A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DVTIES OR Certaine Propositions and Reasons of them taken â—â—t of the holy Scriptures tending to shew the necessity nature and manner of performance of such Religious duties as Christian Families ought to spare some time unto from common affaires every day BY T. P. Joshua 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. M DC XLIII Printed by H. A. for Thomas Vnderhill dwelling at the signe of the Bible in Woodstreet LONDON To the truly Noble much honoured GEORGE BOOTH Esquire of Dunham-Massie together vvith the Right Honourable the Lady KATHARINE BOOTH his pious Consort And also to the vvel-affected Gentry and Commons in CHESHIRE and in Manchester Parish in LANCASHIRE THOMAS PAGET SINCERELY WISHETH an increase of the power of godlinesse which is profitable unto all things and hath the promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come AND HUMBLY PRESENTETH the ensuing discourse touching Religious Family-duties in testimony of his reall engagements to serve them in the LORD as long as he is in this tabernacle THE PREFACE THe (a) Tit. 2.11 grace of God that bringeth salvation hath abundantly appeared unto his people in these latter daies of the Christian world in their effectuall (b) Revel 18.4 calling and comming out of mysticall Babylon that they partake not of her sinnes nor receive of her plagues The (c) Revel 11.11 Spirit of life from God hath entred into his two witnesses who (d) Revel 11.7.8 had beene warred against and slaine by the beast and whose dead bodies did lie in the streets of the great city which spiritually is called Sodome and Egypt so that they have stood upon their feet and (e) Revel 6.2 gone forth conquering and to conquer by the (f) Ephes 6.17 Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (g) 2 Cor. 10.4 5. the strong holds of Antichrist and all spirituall adversary power whatsoever And hence it is come to passe that (h) Revel 11.13 a great part of Romish Babylon is fallen and a most glorious remnant in England Scotland Ireland the United Netherlands Germany Bohemia Denmark Sweden Poland Hungary Helvetia France Geneva c. are become Protestants giving glory to the God of heaven (i) Zach. 4.7 shouting Grace Grace and (k) Revel 15.3 4. singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and marveilous are thy workes Lord God Almighty just and true are thy waies thou King of Saints Who shalâ— not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest The dispensation of (l) Ephes 3.8.10 the unsearchable riches of Christ according to the manifold wisdome of God in the behalfe of his Churches and people which have obteined deliverance from their spirituall captivity hath likewise been (m) 1 Cor. 12.11 made manifest in dividing to every one severally as he will (n) Math. 13.23 either thirty sixty or an hundredfold As may further appeare by a short survey of the state of his severall Churches viz. I. The Lutherane Churches as they are commoÌ„ly called through the grace of God (o) 1 Tim. 3.13 have purchased unto themselves a good degree and great boldnesse in the faith which is in Christ Jesus by their separating from Antichristian heresies and entertaining the fundamentall doctrines of justification and salvation by Christ alone For howbeit they (p) 1 Cor. 3.12 15. have built in some part wood hay stubble c. upon the foundation and in that respect shall suffer losse yet they shal be saved notwithstanding as by fire II. The Reformed Evangelicall Churches as (q) Act. 17.11 the Bereans were more noble theÌ„ the Thessalonians have (r) 2 Thess 3.1 glorified the Word of God not only in their orthodoxall soundnesse in the (Å¿) Hebr. 6.1 2. Principles and doctrine of the Sacraments (t) 1 Cor. 3.12 building gold silver precious stones c. on the foundation but also in the vindication of the glory of Gods free grace touching his absolute Election of some to grace and happinesse The efficacy of the death of Christ for his chosen called and faithfull ones Effectuall conversion Saving faith Certainty of Salvation Perseverance in grace unto the end All which may be fully read over in the acts of that most renowned and most profitable Synod assembled at Dort in Holland Anno 1618. 1619. III. The French Scotish and Belgick Reformed Churches have beene singularly beautified with their (v) Coloss 2.5 comely order decently (x) 1 Pet. 5.5 clothed with amiable humility (y) Rom. 12.3 not thinking more highly of themselves then they ought to thinke nor hierarchically (z) 3 John 9. affecting preeminence but thinking soberly As appeareth not only by their demeaning and deporting of themselves as God (a) Rom. 12.6 7 8. hath dealt to every one in office his gift of exhorting teaching ruling and distributing for the benefit comfort of the CongregatioÌ„s to which they doe minister and the Congregations submitting themselves to their Church-officers in the Lord but also by their combining themselves into (b) 1 Tim. 4.14 Presbyteries (c) Act. 15.2 Classes and Synods for the better and more (d) Prov. 11.14 prudent determination of their more weighty affaires (e) Math. 18.17 according to Christs order and rule of Discipline IV. The people of God in England howbeit their Ecclesiasticall officers have beene too like to the (f) Revel 3.15 17. Angel of the Church of Laodicea as he is notified in the Apocalyps yet they themselves are like unto those (g) Revel 3.4 few in Sardis which defiled not their garments and who shall walke with Christ in white as being worthy of (h) 1 Chron. 