( 17 )
family, but also of every appearance of it. For this, most commonly, is attended with very bad consequences. Your ill-judged partiality will provoke the envy, malice, and hatred of the rest of your offspring against your favourite, and render them less respectful and obedient to yourselves. The history of Joseph and his brethren is a striking instance of its sad effects.
V. When they fall into errors of any kind which will sometimes happen, in spite of the greatest care, endeavour to convince them of it, and if they acknowledge their fault, be not severe with them; but while you are rebuking them for the wrong they have done, commend them for the truth they have spoken.
VI. But if they are obstinate and perverse, and deny the truth, severe methods must be taken, and proportioned to the greatness of the offence. In such cases, you must avoid every degree of passion in inflicting the punishment, but must not be sparing of your rod if occasion requires it. For he that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he who loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
VII. Since example is a lesson they will soon learn to read, and since parents are the original models after which children, for the most part, form their tempers and behaviour, you should make it a point to set them good examples, and do everything yourselves you wish them to practise.
