glory to God admire his wise and gracious Providence It 's not the Lot of all young people Think and say Lord who am I to enjoy this Priviledge this is a blessed place Judg. 6.37 Gen. 28.17 a place of blessings This Fleece is wet with Dew when others are dry This is none other but the House of God and this is the Gate of Heaven Blessed be God that hath cast my Lot here 2. Joyn in family-prayer Be not needlesly absent but do not content your selves with bodily presence or postures but see to it that your hearts also joyn with the expressions else you play the Hypocrites And when you go forth and set up Families of your own use the same practice but with the same spirit of your pious Masters 3. Improve this stock of your Relation's prayers A Father may lay up an Estate for his Child in Bills and Bonds which may prove a good Portion The Corn sown in the Field is as good as that in the Garner in some respects better The Father sows the Child reaps a blessed Crop God forbid that I should lose my Child's Portion for want of looking after it Lord cut not off the Entail of my Fathers Covenant Oh hear the many cryes he put up for me in my hearing 4. Behave your selves suitably to that Family where so gracious a Providence hath cast you God forbid you should be a scoffing Ishmael in an Abraham's house a prophane Esau in Jacob's a Rebellious Absalom or a filthy Ammon in holy David's Family You disgrace the ways of God more than others when it shall be said See what a Beast was bred in a praying-family You greatly discredit your Breeding and sink your selves deeper in Hell God Almighty open your Eyes awake your Consciences and reform your Conversation that you may walk worthy of God to all well pleasing I have now done with this great Subject of a due Erecting a Family-Altar and offering Gospel Sacrifices to the Lord and oh that there were of these Altars set up in every dwelling-house Cant. 3.6 and Divine Incense ascending like Pillars of Smoke Heaven wards I have but a word of Incouragement to weak but willing Souls that set upon Family-worship but meet with so many discouragements from without but especially within that their hearts are apalled and are ready to give hack and say Will God accept such poor lean and lank Sacrifices so dead heartless lifeless I do no good I get no good I might as well give over I am oft so wofully indisposed for duty that I might as well let it alone O my Friends look on this as a temptation and beware of it strive against it rouze up your spirits 1. Consider you are not the first or only persons that Satan hath resisted in duty for even Joshua the High-Priest a Type of Christ had Satan standing at his right hand Zech. 3.13 2 Cor. 2.11 to resist hâ—â— and he had too much advantage against him for he was cloathed with filthy garments And our weakness is Satan's strength our guilt his advantage But our Jehovah saith The Lord rebuke thee The Devil makes spots and then accuseth us of our spots but Christ wipes them off 2. Our Lord takes well your good will to do though you can do but little 2 Cor. 8.12 The imprimis of a willing mind is accepted though your following Items be few and poor The Lord is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love Heb. 6.10 i. e. those duties we perform to the Lord with labour and hard struggling It 's the observation of precious Mr. Hildersham Think not On Psal 51. p. 65. saith he Beloved that those prayers only are pleasing to God wherein we please our selves best or which we perform with most facility and aptness of mind and speech no no when we can perform this duty in obedience to God even against our own disposition and oppositions in our own heares these are the prayers that are most acceptable to God as Abraham's Obedience Gen. 22.12 3. By using and exercising little grace improving small ability to pray you will encrease it and will more comfortably carry on the work Mat. 25.29 so the Text To every one that hath i. e. by employing it he shews that he hath for otherwise the unprofitable Servant had a Talent also shall be given and he shall have abundance Sick persons whose appetite is weakned by eating provoke and recover them one morsel drawing down another You 'll find this true in spirituals 4. The weaker you think your selves and the more likely to depend on the right means of your acceptance that is the Spirit of Christ for assistance and the Merit and Intercession of Christ for entertainment For alas you find you have no flush of gifts to fill the Sails or height of enlargement to carry with full gale to God you are emptied and your Plumes quite fallen as to any thing you do and therefore conclude you are too low to reach God and your duties quite lost except your persons and performances be found in Christ Phil. 3.9 I shall therefore conclude this whole Discourse with that sweet Text that 's worth a world without the benefit of which all our Altars and Sacrifices are Ciphers Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the Altar having a golden Censer and there was given unto him much Iecense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne FINIS
24. If thou bring thy gift to the Altar i. e. to God in a religious action Yea the whole Gospel-Worship is thus denominated Rev. 11.1 Rise measure the Temple of God and the Altar and them that worship therein i. e. look that Gospel-service be regualar according to God's Word cleansed from Antichristian pollutions This is prophesied Isa 19.19 In that day shall there be an Altar to the Lord in the midst of the Land of Egypt i. e. God's Worship shall be settled in all places in Gospel-times not a Levetical but Evangeligal Altar Nothing is more common in Old and New Testament than to speak of Gospel-worship in the phrase of the Law The like may be said of Sacrifices spiritual Sacrifices in a Gospel sense so offering up to God our selves Rom. 12.1 prayer and praise Heb. 13.15 Acts of Charity v. 16. a broken heart Psal 51.17 Martyrdom Phil. 2.17 As for a false Altar constituted in the Romish Church upon which they would offer Christ daily as a Sacrifice for quick and dead Protestants renounce it as a crucifying the Son of God again and inconsistent with Scripture and Reason Heb. 9.25 nor yet that he should offer himself often v. 26.28 Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 10.14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified It cannot be denied that the Antients have called the Lord's Supper an unbloody Sacrifice the Table an Altar Ministers Priests the whole action an Oblation but not in the sense the Papists do but by way of allusion as it is a Memorial of Christ's Sacrifice or as spiritual prayers praises alms are attended therewith as our Divines have abundantly proved and disproved the propriety of speech as applied to that Ordinance Well then we renounce Popish Altar Quid opus est Altari ubi nec ignis ardâ—at nec viâ—imâ— caedantur Pet. Martyr cont Gard. Sacrifices Priests yet acknowledge in a spiritual sense that Christ by his Blood hath made all Believers Kings and Priests unto God and his Father Rev. 1.6 And that we are built up a spiritual House an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 9. The words being thus opened I shall raise this important Doct. That Governours of Families must as Priests erect Family-Altars for God's Worship It well becomes Housholders or Governours of Families to set up and maintain Family-Altars for worshiping of God in and with the Members of their Families As holy Jacob the famous Patriarch was a Prophet to instruct his Family in the true Religion and a King to Govern them for God so a Priest to set up an Altar offer Sacrifices and perform Religious Worship for and with his Family Yea the poorest man that hath a Family is to be Prophet Priest and King in his own House God commands Jacob to build an Altar at Bethel Jacob resolves upon it and gives all his Family orders how to behave themselves in managing this important affair and when they did their duty God secured them they journeyed and passed on safely Let none say that this setting up an Altar by Jacob was but ordered upon this particular occasion of his paying his Vows formerly made at Bethel and so doth not oblige us I Answer 1. It 's true this circumstance of the place occasion and this solemnity are personal and particular but the duty is general moral and prepetual as I shall prove it 2. Jacob doubtless worshipt God with his Family in all places where he had come as he took the fear of God with him in his heart so he left not the external practice of Religion behind him But set up Gods Worship which was equivalent to an Altar in all places where he came as his Father Isaac and his Grand-father Abraham had done 3. And may not we have the like occasion as he had to rear an Altar Have we had no mercies from God Do we lie under no Vows or at least Obligations to the Lord And do not these presidents and general rules bind us to the like practice except we have a particular command by a voice from Heaven or in an extraordinary way I shall evince the contrary 4. Because Jacob was left alone and wrestled with the Angel and prevailed upon an extraordinary occasion Gen 32.24 i. e. the fear he had