4.9 a more honourable name then any of the Reformed Churches for their (i) Psal 16.3 excelling in the power of godlinesse There are three choyce vertues as (k) Eccles 4.12 a threefold coard that is not quickly brokeÌ„ which have truely ennobled and renowned the people of God in England and greatly magnified the grace of God conferred on them above other Churches viz. 1. The (l) Jer. 17.24 high prizing and conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day 2. The (m) Act. 13.44 due esteeme and joyfull frequenting of Lectures 3. The (n) Genes 18.19 carefull and constant performance of religious family-duties First the unfeigned respects of the people of God in England to the sanctifying of the Lords day are (o) Rom. 1.8 spoken of throughout the Christian world both in regard of their godly-learned treatises in justification of the morality of the fourth commandement and keeping holy of the Sabbath day beyond what is ordinarily to be seene in the books of forraine Divines and also in regard of their most spirituall exemplary practise (p)
Isa 58.13 Calling the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honouring him not doing their owne waies nor finding their owne pleasure nor speaking their owne words c. True it is the generality both of the Ministers People in England have conceited too meanly and unbeseemingly of the Lords day as is palpably argued by the common neglect and contempt of preaching and by the unwarrantable liberties given and taken on that day Yea there have beene found some in England like those of (q) Act. 6.9 the Synagogue of Libertines that coÌ„tradicted the blessed martyr StepheÌ„ who have imployed both their witts tongues pennes to plead against the necessary and strict keeping holy the Sabbath day But albeit the more number-some and greater sort doe (r) Hos 11.12 compasse God about with lyes deceit yet the better more pious people doe rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints being heartily (Å¿) Ezek. 9.4 greived for the abominations done in the midst of the land on the Sabbath day Secondly the sincere respects of the people of God in England to Lectures appeare both by their great (t) 2 Sam. 24.24 costs to uphold and establish them where maintenance hath beene wanting otherwise and likewise by the fulnesse of the assemblies not only in London and greater cities but also in other parts of the countrey where they are used Oh how my spirits are revived and cheered and my heart (v) Psal 122.1 2. comforted within me when I call to minde the great concourse of well-affected Christians in severall parts of Lancashire and Cheshire where sometimes I had my station who have resorted to Lectures and monethly exercises as (x) Isa 60.8 doves fly to their windows going from strength to strength many miles round about till they appeared before God in the assembly of Saints Such their course seemed to be a reall experimentall commentary on the 84 Psalme True it is there hath beene speciall opposition against Lectures in England I tremble to mention it through the absurd unreasonablenesse of some seeking (y) 2 Thess 3.2 to hinder the free course of the Gospell But such their (z) 2 Tim. 3 8 9. folly and madnesse in resisting the trueth is made manifest to all men Thirdly the respective performance of religious family-duties by the people of God in England crowneth their keeping of the Sabbath and attendance on Lectures sith thereby it is demonstrated that their (a) Deut. 6.6 7. Christian profession is to purpose turning words into works and attaining a power of godlinesse aswell as the forme of it True it is that some professing themselves to be the people of God notwithstanding that family-duties are (b) Hos 8.12 of the great things of the law yet doe count them as a strange thing Not unlike those ignorant baptized (c) Act. 19.2 disciples at Ephesus who being asked whether they had received the holy Ghost since they had beleeved said They had not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost But (d) Hebr. 13.22 I beseech such to suffer the words of instruction and exhortation in the discourse ensuing True it is also there are some (e) Gen. 21.9 Gal. 4.29 scoffing Ismaels and (f) 2 Sam. 6.16 20. giering Micals who doe despise in their hearts and persecute what in them lieth the families that call upon Gods Name for their performance of family-duties But let such know that godly families are not wont to be daunted by (g) Hebr. 11.36 the tryall of cruell mockings as being resolved in their measure with David to be (h) 2 Sam. 6.22 yet more vile then thus if this be to be vile and with Joshua that however it may seeme evill to others to serve the Lord Yet (i) Josh 24.15 as for them their houses they will serve the Lord. Now forasmuch as many of the Lords approved workmeÌ„ have taken in hand to set forth their well studied labours to defend and promote the religious observation oâ— the Lords day and to justify and encourage effectuall preaching and fruitfull hearing of the word It seemed good to me also knowing that I am (k) Philip. 