We have here two very sad considerations:-- 1. That corruption is woven
into our nature. Sin is foolishness; it is contrary both to our right
reason and to our true interest. It is in the heart; there is an inward
inclination to sin, to speak and act foolishly. It is in the heart of
children; they bring it into the world with them; it is what they were
shapen and conceived in. It is not only found there, but it is bound
there; it is annexed to the heart (so some); vicious dispositions
cleave closely to the soul, are bound to it as the cion to the stock
into which it is grafted, which quite alters the property. There is a
knot tied between the soul and sin, a true lover's knot; they two
became one flesh. It is true of ourselves, it is true of our children,
whom we have begotten in our own likeness. O God! thou knowest this
foolishness. 2. That correction is necessary to the cure of it. It will
not be got out by fair means and gentle methods; there must be
strictness and severity, and that which will cause grief. Children need
to be corrected, and kept under discipline, by their parents; and we
all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father (Heb. xii. 6, 7), and
under the correction we must stroke down folly and kiss the rod.