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32X

THF.

Domestic Sanctuary;

OR,

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

RELIGION.

J. LANCELEY.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY

THE REV. SAMUEL D. RICE, D. D.

Fkmai.f, C'oT.T,KnF.. Hamit.ton,

" The church in the hniixe."—'PAVX.,

HAMILTON :
SPECTATOR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY.

1878,

CONTENTS.

Chaptkr.

I. — Home. . . . • •

II. — The Husband.

III.— The Wife.

IV.— Husband and Wife. .

V. — The Family Institution.

VI.— Family Worship.

VII.— Domestic Relationships.

VIII. — Abodes and Habits. .

IX. — Difficulties. ....

X. — The Advantages of Family Religion.

XL— Testimonies of Distinguished Men. .

Page.
9

15
23

89
103
112
124

INTRODUCTION.

I liave been recjuested, by its author, to
write an introduction to this Uttle book.

Could I say anythin^^ to ^ave it currency,
could I induce |)eo})le to buy the book and read
on this most iin|>©rtiait subject, most cheer-
fully would I use my influence to do so. Mr.
Lanceley may well claim to have had the best
opportunity for preparation in this department
of thou^dit. Not exempt, in any way, from the
lot of heavy labor, nor free from severe trial in
personal suffering, lie has prepared a very large
family for active life, and with unusual success.
If " every event must have a cause," then, in the
life and characters of those so prepared, are to
be found the teachings, the discipline, and
example of other years. Mr. Lanceley will
tell you from whence he drew the knowledge
he sought to communicate, and the inspiration
for the work; the motives by which he was
actuated, and the great responsibility which

vi.

Introduction.

led liim to pursue his daily work of j*oveniitif,%
teaching', ^^uiclin^, repressiiif^ and cncoura^^in;^',
as the varied circumstances nii^dit lecjuire.
Exposed as childliootl life is, in these times, to
all the falsities in thou^dit, and impropriety of
conduct, so rife in all circles of sftciety, to have
no exception in this circle to mar the record of
loving childhood an<l respectful maturity, of
filial and fraternal love, of unity and earnest-
ness of purpose in meeting life'^ claims, and
of a deep and permanent regard for those
duties that tlovv from a correct apprehension
of their relations to God, must give a thrill of
deepest joy to parental affection, and declare
the value of the facts and methods of home
life. Most parents think they can govern other
people's children admirably, and are very free
in their criticisms on those of other people ;
but their own! oh, they have such dispositions!
The life of the family is cared for only in
christian countries, and with exceedingly rare
exceotion can "home' be used in anv but
christian lands. Our inference, therefore, is
that under christian teachings alone, are those
(lualities found that form the bond of christian
households. The result must be, that the only
"rule of faith and practice" is the word of
authority, whose teachings can guide to such
great results. No one can over-estimate the

Introduction.

vn.

value of proper family training' in re^^ard to the
nation's lifo and prosperity. The throne can
be secure in freedom only when the family life
is sacred, — when tlie relations of the family are
reco^mi/ed and sacredly observed and f^niarded.
Let every parent seek to secure the best teach-
ings, — teachings from God's word, — and he will
have accomplished what, to him, is more than
a sentiment. This book takes the scriptures
as its text. If the sanu; spirit whose inspiration
gave it, should use it, then its mission will
have been accomplished.

Happy they who, taking the position, suc-
ceed in forming a household whose whole life
may be made a benediction and a joy.

Samuhi, I). Rick.

Weslkyan Femalk College.
May 2nd, 1878.

THE DOMESTIC SANCTUARY.

CHAPTER I.

HOME.

There is, perhaps, no word in the lu-.f^'lisl'
lanj^ua^e in which tlie lovin^^ sympathies of
human nature so freely and so fully express
themselves lu, the word home. It is ti:e centra
of all that is interesting^ and delif^htful— where
all our affections meet and entwine themselves
around " wliatsoever thin|:(s arc lovely." It
is not the thatched cottafj:e nor the stately
mansion (with its extensive or more limited
surroundin/^^s, with its richly furnished apart-
ments or well supplied tables) that constitutes
liome ; but all that is endearinf,^ in human
relationship, all that is tender in human sym-
pathy, all that is true and faithful in human
friendship, is wrapped up in the word howc.
We like to be where our infirmities are
allowed without criticism, where our motives

The Domestic Sanctuary.

and secrets can be known with contidence,
and where the whole circle, swayed by the
influence of affectionate tenderness and love,
serve one another.

Siicli confidence can nowhere be found,
but at liomc. What a fund of pleasing recol-
lections, like the early flowers (such as the
violet and the snowdrop) of spring, flows
around the hearth of home when we remem-
ber the gambols of childhood ; the rural and
careless sports of youth ; the higli resolves,
the heroic purposes, the buoyant jpes, with
the dreams of airbuilt castles, of rising man-
hood ; the chastened feeling, both of sorrow
and of joy, of riper years : all these are closely
associated with the word home. There stan:]s
the same old clock that measured off the
hours of childhood, whose well-known sound
and pointed finger called to stud}^ to school,
and to work, and whose evening chimes gath-
ered both parents and children to the altar of
cheerful, holy sacrifice. There is father as
the priest of the household, invested with a
sanctity similar to that with w^hich our childish
imagination clothed Abraham, and Isaac, and
Moses. There are the two old arm chairs,
occupied by mother and father, who take the
old book, shattered and worn with long ser-
vice ; its pages read with a reverence and in a

Home.

tone that yet seems to vibrate upon one's very
heart; tl.eir niin^deci supplications and thanks-
^Mvin^s ascend, to be offered with the prayers
of all saints upon the golden altar which is
before the throne. Love in its highest earthly
perfection is here. Conjugal love, parental
love, filial love, brotherly love, sisterly love —
all gather around and delightfull} blend in that
sacred spot, home. It has an undying grasp
upon the heart's deepest sympathies and kind-
est feelings. There is a charm and a magic
about it which makes one feel spellbound
through life, yea, even forever. Mutual recog-
nition, social intercourse, fraternal affection,
security and repose, are congenial elements of
a pious home.

THE FAMILY BIBLE.

This book is all that's left me now,

Tears will unbidden start,
With faltering lip and throbbing brow,

I press it to my heart.
For many generations past

Here is our family tree ;
My mother's hand this Bible clasped,

She, dying, gave it me.

Ah! well do I remember those

Whose names these records bear,
Who round the hearthstone used to close

After the evening prayer,
And speak of what these pages said

In tones my heart would thrill.
Though they are with the silent dead,

Here are they living still.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

My father read this holy book

To brothers, sisters clear ;
How calm was my dear mother's look,

Who leaned God's v ord to hear.
Her angel face I see it now—

What thronging memories come !
Again that little group is met

Within the walls of home.

^ «

Thou truest friend man ever knew,

Thy constancy I've tried.
When all was false, I've found thee true,

My councillor and guide.
The mines of earth no treasures give

That could this volume buy :
In teacJiing me the way to live,

It taught me how to die.

i--

Jt : .

CHAPTER II.

V-*^;.

■'■%^\

HUSBAND, AND HIS INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS.

In the constitution of home is implied a
community of persons and social relationships,
each possessing a distinct interest and respon-
sibility. There is husband and wife; master
and mistress ; parents and children ; sons and
daughters; brothers and sisters; men servants
and maid servants.

Although there is a sense in which each
person in this community of social relation-
ships is equal^ interested in every other, yet
there is a wide difference in the responsibility
of one to the other. The husband, being the
head of the house, as king and priest of the
whole, to him, and to him only, is deputed the
authority of law and order. It is his right to
rule. The outer world cares to know no one
but him. It is his place to provide for the
necessities and comforts of the whole. These
have to be sought in the field, and in the mar-
ket ; in the workshop; behind the counter and
in the office, and sometimes obtained with
disagreeable competition and petty jealousy.
He is known among the higher and the lower

The Domestic Sanctuary.

walks of life ; dilif^ent in business, and eco-
nomical and fru^^^al in his rules of action.
With all this he may not be successful. This
may f^reatly disappoint and grieve him, and his
competitors may smile at his misfortune. But
this is the law of discipline. If he has energy
of mind and strength of will, with steady
perseverance he will rise above it all, a wiser
and a better man. Good men are often tried,
that they may become great, to bring into
play the latent energies of their nature, which
otherwise might remain comparatively dor-
mant. Tried men are generally true men.

Husbands are required to love their wives
and be not bitter against them. They are to
love them as their own bodies, for no man
ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth
and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the
Church. The grand rule according to which
every husband is to act, is to love his wife as
Christ loved the Church. But how did Christ
love the Church? He gave himseff for it ; he
laid down his life for it. It is the duty of the
husband to protect and defend his wife, and
give honor to het as the weaker vessel.

•* Mi*

/ :■ ^

CHAPTER III.

ON THE CHARACTER AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE

WIFE.

# •*

"I will," saith the Apostle Paul (ist Tim.
v., 14), "that the younger women marry, bear
children, rule the house, give none occasion to
the adversary to speak reproachfully." As she
has the conceded right to guide the house,
much depends upon her judgment and habits.
Many persons are too rash in venturing upon
the duties and responsibilities of married life.
Their qualifications are extremely meagre, and
errors of judgment may result in errors of
practice, which may be the source of trouble
for a long time to come. This is to be regret-
ted. To be sorry goes but a little way in
effecting a remedy. If wise councillors are
near who will kindly give the benefit of their
wisdom and experience, and the young wife
is willing to learn, then vigorous application
and perseverance may eventually make things
much better. It w^ould be greatly to the
advantage of all good women, whether mar-
ried or contemplating to be, if they would

The Domestic Sanctuary.

thoroughly study that beautiful description of
a model wife, given by King Lemuel in Prov.
xxxi., 10-31. A few of the more prominent
features we will supply, referring you to the
original for a more perfect likeness.

There is her general character — she is a
virtuous woman. Her motives are pure and
strong. The principles of character are well
balanced and understood. She has great men-
tal energy, to subordinate all things to her
rule. Her value is above all financial consid-
erations, her price being far above rubies.
The old proverb says, '*A fortune in a wife is
far greater than a fortune with one." The
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.
She is prudent and judicious, looks well to the
ways of her household, so that her husband
need not fret about the management of home
wants and home duties. Her husband's hap-
piness is continually in view, and she kindly
prevents or removes all she thinks might cross
his path or interfere with his pleasure. Her
goodness is unmixed goodness ; it is, also, con-
stant and permanent. Such unlimited esteem
and unshaken confidence should never be
betrayed or trifled with, but the most con-
vincing evidence constantly furnished that her
heart's sincere affection has not been mis-
placed.

The Wife.

