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Business Quote by Cotton Mather

“The Jews have a saying worth remembering: "Whoever doesn't teach his son some trade or business, teaches him to be a thief." As soon as ever I can, I will make my children apprehensive of the main end for which they are to live; that so they may as soon as may be, begin to live; and their youth…” quote by Cotton Mather
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““The Jews have a saying worth remembering: "Whoever doesn't teach his son some trade or business, teaches him to be a thief." As soon as ever I can, I will make my children apprehensive of the main end for which they are to live; that so they may as soon as may be, begin to live; and their youth not be nothing but vanity. I will show them, that their main end must be, to, acknowledge the great God, and His glorious Christ; and bring others to acknowledge Him: and that they are never wise nor well, but when they are doing so. I will make them able to answer the grand question of why they live; and what is the end of the actions that fill their lives? I will teach them that their Creator and Redeemer is to be obeyed in everything, and everything is to be done in obedience to Him. I will teach them how even their diversions, and their ornaments, and the tasks of their education, must all be to fit them for the further service of Him to whom I have devoted them; and how in these also, His commandments must be the rule of all they do. I will sometimes therefore surprise them with an inquiry, "Child, what is this for? Give me a good account of why you do it?" How comfortably shall I see them walking in the light, if I may bring them wisely to answer this inquiry. -A Father's Resolutions, www.spurgeon.org/~phil/mather/resolvd... ””

Cotton Mather

About This Quote

Source S: A Father's Resolutions, Cotton Mather, 1690s (published 1702)

A father should teach children purpose, work, and devotion to God, encouraging reflective living and moral accountability.

In simple terms: Teach kids purpose, work, and faith.

Key Takeaway

Instill purpose and moral responsibility in children.

Themes

family faith purpose education morality

Mood

hopeful inspirational serious

Type

parental spiritual educational

When to use this quote

  • child upbringing
  • career counseling
  • religious education
  • personal development

Key Concepts

spirituality vocational training ethical reflection parental guidance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What purpose do you want your children to pursue?
  • How can you balance faith with personal autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on religious doctrine may limit personal freedom and critical thinking.

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