 14: Acts 27-28 * 
Dec 15: Colossians; Philemon * 
Dec 16: Ephesians * 
Dec 17: Philippians * 
Dec 18: 1 Timothy * 
Dec 19: Titus * 
Dec 20: 1 Peter * 
Dec 21: Hebrews 1-6 * 
Dec 22: Hebrews 7-10 * 
Dec 23: Hebrews 11-13 * 
Dec 24: 2 Timothy * 
Dec 25: 2 Peter; Jude * 
Dec 26: 1 John * 
Dec 27: 2 John; 3 John * 
Dec 28: Revelation 1-5 * 
Dec 29: Revelation 6-11 * 
Dec 30: Revelation 12-18 * 
Dec 31: Revelation 19-22 *

There is a great need in the body of Christ for consistent reading of the Holy Scriptures in their entirety, book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. In this case we are encouraging a chronological reading of the Scriptures. Most of the confusion is created when certain teachers, groups, or denominations take singular verses out of context and compare them with others. Though it is a good spiritual principle to compare spiritual truths with spiritual truths,1139 yet this must all be done in the larger context of God’s Word. Therefore we are encouraging all of God’s saints to have a consistent discipline of reading through the whole Scriptures once a year as a supplemental reading plan. 
This plan takes just 10-25 minutes of your day to read through the given chapters. One recommendation is to mark or underline one verse that stood out to you that you can apply into your life or memorize.1140 In your reading, see the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in all the chapters for our Lord said that the Scriptures testified of Him.1141 Learn of the character of God and spend time praying to the Lord what you have learnt. Also, we recommend that believers spend extra time reading through the Book of Acts on an ongoing basis for it is a clear blueprint for the Church and need for the Holy Spirit. 
Lastly, we highly recommend you spend much more time in the Scriptures on your own where the Holy Spirit is leading you to meditate on.1142 Let this plan be a possible solution for you to ensure you are reading through all the Scriptures at least once per year. You can check the boxes * beside each passage as a checklist. 
 
 
1139 1 Corinthians 2:13 
1140 James 1:22, Psalm 119:11 
1141 Luke 24:27 
1142 Psalm 119:15-16 
 
 
 
 
 