1.17 set for the cause of the Gospel to put forth my slender talent in composing an Essay touching the necessity nature and manner of performance of religious family-duties if so I may give an (l) Math. 25.19 Hebr. 13.17 Luk. 16.2 Neh. 13.22 account of my stewardship with joy and be spared according to the greatnesse of Gods tender mercies when I shal be summoned to a reckoning in that day And this I have attempted the rather (m) Psal 122.8 for my brethren companions sakes whose spiritual good and prosperity I unfeignedly desire and seeke after partly to stirre up and helpe forward the sincere and zealous devotions of such as desire to (n) Psal 10.2 walke within their houses with a perfect heart partly likewise to provoke such as are of greater abilities to contribute our of their (o) Math. 13.52 old and new store into our Lords treasury who standeth (p) Mark 12.41 to behold and observe and will graciously accept and commend the liberality of offerers be the gift never so meane It is undoubtedly (q) Math. 25.22.23 well done of Gods good and faithfull servants the godly-zealous preachers in England that in their sermons and treatises they doe most seriously call for and frequently inculcate an exercise and practise of religious family-duties but yet me thinks it may seeme to be some upbraiding of the reformed times that there is no peculiar treatise bestowed on this subject at least that I have either seene or ever heard of The blessing of God (r) Ephes 3.14 15. the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named and (Å¿) Jerem. 31.1 the God of all the families of the English Israel goe along graciously with this poore and weake endeavour for the glory of his great Name and the spirituall welfare of my most endeared countreâ— men Even so prayeth his Lord unworthy servant and humble pâ—â—titioner at the throne of grace THOMAS PAGE A Series or order of the severall Propositions in the ensuing Demonstration 1. IT is a grand concernment to know and beleeve that the Lord is God 2. Such as know and beleeve that the Lord is God ought to worship and serve him 3. God ought to be worshipped and served according to his owne appointment 4. The word of God is the rule of the worship and service which God hath appointed 5. The rule directed in the Word is not only expressed in doctrinall precepts but also is implied in the promises threatnings and examples 6. One cheife direction is that God be served every day in some religious exercises 7. A religious sanctifying of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt any from religious duties on the working daies 8. The
one and the other joyning together in duty See Judg. 4.8 9. 2 Chron. 30.15 XXXVII PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be froward and refractary and neither will observe nor allow nor permit the exercise and practise of religious duties in the presence of the whole family joyntly and together Then the severall members of the family that feare God ought to redeem some times thereto apart bâ— themselves with as good conveniency as possibly they can PROOF Queene Esther albeit she coâ—â— not expect that King Ahashuerus woâ—â— allow openly in his house a setting upon 〈◊〉 religious exercise of prayer and fasting according to occasion but rather that 〈◊〉 would be wholly averse thereunto yet 〈◊〉 resolved that she would not be wantiâ—â— therein in her owne particular nor wheâ— she had any power See Esth 4.16 I 〈◊〉 and my maidens will fast c. Good Obadâ—â— the servant of King Ahab in another case considering what was meet to be done 〈◊〉 the evill times in which he lived approve himselfe as became him notwithstanding Ahab the King and Jezebel the Queen were averse and contrary minded Sâ—â— 1 King 18.13 Prudent Abigail the wife 〈◊〉 Nabal did in another case as became he although her husband was a froward aâ—â— foolish profane man even a sonne of Beliâ—â— as it appeareth 1 Sam. 25.23 24 25 26 c. I. REAS. Because every one ought to a prove his owne waies to God See Gal. 6.4 Let every one prove his owne works c. Foâ— there is a possibility for Christians that are discreet and zealous to walke as becommeth Saints even in wicked families There were Saints in that tyrannous persecuting Emperour Nero his house See Philip. 4.22 II. REAS. Because it may come to passe through Gods abundant mercy and gracious dispensation that the whole family may fare better for their sakes who doe behave and demeane themselves therein religiously walking in all the waies of God Even as the Lord blessed the house of Potiphar the Egyptian for pious Joseph his sake See Gen. 39.5 OBSERV It need not seeme strange that the reasonable service of God as it is styled Rom. 12.1 doeth sometimes meet with opposition from unreasonable wicked men fith all men have not faith as it is implied 2 Thess 3.2 But yet in such cases the worke of God ought to be put forward notwithstanding See this Act. 4.19 20. chap. 5.20 21. XXXVIII PROPOSITION Every member of a Christian family who feareth God notwithstanding his partaking and joyning in the family-exercises both morning and evening every day ought to performe some religious duty unto God daily iâ— secret and alone as occasion offereth and opportunity will moâ—â— conveniently permit so to doe PROOF This is implied in the direction given by our Saviour Christ Math. 6. â—â— When thou prayest enter into thy closet c. thaâ— is to say When thou prayest privately aâ—â— doest not joyne with others in prayer thâ— enter into thy closet or take some secrâ—â— place thereunto c. And answerable here unto was Christs owne practise redeeming some time to private prayer See Mark 1. vers 35. I. REAS. Because every Christian maâ— ought to doe something himselfe for the stirring up of the gift of God that is in him 2 Timoth. 