In arranpfiiif^ the conveniences and pro-
viding for the comfort of ht;r household, she
does not buy things made ready to her hand if
she has the means of mailing them herself.
Wool from her own tlocks, or tlax from her own
fields, is carefully gathered and manufactured,
working willingly with her own hands. Her
time is also precious, and cannot be wasted.
Time lost is money lost. She is up early in
the morning before daylight, preparing food
for her household. She buys in the best and
cheapest market. She raises her own luxu-
ries; by the fruit of her own hand she planteth
a vineyard. She studies her own health; by
proper exercise her loins and arms are girt
with strength. She is not forgetful of the
poor and afflicted, but stretcheth out her
hands to help them. She is not afraid of the
snow and cold, for herself and family are well
provided for with double garments, or two-fold
what they are accustomed to wear. Her house
is well furnished, her person richly attired, so
as to be equal to her husband when he sitteth
among the elders of the land, or as magistrate
in the court. She openeth her mouth with
wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kind-
ness. She is not known from the noise she
makes, but her words are well considered and
fitly spoken.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

In the mana^'einent of tlie family, she is
intelli^^ont and wise. Her tnind is well culti-
vated. She is aniial)lc in her carria^^e, full of
good nature, well tempered and obliginj:^ in
her manners and address, and in her tongue is
the law of kindness. " She looketh well to the
ways of her household." She watches, and
studies, and directs all their movements. She
has great force of character and power of con-
trol. Her counsel is respectfully sought and
pleasantly given. The characters of the family
are moulded after her own fashion. They are
well educated, trained in the art of civility and
politeness. They are well behaved to every-
bod\ , whether poor or rich, and everywhere
respected and honored. The influence of all
this is felt and appreciated ; hence her child-
ren rise up and call her blessed. They are
unitedly and devoutly grateful for such a good
mother, and invoke upon her suitable blessings
in return. " Her husband also, and he praiseth
her." He is indebted to her for his success in
business, for his high social position, for his
distinguished family ; through her they are all
justly held in universal esteem. He is sensible
of her many excellencies and commends her
for her doings. He does not know her equal.
She is the excellent of the earth, and he has
unwavering confidence in her. Many daugh-

The Wife.

ters have clone virtuously, but thou excellcst
them all.

The crownin^^ excellence with which this
tlistin^aiished woman's character was invested
was her religion. It was this which /^^ave tone,
and purity, and dignity, and genuineness to
the whole. " Favor is deceitful, and beauty is
vain." All earthly accomj)lishments, graceful
and beautiful as they may be, arc only human
at best, and then often fictitious and unrelia-
ble. "But a woman that feareth the Lord,
she shall be praised." This is never fading
beauty, which, after unfolding itself in silken
leaves below, flourishes with greater lustre and
in perpetual bloom in a higher and more con-
genial clime. '* Give her of the fruit of her
hands ; and. let her own works praise her in
the gates." May she long enjoy the fruit of
her labors ; may she see her children's child-
ren ; may what she hath done be spoken of for
a memorial of her to generations yet unborn ;
let her bright example be everywhere known ;
let it be set before every daughter of Adam,
particularly every wife, but especially every
mother, and let them learn from her what
husbands have a right to expect in their wives
— the mistresses of their families and the
mothers of their children.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

THE MOIIIIIK OF JOHN AND ClIAKJ.i:s VVICSMCY.

It is said, by no less an antliority than Dr.
Adam Clark, that he had met at least with an
e(jual to this Jewish matron in the person of
the mother of the late Revds. John and Charles
Weslev.

He says: ** I am constrained to add this
testimony, after having,' traced her from her
birth to her death, thron^di all the relations
which a woman can have npon earth. Her
Christianity gave to her virtues and excellences
an exhaltation which the Jewish matron could
not possess. Besides, she was a woman of
great learninjj^ and information, and of a depth
of mind and reach of thought seldom to be
found among the daughters of Eve, and not
often among the sons of Adam."

In another place he says: "I have been
acquainted with many pious females, I have
read the lives of several others and composed
the memoirs of a few, but such a woman, take
her for all in all, I have not heard of, I have
not read of, nor with her ecjual have I been
acquainted."

Mrs. Wesley had a large family and was the
instructor of her children, and subsequently
became their counsellor and guide. We can-
not fail to admire the tact and cleverness, as

The WIft,

well as the moral courafje and inHomitahlc
perseverance, of a woman, who, amidst the
ordinary care of a mimerous family, and the
troubles and sorrows of the ICpworth Parson-
af^e, devoted six hours a day to the painstaking
and effe :tive school education of her children.
She also steadily and faithfully enforced her
domestic discipline and superintended her
household affairs. The mother of nineteen
children (ten of whom outlived their child-
hood), her provident forethought was often
severely taxed to provide for her family food
and raiment, under circumstances, too, of
peculiar trial and provocation. By fire twice
rendered homeless, and with a husband often
involved in parochial disputes, and at one time
actually imprisoned (the result of misfortune
and spite), Mrs. Wesley, uncomplaining, ad-
hered to her purposes and plans, and even
found time to write able treatises on religious
topics and doctrines, and when the Rector was
busy in London, taking part in convocation
affairs, she made provision, by her own dis-
course and the reading of awakening sermons,
for the spiritual wants of the parishoners, thus
becoming, if not his official assistant, yet his
effective substitute.

The Pharisees, in the days of our Lordr
had allowed a certain privilege, permitted by

Tht Domtstio Sanctuiry.

the law of Moses to bect)ine an o|)|)ressivc
tradition, by wliich the wife was hniniliated
and d(>^'taded. If a man had a disHke to hJH
wife, he could take and write her a bill of
divorcement for the most trivial offence, and
[)iit her away. Hut our Lord, as lawmak';r
and judge, forbid it, and said that she should
not be put away, except for one particular sin,
— the sin of adultery. In this the sacredness
of the divine institution of marria/^'c was dis-
solved: the covenant bond was broktMi ; she
was no more worthy of his confidence and
protection: therefore, for that sin, and for
that only, was he justified in putting her
away. The teaching of Christ was, that what
God had johied together, man was not to put
asunder.

• CIIAITER IV.
tin: hushani) and wii-k in tiikik UNini)

KliLATK^NSlIII', AND AS Hi:iKS ToCililinCR
Ol- THE GRACE 01- LU E.

The jii(li,'meiit of Ood pronoiiiiceH upon
man, vvliile alone :\\u\ in a state of celibacy,
was, that it was not a j^ood state. **An(l the
Lord God said, It is not fi^ood that the man
should be alone, I will make him an help meet
for him." Ood made the woman for the man.
He also made the woman out of the man, to
intimate that the closest union and the most
affectionate attachment should subsist in the
matrimonial connection, so that the man should
ever consider and treat the woman as a part
of himself; and as no one ever hates his own
flesh, but nourishes and supports it, so should
a man deal with his wife. And, on the other
hand, the woman should consider that the man
was not made for her, but that she was made
for the man, and derived, under God, her being
from him ; therefore, the wife should see that
she reverence her husband (Eph. v., 33). This
is flesh of my flesh, therefore shall a man leave
father and mother and cleave unto his wife.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

How happy must such a state be where God's
institution is properly regarded — where the
parties are married, as the Apostle expresses
it, in the Lord. '

Dr. Macknight has some very good and
homely remarks here : *' The husband is to
love his wife : tne wife to obey and venerate
her husband. Love and protection on the
one hand, affectionate subjection and fidelity
on the other. The husband should provide
for his wife without encouraging profuseness ;
watch over her conduct without giving her
vexation ; keep her in subjection without mak-
ing her a slave."

The range of interests requiring their uni-
ted counsel being compressed within a limited
circle, makes their duties, though important,
yet comparatively easy. The duties of the
household, proper, such as house accommoda-
tion and furniture, sickness, education, and the
future v/elfare of the family, are included in a
joint consideration. Church government the
charity and wisdom of the Apostle does not
permit her to interfere in, but to keep silent,
and if she would learn anything, let her ask
her husband at home, (ist Cor. xiv., 34-35 ;
ist Tim. ii., 9-14). Her individual taste in
personal adornment is not to be absorbed in
external ornaments and costly apparel, that

Husband and Wife.

can be put on or taken off just as vanity and
the influence of circumstances shall dictate ;
but with modest apparel, with shaniefaccdness
and sobriety, as women professing godliness •
yea, that hidden man of the heart, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is
in the sifi^ht of God of f^reat price,. **For after
this manner in the old time the holy women,
who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being
in subjection to their own husbands ; even as
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord."
(ist Peter, iii., 1-6.)

All people in the olden tiiae, although their
names may be allowed a place in inspired his-
tory, were not given as examples for imitation,
but, in many cases, as ensamples for our warn-
ing and admonition, for our correction and
instruction in righteousness, that the man of
God may be perfect — thoroughly furnished
unto every good work.

The sacred Scriptures present us with
some glaring inconsistencies, where domestic
affection and honor have been shamefully^out-
raged, and social honesty and forbearance
prostrated, either by the disguised treachery
of one towards the other, or by the united
agreement of both, to perpetrate a wron;

'g-

The Domestic Sanctuary.

ISAAC AND REBEKAH.

One of the greatest and most fruitful sources
of evil in a family is parental partiality, which
prevailed to an alarming extent in the families
of " the chief of the fathers." See it with its
train of painful consequences in the history of
Jacob and Joseph, and the coat of many colors.
When his brethren saw that the father loved
him more than all the rest, they hated him and
could not speak peaceably unto him. See it,
also, in Laban and his family; but more espe-
cially with Isaac and Rebekah towards Jacob
and Esau. It is very significantly stated that
Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob.
This absorbing favoritism scattered the bloom
and marred the fruit of domestic harmony, by
mutual bickerings, jealousies and feuds. See
the old man bending beneath the weight of six
score years and the many infirmities of a very
checkered life, and his eyesight failing him.
He is anxious to make arrangements for his
household before he departs. In this he is to
be commended. Many a family would have
saved heavy expenses and painful disappoint-
ment had a proper disposal of its affairs been
made by its head before death had made it
impossible.

Husband and Wife.

The manner in which Isaac went through
this transaction is questionable, and not in
harmony with religion and good judgment, but
indicates a desire on his part to secure a great
advantage for his favorite son at the expense
of the other, and an attempt to thwart the pur-
pose of God. Why so much apparent hurry
and secrecy ? There is no account of any
attempt at seeking divine guidance. Family
counsel is avoided. Rebekah, the wife of his
youth and old age, is not consulted. What
had savory venison to do with a solemn tes-
tamentary transaction? No wonder that the
whole plan miscarried, and that the old man
"trembled exceedingly."

It is affecting to find a wife and a mother,
of the age and experience of Rebekah, taking
advantage of her husband's age and infirmity
to deceive him. The root of her treachery
was ambition ; but it wa^i a woman's ambition,
and therefore not for herself, but for another.
We tremble as we behold the son led on by
the mother, with the name of God upon his
lips, deceiving his father, whose eyes were so
dim that he could not see. Although it was
the declared purpose of God that the rights
of the firstborn should be with Jacob, it was
never intended that they should be obtained
in so reprehensible a way. A Uttle patience

The Domestic Sanctuary.

and trust in providence, Jind in dne time the
tninsfcr would be coniploted, and that upon a
divine phin and with the divine blessing. We
might profitably ponder the weighty lessons
taught in this family plotting and connter-
plotting. It is a great evil and glaringly in-
consistent with parental duty to divide their
family into pets and favorites, and the con-
trary. In this way we never can succeed in
establishing domestic discipline. After this
Jacob was compelled to flee from home, under
the guilt of selfishness and falsehood. Esau
also departs, with a fixed purpose that his
revenge should eventually be satisfied in taking
away the life of his brother. What a series of
vexations, disappointments and calamities, with
a constant stream of treacherous overbearing,
followed him to the end? What son could
look with respect upon a guilty mother after
this? Would not her extravagant love change
into shame and reproach, and result in arousing
theunkindest antipathies. We are also reminded
by the circumstances of the vanity of trusting
in an arm of flesh. " Upon me be thy curse,
my son," said the doting, self-deceived mother,
in the moment of exaggerated passion for her
son's prosperity and renown. But is one
sinner a refuge for another? Is it not daring
presumption to assume the responsibility of so

desperate a deed? Her sclieme to ^^et hiin away
from threatened danger led liiin to the very
place where her crafty brother deals exactly
with hiiTi as she had counselled Jacob to do
with Esau. She flattered herself that his
absence would only be for a short time, but it
lasted throughout her life, and she saw him no
more. A scrupulous observance of the divine
will makes the wisest parents, the most obedient
children, the kindest neighbors, the most loyal
subjects, and the truest patriots.