of his Brother Esau Shall we think that Jacob never prayed alone but when he was in the like hazard No doubtless he was well acquainted with God and much accustomed to this trade of conversing with God So because we find God prompting him to this Family-work here can this be thought to exclude his ordinary course of Family-doctrine No certainly It rather implies and includes this In prosecuting this Point I shall use this Method 1. Open what I mean by Altars in Families 2. Prove it to be Housholders Duty to set them up 3. Answer Objections against this Practice 4. Make some Deductions and Applications Chap. II. Shewing what is meant by Family-Altars and what 's required of Housholders BY Altar I mean by a Synechdoche all the Worship of God to be performed in Families To an Altar in old time literally and in Gospel-times Mystically or Metaphorically there are four things requisite 1. The Institution or Consecration none can appoint an Altar to be Erected but God Exod. 20.24 An Altar of Earth shalt thou make None hath Power to order Gods Worship but himself alone Men may not add or diminish at their pleasure Mat. 28.20 Mininisters must teach Christians must observe all things whatsoever our Lord commandeth us Numb 7.10 Men may Dedicate an Altar It is God alone that properly Consecrates or Sanctifies it yet men are said to Consecrate themselves to the Lord 2 Chron. 29.31 33. yea and other things in a secondary way and instrumentally But as God appoints so himself only doth Authoritatively efficiently actually Consecrate Persons and things Let us see we have a warrant from God for what we do in his Worship 2. An Altar requires a Priest Before Moses Law the First-born of the Family was Priest to offer on the Altar but afterwards Good took the Tribe of Levi instead of the First-born in remembrance of the Lords smiting the First-born in Egypt Num. 3.12.13 Num. 17.9 Aaron and his Family were the blossoming rod whom God had chose in a peculiar manner to Minister before him But our Lord Jesus is our New Testament Aaron yet above him even after the Order of Melchizedeck Heb. 6.20 an higher Order than that of Aaron Upon whose account all Gods Saints be Kings and Priests Joh. 17.17 For as Christs Divinity sanctified his Humanity for our Lord as God sanctified himself as man so he also sanctifies all his Saints Heb. 10.14 By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified for this end that they may be an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual
of business or prejudice and disaffection to the Duty the Reverend Author hath said enough to convince thee that it is thy Duty and if convinced hereof thou wilt continue in the wilful neglect of thy known duty thou dost in effect say with those in Jer. 44 16. As for the Word which thou hast spoken to us in the Name of the Lord we will not hearken unto thee What an aggravation will this be of thy sin For to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Jam. 4.17 i. e. exceeding sinful and also of thy punishment for that Servant which knew his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes Luk. 12.47 That the one and the other may be prevented and thou mayest be prevailed with conscientiously to practise this Duty is the design of this Treatise and the hearty desire of Thine in the Lord John Starkey Thine in the Lord John Howe THE CONTENTS CHap. I. The Text opened Doctrines raised Chap. II. Shewing what is meant by Family-Altars and what 's required of Housholders Chap. III. Arguments to prove that Governours of Families must set up Altars for the Worship of God Chap. IV. Objections proposed and answered that militate against Family-Altars Chap. V. An use of Conviction Lamentation over Prayerless-Families Chap. VI. Motives to persuade Governours of Families to set up Altars to God for his Solemn Worship Chap. VII Directions how to set up an Altar in Families and how to manage Family-Worship Chap. VIII Directions how to manage the Worship of God in Families as to the matter of Prayer Chap. IX Helps how to manage Family-Worship as to the manner of Performance Chap. 10. A Resolution of several Cases of Conscience concerning the Worship of God in Families Books lately Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside SYnodicon in Gallia Reformata Or the Acts Decisions Decrees and Canons of those Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France being a most Faithful and Impartial History of the Rise Growth Perfection Decay of the Reformation in that Kingdom with its fatal Catastrophe upon the Revocation of the Edict at Nants in the Year 1685. also the Confession of Faith and Discipline of those Churches their Speeches Sacred Politicks Cases of Conscience and Controversies in Divinity c. their Government Laws c. Collected out of the Original Manuscript Acts of those Renowned Synods In two Vol. in Fol. By John Quick A Body of Practical Divinity consisting of above 176 Sermons on the lesser Catechism Composed by the Reverend Assembly of Divines at Westminster with a Supplement of some Sermons on several Texts of Scripture By Thomas Watson formerly Minister of St. Stephen's Walbrook London Recommended by several Ministers to Masters of Families and others In Folio The Confirming Work of Religion or its great things made plain by their primary Evidences and Demonstrations whereby the meanest in the Church may soon be made able to render a Rational Account of their Faith Written by Robert Fleming Author of the Fulfilling of the Scriptures Now Published by Daniel Burgess Advice to an only Child or excellent Counsel to all Young Persons containing the Sum and Substance of Experimental and Practical Divinity Written by an Eminent and Judicious Divine for the private use of an only Child now made publick for the benefit of all A Present to such as have been Sick and are recovered Or a Discourse concerning the Good that comes out of the Evil of Affliction Being several Sermons Preached after his being raised from a Bed of Languishing By Nathaniel Vincent M. A. and Minister of the Gospel A Defence of Mr. M. H's Brief Enquiry into the Nature of Schism and the Vindication of it with Reflections upon a Pamphlet called The Review c. And a brief Historical Account of Nonconformity from the Reformation to this present time A Sermon at the Funeral of the Worshipful John Symonds late of great Yeldham in the County of Essex Esq Preached in the Parish-Church of great Yeldham aforesaid on the 24th of Feb. 1692. By John Brooks M. A. and Rector there A Sermon Preached at the Funeral of the Reverend Mr. Tho. Shewel M. A. and Minister of the Gospel in Coventry By William Tongue Minister of the Gospel Mr. Richard Baxter's Paraphrase on the Psalms of David Songs of Praise with Penitential Cries By the Author of the Midnight-Cry Death improv'd and Immoderate Sorrow for Deceased Friends and Relations reprov'd By Edw. Bury formerly Minister at Great Bolas in Shropshire In Octavo A short Story of the Rise Reign and Ruine of the Antinomians Familists and Libertines that infected the Churches of New-England c. A brief Tract on the Fourth Commandment wherein is shewn the cause of all our Controversies about the Sabbath-Day and the means of Reconciling them Recommended by the Reverend Dr. Bates and Mr. John Howe A Sermon Preached before the King and Queen at Whitehall Novemb. 5. 1692. By Richard Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells Satan Sifting or the Oyl of Joy for the Spirit of Heaviness In Octavo The Carnality of Religious Contention In two Sermons Preached at the Merchants-Lecture in Broadstreet By John Howe Octavo Theological Discourses and Sermons on several Occasions In two Parts By John Wâ—llâ—s D. D. Professor of Geometry in Oxford Quarto There is now in the Press a Discourse against Rash Anger By Henry Newcome M. A. and Minister of the Gospel A Family-Altar Erected to the Honour of the Eternal God Genesis 35.2 3. Then Jacob said unto his Houshold and to all that were with him put away the strange Gods that are among you and be clean and change your Garments And let us arise and go up to Bethel and I will make there an Altar unto God who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me in the way which I went Chap. I. The Text opened Doctrines raised THis Text is copious and may be called a Family-Text as comprehending the whole Duty of Housholders and their Inferiours He that is not relatively Religious is not really Religious God hath to do with all Men in all their capacities And Men have to do with God in all their Stations Relations Actions As we must give an account to God of our natural civil and spiritual Acts God's Word must regulate all we do that we may act as Christians according to God's will and for his glory The Text contains an excellent pattern for all Families The whole Context holds forth these four Generals 1. God's Commission to Jacob v. 1. 2. Jacob's Charge to his Family v. 2 3. 3. His Families chearful Compliance v. 4. 4. The blessed Issue viz. success safety v. 5. An hint of all these 1. The Text declares God's Commission to Jacob In which Commission observe four things Viz. 1. The Privacy of it God said of Jacob when alone 2. The Order 1. Arise 2.