READING SCHEDULE 
 
Jan 1: Genesis 1-3 * 
Jan 2: Genesis 4-7 * 
Jan 3: Genesis 8-11 * 
Jan 4: Job 1-5 * 
Jan 5: Job 6-9 * 
Jan 6: Job 10-13 * 
Jan 7: Job 14-16 * 
Jan 8: Job 17-20 * 
Jan 9: Job 21-23 * 
Jan 10: Job 24-28 * 
Jan 11: Job 29-31 * 
Jan 12: Job 32-34 * 
Jan 13: Job 35-37 * 
Jan 14: Job 38-39 * 
Jan 15: Job 40-42 * 
Jan 16: Genesis 12-15 * 
Jan 17: Genesis 16-18 * 
Jan 18: Genesis 19-21 * 
Jan 19: Genesis 22-24 * 
Jan 20: Genesis 25-26 * 
Jan 21: Genesis 27-29 * 
Jan 22: Genesis 30-31 * 
Jan 23: Genesis 32-34 * 
Jan 24: Genesis 35-37 * 
Jan 25: Genesis 38-40 * 
Jan 26: Genesis 41-42 * 
Jan 27: Genesis 43-45 * 
Jan 28: Genesis 46-47 * 
Jan 29: Genesis 48-50 * 
Jan 30: Exodus 1-3 * 
Jan 31: Exodus 4-6 * 
Feb 1: Exodus 7-9 * 
Feb 2: Exodus 10-12 * 
Feb 3: Exodus 13-15 * 
Feb 4: Exodus 16-18 * 
Feb 5: Exodus 19-21 * 
Feb 6: Exodus 22-24 * 
Feb 7: Exodus 25-27 * 
Feb 8: Exodus 28-29 * 
Feb 9: Exodus 30-32 * 
Feb 10: Exodus 33-35 * 
Feb 11: Exodus 36-38 * 
Feb 12: Exodus 39-40 * 
Feb 13: Leviticus 1-4 * 
Feb 14: Leviticus 5-7 * 
Feb 15: Leviticus 8-10 * 
Feb 16: Leviticus 11-13 * 
Feb 17: Leviticus 14-15 * 
Feb 18: Leviticus 16-18 * 
Feb 19: Leviticus 19-21 * 
Feb 20: Leviticus 22-23 * 
Feb 21: Leviticus 24-25 * 
Feb 22: Leviticus 26-27 * 
Feb 23: Numbers 1-2 * 
Feb 24: Numbers 3-4 * 
Feb 25: Numbers 5-6 * 
Feb 26: Numbers 7 * 
Feb 27: Numbers 8-10 * 
Feb 28-29: Numbers 11-13 * 
Mar 1: Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90 * 
Mar 2: Numbers 16-17 * 
Mar 3: Numbers 18-20 * 
Mar 4: Numbers 21-22 * 
Mar 5: Numbers 23-25 * 
Mar 6: Numbers 26-27 * 
Mar 7: Numbers 28-30 * 
Mar 8: Numbers 31-32 * 
Mar 9: Numbers 33-34 * 
Mar 10: Numbers 35-36 * 
Mar 11: Deuteronomy 1-2 * 
Mar 12: Deuteronomy 3-4 * 
Mar 13: Deuteronomy 5-7 * 
Mar 14: Deuteronomy 8-10 * 
Mar 15: Deuteronomy 11-13 * 
Mar 16: Deuteronomy 14-16 * 
Mar 17: Deuteronomy 17-20 * 
Mar 18: Deuteronomy 21-23 * 
Mar 19: Deuteronomy 24-27 * 
Mar 20: Deuteronomy 28-29 * 
Mar 21: Deuteronomy 30-31 * 
Mar 22: Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91 * 
Mar 23: Joshua 1-4 * 
Mar 24: Joshua 5-8 * 
Mar 25: Joshua 9-11 * 
Mar 26: Joshua 12-15 * 
Mar 27: Joshua 16-18 * 
Mar 28: Joshua 19-21 * 
Mar 29: Joshua 22-24 * 
Mar 30: Judges 1-2 * 
Mar 31: Judges 3-5 * 
Apr 1: Judges 6-7 * 
Apr 2: Judges 8-9 * 
Apr 3: Judges 10-12 * 
Apr 4: Judges 13-15 * 
Apr 5: Judges 16-18 * 
Apr 6: Judges 19-21 * 
Apr 7: Ruth * 
Apr 8: 1 Samuel 1-3 * 
Apr 9: 1 Samuel 4-8 * 
Apr 10: 1 Samuel 9-12 * 
Apr 11: 1 Samuel 13-14 * 
Apr 12: 1 Samuel 15-17 * 
Apr 13: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11, 59 * 
Apr 14: 1 Samuel 21-24 * 
Apr 15: Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, 52 * 
Apr 16: Psalms 56, 120, 140-142 * 
Apr 17: 1 Samuel 25-27 * 
Apr 18: Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63 * 
Apr 19: 1 Samuel 28-31; Ps 18 * 
Apr 20: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130 * 
Apr 21: 2 Samuel 1-4 * 
Apr 22: Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21 * 
Apr 23: 1 Chronicles 1-2 * 
Apr 24: Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87 * 
Apr 25: 1 Chronicles 3-5 * 
Apr 26: Psalms 73, 77-78 * 
Apr 27: 1 Chronicles 6 * 
Apr 28: Psalms 81, 88, 92-93 * 
Apr 29: 1 Chronicles 7-10 * 
Apr 30: Psalms 102-104 * 
May 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12 * 
May 2: Psalm 133 * 
May 3: Psalms 106-107 * 
May 4: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16 * 
May 5: Psalms 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68 * 
May 6: Psalms 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132 * 
May 7: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17 * 
May 8: Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, 39 * 
May 9: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18 * 
May 10: Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75 * 
May 11: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20 * 
May 12: Psalms 65-67, 69-70 * 
May 13: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20 * 