AHAB AND JEZEBEL.

There is in the twenty-first chapter of the
first book of Kings, 1-25, an account of a royal
pair, whose features of character it may be
profitable to consider. Ahab, as a successful
warrior, had recently returned from Aphek,
elated with two decisive victories over Ben-
haded and thirty-two confederate kings. He
had just been reprimanded by a prophet in
God's name for misusing an advantage he had
won in the battle field. He was "heavy and
displeased " with God, the prophet, and with
everyone but himself. While in that unhappy
mood, walking one day in the palace ground, he
cast an evil eye upon the vineyard of his neigh-
bor. He did not need it for a vineyard, but he
thought it would make a kitchen garden ; but^

The Domestic Sanctuary.

whether or no, he did not like his pounds over-
looked by an insipiificant nei^dibor. He offered
to buy the vineyard of Naboth at a price, or
change it for another. But the law of Israel
did not allow iheni to sell the inheritance of
their fathers. Naboth's great respect for the
law would uot allow him to accept the offer,
so he told Ahab he could not sell. With this
he was indignant and greatly annoyed : to think
that kings and governors by the score should
submit themselves and bow down to him, yet
this superstitious and religious enthusiast, and
ungenerous neighbor, refuses to oblige him. He
resents the refusal as a gross affront. He goes
into his house ''heavy and displeared," refuses
to eat bread, goes to bed, turning his face to
the wall, or sulks, and w'on't speak to any one.
There was a time when man was alone, but
God had compassion on him and provided a
helpmeet for him. If such help was then
necessary and congenial, how much more so
now, when his intellect is broken down and
his mental faculties prostrate and confused.
In times of affliction and trial, to have a true
sympathizer and wise counsellor by your side,
in whom you have unlimited confidence, is a
great boon. How commanding, for good or
for evil, is the influence of a wife ? If she
possess her unquestionable right, the undivided

Husband and Wife.

■

id
I .

love and affection of her husband, it must be
inevitably great, and .it may be capable of
indefinite expansion. If the husband be a iinin
of turbulent spirit, her quietness may calm him.
If covetous, she may teach him the pleasure
and blessedness of giving. If extravagant, she
may restrain him. If malignant, her love and
affection may subdue it. If apt to misunder-
stand a neighbor, she may soften the angles of
dispute and preserve the harmony unbroken.
Verily, he that findeth such a wife findeth a
good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.
On the other hand, if a wife is a power for
good, she is also a great power for evil. The
poet has observed that

*' The true, successful way to man is woman."

Of all the agencies which Satan has employed
since the world began, few have been so
dexterously successful as wilful, intriguing
woman. Adam, but for Eve, never might have
eaten of the forbidden fruit. But for Rebekah,
as we have shown, Jacob would not have
deceived his dying father. If Samson had not
been so fascinated as to have divulged the
secret gift of God to a deceitful woman, he
would not have fallen into the hands of the
Philistines. Had it not been for Job's unwaver-
ing confidence in the divine integrity, the hasty

The Domestic Sanctuary.

profanity of Iiis wife might h.ive involved them
in remediless ruin, by becoming voluntary vic-^
tims of the divine displeasure. Herod would
not have beheaded John the baptist had it not
been for Herod ias, his wife ; and, had not Jezebel
stirred up Ahab, he would not have dared to
countenance the horrible deeds that followed.
She went into his chamber, while he lay on his
bed in his sulky mood, and taunted him with
cowardice, and suggested a plausible plot. But
for this Ahab might have got relief through his
tears, ** and washed his grief away." But
Jezebel, his wife, came to him and said, ** Why
is thine heart so sad that thou eatest no bread ?"
Ahab, like a soft weeping school boy that has
lost his marbles, replies, '* Because I spoke
unto Naboth, the Jezreelite, and said unto him,
* Give me the vineyard for money, or else, if it
please thee, I will give thee another vineyard
for it ; ' and he answered, ' I will not give thee
my vineyard.'" He overstates the case, so as
to clear himself and criminate Naboth. Jezebel,
instead of allaying his rage by calm, dignified
persuasion, only aggravates his feelings by
adding fuel to the flame. She despises the
cowardliness of her husband, and is indignant
he should so demean himself. '* Dost thou now
govern the kingdom of Israel ? " she exclaimed ;
*' art thou, or Naboth, King ? Arise and eat

Husbnnd and Wife.

broad, ntul Ic^t tliino lic.nt \)v niorrv ; T will ^'et
tlicc tile viiunard." To effect lier purpose, she
wrote letters in Allah's name to the elders and
nobles of Je/rcel, saying' that Naboth was a
dan/:,'erous nei^dd)or, and that the peace of the
city was in dan/^'er in consc(|iicnce of his crimes,
and rc(]nirin^' them to condemn and execute
without mercy. These instructions found ready
response from her friends, and Naboth was
executed. The news of his death soon reached
Jezebel, and she, exulting: in the success of
her diabolical project, approaches the bedside
of her dejected husband, and says, "Arise now
and take possession of the vineyard, for Naboth
is not alive, but dead." Delighted with the
information, he does not linger, but goes at
once to take possession of the coveted treasure.
It is likely they destroyed the whole of his
family ; and then the King seized on his grounds
as confiscated, or without any heir-at-law.
(2nd Kings, ix., 26.) As he moves along its
sacred walks, not pensive and sad that so ques-
tionable an inheritance should have been got at
so great a sacrifice, but flushed with delight
that the obstinate enthusiast has been put out
of the way, he is suddenly disturbed by the
sound of approaching footsteps. He sees a
man clothed in hairy garments, with a leathern
girdle about his loins. Ahabhasmet with him

The Domestic Sanctuary.

before, and smarted under his cutting' reproofs,

which lie has not for^'ot. " Hast thou found

me, O mine enetny?" he an^^nily ex(daime<l.

The stern and tcrrihlc* rc^ply is, " I have found

th('(! ; l)c(*ause thou hast sold thyself to work

wirkechiess in the si^ht of the Lord." Thus

saitli the Lord, '' In tlie |)lace where tlie do^s

hcked the Mood of Naboth, shall doj^'s lick thy

blood, even thine." Of Je/ebel also spake the

Lord, saying, "The do^'s shall eat Je/ebtd by

the wall of Je/reel." And of the whole male

posterity, "Him that dieth of Ahab in the city

shall the do^s eat ; and him that dieth in the

field shall the fowls of the air eat." What a

black epitaph is affixed to the royal memorial

by inspiration: "There was none like Ahab,

which did sell himself to work wickedness in

the si^dit of the Lord, whom Je/ebcl his wife

stirred up." Then the fearful retribution which

overtook her is horrible to contemplate. She,

by the command of Jehu, was cast down from

her own room window and was killed ; then her

man^ded body was trodden to pieces under his

horses' feet, and accordinf(ly the predictions of

Elijah, "The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall

of Jezreel," were fulfilled. The dof^s eat all but

the skull, the feet and the hands — not enough

left to necessitate a funeral. So no costly

tomb, or even a grassy mound, exists to per-

Husband and Wife.

pctuatc licr iiicniory. Does not this case
j)tosoiit 51 st:m(li!i^' vv.'iriiinf^' apiifist all such
alliances.

We live In (IcedH, not ycarit ; In thouKhtH, not breath ;
In fc'flln>{s, ni)t in fij,'iireN on a. diui.
VV'c hhoiild count time by hrnrt throbit Wk mnnt liven
Who thinkH mout, fccl»t the noblent, uctH the be»t.

DAVID AND HIS IfOUSKIlOl.D.

Davi'l was the most illustrious and heroic of
the ancient worthies in the administration of
ri^diteous |^a)vei"nment in his family, himself
taking' the lead. Hence he says: "I will
behave myself wisely in a perfect way. * *
I will walk within my house with a perfect
heart. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell
within my house; he that telleth lies shall not
tarry in my sight: but the faithful they shall
dwell with me." (Psalms ci.) His affection
for the welfare of his family was strong and
unyielding. Few men ever rose higher or
shone brighter than David.

An inspired historian says that his fame
went out into all lands, and the Lord brcaight
the fear of him upon all nations. He was pros-
perous and honorable in thebusinessof life, bold
and daring in the defence of his flocks, successful
and triumphant as a warrior. As a sovereign,
how just his judgment, how prosperous and
extended his reign. As a prophet, what a dis-
tinct seer into the ages to come, for God had

The Domestic Sanctuary.

swum willi ;iii oath to liiiii, that of his loins,
accordiiif^ to the tlesh, he vvoiihl raise up
Christ to sit upr)!i Iiis throne. His moral
and rrh;,'ioiis character was next to hhinu'Kss:
for"I)avi(l (\'u\ that which was ri^dit in tlic

es of the lord, and turned not aside from

anything' which he had coinman(h>d him all
the days of his life, save only in the matter of
Uriah the Hittite." (ist Kinpfs xv., 5). That
in this instance he |;'rievously di'parted from
(jod no one would attemj)t to deny, hut was not
liis repentance the deepest and most exemplary
we have on record? When a man has fallen,
and makes the speediest return to God hy con-
fession .'ifid repentance, he proves thaf: that
trans^^ression is no part of his character. He
does not respect it. He loathes and abhors it.
Many are ^^neat in public life, and dazzle
the multitude by the number and ma^Miitude
of their worldly achievements, but whose pri-
vate character and donn^stic virtues are held
in strict reserve. Abroad they appear studious
to please and excel; at home their conduct
presents a melancholy reverse. Hut I^avid
appeared as solicitous to please God at home
as abroad; and, whether viewed in the camp,
the senate, the sanctuary, or the household, we
see the same devotional disposition pervading
all his movements.

Husband and Wifa,

II •.Ten I Nd Till' AKK.

Tin: sixth cliaptcr of iinl Siiinucl contains
«i record of mobt l'\( ilin^' tnmsjictions, an<l in
whicli David took tin* most conspiruoiis part.
He, and thirty thousand of the chosen men of
Isra(;l, foinicMl a ^nand procession to fetch the
ark of (iod from Kir^Mth Jeriin nnto the city

»f David ; h

oi uavKi ; l)ut instead ot comnuttnig it to the
care and manaf,'enient of the priests and Le-
vites, vviio shonhl have borne it npon their
shoidders witii the staves thereon, they, in
imitation of the nei^dd)orin^' and i(h)hitroiis
nations who (hcsv the; i(h)ls ai)ont in carriaf^'cs
for exhibition, phiced the aik upon a new cart.
The oxen yoked to the cart stnml)ied, and
U//ah, fearing' the ark was in (hmj^er of fjdl-
ing, stietched forth his haiid to support it; but
God smote him for his error, that he died by
the ark of God. David, alarmed at this awful
token of the divine displeasure, hesitated to
proceed, and a temporary residence was pro-
vided for the ark in the house of Obed-edom ;
and there the symbol of the divine presence
rented, and there the blessinj^' of Jehovah
dwelt, and everythin^^ prospered with Obed-
edom while the ark abode in his house. (2nd
Sam. vi., 11, 12.)