that they might not inform him which way Jacob fled But Charity bids us believe that Rachel stole these Idols to confute his egregious folly in worshipping Gods that might be stoln or at least to take away an occasion of her Fathers Idolatry Qu. 2. Why did Jacob bury them or hide them under an Oak and not break them to pieces Ans 1. The Greek Version addeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and abolished them even until this day Exo. 32. â— 2 Kin. 18 And this seems probable from parallel Instances that he first melted them then hid them 2. He did this privately not known to his Family so that they could not seek for them or find them And they being now to depart thence could not have the opportunity to enquire after them De non existentibus non apparentibus eadem est ratio 3. There is a peculiar reason why he hid them in this place Whether we take it for Terebinth or Turpentine Tree as the Greeks translate it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or an Oak as we read it for the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies either if we respect verse 8. we find Deborah was buried under an Oak called Allon-Baâ—uth the Oak of weeping a fit Funeral of dead Idols so was these Siradix spetetur sign arborem exsecraâ—ileâ— sunestâ—sâ— qualis apâ—d Hoâ—â—eâ— delubra â—lâ—â—â—i solert foâ—tè 〈◊〉 causa sui 〈…〉 Poli Crit. â—â—â—oc 4. Interpreters give us two Reasons why they buried these Idols under an Oak 1. Because those Trees were generally abused to Idolatry as Isa 1.29 therefore proper places for Interment of these Monuments of Idolatry 2. This was the safest place where they were likely to remain longest hid because the Heathen had a great Veneration for Oaks therefore would not cut them down or dig them up Besides Criticks observe that the root of this word signifies â—â— execrable doleful Tree such as is wont to be planted by Idol-groves thence he hid thâ—se execrable Idols in that place Doct. 6. It 's fit all Monuments and occasions of Idolatry be put out of peoples sight See Exod. 23.13 Deut. 12.2 3. Hâ—s 2.16 17. Doct. 7. A resolute Reformation produceth safety and satisfaction When Jacob had taken this course the terrour of God was upon the Cities round about them and they did not pursue after the Sons of Jacob v. 5. they became still as a Stone Yea their desire to hurt them was restrained or they were dispirited Yea God made them Friends to them Oh wonderful work of Almighty God! But all this is Excentrick to my main design I shall not meddle with Jacob's Prophetical and Regal Office over his Family but speak chiefly or only to his Priestly and Sacerdotal Office signified here by his making an Altar unto God The famous Vsher in his Annals on the third Age of the World fol. 9. saith Jacob was 91 years of Age when Joseph was born consequently 77 years old when he began first to serve Laban upon his return into Canaan he built an Altar which he called El-Elohe-Israel i. e. The mighty God the God of Israel Gen. 33.20 which was the self-same place where Abraham heretofore had built his first Altar Gen. 12.6 7 and where Jacob's Well was near to Mount Gersim Job 4.5 20. This was about the year of the World 22â—3 1731. before the birth of Christ he died at the Age of 147 years 2315 years after the Creation Having got both the Birth-right and Blessing from his Brother Esau and so was Priest in the Family till God settled the priviledge of Priesthood on the Tribe of Levi instead of the first-born He saith this History of Genesis contains the Story of 236â— years space he quotes Servius Sulpicius affirming that in this Tract of time lived Job a man embracing the Law of Nature and the knowledge of the true God c. But this by the way The Altar which Jacob now was to build was at Bethel formerly called Luz Gen. 28.19 Which he promiseth shall be Gods House vers 22. Where he will offer Prayers and Sacrifices to God and where God promiseth and vouchsafeth his special presence according to Exod. 20.24 Whether Jacob repaired the old Pillar his quondam Pillow Ch. 28.18 which might be ruined by the injury of time or demolished by Idolatrous neighbours Or whether he erected a new one more stable durable and fashionable than time and his former low circumstances would then permit Is 〈◊〉 much material unto dispute Though most probably the latter However this Altar was a Monument of Gods mercy and a token of his present gratitude And the use and end of it was to offer Sacrifice so saith the Text Gen. 35.14 He poured a Drink-offering thereon and he poured Oyl thereon these were to be joyned with a Sacrifice Exod. 29.40 Called Drink-offerings Numb 28.14 Concerning an Altar observe the Scripture takes notice of a threefold Altar 1. A Literal or Typical Altar 2. A Mystical 3. A Metaphorical Altar 1. The Literal or Typical Altar was that either before the Law or under the Law the first Altar we read of is that of Noah Gen. 8.20 yet those Sacrifices we read of Gen. 4. presuppose an Altar In the Mosaical Dispensation See Mr. Weemse Expos of Cerem Laws Com. 2. p. 46. there were two sorts of Altars 1. The Altar of Burnt-offering 2. Of Incense The former in the Wilderness was built of Earth and saith Mr. Weemse the Lord would have it so because he would not have it permanent to remain after they were gone out of the Wilderness And he would not have it made of hewn Stone to signifie that mens Inventions do but pollute the Worship of God Exod. 20.24 25. This is an Altar most holy Exod. 40.10 it signified the Death of Christ for satisfaction to Divine Justice 2. There was the Altar of Incense mentioned Exod. 30.27 This is called the Golden Altar Exod. 40.26 27. and it holds forth Christ's Intercession at God's right hand The four Horns signifie the strength and efficacy of Christ's undertaking None might go to the Golden Altar to offer Incense but he who might go to the Brazen Altar to offer Sacrifice So we have no Mediator of Intercession but he that is the Mediator of our Redemption 2. A Mystical Altar that 's Jesus Christ only Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar whereof they have no right to eat which serve the Tabernacle This is in opposition to the Mosaical Our New-Testament Altar Christ affords to us our Soul-sustenance safe Protection Sanctification Justification Consolation Eternal Salvation We need no other We have all in Christ See Isa 56.7 Rev. 8.3 3. There 's a Metaphorical Altar figuratively so called So Gospel-Mnistration is called an Altar 1 Cor. 9.13 They which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar i. e. holy things or things of the Temple in allusion to the Old Testament Dispensation So the Worship of God is called the Altar Matth. 5.23
Sacrifices 1 Pet. 2.5 acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 3. A Priest must needs have something to offer upon this Altar Heb. 8.3 4. The Priests under the Law offered Bulls Goats and brute Beasts Christ offered himself as a Sacrifice for our sins Saints offer their Souls and Bodies as a Thank-offering to the Lord their prayer and praises as was hinted before But the Holy Ghost adviseth us to be more ready to hear than to give the Sacrifice of fools Eccles 5.1 or than fools to give Sacrifice who vainly think to please God with variety and costliness of their Offerings Obedience is better than Sacrifice and the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord therefore it becomes us all to look to our state and standing and also to the manner of sacrificing as well as the matter sacrificed 4. As to the Altar there must be respect to the End and Design of this Altar for the End either makes or marr's the Action Now the Text saith I will make there an Altar unto God and God saith Exod. 20 24. Hos 8.11 An Altar shalt thou make unto me not to Idols not to sin or to themselves to please their own fancy or for vain-glory God threatens he will break down all such Altars Hos 10.2 For though every Family must have its proper Altar in their peculiar relative capacities yet they must only make use of the one Altar Christ Jesus for acceptance and worship God after the pattern shewed in the Mount Zech. 14.9 that the Lord may be one and his name one i. e. his worship uniform the same in all places Hence it was that when the two Tribes and an half had made an Altar the other Tribes were offended and prepared War against them till they were assured it was not in opposition but as a Testimonial of their relation to and worshiping of the same God therefore called it Ed a witness Read the story Jos 22.10 34. Every Family must Erect such an Altar to be a witness that they serve the same God that is worshiped in publick Assemblies and the Catholick Church in all times and places Only this Altar I am now treating of is distinct from 