1.6 sith he is to live by his owâ—â— faith Hab. 2.4 and must have his joy iâ— himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 See 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himselfe c. II. REAS. Because every member of the family may have some particular cases or speciall occasions of their owne which peradventure either are not knowne or else it may be are not meet to be mentioned by him that uttereth the requests and supplications of the family for so it seemeth it was in Hannah her case sith it had not beene convenient that Elkanah her husband in the presence of Peninnah and the rest of the family should have uttered her petition at that time Neither did Eli the priest understand or know what her condition was See 1 Sam. 1.10 c. OBSERV A performance of religious duties by particular persons in secret and apart Zach. 12.12 13 14. tendeth notably to good evidence and comfortable assurance which requireth speciall diligence to be given unto it 2 Pet. 1.10 of the trueth and sincerity of their hearts and that there is no guile nor hypocrisie in their spirits as it is intimated in our Saviour Christ his directions and encouragements unto secret prayer and fasting c. See Math. 6.6 18. XXXIX PROPOSITION Albeit morning and evening every day being the fittest seasons for the performance of family-duties as hath beene already shewed ought therefore to be observed as likewise some tiâ—â— ought to be redeemed to a privaâ—â— course yet upon extraordinarâ— occasions and as opportuniâ—â— serveth thereunto Christian families or persons may yea anâ— ought to exercise themselves iâ— prayer and in the word anâ— other Spirituall duties severaâ— times on a day and somtime whole daies together PROOF Thus David professeth of himselfe See Psa 55.17 Evening and morning 〈◊〉 noone will I pray and cry aloud and he shall heaâ—â— my voice Psal 119.164 Seven times a day 〈◊〉 I prayse thee because of thy righteous judgment Daniel the Prophet a man greatly beloved did thus approve himselfe on the extraordinary occasions of evill times See Dan. 6.10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed he went into his house and his windowes being open in his chambeâ— toward Jerusalem he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he did aforetime And when he understood by reading in the booke of the Prophet Jeremiah the number of the yeeres determined touching the desolations of Jerusalem he prayed a whole day continuing therein even to the evening See Dan. 9.2 3 21. I. REAS. Because extraordinary causes and occasions doe require and call for extraordinary services of prayer and exercise in the word See Isaia 22.1 12. when there was a burden of the valley of vision In that day the Lord called to sutable demeaning of themselves And thus the godly brethren have beene wont to order their course See Act. 12.5 When Peter was kept in prison Prayer was made of the Church unto God without ceasing for him II. REAS. Because otherwise God will have a controversy with his people sith it is some sleighting contempt controlement of his infinite wisdome and other his divine attributes according to his diverse manner of working when a proportioned and answerable deportment is not observed For so the Lord God professeth himselfe Isaia 22.14 Surely this inquity of unsutable walking shall not be purged till ye dye saith the Lord of hosts OBSERV The people of God ought to be are in their measure zealously affected Tit. 2.14 Revel 3.19 John 2.17 2 Cor. 7.11 that is to say such whose affections and pâ—â—tises are enlarged and increased according just objects and occasions
the first day of the weâ—â— or Lords day to joyne together in the â—â—lemne worship of God besides any otâ—â—â— course held and observed on the other 〈◊〉 daies in their generall or particular calling See Act. 20.7 And upon the first day of 〈◊〉 weeke when the disciples came together to brâ—â—â— bread Paul preached unto them c. This 〈◊〉 appeare likewise from what is noted of 〈◊〉 Jewish people Act. 13.15 And after then ding of the law and the Prophets on the Sabath day vers 14. the rulers of the Synagâ—â— sent unto them saying Yee men and brethren ye have any word of exhortation for the people 〈◊〉 on c. Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time bâ— in every citie them that preach him being rulâ—â— the Synagogues every Sabbath day Yea heâ—â— it was that our Saviour Christs custome 〈◊〉 when he fulfilled his ministery in the dâ—â—â— of his flesh to goe to the Synagogues the Sabbath daies See Luk. 4.16 I. REAS. Because the due keeping of 〈◊〉 Sabbath day holy seemeth to be speciaâ— argued and approved by a due frequentlâ— of the publick assemblies at the times of â—â—lemne worship This argument may be â—â—ferred from the connexion of the two claâ—â—ses in a direction given by the Lord himselâ— Levit. 