David, hearin^^ of this, resolved upon an-
other attempt to remove it unto his own city,

The Domestic Sanctuary.

iuu\ piofitin;^^ hy his former error, lie now ap-
pointed the Levites, the proper legitimate
persons, to hear it upon their shoulders. As
soon as it was freed from its local entanf^le-
menis and ready for departure, he caused seven
hullocks and seven rams to be offered in sacri-
fice as an atonement for past omissions of
duty, (ist Chron. xv.) David was there as
king, but could take no active part in the
ceremony without being claci in appropriate
garments. He therefore clothed himself in a
linen ephod, as more expressive of his mind
and will. Z<ial of God's house absorbed every
other consideration, and the plain garment
in which a common Levite ministered in be-
fore the Lord was more in harmony with
his motives and pleasures than distinguished
royalty with its gorgeous display. After they
had given their fullest demonstration of joy,
and pitched the ark in the place appointed for
its reception, and every one receiving a cake
of bread and a good piece of flesh and a flagon
of wine, David blessed them in the name of
the Lord of Hosts. Then, notwithstanding all
this national display, this religious excitement,
this unbounded enthusiasm of music and danc-
ing, all must be superseded and make way for
duties waiting for his attention. Then David
returned to bless his household.

Husband and Wife.

The duty affected the unity of the royal
household. His wife, who eyed him with a
scowl of contempt and accosted him in a strain
of insultin^^ and sarcastic impiety when she
saw him put off the kinf][ly ;:,^armcnts which
distinguished him above the rest, felt her
dignity greatly humiliated, and in her frenzy
came out to meet him and said, " How glori-
ous was the King of Israel to-day, who uncov-
ered himself in the eyes of the handmaids of his
servants as one of the vain fellows shamelessly
uncovereth himself." Such was the impudent
and irritating language in which David was
addressed when he went to bless his household.
David explained and remonstrated, saying, "It
was before the Lord I did it, but if this makes
me base in thy sight, I will yet be more vile."
The taunting, godless spirit of Michal has in-
fluenced many a wife since the days of David,
the consequences of which have been most
ruinous to family peace and prosperity. Man
evcr3^where is man, and whether he shall ad-
vance or decline depends on the motive princi-
ples by which he is actuated. Wherever a
system of mental ignorance, sloth and bondage
prevails, domestic and social advancement is
impossible. Families and empires do not rise
and fall wholly by the immediate power of
God; they are not thrown up like new islands

The Domestic Sanctuary.

in tlie sea, nor fall like cities in an earthquake,
by the direct exaction of the divine will. They
are carried throu^di the varioi^s sta^^es of ad-
vance or decline by their virtues and vices,
which God makes the instruments of their
prosperity or destruction. No people can be
great without liberty as well as order, and
there is no true liberty where men submit to
be slaves in soul, and crouch beneath the yoke
of a spiritual serfdom.

. ifflv

^■/

CHAPTER V.

<.'

THE FAMILY INSTITUTION.

The principal objects of the institution of
marriage and the division of the human race
into the smaller societies called families, was
to raise a godly seed, and in this sense the New
Testament itself specifically calls the children
of godly parents '* holy." (ist Cor. vii., 14.)

The same authority also constitutes a godly
household a church, as in the case of Stephanas
of Nymphas, Lydia, Philemon, and the keeper
of the prison at Philippi. (Rom. xvi., 5 ; Cor.
xvi., 19; Col. iv., 15, etc.)

From these and other considerations, it
must appear evident to every candid mind that
the household of every Christian should answer
to this character. Far higher ends than those
of a temporal nature have to be answered by
the association of a Christian man, and his
wife, children and servants, in one domestic
circle. The apostle Paul is very emphatic in
the qualifications of a minister, that he shall
be one that ruleth well his own house. If he
know not how to rule his own house, how shall
he take care of the Church of God? The

The Domestic Sanctuary.

church in the house first as preparatory to
the ^'overnment, though under a fuller unction
and in a separated character, in the Church
Catholic,

THE COVENANT OF GRACE.

The covenant of grace made to Abraham
and all his believing posterity, of which baptism
is now the sign, was made in the assumption
that fatherly training and teaching in the case
of believers would never be wanting. (Gen.
xviii., 19.) Whenever a baptism, therefore,
takes place in a family, it must be clearly
understood that the rite admits the recipient
into both churches, that of the house and that
of the body of believers. The child, as such,
has been placed in a position of infallible
safety. It is in a gracious state, so far as its
capacity and circumstances admit. " Of such,"
says our Lord (not of such like), "is the king-
dom of heaven." The whole case of the child
has been met and provided for by redemption -
ary arrangements set forth by the Apostle in
the 5th chapter of Romans. As an infant, so
certainly as it is a sharer in the "offence and
condemnation of the first, man," so certainly
is it a sharer in the "free gift" and glorious
. " righteousness" of the second man — the Lord
from heaven. But when personal guilt has

been superadded to original sin, an element
of uncertainty has been introduced that may
vitiate the transaction. The irresponsibility of
the child, so far from invalidating^ its baptism,
is the very thing that invests it with certainty.

The institution of infant consecration,
whether by circumcision or by baptism, is
sufficient proof to us that we are not left to
choose whether our children are to be religious
or not. That they are to be so is a ruled case,
since in their earliest days the Triune God
claims their service, and in token puts the
sacred mark of His covenant upon them. The
sacrament of baptism meets them on the very
threshold of life. It claims them for God, and
signs and seals them as His. It is God's pub-
lic investiture of the child with the name of
the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost. By the concurrence of all the parties
concerned it has been decided, so far as it
can without their voluntary action, that they
are to be the consecrated servants of God.
What remains to make that transaction com-
plete and give fulfilment and consummation to
the design that commenced in baptism, is the
free, sincere, intelligent consent of the children
themselves.

To carry out these designs some very .^^reat
and learned men (whose judgment upon the

The Domestic Sanctuary.

',■

question is, at least, deserving,' of respectful
reflection) have considered that the primary
responsibihty in this matter rests upon the
Church. There is no doubt that a grave re-
sponsibihty abides with the Church in provid-
ing ordinances, evangehcal instruction and
discipline, pastoral oversight by truly spiritual
men, and proper and available arrangements
for the religious education of its rising charge ;
but it re<iuires great care lest we should so
interfere in church duties and offices as to
supersede, or even in the slighest degree lower,
our own. It is the instinct of nature, it is the
law of God, that upon parents should first
devolve the obligation to bring children up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and
no godfather or godmother, and no minister,
and no sabbath school teacher, can take their
place. Parents of course are entitled to avail
themselves of all the help placed at their dis-
posal, and they who most worthily sustain the
parental relationship will be most anxious to
realize it.

THE REASONABLENESS OF FAMILY RELIGION.

In consequence of the lines of domestic
worship not being definitely drawn and en-
forced by a divine commandment, some have
raised objections against the duty itself. No

The Family Institution,

christian man, rightly under the influence of
religious principles, will ask for any positive
recognition binding him in his family to wor-
ship God. No one, if he is sufficiently con-
scious of the weighty responsibilities which
devolve upon him as to the spiritual interests
of his family, will need to be goaded to the
discharge of duties so important by anv express
command of holy scripture. What would be
thought of me if I should demand an express
precept to enforce me to feed my children,
another to clothe them, another to educate
them, and another to train them to some credi-
table and useful employment? All this, you
might say very properly in reply, is absurd ;
your obligations rest on the dictates of nature.
Very true, I answer, and is not renewed na-
ture to have a voice, and something to teach,
which is far higher still ?

PATRIARCHAL USAGES.

In the narratives of sacred writ, in the
characters of those holy men of old, our path
of duty is with clearness pointed out. In
patriarchal times, worship was almost invaria-
bly domestic in its character. One of the first
a'^its upon record, after the destruction of the
old world, was an act of social piety — of family
worship. After Noah and his wife, and his

The Domestic Sanctuary.

sons, and his sons' wives witli liini, liad /^'oiie
forth out of the ark, "Noah buihk'd an altar
unto the Lord, and took of every clean beast,
and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt
offerin^^s upon the altar; and the Lord, on
behalf of Noah and his family, snielled a sweet
savor." In the families of Abraham, the wor-
ship of God, in the reli^dous training' of his
household, is, indeed, the subject of marked
approval. " I know him," saith the Almighty,
*'that he will command his children and his
household after him, and they shall keep the
way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment."
Wherever the patriarch Jacob went, there he
erected an altar unto the Lord ; and notwith-
standing his very checkered life, yet, in every
place, God gave him a satisfactory token of
his approval and blessing.

THE LAW OF MOSES.

The religious instruction of families, doubt-
less as a branch of domestic worship, is sol-
emnly enjoined in the law of Moses. " These
words which I command thee this day shall
be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of
them when thou sittest in thine house, and
when thoii walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down and when thou risest up ; and thou

The Family Imtllutlon.

slialt 1)1*11(1 tliCTii for a si^Mi upon tliiiu* linnd,
and they shall ho as frontlets hctwocn thine
eyes, and thou sh.dt write them upon the posts
of thy house and on thy j^'ates." ((ienesis vi.,
4-9.)

Tine KVILS Ol' ir.NORANCK.

I/^morance is the ne;^^ation of all moral ex-
cellencies. The soul without knowlcdj^^e is not
good. Ip^norance is a state, cold and cheerless,
by which the finer feelinj^'s of the human soul
are locked up, and the individual is deprived
of the happiness that would arise from their
culture and exercise. All the pleasures of the
uninformed, if pleasures they can he called,
arise from external object^ and when s. tiated
with these, havin^^ no mental resources, no
power of producing" enjoyment from their own
thouf,dits and rejections, they sink unto empti-
ness and bewilderment, little better than idiot-
ism itself: whereas knowledijc is power, and
wisdom is better than strenf^^th. Instruction is
to the mind wliat culture is to the plant. The
mind of an infant is said to be a perfect blank,
without intelligence, or even conscious exis-
tence, but it cannot long remain so : like the
neglected soil, weeds will be seen to spring up
withont effort; but, as products of the native
earth, so early in life ideas begin to shoot,

111

< J

I i

Thi Domestic Sanctuary.

habits be^in to form, and propensities to pre-
vail. As soon as there is a capacity for the
reception of instrnction, tlicn it sliould be corn-
niunicated. *' In tlie niorninf^ sow thy seed."
Children should be tau^dit repeatedly. '* My
dear," said the venerable saint Wesley, to his
devoted wife Susanna, '* you teach that child
the same tiling' twenty times over, why do you
do so?" "Why, my dear," was her calm and
si^niificant reply, "because nineteen times wont
do." So, for successful effort, there needs
"line upon line, and precept upon precept."

INSTRUCTION.

Another means necessary to be observed in
the promotion of hoysehold religion is Instruc-
tion. Example, it must be allowed, possesses
an instructive influence : it silently and unob-
trusively courts the attention of thoughtful
minds ; but the purest examples cannot always
command success. Children and young people
are often thoughtless, unaccustomed to reflec-
tion, their minds are easily influenced, and
foolishness is bound up in their hearts. Reli-
gion is not always acceptable, pleasure is
courted and embraced. Darkness is put for
light, and light for darkness. Hence where
religious instruction is forborne family religion
will not flourish.

The Family Institution,

It is recc>nl(Ml of Prince Albert, sotnetitnes
called "Albort tlio (iood," that he spent several
hours a tlay in trainin;^' the royal children in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and
in the supervision of their ^.^cneral education ;
that he examined every book put into their
hands; that, while they had many teachers,
he himself was their chief instructor, and that
in all this he was ably supported by the yueen.