1. Publick 2 Secret personal Altars 1. It is not properly Publick either National or Congregational such as that which David Erected 2 Sam. 24.18 Gad came to David and said go up rear an Altar unto the Lord This was for all Israel to make an Atonement and this was the place where the Temple was to be built whither all the Tribes were to go up to worship God And this Family-Altar must not exclude the publick Ordinances Upon which holy Davids heart was so set that he envies the Sparow and Swallow that built their Nests near Gods Altars Psal 8â— 3 and is transported with an extasie of holy joy at his approach to it Psal 43 4â— Then will I go to the Altar of God unto God my exceeding joy No no the more a Christian is conversant with God in his Family the more will he prize and improve publick Ordinances Yet this is a distinct Altar 2. This is distinct from secret Acts of Worship or personal Altars such as Abraham Erected Gen 12.7 8. The Lord appeared unto Abraham And there he builded an Altar unto the Lord and in the next verse called upon the name of the Lord. Howbeit some Expositors think this was a Family-Altar which Abraham Erected to keep his Family in the true Religon and to separate himself and them from the Idolatrous Neighbourhood If so it confirms my assertion for Family-Altars But certainly that in Gen. 22.9 was more personal So was Jacob's Gen. 28.18 This therefore that I am speaking of is a Family-Altar an Emblem of Family Worship It 's true sometimes a Family signifies a whole Nation a Kingdom Amos 3.1 The whole Family which I brought up from the Land of Egypt This is all the Hebrews afterward divided into the two Families of of Judah and Ephraim Jer. 33.24 The Sons of Adam were all one Family and after the confusion of Languages they were distributed into the several Regions of the World Deut. 32.8 Jer. 8.3 and had their Names from the Head and Root of that Family from whence they sprung This is not the notion of Family here But it is to be taken strictly for persons dwelling together in one house Lev. 20.5 Then I will set my face against that man and against his Family This is distinct from Kingdoms and Provinces Judg. 1 25. They let go the man and all his Family Esth 9.28 Where Family is distinguished from Province and City And this is the most famous and ordinary use of the Word And in the Text the restriction is to Jacob and his House Lawers Civilians Divines thus use the word and say that Domus est naturae consentanea Societas an House or Family is a Society most agreeable to Nature In this house are such as are most ordinarily and familiarly conversant together that Work Eat Drink Sleep under one Roof To a compleat Family say they is requisite â— A Paterfamilias 2. Materfamilias 3. Filius 4. Servus Father Mother Son Servant But indeed the proper constitutive essential parts of a Family are but these two 1. Pars Imperans 2. Pars Subdita i. e. 1. The Governing 2. The Governed parts And ordinarily the Governing part must set up this Altar and Order the worship of God in his House or Family together with the rest Hear what a great Divine now with God saith in this point Mr. Baxters Christian Directory Tom. 2. Fol. 490. Note therefore that the Governour is an Essential part of the Family and so are some of the Governed viz. that such there be but not each member If therefore twenty Children or Servants shall Worship God without their Father or Master of the Family either present himself or in some representative it is not a Family-Worship in a strict sense But if the Head of the Family in Himself or Delegate or Representative be present with any of his Children or Servants though all the rest be absent it is yet a Family-duty though the Family be incompleat and maimed and so is the duty therefore if culpably so performed thus far that Reverend Man of God If it be inquired how must an Housholder act the part of a Priest in his Family what must he do Answer The office and business of a Priest in the Old Testament consisted in these four things chiefly 1. To instruct the People in the Principles of Religion and their duty to God and each other Mal. 2.7 The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his mouth Therefore God rejected those Priests that rejected knowledge Hos 4.6 This is the work of Housholders Deut. 6.6 7. Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children 2. To manage the holy Offerings and Sacrifices for the Atonement on the behalf of the
Children of Israel Lev. 16.11 Lev. 1.5 8. Aaron must make an Atonement for himself and for his house And verse 21. Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live Goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the Children of Israel Thus did Job ch 1.5 He rose early in the morning and offered burnt-Offerings according to the number of them all for Job said It may be that my Sons have sinned Thus must we do confess the sins of our Family and beg pardon through Christ 3. The Priest was to intercede for the People as Aaron was to take a Censer and put fire thereon from the Altar and put on Incense and stood between the dead and living Nam quoties in Sanctum ingrediebatur Sacerdos quasi in Dei conspectum prodibat ut inter eum populum esset Mediator Calv. in loc Numb 16.46 48. Hence the Priests Office was to burn Incense in the Temple and the multitude of the People were praying without at the time of Incense Luk. 1.9 10. For as often as the Priest entred into the holy place he appeared as in the presence of God that he might be a Mediator between God and the People It 's true there is no Mediator of Intercession no more than of Redemption betwixt God and Sinners but Jesus Christ alone in a proper sense yet as one may pray and prevail for another through Christ so a godly Housholder may and must be the mouth of his Family on their behalf 4. The Priest was to bless the People Numb 6.23 Speak unto Aaron and to his Sons saying on this wise ye shall bless the Children of Israel saying unto them the Lord bless thee and keep thee c. Doubtless this was petitory or by way of petition and God answers that prayer verse 27. And I will bless them But how far they did this in the Name and by the Authority of God the Father Son and Holy Ghost I cannot say Weemsâ— Christian Syn. p. 311. Weemse tells us that the Priests lifted up both their hands when they blessed the People The Text in Psal 134.2 Lift up your hands in the Sanctuary alludes to this because the Priests could not lay their hands upon all the People they lifted them up for in blessing they were wont to lay on their hands therefore Jacob laid his hands on Joseph's Sons Gen. 48.17 There was a Sacerdotal a Patriarchal and a Parental Blessing Thus the Chief of a Family blesseth his Houshold 2 Sam. 6.20 Then David returned to bless his Houshold which was by prayer and in the Name of the Lord pronouncing a Blessing upon his Family not as a Priest nor as a Prophet only but as a Governour of his Houshold which the meanest Housholder may and must do Chap. III. Arguments to prove that Governours of Families must set up Altars for the Worship of God THE second Head proposed is the proof of this Doctrine That Housholders must Erect Altars for the Worship of God in their Families 1. The Command of God Prayer is the great duty required of all men 〈…〉 bread aâ— David's Table continually i. e. at meal-times 2 Sam. 9.7 So in dâ— season is expounded continually Numb 28.2 3. The Text saith pray without ceasing 1 Thes 5.17 This is not to be understood as the Euchites or Messalians of old did as excluding other Duties but either maintaining a praying disposition or improving all seasons of Prayer Using a constant course of praying Customary praying is one thing and a custom of praying is another 1 Pet. 4.7 Col. 4.2 this latter is a Duty Therefore we are bid to watch unto Prayer as well as watch in Prayer i. e. be sure you observe the hours and season of Prayer in Closet Family Publick be not absent be not negligent Then for the place 1 Tim 2.8 I will that men Pray every where If in all places then in their Houses and with their Families in conjuction For it means our common dwellings as well as Temples since there is no promise perculiarly appropriated to one place Joh. 4.21 Mal. 1.11 more than another under the Gospel For so was the Prediction In every place Incense shall be offered to my name Then for the sorts of Prayer read Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit i. e. Mental Vocal Prayer Petition for good Deprecation of evil Intercession for others Thanksgiving for mercies In the Publick Assemblies in Private Houses in secret Closets Certainly these kinds of Prayers are necessarily included And by good Consequence inferred Let none say this is far fetched for Scripture-consequence is