May 14: Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122 * 
May 15: 2 Samuel 13-15 * 
May 16: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55 * 
May 17: 2 Samuel 16-18 * 
May 18: Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64 * 
May 19: 2 Samuel 19-21 * 
May 20: Psalms 5, 38, 41-42 * 
May 21: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57 * 
May 22: Psalms 95, 97-99 * 
May 23: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30 * 
May 24: Psalm 108-110 * 
May 25: 1 Chronicles 23-25 * 
May 26: Psalm 131, 138-139, 143-145 * 
May 27: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127 * 
May 28: Psalms 111-118 * 
May 29: 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94 * 
May 30: Psalm 119:1-88 * 
May 31: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72 * 
Jun 1: Psalm 119:89-176 * 
Jun 2: Song of Songs * 
Jun 3: Proverbs 1-3 * 
Jun 4: Proverbs 4-6 * 
Jun 5: Proverbs 7-9 * 
Jun 6: Proverbs 10-12 * 
Jun 7: Proverbs 13-15 * 
Jun 8: Proverbs 16-18 * 
Jun 9: Proverbs 19-21 * 
Jun 10: Proverbs 22-24 * 
Jun 11: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3 * 
Jun 12: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4 * 
Jun 13: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5 * 
Jun 14: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136 * 
Jun 15: Psalms 134, 146-150 * 
Jun 16: 1 King 9; 2 Chronicles 8 * 
Jun 17: Proverbs 25-26 * 
Jun 18: Proverbs 27-29 * 
Jun 19: Ecclesiastes 1-6 * 
Jun 20: Ecclesiastes 7-12 * 
Jun 21: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9 * 
Jun 22: Proverbs 30-31 * 
Jun 23: 1 Kings 12-14 * 
Jun 24: 2 Chronicles 10-12 * 
Jun 25: 1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16 * 
Jun 26: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17 * 
Jun 27: 1 Kings 17-19 * 
Jun 28: 1 Kings 20-21 * 
Jun 29: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18 * 
Jun 30: 2 Chronicles 19-23 * 
Jul 1: Obadiah; Psalms 82-83 * 
Jul 2: 2 Kings 1-4 * 
Jul 3: 2 Kings 5-8 * 
Jul 4: 2 Kings 9-11 * 
Jul 5: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24 * 
Jul 6: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25 * 
Jul 7: Jonah * 
Jul 8: 2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26 * 
Jul 9: Isaiah 1-4 * 
Jul 10: Isaiah 5-8 * 
Jul 11: Amos 1-5 * 
Jul 12: Amos 6-9 * 
Jul 13: 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12 * 
Jul 14: Micah * 
Jul 15: 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17 * 
Jul 16: Isaiah 13-17 * 
Jul 17: Isaiah 18-22 * 
Jul 18: Isaiah 23-27 * 
Jul 19: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48 * 
Jul 20: Hosea 1-7 * 
Jul 21: Hosea 8-14 * 
Jul 22: Isaiah 28-30 * 
Jul 23: Isaiah 31-34 * 
Jul 24: Isaiah 35-36 * 
Jul 25: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76 * 
Jul 26: Isaiah 40-43 * 
Jul 27: Isaiah 44-48 * 
Jul 28: 2 Kings 18:9-19:37; Psalms 46, 80, 135 * 
Jul 29: Isaiah 49-53 * 
Jul 30: Isaiah 54-58 * 
Jul 31: Isaiah 59-63 * 
Aug 1: Isaiah 64-66 * 
Aug 2: 2 Kings 20-21 * 
Aug 3: 2 Chronicles 32-33 * 
Aug 4: Nahum * 
Aug 5: 2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35 * 
Aug 6: Zephaniah * 
Aug 7: Jeremiah 1-3 * 
Aug 8: Jeremiah 4-6 * 
Aug 9: Jeremiah 7-9 * 
Aug 10: Jeremiah 10-13 * 
Aug 11: Jeremiah 14-17 * 
Aug 12: Jeremiah 18-22 * 
Aug 13: Jeremiah 23-25 * 
Aug 14: Jeremiah 26-29 * 
Aug 15: Jeremiah 30-31 * 
Aug 16: Jeremiah 32-34 * 
Aug 17: Jeremiah 35-37 * 
Aug 18: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74, 79 * 
Aug 19: 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36 * 
Aug 20: Habakkuk * 
Aug 21: Jeremiah 41-45 * 
Aug 22: Jeremiah 46-48 * 
Aug 23: Jeremiah 49-50 * 
Aug 24: Jeremiah 51-52 * 
Aug 25: Lamentations 1:1-3:36 * 
Aug 26: Lamentations 3:37-5:22 * 
Aug 27: Ezekiel 1-4 * 
Aug 28: Ezekiel 5-8 * 
Aug 29: Ezekiel 9-12 * 
Aug 30: Ezekiel 13-15 * 
Aug 31: Ezekiel 16-17 * 
Sep 1: Ezekiel 18-19 * 
Sep 2: Ezekiel 20-21 * 
Sep 3: Ezekiel 22-23 * 
Sep 4: Ezekiel 24-27 * 
Sep 5: Ezekiel 28-31 * 
Sep 6: Ezekiel 32-34 * 