The prince directed that a marble monu-
ment be executed of Edward VI. and placed
on the stair-case of Windsor Castle. The
young and pious monarch is represented point-
ing with his sceptre to this text on the page
of an open Bible: *' Josiah was eight years old
when he began to reign, and he did that which
was right in the sight of the Lord." This was
intended as a lesson to the Prince of Wales
and the other royal children.

TRAINING.

Successfully to bring up a family in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, is among
the greatest achievements of this life of warfare.
Where a family is large there generally exists
considerable diversity of constitutional temper-
ament, where modified rule and authority is
required to secure respectful and effective
management. To do this impartially, requires

Tht Domettic Sinctuar/,

a j^ood sliare of practical ac(|iiaintance with
Imnian nature, a vvelI-l)alaiicfHl tiiiiid, and steady
attention to tli(> devt^lopnient of the human
heart. Diversity of characteristics existed
lar^'ely in Jacob's family, and accordin/^' to
whicli his piopliecy portrayed their future char-
acter and destiny. (Gen. xlix., 1-27.) Jacol), as
prince and a f;».th('r in the patriarchal churcli,
was not very successful in his family training,'.
During' the early part of his married life he was
away from home en^'aj^^ed with his jeilous and
unscrupulous father-in-law. His family, in this
respect, suffered as a consequence.

It should be the object of all persons havinj:^
rising families to provide homes of their own,
where no stranger intermeddleth therewith;
otherwise parental authority may be very much
impaired, and what otherwise might be good
and effective training, seriously imperilled.
But no matter how wise the government, or
how judiciously administered, some persons
have no respect for it ; others heedlessly dis-
regard it, while others violently object to its
authority and rule.

Children love dominion : this is their ear-
liest and most predominant propensity. Their
will is their only law, and, long before they can
speak, they grow peevish, fretful, sullen and out
of humor, if their wills happen to be crossed.

Tht family ImtUutlon.

I will, or I \v()n*t,ate reiterated it) every nursery,
and found in every child's vocabulary, l^ut
children must he j^overned; their wills must
be subdued; they must be made to do what,
in many instances, tliey dislike. Subordina-
tion, and not sovcreij^'iity, is their province.
Where children can be ^(overned by love alone,
ciiastisemcnt must be forborne ; but this can
rarely be done. A parent must be reverenced;
feared as well as loved. There are children so
intolerably insolent and obstinately perverse,
thrit nothinpf short of correction will concjuer
them. They must be p nished to be governed.
Hut punishment should be judiciously inflicted:
moral deliiupicncies, and not accidental errors,
should be the grounds of punishment. To
chastise a child indiscriminately for every mis-
take, partakes more of savage barbarity than
salutary discipline, and totally defeats the de-
sign which chastisement should have in view.
The precepts and teachings of the sacred
scriptures should be well studied and observed,
in order to the judicious correction of child-
ren. "He that spareth the rod hateth his
son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him
betimes." (Prov. xiii., 24.) " Chasten thy son
while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare
for his crying." (Prov. xix., 18.) " We have
had fathers of our flesh which corrected us,

■ )i

The Domestic Sanctuary.

and we gnve them reverence." (Heb. xii., 9.)
"A prudent and kind mother," says Locke,
** of my acquaintance, was forced to whip her
httle daughter, at her first coming home from
nurse, eight times successively the same morn-
ing, before she could master her stubbornness.
If she had left off sooner, and stopped at the
seventh whipping, she had spoiled the child
for ever, and by her unprevailing blows only
confirmed her refractoriness, very hard after-
wards to be cured ; but wisely persisting till
she had bent her mind and suppled her will, —
the only end of correction and chastisement, —
she established her authority thoroughly on the
very first occasion, and had ever after a very
ready compliance and obedience in all things
from her daughter ; for as this was the first
time, so I thmk it was the last, she ever struck
her."

GOVERNMENT.

Another very essential method is the exer-
cise of good government. All government
originated in patriarchal or parental authority,
and families contain the rudiments of empires;
and as the happiness of a nation may be pro-
moted by the wisdom and justice of the legis-
lature, so the welfare of a family depends most
essentially on its government. He who is at
the head of a family is bound to govern

The Family Institution.

it. How (iifficult the undertal'ii^^ to shun the
opposite extreiiiCs of remissness and severity ;
what wisdom, and patience, and firmness are
required to govern a family in the fear of the
Lord.

The government of a householder over his
domestics should be exercised for moral and
religious purposes. By virtue of his authority,
hi should restrain them from all questionable
society and places of entertainment. Young
people who are suflered to deck themselves out
in all the finery of" fashion, to have a wide range
of acquaintance, to mingle with promiscuous
society, and frequent places of public amuse-
ment, can scarcely fail to become proficients in
the school of iniquity. And it should not be
forgotten, that what are technically termed
innocent amusements, are often pregnant with
moral results of tremendous import. Dinah
went out to see the daughters of the land.
(Gen. xxxiv., i.) Her personal attractions won
the heart of Shecham, and led to an illicit con-
nection ; then came a deep, designing and dis-
sembled act of villany, and, lastly, a general and
horrid massacre of all the male inhabitants of
the city.

The wicked and scandalous conduct of Eli's
sons was reputed to their father's criminal in-
dulgence: '' His sons made themselves vile, and

^fi

''I

' I
I

1 I

The Domestic Sanctuary.

he restrained them not/ Restraint was prac-
ticable, and he who allows wicked indulgences
to exist when he has the power of preventing
them, becomes partaker of other men's sins,
and will be dealt with accordingly. Family
government does not end with restraint : duty
requires that the domestics sanctify the Sab-
bath, frequent the house of God, engage in the
act of public worship, and practise the virtues
of justice, temperance and sobriety.

The value of home influence for both worlds
can hardly be over-rated. Like the Sabbath,
wedded life is a precious relic and reminiscence
of Eden, where it appears in any near resem-
blance to its true ideal. No other institution of
human society is fraught with equal blessing.
The family is the primal type of social organ-
ization, and that which alone can claim to be
based on divine authority. Any violation of
its sanctities or weakening of its ties must mili-
tate against the welfare of individuals and of
nations ; any strengthening of its hold upon
the human heart, and realization of its true
spirit and design, will greatly tend to promote
the happiness and elevation of mankind.

Three things, at least, are necessary to the
building up the character of a well regulated
family, Authority, Affection, Religion. Without
Authority there will be neither peace nor order ;

The Family Institution.

without Affection there will he no tenderne«;<?,
no warmth, no mutual delight and joy ; with-
out Religion the other elements can only exist
in a lower degree, while all the very nohlest
objects contemplated in its institution will be
unrecognized and unattained. Happy the
home whose borders are undivided by rebellion
and mis-rule ; whose welcome portals furnish a
calm retreat from the storms and tempests of
life ; in whose bosom all the tenderest impulses,
sympathies, and sensibilities of the human
breast find their due encouragement and solace,
their congenial sphere. Happy the home
which enshrines and exercises all the sweet
amenities of life : fellowship in sorrow, fellow-
ship in joy, mutual confidence and respect,
eager emulation in all good offices, elevating
communion, attachments strong and pure, and
love that never fails. Happiest of all when the
Friend of Mary and Martha and Lazarus
"abides in the house," and the apostle's idea is
realized of " the church in the house ;" its daily
life being so ordered upon christian principles,
and so pervaded by a christian tone and spirit,
that the earthly association becomes a sancti-
fied discipline for, and earnest of, heaven.

THE IN"FLUENCE OF EXAMPLE.

Household religion may be promoted by
the influence of example. It is a prevailing

'i! i

The Domestic Sanctuary.

law in np.ture for brutes instinctively to copy
the actions of their species. Man gathers
knowledge from external objects, and tries to
improve upon what others have done. Minds
possess the mysterious power of assimilation,
and morals are not unfrequently the transcript
of others ; hence, no man can be solitary, good
or bad. The contagion of vice, or the influence
of virtue, is quickly communicated. Living
models of excellence daily set before our eyes,
can scarcely fail to win attention and excite
emulation ; and if good example shines in one
place more that another, it is in the seclusion
of domestic life. In the walks of commerce, or
the bustle of business, man has to be seen, for
he has to "provide things honest in the sight
of all men :" but there his stay is short, his
demeanor cautious and circumspect. But in
the bosom of his family his character is fairly
developed : here his example meets every eye,
and attracts the attention of every spectator ;
they see him as an Israelite indeed — " a man
on earth devoted to the skies." Such was the
service David set before him in his daily life
among his family. " I will walk within my
house with a perfect heart ; I will set no wicked
thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of
them that turn aside, it shall not cleave unto
me." (Ps. ci., 3.) Those who wish to be a

The Family Institution,

blessing to their households, should themselves
be rich in blessin^^s, abounding in all }^)0(1
things. Their characters should be models for
others. The levity of their children's disposi-
tion should be curbed by the habitual serious-
ness of their own, and their conduct generally
towards all their domestics so consistent, that
with the Apostle they may say, " Those things
which ye have both learned and received, and
seen in me, do ; and the God of peace shall be
with you."

''i'\]

CHAPTER VI.

FAMILY WORSHIP — THE CONSTANT AND DEVOUT
USE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

Alniijji^hty God, in condescension to our
fallen condition, lias been pleased to reveal to
us what the instincts of reason or the force of
example neveri' could have furnished us with,
that is, a declaration of His will ; a copy of
His nn'nd ; a transcript of His nature. To be
ignorant of these truths is to be ignorant of
the requirements of religion.

It was because the pagan world "did not
like to retain God in their knowledge" that
God gave them over to a reprobate mind.
The knowledge of the truth constitutes the
whole difference betwixt savage and civilized
society; for to the improvement of the mind
all nations have owed the improvement of con-
dition. The comforts and conveniences of life,
useful acts, salutary laws, and good govern-
ments, are all the products of knowledge. Ig-
norant men may be made enthusiasts, they
may be made superstitious; but before they
can be made rational, steady and consistent
Christians, they must be enlightened.

The doctrines and reciuirenients of lioly
writ we arc explicitly enjoined to teach dili-
/^'ently to our children. When thou licst down
and when thou riscst iif), is the law on this point.
A cordial reception of the word of truth — the
suhmission of our hearts and lives to its teach-
ing's — must indeed he rej^'arded as essential to
the ri^dit dischar^^e of the varied duties which
man owes to God and his fellow men. The law
of the Lord is perfect, convcrtin'^ the soul ; the
testimony of the Lord is sure, makinj^Mvise the
simple. Here God, our maker, stands revealed
in all the attributes and perfections of His
character — in all the requirements of His truth
and will. Here the plan of salvation is, in all
its simplicity and ener^^y and fullness, made
known and enforced. Here is to be found
whatever is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
How important it is, then, that our children
(from earliest infancy), that all intrusted to
our care, be familiarized with the truths thus
essential to their highest welfare, and requisite
as a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their
path : and where, we ask, can this be more
interestingly or more impressively done than
when surrounding the domestic altar, where
the sanctions of worship unite with the endear-
ments of social life in rendering tlie mind more

«i

directly susceptible of the influence and con-
trol of relijL^ious truth? The domestic form, too,
in which much that is instructive and admoni-
tory in holy scripture is presented to our view.
The narratives there j^iven of parental fidelity
and its beneficial results ; of [)arental remiss-
ness and its consequent evil ; of hlial piety as
rewarded by (lod, and tilial disobedience in
connection with its curse, seem to refer to the
domestic altar as a place where truths of this
kind may be most appropriately and efficiently
enforced. How much, also, do parents and
masters, as well as their dependants, need line
upon line, precept upon precept, on the doc-
trines and duties of religion. Common as is
the act of reading the scriptures, and liable
thereby to be undervalued, it must not be for-
gotten that our deepest and richest instruction
comes from this source ; and, therefore, the
most reverential guard should be placed around
this part of our domestic religious service.
Where there is a taste for music and singing,
let it be sanctified by a morning and evening
hymn, that the little church in the house may
have its full service in instruction, and prayer,
and praise.