good Argument â—at 22.29 37. As our Saviour proves the Resurrection If Prayer at all times in all places of all sorts be a Duty surely Family-Prayer is a Duty for it will come under all these 2. Scripture-types prove Family Worship as the Passover was clebrated in private Houses Exod. 12.3 Thy shall take to them every man a Lamb A Lamb for an House i. e. an Houshold ver 4 For the Hebrews say there must be ten if one Family was not sufficient they must call in the members of another Family for it must all be eaten at once The Passover was a token of the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt and and saving their first-born when the first-born of Egypt were destroyed The Master of the Family took Bread brake it hence was called Boâ—zeang a breaker Then he Blessed it saying blessed art thou O Lord God King of the World who bringest Bread out of the Earth Then gives to every one about the quantity of an Olive to some the bigness of an Egg This saith Weemse Weemse Christian Syn. p. 13â— Whether there was two Suppers or no. See Godwin Moses Aaron lib 3. cap. 4. p. 137. was at their common Supper with which the Passover was joyned and doubtless Religion must always attend our Civils This holds forth Family-Devotion Let none say this were their Sacrament for though it was yet it was a Family-Religion and though it typified the Lord Jesus answered by the Lord's Supper in the New Testament which is a Church-Ordinance yet it also held forth God's Worship in Families But a clearer type is the Morning and Evening Sacrifice one Lamb is to be offered in the Morning the other in the Evening this must be day by day continually Exod. 29.38 39. This was for every individual Family and Person and it must be every day not only on Sabbath-days and other Solemnities but it shews that God must be daily worshipt Yea it must be Morning and Evening that prayer and praise may be the Lock and Key of the day And David alludes to this Psal 5.3 Psal 141.2 saying My voice shalt thou hear in the Morning and let my prayer be set before thee as Incense and the lifting up of my hands as the Evening Sacrifice This was constantly managed but solemnly yet we
do not find that the whole Assembly met every day therefore most probably a Family work and worship 3. Natural Religion prompts to it There is certainly such a thing as the Law and Light of Nature which puts men on to what is morally good and restrains men from or checks them for what is grosly evil Hence the Apostle saith Rom. 2.14 15. The Gentiles do by Nature some things materially good and natural Conscience accuseth or excuseth So he appealeth to Nature as an Argument à Fortiori 1 Cor. 11.14 Doth not even Nature it self teach you Whence these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common in workings proceed I dispute not whether from some Relicks of Gods Image in Man which some censure as â—elagianism or they be superinduced by God since the fall for the benefit of mankind See Mr. Gepel of Temptation But doubtless such notions there are as that there is a God a Supreme Being that he is to be feared loved worshiped And that not only Singly but Socially in Families as well as alone or in greater Assemblies hence besides their National and City-Gods they had their Lares and Penates their Houshold Gods tho' alas they were but Dumb Idols From them it may be Idolatrous Micah had an House of Gods Judg. 17.5 And shall poor dim-sighted Heathens think it highly rational to have Dung hill Gods in their houses and shall not men professing the true Religion of the true God own their Omnipresent God by setting up an Altar to him in their houses the Prophet speaks peremptorily Mic. 4.5 All People will walk every one in the name of his God and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever Is there not much more reason and should not such as own the true God run parallel to these poor Idolaters in Acting for and Worshiping of the true God Shall Nature teach them to have more care of their Children than Christians in Gods way Yea shall even the Sea Monsters Lam. 4.3 draw out their Breasts and give Suck to their young ones And shall Christians be so cruel to the Souls of theirs as to neglect this Houshold Duty 4. The Prophecies and Promises of the Word imply this Family-Worship Jer. 31.1 At the same time saith the Lord will I be the God of all the Families of Israel and they shall be my People Whether this mean all the twelve Tribes or Judah only it 's a Gospel-Promise and implies Worship For relation to God infers Adoration of him Mat. 4.10 Putatis nos occulâ—â—re quod câ—limus si delubra aras non habemus eum sit litabilis hostia bonuâ— animus pura mens ut sincera conscientia haec nostra Sacrificial ac Dei sacra sunt sic apud nos Religiosin est 〈◊〉 qui 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—inucia â—â—â—cis Octavius Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and this in Families not only larger but lesser Holiness to the Lord is not only to be written on the Bells of the Horses but the Pots in the Lord's house shall be like the Bowls before the Altar i. e. their very Kitchin-stuff and common Utensils shall be reckoned as holy as Altar-vessels immediately imployed in Sacrifices Yea further every Pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be Holiness to the Lord of Hosts Zech. 14.20 21. The Persons and Utensils in private shall all be dedicated to God and accepted by him in Gospel-times Civilities shall savour of Sanctity These New-Testament Priests shall without scruple serve God in their houses Every Family shall be a Temple wherein God will be woshipped House-pots shall be holy Vessels This is meant of Gentile Worshippers verse 16. And Jews shall not be behind them Zech. 12.12 13 14. The Land shall mourn every Family apart Heb. Families Families Royal Family Sacerdotal Tribe and common People they shall mourn apart and shut up themselves apart from company and pleasures to exercise godly sorrow vent their spirits in repenting prayers and mournful groans for their barbarous Crucifying the Prince of Life This some from all places did at Jerusalem Act. 2. and more shall do it the day of their general Call and Conversion to God 5. The Servants of God have Practised it You can scaace name a Religious Housholder but he hath set up an Altar in his Family and offered Spiritual Sacrifices thereupon Joshua a Noble Warriour resolves upon this chap. 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord let others do as they dare answer it another day I with my Children and Servants must and will worship the Lord Worshipping God is serving him Psal 72.11 All Kings shall fall down before him all Nations shall serve him i. e. Zeph. 3.9 by calling on God in prayer Doubtless Joshua did this David a great King in the midst of Political and Ecclesiastical Imployments withdraws himself from all and returned to bless his House 2 Sam. 6.20 1 Chron. 16.43 which could be no other way but by prayer and praising God for and with his Family Publick occasions must not justle out this Family-worship Job rose up early in the Morning offered Burnt-Offerings sanctified the Members of his Family and lest it be thought that this was but occasional and accidental the Text saith Thus did Job continually chap. 1. 5. And good Expositors think Daniel's going into his House Dan. 6.10 and his Windows being open in his Chamber or Dining room his usual Oratory he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed this they judge to be Family-prayer being so obvious and discernable by his Adversaries However that devout Captain Cornelius that feared God with all his house prayed to God with his Family Act. 10.2 which he explains saying Nec omittenda est circumstantia quod familiam in Dei timore insti tuit contempto periculi metu quod inde inst abat valde enim exosa erat Judaica Religio nec impunâ— erat Civi Romano peregrinam ut vocabant Religionem suscipere Quare et si hodiè pessime in mundo audit sincera Evangelii pâ—oâ—â—ssio tamen nimis vitiosa est timiditas si quem impediat injustum isâ—ad caâ—â—â— ne suam familiam Deo audeat in Sacrificium suâ piâ Institutione assâ—re Vid. Calv. in Act. 10.2 I prayed in my house verse 30. Calvin notes That Cornelius instructs his Family in the fear of God contemning the fear of danger for the Jewish Religion was then hateful nor might a Roman espouse a strange Religion wherefore although the sincere Profession of the Gospel is much decayed in the World yet that fearfulness is too criminal if upon the account of that unjust hatred any one should not dare to dedicate or offer up his Family as a Sacrifice to God by a holy Institution Thus Calvin 6. Argument for Family-Altar is the Providence of God calls for it God setteth the solitary in Families Psal 68.6 There is certainly a signal