26.2 Yee shall keepe my Sabbaths 〈◊〉 â—everence my Sanctuary I am the Lord. As if he had said ye shall approve your keeping the Lords Sabbaths by a due respect unto the publick assemblies II. REAS. Because publick communion in the solemne ordinances of God on the Sabbath day is a principall cheife end though not the only end of our union and consociation with particular Churches sith Church-ordinances are of a publick nature and dispensed by publick persons called thereunto See 1 Cor. 10.16 17. The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we breake is it not the communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread The publick ordinances conversed in are as it were badges of Gods people See Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation c. III. REAS. Because of the speciall blessing which God hath appointed unto such sanctifying the Sabbath day in the publick assemblies and Church-meetings See Isa 56 6 7. Also the sonnes of strangers that joyne themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the Name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepe the Sabbath from polluting it and takeâ— hold of my covenant Even them wilâ— bring to my holy Mountaine and maâ—â— them joyfull in my house of Prayer the burnt-offrings and their sacrifices shaâ—â— accepted upon mine Altar for my hod shal be called a house of prayer for all people See also Psal 133.3 In Zion thâ— Lord commanded the blessing even laâ—â— for evermore Like as the Prophet Eliâ—â— went a long journey in the strength of the meat and drinke which the Angel of Goâ— provided for him 1 King 19.7 8. Evenâ—â— the members of godly families feedinger their spirituall food dispensed on the Lord day in the congregation of Saints may wâ—â— in the strength of it till they appeare befoâ—â— the Lord againe in Zion the next Sabbaâ—â— day See Isa 66.23 I. OBSERV A consociation or joynâ—â— together in Church-fellowship is a meâ— eminent and more worthy relation theâ—â— the relation that is in families See Act. 2 4â— And the Lord added to the Church daily such 〈◊〉 should be saved Howbeit that relation whiâ—â— is in families is a most comfortable and goeâ— condition See Psal 68.6 God setteth these litary in families c. II. OBSERV The solemne and public ordinances to be observed and conversed in on the Sabbath day in the Congregation or Church-meeting are the Ministery of the Word the Administration of Sacraments if occasion serve thereunto Prayers Distribution to the Poore and Singing of Psalmes See Act. 2.42 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Psal 92.1 Title III. OBSERV Such as are conversant in Gods ordinances in the publick assemblies on the Sabbath day ought to be disposed as one man attending seriously the sacred businesse in hand not suffering themselves to be taken up with private reading prayer meditation wandring thoughts drowsinesse c. See Act. 2.1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place See also Eccles 5.1 Keepe thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to heare then to give the sacrifices of fooles for they consider not that they doe evill IV. OBSERV They deceive themselves greatly who under a pretence of better profiting themselves in reading of good books at home and private devotions doe neglect to converse with God and his people in the publick ordinances on the Sabbath day as may appeare by a consideration of what is written Rom. 10.17 Faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the word of God 1 Cor. 1.21 For after that in the wisdome of God the world bâ— wisdome knew not God it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that beleeve 1 Pet. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincâ—â— milke of the word that yee may grow thereby Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the law even his prayer shal be abomination XLVII PROPOSITION Albeit a converse in religious services in the solemne assemblies of the Church doth in speciall tend to a sanctifying of the Sabbath day Yet the members of Christian families ought likewise to serve God in the family and in secret on the Sabbath day as opportunity serveth thereunto when they are not imployed in publick PROOF Our Saviour Christ and his family notwithstanding their respective frequenting the Synagogues on the Sabbath daies yet after the publick ministery was ended they also redeemed the time in private unto religious exercises This may appeare Math. 12.1 13.1 compared with Math. 13.36 37. Then Iesus sent the multitude away and went into the house and his disciples came unto him saying Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field He answered and said unto them He that soweth the good seed is the sonne of man c. See also Mark. 1.21 c. I. REAS. Because the Sabbath day ought to be sequestred wholly from a pursuit of profits and pleasures of this life and to be spent wholly in holy exercises publickly or privatly as the Lord hath commanded Exod. 20.8 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy c. for here is no exemption nor exception given to any part of the day that it should not be sanctified and kept holy aswell as the other parts of the day See also Isaiah 58.13 14. II. REAS. Because a performance of religious exercises in private on the Sabbath day tendeth much unto a better profiting by the administration