PRAYER.

Another important duty, and one that con-
tributes very largely to the establishment and

Family Worship.

furtherance of family relif^Mon, is prayer. There
are few persons siicli novices in reli;;ion as not
to know that prayer is personally henefuial to
us. It averts many evils and procures for us
many blessin/^^s. Hy it we (haw ni^di to God,
pour out our hearts before him, and secure his
approbation : for the prayer of the upri^dit is
his deli^dit.

Where prayer is restrained, duties remain
unfulrtlled, privilej^cs unenjoyed, happiness un-
felt, and heaven, with all its j^dories, eternally
forfeited. God has made it imperative that
we offer up prayers, supplications and interces-
sions for all men, and has he no disposition to
answer us? Must our sympathies, in the be-
half of others, be awakened in vain, or only to
return into our own bosom disappointed and
sore grieved? No; on a subject in which our
dearest interests are involved, wo are not left to
such doubtful conjecture. The Bible abounds
with facts and promises of the most encourag-
ing character. "The effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much." How
powerful were the pleadings of the father of
the faithful on behalf of the impious Sodom
and Gomorrah, and how inexpressibly gracious
and condescending were the answers of God
to him in reference to those awfully depraved
cities. When a son was promised to Abraham

I *

The Domestic Sanctuary.

ill liis old -.Vf^v., he, fciiriii;; th:»t his former son
would 1)1' ovcrlookt.'d amidst tlio piofiision of
favors prop.'irtHl for the hitter, said imto (»od,
"()th;it Ishmael mi;^dit Hve befoit; 'l'hee!"aiKl
th(; divine answer was, " I have lieard thee:
hehold, I have -blessed him." When the reit-
erated mnrmnrin;^'s of Israel had so far pro-
voked God, as to lead Him to threaten to
exterminate them and their whole race, Moses
interposed and interc(Hled, sayin;^^ " Pardon,
I beseech Thee, the initpiity of this people;"
and the Lord said, " I have pardoned accord-
ing to thy word." Upon another occasion,
nnder appalling apj)rehensions of the displea-
sure of the Almighty for their great oi)stinacy
in asking a king, they appealed to Samuel,
saying, "Pray for thy servants unto the Lord
thy God, that we die not ;" and he said, " God
forbid that I should sin against the Lord in
ceasing to pray for you." (ist Sam. xii., 23.)
With such examples before our eyes, examples
drawn from the records of infallible truth, who
can estimate the power and importance of such
an exercise, daily brought to bear upon our
family training and example? Whp can esti-
mate the folly of a parent attempting to train
up the members of a numerous family in the
way they should go,\vithout a family altar or
family sacrifice? Any professedly christian

Family Worship.

parent who did not pray for his rhiMrcti and
(h)nH'Stics, svoiihl be a paradox too picpostor-
ous fo! ( Mi'dihility, luit it is to bo laimntcd
that many may be found who totally nc;;lcct to
pray with theni.

The domestic union, thou^di frauj^ht with
many peculiar joys and intcrc ts, is liable to
its own peculiar temptations. W'liatever rela-
tions we sustain, or whatever state of life we
live in a family, we are liable to come into
fretiuent collision in points of difference in the
minds and teuijUTs of those who live with us,
however dear they may be to us as relatives,
or however fuuch we may respect them as
domestics. We shall re^^^ard ourselves as
sufferinj^' from tliem, and they may consider
themselves as bcinjj^ tried by us; and many. a
word that had better never have been spoken
may have passed on either side, a word that
either side wou]<l ^dadly, if it were possible,
forget.

l^ut oh, how this tendency is lessened, where
all parties concerned meet before the throne of
grace, taking common ground, confess their
common sin, and plead for the extension of one
common mercy. They all feel that unkind
tempers are totally inconsistent with a lowly
approach to the Majesty of heaven. Plain and
open prayer and open sin cannot go on

i t

The Domtfstlr Sanctuary.

to/^'cther ; the one or the other must soon be
/^'iven iij). Prayer is also a bond of miion, an
oiitirt afTordinj^ a seojx; for the (\vv.\i and d(!li-
cate affections of the heart. Many cliihhen
and domestics have, while kneelinj^ at family
worslii,), been (U'eply aftV'ctfd, in hearing'
|)etition after petition offered iij) to (iod iii
their own behalf, and have often retired sub-
dncd and softened from the s<:ene.

THE TIMJC I'OR FAMILY DI-VOTION.

The service having' been arran^^'ed, next in
importance is the most convenient and pro})cr
time for the exercise. Mornin;^ and evening' of
each day may be regarded as the most appro-
priate seasons for domestic worship.

The required presentation nder the Mosaic
economy of the morning and evcMiing sacrifice
mav be an intimation of the will of (iod in res-
pectof this. Mornin^^ and evening continually
were the priests to offer burnt offerings unto
the Lord ; to stand every morning to thank
and praise the Lord, and likewise at even.
" Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and
evening to rejoice." These natural divisions of
our time seem of themselves to summon to the
performance of religious duty. The sun rising
in brightriess, cometh out of his chamber, re-
joicing as a young man to run a race, diffusing

Fimiljf Worship,

far and wiilf the li|<lit of lit:avi*n, scimiis almost
audibly to call upon tivcrvtiiinj; that Imth
biL'ath, to praisf and uiav^'uify the Lord: wliilr
the shades ot cvenin^^ invito us to want«*(l and
refreshing' rest, un<l('i the wati hfid care ol Him
wliose eyelids never close.

The most convenient time toi the several
members of the family, should be decided upon

for th

if rcli

;li

toi tne perrormanc t.' oi rciii^Mous worsliip, and
conscientiously and rif(idly adhered to. With
many years' experience, we have found the most
suitable time to be immediately before breakfast
in the morning, and ir.imediately after supper in
the evening'. These seasons of domestic wor-
ship should be held sacred, allowing' of no
interruption. Extremes of haste and tedious-
ness should be avoided. Hurried worship indi-
cates an undevotional spirit, and borders on
irreverance and presumption. The scriptures
should be read, not promiscuously, but in order:
the New Testament in the mornin^^ and the Old
Testament in the evening', judiciously omitting'
such portions not intended for domestic edifi-
cation. A somewhat slow and emphatic man-
ner of reading, affording time for thinking on
the great and blessed truths which are incul-
cated, should be observed. The reli;^non of
the Bible is intended to pervade and sanctify
everything we do, and every motive by which

The Domestic Sanctuary.

i I

we leave a tliiiii^' undone. It is intended to
sweeten every temper, animate every f^lance of
the eye, soften every ruf^gec'. point of contact.
It must determine what orght to he done first,
and what hist : what outfit to he done at all
hazards, and what oii<^lit not to he done at all.
It is not somethin^,^ apart from our wisdom, affec-
tion, j)rudence, sense of propriety, and princi-
ples of order, hut rather the soul and stren^'"tli
of them all.

The ne^dect of family reli/^non has a more
desolating- etfect upon the cause of godliness
in ^'rneral, than any other sin of omission
whatever. God's constitution is violated, and
individual^:, are out of the reach of pastoral
oversight. God " setteth the solitary in
families" in order that those families may re-
plenish His house with worshippers and heaven
with glorified saints. lUit the neglector of
family worship is not a common sinner, he is
not one that sins and dies alone. He is like
one that sinks the ship in which he is sailing, en-
gulphing his fellow-passengers in his own ruin.

THK CONFERENCE ADDRESS.

In the rules of the Weslevan Church — all of
v»^hich, in the estimation of its founders, we are
taught of God to observe, and which His spirit
writes on every truly awakened heart — the duty
of family prayer occupies a very prominent

Family Worship.

position. Tiie Conference, as the collective
pastorate, has repeatedly ur^^ed tlu.' attention
of its members, to erect a family altar on which
mornin^^ and eveninj^^ sacrifices shall he duly
offered. To train children and dependents in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and
to preserve fidelity and affection in the exercise
of all salutary restraint and discipline, is the
imperative and indispensible office of everyone
to vv^hom the (lod of the families of the whole
earth has intrusted a domestic char^^e. '* Let it
be your prayer and labour, that your families may
be decidedly Christian : sacred inclosures dedi-
cated, in the wilderness of this world, to God ;
nurseries of the church from which may be
trees planted, such trees of ri|^diteousness as
when your own leaf has withered, shall stand
in the courts of the Lord, and flourish in the
house of our God. Domestic heathenism can-
not be consistent with individual piety. Family
prayer is necessary to obtain the sanctification
of our mutual relationsliips, and of our family
joys and sorrows. It is a afe^aiard against
sin. And, what is more than all, it brir.gs down
upon what ought to be a church in our house,
a holy influence which prepares both parents
and children for their various places in the
church catholic, which is the aggregate of all
household churches,"

}

\ \

CHAPTER VII.

DOMESTIC REI.ATlONr.HIPS.

In the composition of a relij^ious household,
where children and domestics form the circle,
there is one fact that cannot be ignored — all
are not equal, neither in the domestic economy
nor in the covenant relationship. Our child-
ren are given as a heritap^e, along with certain
well'detined conditions, which conditions can-
not be omitted with impunity ; whereas domes-
tics are subjects of convenience — they are on
hire. From social respect, or self-interest,
they may conform to the required rules of the
household, practically they may be religious or
otherwise. When the convenience is served,
the connection dissolves, and they become
members of another circle, with which we have
no libertv to interfere.

I 1

I .;
I --

MASTERS AND SERVANTS.

We are here reminded of that diversity of
rank which has prevailed in the world from the
earliest ages. Some men of limited attainments
contend that, as we are all the offspring of one

Domestic Relationships.

common parent, that we have equal ri^^ht to
all the blessinors of Providence, and that there
ouf(ht to be perfect equality with rej^^ard to
property and condition. Hut such theories are
vain and impracticable. Mankind differ im-
mensely in their mental faculties and endow-
ments. It would appear as if some people
were intended to think, to plan and direct,
while others are so dull and heavy at observ-
ing anything, that they stan<l in the way of
progress, and never excel. Were all men equal
to-day, they would not be so to-morrow. The
ignorant and foolish can never be placed on
a permanent equality with wise men ; men of
questionable honesty with men of integrity and
uprightness. " The race is not to the swift,
nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread
to the wipe, nor yet riches to men of under-
standing, nor yet fivor to men of skill." (Eccl.
ix., II.) Nevertheless, in consequence of the
depravity if human nature, it has given rise to
feelings an 1 actions alike dishonorable to God
and man. In many instances the rich have
treated the poor, not only with neglect and in-
difference, but with scorn and contempt. On
the other hand, the poor have often regarded
their wealthy neighbors with envy, have coveted
their property, and used unlawful means to
possess it.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

The relation between master and servant
has not always been of the happiest character.
How many masters, havinj^^ stipulated for a
certain amount of labor, are anxious only to
secure the strict fulfilment of the contract on
the part of the servant ; are regardless of the
welfare of the servant, whether he be ignorant
or intelligent, pious or wicked, happy or miser-
able, and, finally, whether he be lost or saved.
At the same time, many a servant desires and
aims at nothing more than to obtain his wages
and avoid severe censure. True religion cor-
rects these evils. It produces a spirit of justice,
equity and love. It inspires the mind with the
fear of God, and a supreme regard for His
authority. It renders the rich man the guar-
dian and benefactor of the poor, and it makes
the poor cheerful, contented and honest. It
creates in the master an affectionate interest in
the welfare of his servants, especially their
religious welfare ; and it renders the servant
faithful and diligent, intent upon promoting
his master's honor and advantage. It will not
suffer him to spend his time in indolence, nor
waste his master's goods ; nor will it tolerate a
spirit of insolence or insubordination. Such
is the conduct enjoined by the teaching of the
New Testament. Howbeautifullv do we find all
this exemplified in the primitive ages. When

t
4

Hoiiz, a Jewish fanner, went into his harvest
Held, he did not approach his servants with a
snllen and haughty reserve, or uttering passion-
ate invectives, nor was his presence an inter-
ruption of their pious cheerfuhiess. He said
unto the reapers, " The Lord be witli you,"
and they answered, " The Lord l)less thee."
(Ruth ii.,4.) A master thus invoking blessings
upon his servants, could not treat them with
injustice or unkindness: and servants who thus
reciprocated the pious benediction of their
master, could not injure his property or neglect
their duty.