act of Divine care in disposing Men and Womens Affections to each other Psal 113.9 Exod. 1.21 Ruth 4.11 2 Sam â— 11 to make a barren Woman to keep house to be a joyful Mother of Children It was God that made the God-fearing Midwives houses The Lord made Rachel and Leah to build the House of Israel And why doth God make his David's a sure house Why doth God give Servants Is it only to gratifie the flesh or a fancy Is it only for Worldly profit Is it not for Religion sake Hath God no higher ends than most men have for Worldly advantages or pleasure Surely God puts persons into this Relation for himself Who is the grand End of all his Acts He hath made all things for himself Prov. 16.4 Should men then live like Heathens Beasts Do they not thereby contradict Gods design Doth God give Wife and Children to them that fear him and doth he not expect they should fear and serve him together Ps 128.3 4. If Children be Gods Heritage Psal 127.3 why should not we present them to the Lord upon our knees If they be Gods reward to us why should we not give them again to God as our best reward If Families are Societies of Divine Institution do they not need Divine Benediction Should not Persons carry on Religion in a Relative capacity Surely yes When God Sanctifies this Relation by his appointment should not men Sanctifie his name by setting up his Ordinances there 's great reason for it 1 Tim. 4.5 For every thing is Sanctified by the Will of God and Prayer Gods Will to warrant our lawful use thereof Prayer for our holy and profitable use thereof As men without both these cross Gods design so they have no due use of this sweet Domestical Constitution and Relation 7. This Family-Altar distinguisheth betwixt Godly and Prophane-Families This is one discriminating Character the one calls on God the other not This is as the Altar Ed to testifie to all the World their solemn owning of the true God On the contrary wicked Persons are thus described Deut. 29.18 Lest there should be amongst you Man or Woman or Family or Tribe whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God Mind it Families in their Domestical capacity as well as in a Personal or National capacity may be alienated from God and may have a root that beareth Gall and Wormwood then see what follows This is that which makes evil Families Jer. 8.3 when instead of Praying Reading Scriptures Singing Psalms there is Cursing Swearing Mocking at serious Godliness Vain or Prophane Talk at least but Worldly Discourse But Religious Families are such as maintain Gods Worship according to Gods Institution where the daily perfume of Prayer ascends Heaven-wards Mr. Fenner Preaching at the Funeral of a godly old man disabled from work and and daily going among his friends for relief saith Oh how much better was that poor Cottage where he lived whence the Incense of Prayer and Praises mounted daily upwards than the Sumptuous Pallaces of Princes and Nobles where Oaths and Blasphemies are belched out It was the appointment among the Jews and Proselites that every Family Esth 9.27.28 Province City should observe the Feast of Purin as a memorial of their deliverance from Hamans Conspiracy and is there not as much reason that Christian Families should celebrate the great work of Redemption in their Families Just Mart. Apol. Christ ad Ant. Plum Justiâ—e Martyr tells us amongst the other Characters of Primitive Christians this was one Quod jejuni prius Orant that they prayed fasting before they set upon any Work At enim qui non ita vivere comperiuntur sicut ille docuit certum est Documentum non esse Christianos quamvis id linguâ profiâ—cantur And having described the godly manners of Antient Christians he adds that those that live not as Christ taught it is a certain note that they are not Christians though they profess it in speech and words 8. Christian-families are Churches and Churches must have Altar's for God's Worship Luke gives us an account of the Primitive Church that they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayer Act. 2.42 Breaking Bread in the Lord's Supper is a publick Church-Ordinance the other are also common to Families as well as Christian-Assemblies Families consist of individual Persons Istae enim Congregationes sunt quasi partes similares Ecclesie Catholicae atqae adto no nen naturam ejus participant Ames Med. Theo. lib. 1. c. 32. Congregations of Families and the Catholick Church of particular Societies and Families may partake of the Name and must of the Nature of Churches What is a Church but a Religious Society gathered for God's Worship The Church was limited to Families in the first Ages of the World thence it spread it self by Divine Grace into many streams all proceeding from one spring as branches from one root till the Church became National But Families were the first Original Nor doth Family-Religion cease when Publick Assemblies are erected Gen. Diu me torsit hic lotus etiamnum torquet Vid. Pol. Crit. in locum 4.26 Then began men to call upon the Name of the Lord. That Text hath tortured Interpreter but this is clear that calling on God's Name is part of God's Worship that this Piety was maintained in Seth's particular family and possibly in a little time men begun more publickly to own God's Worship when others did degenerate Gen. 6.2 and hence the Sons of God and of Men were thereby distinguished which confirms the former Argument But this is that I now say that families are to be as Churches And some interpret those places Col 4.15 Philem. 2. Rom. 16.5 Greet the Church in their house and Church in thine house to be no more than a private family Grotius takes it for a domestical Church and saith ubi tres licet Laici ibi Ecclesia est that three persons though Lay-men make a Church Now where there is God's House it is an House of Prayer That 's no Church where there is no Altar to God but it is a Synagogue of Satan We cannot call every family a Church but a Christian godly family and 't is to called by the Analogy or Resemblance it bears to a Church from the Worship of God maintained therein So then without God's Worship in your houses you are not Churches and so not Members of Christ or of the Catholick Church of God but in that respect as Heathens 9. Housholders have a charge upon their hands which they must give an account of and opportunity to discharge this Trust Governours are charged with their families Hence is the fourth Commandment given to them chiefly Exod. 20 1â— that they should take care that their family should keep the Sabbath-day and hence is the fifth Command given to Inferiours to obey their
Answ 1. God loseth not his Authority to Command because man hath lost his Capacity to Obey it is his Duty still though he cannot perform it in such a due manner as God requires He is bound to Pray as a Creature though he cannot do it as a Child Better do it as men can than not do it at all Prayer is a natural duty Jonah 3.8 The Ninevites must cry aloud and mightily to God and it was not in vain Act. 8.22 Simon Peter bids Simon Magus Pray though in the Gall of bitterness 2. We must distinguish betwixt a resolved and a returning Sinner We bid not a Thief pray that he may meet with a Booty that 's abominable Psal 66.18 Isa 55.6 7. or men Regarding Iniquity in their hearts But in a complex sense we bid them Turn from their evil ways and so Pray Prayer must be joyned with Repentance as Prayer is Medium Cultus so it is Medium Gratiae as means of carrying the heart to God in Worship so it is a mean to obtain Grace Prayer is the Souls motion God-ward desire is the Soul of Prayer and who dare say to the wicked desire not God Christ Faith By Praying men may learn to Pray right Luk. 11.13 For God gives his Holy Spirit to them that ask him Oject 4. There 's wicked Children or Servants in the Family how dare we joyn with them For whose sake God may justly reject us Answ 1. If the Praying Governour be Godly and pray right he need not fear non-acceptance Christ was heard in his Prayer though Judas was present What think you of poor Ministers Prayers in mixt Congregations Act 27.35 Certainly the presence of unworthy Persons prejudiceth not the entertainment of sincere Worshipers 2. Prayer is Gods institution to make bad good some have been much wrought upon by the Prayers of others God heard Stephen for Paul in time if it advantaged not at present Mr. Weems said of Mr Bruce he knockt down the Holy Ghost upon us all Deny them not this means of Conversion Object 5. This setting up a family-Family-Altar for so constant Prayer savours of Forms and will fill the Country with Formalists and Hypocrites Answ 1. Forms are not simply condemned but Forms only wanting the power of Godliness 2 Tim. 3 5. Our business is not to make Hypocrites