Sep 7: Ezekiel 35-37 * 
Sep 8: Ezekiel 38-39 * 
Sep 9: Ezekiel 40-41 * 
Sep 10: Ezekiel 42-43 * 
Sep 11: Ezekiel 44-45 * 
Sep 12: Ezekiel 46-48 * 
Sep 13: Joel * 
Sep 14: Daniel 1-3 * 
Sep 15: Daniel 4-6 * 
Sep 16: Daniel 7-9 * 
Sep 17: Daniel 10-12 * 
Sep 18: Ezra 1-3 * 
Sep 19: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137 * 
Sep 20: Haggai * 
Sep 21: Zechariah 1-7 * 
Sep 22: Zechariah 8-14 * 
Sep 23: Esther 1-5 * 
Sep 24: Esther 6-10 * 
Sep 25: Ezra 7-10 * 
Sep 26: Nehemiah 1-5 * 
Sep 27: Nehemiah 6-7 * 
Sep 28: Nehemiah 8-10 * 
Sep 29: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126 * 
Sep 30: Malachi * 
Oct 1: Luke 1; John 1:1-14 * 
Oct 2: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38 * 
Oct 3: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52 * 
Oct 4: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 * 
Oct 5: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51 * 
Oct 6: John 2-4 * 
Oct 7: Mark 2 * 
Oct 8: John 5 * 
Oct 9: Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6 * 
Oct 10: Matthew 5-7 * 
Oct 11: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7 * 
Oct 12: Matthew 11 * 
Oct 13: Matthew 12:22-50 * 
Oct 14: Matthew 13; Luke 8 * 
Oct 15: Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5 * 
Oct 16: Matthew 9-10 * 
Oct 17: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17 * 
Oct 18: John 6 * 
Oct 19: Matthew 15; Mark 7 * 
Oct 20: Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27 * 
Oct 21: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62 * 
Oct 22: Matthew 18 * 
Oct 23: John 7-8 * 
Oct 24: John 9:1-10:21 * 
Oct 25: Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42 * 
Oct 26: Luke 12-13 * 
Oct 27: Luke 14-15 * 
Oct 28: Luke 16-17:10 * 
Oct 29: John 11 * 
Oct 30: Luke 17:11-18:14 * 
Oct 31: Matthew 19; Mark 10 * 
Nov 1: Matthew 20-21 * 
Nov 2: Luke 18:15-19:48 * 
Nov 3: Mark 11; John 12 * 
Nov 4: Matthew 22; Mark 12 * 
Nov 5: Matthew 23; Luke 20-21 * 
Nov 6: Mark 13 * 
Nov 7: Matthew 24 * 
Nov 8: Matthew 25 * 
Nov 9: Matthew 26; Mark 14 * 
Nov 10: Luke 22; John 13 * 
Nov 11: John 14-17 * 
Nov 12: Matthew 27; Mark 15 * 
Nov 13: Luke 23; John 18-19 * 
Nov 14: Matthew 28; Mark 16 * 
Nov 15: Luke 24; John 20-21 * 
Nov 16: Acts 1-3 * 
Nov 17: Acts 4-6 * 
Nov 18: Acts 7-8 * 
Nov 19: Acts 9-10 * 
Nov 20: Acts 11-12 * 
Nov 21: Acts 13-14 * 
Nov 22: James * 
Nov 23: Acts 15-16 * 
Nov 24: Galatians 1-3 * 
Nov 25: Galatians 4-6 * 
Nov 26: Acts 17-18:18 * 
Nov 27: 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians * 
Nov 28: Acts 18:19-19:41 * 
Nov 29: 1 Corinthians 1-4 * 
Nov 30: 1 Corinthians 5-8 * 
Dec 1: 1 Corinthians 9-11 * 
Dec 2: 1 Corinthians 12-14 * 
Dec 3: 1 Corinthians 15-16 * 
Dec 4: 2 Corinthians 1-4 * 
Dec 5: 2 Corinthians 5-9 * 
Dec 6: 2 Corinthians 10-13 * 
Dec 7: Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3 * 
Dec 8: Romans 4-7 * 
Dec 9: Romans 8-10 * 
Dec 10: Romans 11-13 * 
Dec 11: Romans 14-16 * 
Dec 12: Acts 20:4-23:35 * 
Dec 13: Acts 24-26 * 
Dec 14: Acts 27-28 * 
Dec 15: Colossians; Philemon * 
Dec 16: Ephesians * 
Dec 17: Philippians * 
Dec 18: 1 Timothy * 
Dec 19: Titus * 
Dec 20: 1 Peter * 
Dec 21: Hebrews 1-6 * 
Dec 22: Hebrews 7-10 * 
Dec 23: Hebrews 11-13 * 
Dec 24: 2 Timothy * 
Dec 25: 2 Peter; Jude * 
Dec 26: 1 John * 
Dec 27: 2 John; 3 John * 
Dec 28: Revelation 1-5 * 
Dec 29: Revelation 6-11 * 
Dec 30: Revelation 12-18 * 
Dec 31: Revelation 19-22 *

There is a great need in the body of Christ for consistent reading of the Holy Scriptures in their entirety, book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. In this case we are encouraging a chronological reading of the Scriptures. Most of the confusion is created when certain teachers, groups, or

76 - Chronological Bible Reading of Scriptures

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is 

1 Samuel 20:34

Of the Duties of Parents and Children.

King Saul

Absalom

76 - Chronological Bible Reading of Scriptures

The Ten Commandments 9. The Fifth Commandment

Group of Brands