THE CENTURION AT CAPERNAUM.

We have another illustration in the centu-
rion and his servant at Capernaum (a cen-
turion was an officer in the Roman armv in
command of a hundred men). It is said that
"He had a servant who was dear to him," and
when he was sick and ready to die, "being," as
St. Matthew states, "afflicted with the palsy
and grievously tormented," his master's heart
yearned over him, and he used every means to
obtain for him relief and recovery. All pre-
vious efforts having so far failed, he makes
application to the Lord Jesus for the exercise
of His healing power.

H ^t

The narrative does not inform us by what
means the servant had {^'ained sucli an affec-
tionate hold of his master as to become so
*'dear to him." It may have been his hnppy
and clieerful consistency, and the uniform at-
teirtion to the duties and religious obHjj^ations
of everv dav life. He had Laeat intiuence with
his master. Most likely it was throu^di the
pious zeal of this "dear servant" that the
master had been led to abandon heathenism
and embrace the Jewish religion, and become
a lover of its sacred and divine records. If
so, do we wonder at such a servant being dear
to such a master? When it is said that the
servant was '*dear" to his master, a word is
used which signifies esteem and honor, as well
as affection ; and when the centurion says,
" My servant shall be healed," he does not use
a term expressive of humiliation and servitude,
but of tender endearment, as if he had said,
" My child shall be healed." It is evident then*
hearts clave to each other, as more than human
friendship subsisted between them. Piety was
doubtless the bond of their union. The Hoi}
Spirit creates in all His children a oneness of
feeling, purpose and thought, so that, notwith-
standing their disparity of rank, attainment,
and natural character, they enjoy the true
communion of saints. Let no one suppose

Domestic Relationshlfis.

7.\

that this spiritiml tMjnality JinH affection is sui)-
versivo of order or just authority. The most
perfect of all j^overiiincut is the j^^overimuMit of
holy love. This remark will apply to both
families and the Church. ICcclesiastical dis-
cipline was never more perfect than at Jerusa-
lem, "when the whole multitude of them that
believed were of one heart and of one soul."
In proportion as men are brou^dit under the
influence of reli/^non, so will ihey '' obey civil
governors for the Lord's sake:" and those who
are in a state of servitude, in "obeyin^^ their
masters, serve the Lord Christ."

There is no obedience like this, as the cen-
turion himself proved. His piety and kindness,
so far from imparing his authority, enhanced and
intensified it. And the probability is, that a
master more respected, or an officer more
efficient, did not then exist. The obedience
which he received fr(nn all under his charge
was remarkable Um its promptitude and cheer-
fulness. Speaking of his authority as an officer,
he himself remarks, " I say to one soldier, go,
and he goeth, and to another, come, and he
Cometh : and to my servant, do this, and he
doeth it." Many a inan vested with official
authority deems it requisite to assume an
artificial sternness, and even to use profane
language, that he may command due respect

■J

The Domestic Sanctuary.

and obedience ; but it nuiy be justly questioned
whether any of these un^mdly pretenders are,
in fact, ch)the(l with half the nutliority exer-
cised by this very devout sohHer. Personal
reli^non, in whatever station it moves, j^dves
clearness and vi^^or to the understanding, power
and tenderness to the conscience: it enables
its possessor to meet even painful duties with
calmness and di.ijnity, and his prayers brin^'^
down the blessing' of God upon his entire path.

PHILEMON. AND ONESIMUS HIS SERVANT.

The epistle to Philemon is a representative
case of an unconverted man-servant residinf,^
with a religious family. The religious element
pervading the house is not congenial to his
carnal mind : its discipline is regarded as ob-
trusive and arbitrary. To observe the Sabbath
as an holiday, and go to church when conve-
nient, he has no objection, but to be required
to attend family prayer and the devout reading
of the holy scriptures twice a day during the
week, is a yoke too intolerable to endure, and
his spirit rises in hostility against it. He can-
not see what enjoyment there is, nor what
advantage is to be derived from making the
rule so imperative. The cheerful tones and
happy spirits of the family, with the members
of the Church that meet in Philemon's house,

Domestic Relationships.

he despises in liis heart, and, if he couhl, would
secretly frown them down. Soon his unhappy
spirit ^^rew into conspiracy iind rebellion a;^'ainst
his master's authority and claims. His un^'od-
liness soon became obstinate wickedness; he
was not only unprolitable, but injurious, mitil
at len^^th he threw of all restraint and ran
away from liis master's service, and in order
to avoid detection tied to Rome. In this rash
action he committed a ^Teat sin of presump-
tions daring, by ignoring the goodness, and
repudiating the claims, of divine providence.
A great privilege had been conferred upon him
in placing him in the house of Philemon, b^evv
such families then existed, for while darkness
covered the earth and gross darkness the peo-
ple, light was in the dwelling in which it was
his happiness to live. To disparage such ad-
vantages, and contemptuously to run away,
was disreputable in the extreme. But in the
perils of travel, whether by sea or land, the
sun was not allowed to smite him by day nor
the moon by night. At length he is at the
summit of his ambition — the great city at that
time the metropolis of the world. In place
of finding there the sum of all human happi-
ness, it was the place where Satan eminently
had his seat, and almost reigned supreme.

(Rom. i., 28-32.) Many people mistake the

The Domestic Sanctuary.

!:■

iiatmc of tnio Imppitiess as well as the means
to obtain it. J-Jecause many crowd in at the
wide ;^Mt(' an<l throng i\\v broad road, \\v. are
not to suppose that they are the wisest and
haj)[)iest pe(>pU' on eartli.

Onesimus, w hile in Rome, without a home
or a friend, his b'ttle patrimony all ;^^one,— be^aii
to l>e in want, and, like the prodii^^il in a far
country, to reflect on his condition. The hired
house of the apostle with free access was open
to him. In the extri'niits' ot destitution, he
j^oes and makes known to him an count of
his life and adventures. A review ^o searching,
and a confession so penetential, was evidently
from a ;4'odly sorrow which worketh repentance
unto salvation. The spirit of grace, though
slighted and grieved, had not gi\en him up
and departed, but was taking advantage of
his altered circumstances in effecting a change
in his life and character. Being renewed in
the spirit of his mind, the apostle regards him
as his spiritual child and brother beloved.
Though converted and made a new creature,
vet his circumstances were verv critical and
delicate. He had involved himself in moral
and legal difficulties in running away, but was
now willing to return and make good, if pos-
sible, for the trespass he had committed, if
Philemon was willing to receive him and accept

Domestic Relati ships.

l»is conditions. To effect a reconcilia lion, and
obtain foi liini a tavoiablc reception with his
master, the apostle wrote the epihilc to I'hde-
nion, and sent it .>> him, thus makini^' hi:^ return
a subject of special pleadings at the s.ime time
niakin^^ himself responsible not t)nly tV)r his
past indebtedness, but for his hituie conduct.
The a[)Ostle's estimate of a reli^^ious servant is
^reat. They are the source of unrestiicted
confidence and general prosperity.

The heathen master of Joseph in Ej^^ypt,
saw that the Lord was with Joseph, and that
the Lord made all lh;it he did to prosper in
his hand. (C}en. xxxix., ^].) Moses also adds,
that the Lord blessed the Kj^^yptian's Infuse for
Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was
upon all that he had in the house, and in the
Held, (ireat temporal profits have oftcu re-
sulted to families from the prudence and in-
tegrity of intelligent and pious servants, and
the spiritual profit arising from the examples,
prayers and conversation of such persons has,
in many cases, been strikingly manifested.
Whole families, in some instances, have been
brought out of darkness into light by the
instrumentality of a pious servant. Many such
f a.ses are recorded in the Wesleyan magazines.

Our Lord appeared in the form of a servant.
The apostle directs that '* Servants adorn the

^■'!

) I

The Dom$8tlo Sanctuary.

cloctriiKi of (i«)(l oiir S.ivioni in all tlilnj^'s.'*
"StM vaiits, obey in all tliinL's voin masters
acroidin;^ to tin- llcsli : not with eye-sfi vice,
as niLMi-pleascrs, hut in sinj^leness of lieait,
fearing dod: and wliatsoever ye do, do it
hoartily, as to the Lord, and not nnto men ;
kn()\vin)4 that of tlu; I ,ord yv shall it.'ccive the
reward of tin: inhci it.mce : for ye serve the
Lord Clnist." (("ol. iii., 22.) Thus it is tliat
(. hristianity invests ev(Mi the ordinary duties of
hfe witli a character of holiness. They are to
be dischar^'ed with puiity of affcc tii")!! and joy-
ous simplicity of |)inpose; and ilw Lord Jesus
dci^^ns to acc(!pt them as acts of direct obedi-
ence to His will, which He will reward with
everlastini: treasure in heaven.

I'lCMAi K si:rvants.

In this relationship the scriptures do not
present so extensive a supply of diversified
circumstances for illustration as in the relation
of masters and men-servants. We must there-
fore seek our information in the common walks
of everyday Hfe.

It is a very important consideration to a
family when they jud^^e it necessary to take a
stran^^er every now and then into their circle.
Such persons may be worthy of confidence,
if truthful and honest; they may contribute

IhmHtIc Relatlonshlpt.

nuich to t\w comfort and welfare of the
house, if ordt-rlv and rcoiKuniral : thev mav
make a happv liome for theinstlves and all con-
ceiiied, if |)i(>us, intcllij^'cnt and icspertfid: but
if these essential (pialities tn peare and har-
mony are lackini;, what a hcdiam ol confusion
and uproar must, occasionally, unavoidably
occiii ! What is there more de^^nadin^' to the
chaiaeter of a servant than wiirul, deliberate
lyinj^ ? and what more irritating to the ridei of
the house than no roiitidenrc! in wliat the ser-
vant s«iys ? How perplexing' it must be to a
mistress, if, wIhmi out, any duties she wishes at-
tended to dm in^' her absence are ne;^dected, and
disorder and loss the consecpience ? How far
it may be prudential to refer to the habits of
such may be (pic^stionable : by doinj^^ so we may
offend aj^'ainst the ^^cneration of those who are
stru^'^lin;^ hard to pursue ;\ more honorable
course throuj;h life. The unfortimate may have
been objects more to be pitied than blamed.
Many of them, no doubt, never knew what the
rules and recpiirtunents of home meant, nor
what the comforts of home were like, until they
left their homeless home under the cravin^^^s of
appetite and the intbience of stern authority,
and found themselves beneath the fostering
care of those well reported for their ^ood
works, " Who have brought up children, lodged

The Domestic Sanctuary.