but Converts By Form is meant a Mask Vizor or Appearance opposed to Substance and Reality But we persuade and direct to sincerity as to Priciple Manner and End of Religious Exercises 2. But a Form of Goliness is better than none at all Men cannot have the Power of Godliness without the Form no more than you can have the Kernell without the Shell He that Prays doth something towards Duty but he that refuseth to Worship God at all bids open defiance to God's Commanding Authority and saith I scorn to bow so much as a Knee to God in Prayer This is a presumptuous Sin Psal 10.4 The wicked through the pride of his heart will not seek after God Let him answer it as he dare The Text saith 1 Tim. 4 8. Bodily Exercise profiteth little 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a little 1 King 21.27 i. e. for a little time or for a little i. e. in some outward respects as in Ahabs fasting though it reach not so far as the Eternal Salvation of the immortal Soul However this is better than a total neglect Object 6. But such kind of Praying Morning and Evening is a stinting the Spirit a limiting God to mans time when the Spirit moves not to it Answ 1. Christ and his Apostles had set times for Prayer Jesus oft times resorted into the Garden Judas knew his stated hour and place John 18.2 And the Apostles had an hour of Prayer Acts 3.1 Was this stinting the Spirit Indeed this Objection is levelled against Preaching Singing Supper and all stated Ordinances how do men know that the Spirit will move at such a season 2. It 's one thing to stint another to lie in the walk of the Spirit Men are bound to wait at the posts of Wisdoms Doors and are blessed Prov. 8.34 and in the road of further blessing for the wind of the Spirit bloweth where and when it listeth Joh. 3.8 And no body will say he limits the wind that waits in the Heaven for a fair gale to wast him over Besides Isa 64.7 God expects that men should stir up themselves to take hold on God Self-excitation is God's appointment to get the heart into frame How often doth David begin low and end high 2 Tim. 1.6 We must stir up the gift of God in our hearts A Dead Dull Senseless Heart is no supersedeas from Duty Omission upon indisposition doth but harden the heart and indispose for Duty and gratifie Satan yea and displease God Object 7. This Family-Prayer is but a singular invention of brain-sick novellists not used of old and is more adoe than needs Answ 1. In Scripture-times it was used and in the purest Primitive-timess Basil saith Mane orto die in precationes properare that Christians made haste to Prayers by day-brake in the Morning Chrysostom saith we go not a mensa ad lectum from Table to bed but to Prayers lest we be more bruitish than bruits It were easie to produce instances from Cyprian Augustin c. of Primitive Christians frequency in Prayers You will say butt these were Church prayers Answer Churches were mostly then in Houses yet some instances prove also daily Family-Prayers And Godly Persons in all Ages have used it 2. Can men be too Devout Doth not our Lord say Luk. 18 4◠Mat. 6.33 Mat. 22.37 one thing is needful Seek first the Kingdom of God Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart Mind Strength Can you do too much for God Can you be too oft with God Eccl. 7.16 Alas you cannot be over-much righteous in the internals of Religion no nor in the externals as long as you keep to commanded duties and one duty cross not another Nay when we have done all that 's commanded Luk. 17.10 yet still we are unprofitable Servants we have but done our duty Joh. 12.3.4 It was Judas that said Wherefore is this wasted Godly Souls still complain of defects Whom did you hear complain on their death-bed that they had served God too much or been too religious Object 8. They are no better than others that pray in their families they can lye cheat be covetous proud passionate censorious hard-hearted Ans 1. Take heed what you say act not the Devil's part to be false-accusers taking up a false report or without proof It 's well known that now a-days if persons be strict and serious in Religious duties many pick quarrels with them take advantage against them aggravate their faults these mens Motes are Beams Act. 28.22 yea Mountains this Sect is every where spoken against there needs no further
formed the Eye shall he not See Be sure your sin will find you out And do not others see you will not they cry shame on you and reflect upon the Families where you were bred or have lived Oh what a reproach and disparagement do you cast on the Instruments of your Education what grief are you to the Godly that shake the head and cover their faces to behold you where 's your imitation of Godly patterns is this the fruit of their pains the answer of their Prayers were you thus taught Wo be to you that must be snatch't out of Godly-Families and cast among Devils you had better never have been born or born among Turks or Pagans your condemnation will be aggravated your own Consciences will fly in your faces Oh how many good instructions have I slighted how many convictions have I striffled What great Motionss have I resisted good examples contradicted Prov. 5.11 12 13 14. I have not Obeyed the voice of my Teachers nor inclined mine Ears to them that instructed me and now I must mourn without hope and dye without instruction or any to pray for me Chap. VI. Motives to persuade Governours of Families to set up Altars to God for his Solemn Worship AND now Friends what remains but a due Compliance to this call Oh that Sacred Altars weâ—e set up for Gods Solemn Worship in all the Families through the Kingdom were God duely Worshiped in all Houses how happy a Nation should we be we might hope that God would tarry with us and Bless us if men would Pray as Christians and live as Christians things would be better with us than they are let none mistake us together with the Worship of God we must discover the necessity of a saving Principle in the heart and suitable practice in the life men must first be good then they will do good and they must be first united to Christ or neither will follow for he saith Joh. 15.5 without me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being divided from me you can do nothing you can do nothing Spiritually nothing acceptably Oh Sirs do not think to put off God with a few Dutys or formal performances without Sense and Savour God saith See this fully explained by Mr. Burroughs on Hos 6.6 pag. 600.618 I desired Mercy and not Sacrifice i. e. not only Sacrifice and the Knowledg of God more than Burnt-Offerings the word Mercy is a Synechdoche comprehending all the dutys of the second Table under one by Sacrifice is meant Synechdochically all instituted Ordinances and Worship all the affirmative precepts of the second and fourth Commandments but yet Prayer to God is of such absolute necessity and founded in Nature if it be granted that there is a God that the Heathen could prefer it to Sacrifices saying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 offer Prayers to the Gods not Oxen but though Prayer it self be a natural duty yet the Circumstances of time and place may be various as occasion is offered hence Divines say Negative Precepts bind semper et ad semper always and to all times affirmative bind indeed semper always but not ad semper to all times therefore Pray continually if it be done in season God looks upon it as always or continually done but if another duty of great importance be to be done at that instant God dispenseth with the former and it ceaseth to be a duty then yet the duty continues and must not be totally superseded only God will have Sacrifice See 10 instance ib. p. 603. but not without the Spirit for instituted Worship without natural Worship is not regarded Joh. 4.24 he will be Worshiped in Spirit and in truth nor will God accept these Prayers and Sacrifices as an Attonment for Sin or a dispensation to continue in Sin if you leave out Christ in the former and make use of Christ in the latter your Prayers are abominable Having premised this I shall subjoyn a few Motives to pesuade You to Family-Prayer besides the Reasons to prove it a duty which I desire you to review and learn to practise this lesson as you would obey a Divine Command Answer old Testament Types not act against nature it self accomplish promises and Prophecies imitate Godly Examples Answer divine Providence distinguish yours from Profane Families approve your selves and Families to be little Churches as you will give account of the charge committed to your trust obtain a supply of your Family-necessitys and a blessing upon your selves and yours and avoid God's curse and wrath upon your Families fall close to this duty I have answered many objections And now I Beseech you in the Bowels of Christ to set up Altars and offer your selves and Families wholly and intirely to the Lord as a whole Burnt-offering for Gods-sake who made you for himself daily preserves you and can plentifully reward your Obedience and revenge your Disobedience 2. I Beseech you for Christs sake who laid down his Life for you Tit. 2.14 that he might purchase you to himself a peculiar People zealous of Good works 3. For the Holy Ghosts sake which is moving you to duty suggesting good things into your minds will help your infirmities Oh do not quench it grieve it 4. For the Churches sake for Zions sake hold not your peace Isa 62.1 but help the travelling Church in her Pangs till she be delivered 5. For the Nations sake that is almost drowned in Atheism and Sensuality and daily subject to Gods displeasure and fury 6. For your poor children and servants sake who need your Prayers for their Conversion Pardon and Reconciliation with God 7. For your own Souls sake that are oft under guilt imperfect in Grace and have much work and burden upon your hands and a great account to make Surely if you have any sense upon your hearts of any of these things you will instantly constantly and affectionatly call upon God in your Families Again let me urge you with the benefits of this work of Family-Prayer 1. This Altar-Devotion will be the best Ornament to your houses no Pictures stately Rooms or houshold good will be such neat and Splendid furniture as this Worship of God the bravest hangings and most Glorious Paintings are but Sordid and Nauseous Excrements to this it is this that renders a beggers Cottage far more honourable than a Princes Pallace without it Righteousness exalteth a Nation and family but Sin is a reproach to any People or Person this is far before full bags Magnificent tables and entertainment a large train of attendants for God is there as the poor Hermit-like Philosopher said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here dwell the Gods Pro. 14.34 So the high and lofty one dwells with the contrite and humble Spirit Isai 57.15 in the most homely habitation What a comely sight is it to behold all the members of a family Prostrate on their knees every Morning and Evening to hear Melodious Praises to God unanimously Sung 't
is an Emblem of Heaven it is recorded of the Prince of Anhalts House that it was Templum Academia Curia a Church an Academy and Court where himself was as Priest Tutour Judg and Soveraign Lord Oh happy such a family I may say of such a Governour as the Queen of Sheba of Solomon happy are thy men happy are these thy Servants which stand continually before thee 1 Kin. 10.8 This this only is the Glory of a Family 2. This is not only the Ornament but muniment and defence of a Family Psal 91.1 he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty Communion with God usually is attended with protection from God if any be safe it is the Godly that shall be safe Lot's Family must be delivered from Sodoms flames the Lord shall create upon every dwelling-place of Mount-Zion Isai 4.5 as well as upon her Assemblies a Cloud and Smoak by day that the Enemy shall not find them and the shining of a Flaming Fire by night that they may see the their way Zech. 2.5 yea it shall be a Wall of Fire round about them for upon all the Glory shall be a defence yea God himself will be the Glory in the midst of them none know the advantages of Praying families but experienced and Observant Christians 3. This is the way and means to bring Spiritual and Eternal Salvation to your Houses surely that was a great word that our Dear Lord spoke to Zacheus Luk. 19 9 this day is Salvation come to this House that little man used great care and made an hard shift to behold Jesus and meat with a blessed unexpected guest that brought him the greatest Blessing himself and Salvation with Him Our Lord never comes alone but brings Happiness with him the conversion of one man as it was a pledg of his Adoption so it made even domum illam salut is haeredem the whole Family an heir of Heavenly Glory Nam quia deus dum patrem familias adoptat toti etiam ejus domni se in deum fore promit tit jure salus a capite extenditur ad totum corpus Calv. in loc Act. 10. 2 11 14. for as Calvin observed when God adopts the Governour of a Family he promiseth to be a God to the whole house and by right Salvation is extended from the head to the whole body So Lydia was baptized and her houshold and the Jaylour Act. 16 15 33 34. and oh what joy was produced when himself and his house believed yea Cornelius owning God in Family-worship brought to him and his words whereby the Master and all his house should be saved not of Merit but in a Covenant-way and in answer of Prayer Oh Sirs would you not have your Children and Servants saved this is Gods appointed way to bring it about call in Divine aid and grace to do that for yours which you cannot 4. Family-Worship will make up a defect in or want of publick Ordinances Providence may cast your lot in places where the streams of the Sanctuary run low or muddy in this case house-wells may do you much Service when publick persecution breaks up Church-assemblys house-worship will maintain Religion in the World and that private Fire will break out into an open Flame what had become of Religion had it not lodged in private houses this hath been Gods usual reserve to maintain the power of Godliness Church-History â—ells us that the open profession of the Gospel hath run at a low Ebbe and this hath helped it to a Glorious Resurrection Ministers were Banished Assemblies scaterred Churches demolished and scarce any appearance of publick Meetings yet then the fire glowed hot in private hearths and in God's due time a door was opened for Solemn Assemblies how much are we beholding to God for house-House-Altars and such a day may overtake us again And suppose you have free liberty of Publick and Powerfull Ordinances how can you expect a blessing upon them without seeking God for it in your Families What good will Preaching do without your private instructions admonitions councels prayers this will inculcate truths and may lay a foundation for after-godliness and as Family-Worship is most indisputable so least unaproachable by the enemy because oft indiscerneabl however you may most warrantably suffer for it if that be God's will as you heard Daniel ventured himself for it to the hungry Lions My Beloved Friends what shall I say what Arguments shall I use to perswade you to this duty of Family-Worship I doubt your Religion is to seek if you be so loath to set up this family-Family-Altar which may consecrate all your Civil and Natural acts and Offices I will but Pose you with these few Interrogatorys 1. Suppose a Grave and Pious Minister or Christian friend lodge with you would you not for shame reach him a Bible and desire him to go to Prayer with you lest he should suspect you to be Prayerless at other times and will not Gods authority and presence have the like influence and awe upon your Spirits 2. Suppose your Friends and Relations should quite disown and disclaim you unless you would Pray in your Family would you not make an hard shift to do something that way rather than be accounted unworthy of Humane Society and shall that prevail more than God's disclaiming you or disowning converse with you 3. If your Landlord should turn you out of your House or your Father shoud Disinherit you if you set not up this family-Family-altar could you be content to suffer both rather than do it and shall a threatning of your Father in Heaven or Great Land-lord to reject or eject you out of Heaven avail nothing 4. If a Law were imposed upon you to pay five Shillings a time that you neglect Prayer in your Family would you forfeit that summe toties quoties as oft as you go Prayerless to Bed and would you not fear that would begger you and shall not greater losses and heavier penalties deter you from this Omission 5. If the King or a Nobleman should promise you five Pound a time that you call your Family together read a Chapter Sing a Psalm Kneel down and Pray to God would you not strain hard to procure that Money and will not a greater profit from the Almighty God prevail with you to perform this excercise to obtain a reward 6. Suppose a Brand were set upon your Foreheads like Cains Tan or a dreadfull Trembling should seize upon your bodies for such a Neglect or you should pass under such a Stigmatizing character as that in Deut. 25.9 10. The house of him that hath his Shooe loosed So if this name be given you this is a Graceless Prayerless man would not this shame you out of this wretched Omission 7. Suppose the next time you go Prayerless to Bed your loveliest Child and Darling should be snatch't away by a sudden stroak of Death as it was in