! if

strai:<i^ers, washed the saints' feet, relieved the
afflicted, and dihf;entl\- fo]\)wed every ^ood
work." (I Tnn. v., 10.) Some of these may
never have liad an opportnnity to break away
from the snares of youth, and rise in moral and
social virtue, and ^^ain a character and reputa-
tion that would place them above the unscru-
pulous jealousies of the fearful and unbelieving'".
Is there not a ^Teat lack of interest prevailinj^
among us in reference to the principles and
habits of social life? Notwithstanding,^ our
noble educational facilities, and in the absence
of the factorv svstem, or any other employ-
ment of children on a large scale, which serves
as an apology for the educational defects of
some countries^ yet what little provision is
made for their religious or mental improve-
ment. How few are provided with suitable
books for reading, by which they may be in-
structed in their personal and domestic duties,
in the formation of their characters, and regu-
lation of their lives. How few are provided
with religious accommodation in our churches.
Shelter and protection is provided for our
cattle suitable to their requirements, but our
servants have no place appointed to which they
are respectfully invited. If they venture to go
to hear words whereby they ma.y be saved,
or to have their mind stirred up by way of

Domestic Relationships

remeinbiaiice, they are very likely to obtrude
upon the privacy of some family, and nuist be
repulsed, or expose themselves to the jeerinf:^
criticisms of the suspicious. This, to a servant
who has been brouj^dit up under the watchful
care of relif^dous parents, is exceedin;:(ly repul-
sive and disorderly. It places her respect for
the family and her situation at a j^Teat discount :
and however suited she may be to her duties,
yet no considerations of an earthly nature will
be deemed a sufficient equivalent for a restric-
tion in religious matters.

How pleasant a retiectic^n, just now, to pass
in review the interesting:,^ associations of early
life, when, "in the beautiful house in which our
fathers worshipped," whole families, includin/.:;"
business hands, domestic servants, parents and
children, all con|:(re^^ated in one or more adjoin-
ing pews, furnished with boc^ks and other con-
veniences to aid in the worship of Almi^dity
God : this system prevailing on an extensive
scale among the religious families of the place.
In the homes of some families a monthly peri-
odical vv'ould be placed, embracing morality,
religion, and general literature suitable to the
wants and capacities of the parties concerned.
The one designed for the use of those in the
kitchen would frequently contain important
chapters upon the duties of servants, memoirs

Ti:3 Domestic Sanctuary.

M .

I i
! (

of ^ood servants, etc. A volume of such now
lies before me, containinp^ chapters on " Cleanli-
ness," "Punctuality," "Our Homes," "Self,"
"Why do people read? "etc. Such interest
taken in domestic management makes the ser-
vants contented and happy; they see they are
not slighted, but that their welfare is studied
and pr(wided for; and although done at little
cost, the effects upon all parties are inconceiv-
able and lasting. The day of eternity will
reveal the fruit.

But is there no simple and easy method of
raising the standard of social and domestic life
of those unhappy, down -trodden victims of
careless and criminal neglect ^ The squalid
poverty, with its accompanying evidence of
rudeness and rags, acts as a barrier against all
respectful considerations. To the honor of
Hamilton, there are hospitals for ihe fatherless
and deserted, but little or none to those who
make any pretentions of a home. Many towns
and country places have no available help for
them. According to the instincts of nature
and the law of God, such people may them-
selves soon become wives and mothers : what
a fearful state of things to contemplate to
commence life and the responsibilities of the
home with, when not only a succession, but
a multiplication, of such unhappy events may

Domestic Relationships.

)etratecl. Will not

perpetrated. will not some self-denyiiij^^
christian lady haste to the rescue, and ^'we
such the beneht of her piety, her intellect and
experience, by acting the part of a mother?
By being taught to read they will have access
to the Bible; its truths will enlighten and in-
vigorate; "by taking heed to its precepts, it
will teach them how to cleanse their way."
It will show them the i)ath of life, and where
they may enjoy pleasures for evermore. The
blessedness and enjoyments arising from a
knowledge and possession of these things, will
be theirs and their children's after them.
But the reward and honor of connnunicating
them will be vours. At the last dav, when
the reward of every person's work shall be
given, your special and extraordinary efforts
of patient self-denial, will be revealed, with this
honorable commendation : " For as much as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these my
little ones, ye have done it unto me."

In a free countrv like this, in which it is
our happiness to live, servants can generally
choose situations for themselves. Those who
fear God will be very careful not to place them-
selves in the families of profane people ; they
will prefer opportunities of christian fellow-
ship, with a regular attendance upon religious
ordinances dispensed by spiritual men, before

i !U I

The Domestic Sanctuary.

all considerations of an caitlily nature. Ser
vants so re^nilated will l)c a j^Teat boon to
themselves and the entire household, as well
as a great source of satisfaction and comfort
in all matters requiring,' trust and contidence in
household management.

THK YOUNG MAN TROM HOMi:.

The young man desirous to push his way
into life and he the architect of his own for-
tune, not only sacrihces the pleasures and en-
dearments of home, but exposes himself to the
temptations and allurements of untried life
abroad. The man who wer.t from Jerusalem to
Jericho fell among thieves, who wounded him,
and stripped him of las raiment, leaving him
half dead. "Similar calamities have crossed
the path of many young men, on their first
adventures from citv to city. They should be

W ^ V

very cautious how they listen to the counsel of
the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or
sit upon the seat of the scornful. There is also
caution required, and better council needed,
in the exciting objects of life. Let us for a
moment look on the tendencies of events of the
present day. Does not nmch of the literature
in use among us engender false notions of
human capability and duty? Fame is \ery

Domestic Relationships,

«5

often pictured before the youthful ^aze in
the most attractive colors. Iina^Miiation
spreads her pinions, and pants to rise and revel
in those hi^di honors which l^^ortune with a
lavish hand has scattered about her path..
Listening*" and admiring" youth are told amid
exciting applause that they, t(JO, may reach
those elevations of <,a'eatness, because others
have done so before them. Books on " Self-
help," the " Lives of Great Men," the '' Pursuit
of Knowledge under Difficulties," and many of
the public lectures and platform speeches of
the age, tend to foster the conviction, that
" what others have done, all may accomplish."
The effect may be sometimes to cheer a jaded
spirit in its pursuit to attain a high standard of
mental and moral excellence amid the turmoil
of business ; but many have been inspired with
erroneous views of their own capacity, and the
design of an All-wise Providence concerning
them, and produced discontent with their con-
dition in life, and neglect of the legitimate
means surrounding them of improving them-
selves and others.

There is a providence in human destiny.
High on the eternal throne, God reigns and
governs according to the principles of His
glorious administration and man's free agency.
All wisdom proceedetli from Him. Men who

i.1

' f

; !

The Domestic Sanctuary.

i ,

cliaii^'^e the aspect of the world, ^'i\e a new
direction to science, or arouse the religious
spirit of a nation, are not mere accidents in the
battlelield of life, but are set apart by Him who
" giveth to every man severally as He will."
Let not the younj; man behind the counter, or
^^uidin^^ the plou^di, cover his face with sadness
as he f^^azes up to the positions where the fav-
ored few have climbed, but with stout heart
and dilif^ent hand pursue his appointed task,
and thereby fulhl the desi/^ais of God concern-
ing him.

Mistaken views of human capacity interfere
greatly with the requirements of the age. The
true secret of success is to use the power you
have, and work while it is called to-day; then, if
enlarged spheres of usefulness and honor open
up before you, and your improved faculties of
mind and character are equal to the undertak-
ing, rise with them — God will train His illustri-
ous ones for His work, and lead them forth to
duty. Life is too short for mere theorizing.
Its duties are numerous and pressing ; its re-
sponsibilities are definite and solemn ; its glories
are grand and unending. A cheerful and ear-
nest improvement of the present for human
good and the Saviour's glory, will secure a
happy future in time and deathless honors in
eternity.

Domestic Relationships.

The younj^^ nian from homo should seek foi
shelter in his temporary home, where the name
of Ciod is held sacred, and where there is a fam-
ily altar erected, where the tone of feelin;^^ and
the hahits of life derive their inspiration. He
should take care that such privilej^'es are not
slif(hted by ronsiderinj^' them troublesome or
interfering^ with business, the plea of some im-
portant en^a^enient, or that they are dull
and uninteresting^, with other excuses, urged to
get away from them. Such evasions will soon
tell their own niclancholy story upon the spirit-
ual life and character of any young man. Over-
indidgence in a morning, or staying out at night
until the appointed hour for family worship is
past, are sure tokens of spiritual weakness:
spiritual lassitude has no heart for high and
honorable service, but amidst jilenty will lan-
guish, sicken and die. It will be greatly to
his advantage to be in full sympathy with the
established arrangements of the household ; to
have his own little interests so adjusted that
whenever the sigjial is given for domestic wor-
ship, he, with a cheerful promptitude, should
enter upon its duties with sweet delight. The
result will soon be self-evident in the emotion
of a grateful heart and a cheerful countenance.
He" will be like the sun coming out of his cham-
ber, rejoicing as a young mnn to run a race.

,fJ Hi

The Domestic Sanctuary.

Hy systematic cind conscientious devotedness
to God and the interests of His cause, he secures
a deep interest in the (hvine protection and
I^Miidance and hlcssillf^^ He will appoint the
hounds of his hahitatioii, choose his inlieritance
for him, and niaki' whatsoever he doeth to pros-
per. A youn^^ man should he very attentive to
the claims of his Hihle. No disciple can expect
to succeed in religion unless he cultivates inti-
mate accjuaintance with the mind and will of
God. How is he to do the will of God unless
he knows what that will is, and how is he to
know it, unless he reads, marks, and inwardly
digests it ? — two chapters, at least, should be
read every day.

I have known men so true to their purpose in
this respect that no circinnstances, however
urgent, would he allowed to interfere. Some-
times, aftera day of ^aeat fatigue and weariness,
nature sinks involuntarily into the arms of sleep ;
he, like a faithful sentinel who will not sleep at
his post, takes the li^dit in one hand and the
Hihle in the other, and paces the room until the
self-imposed task is c(Mnpleted.

I-

\'9^'^

CHAPTKK VIII.

AHOi:)i:S AND HABITS.

One of the Hist and most iinportjiut steps,
in securin^^ the permanent vvcllbein;^^ of a
christian houseliolcl, is the judicious choict of
a suitable location. Parents that rush with
their families to crowded city or town, and
without sufficient caution tix their dwellin^'"-
place, where both their health and morals are
in danger of being injured, aiid where there is
no protection from the surrounding influences
of street associations and pastimes, make a
great mistake. Such influences will act like a
moral pestilence, both \i\)(n\ their health and
character, and will, in all likelihood, involve
them (unless an interposing Providence merci-
fully prevents) in inetrevable ruin. A situation
should be selected where the atmosphere is
pure : where the pure light of heaven is in full
display all the day, "for it is a pleasant thing to
see the sun :" in the immediate neighborhood
of a good school, and within convenient dis-
tance of the public worship of God : also, if
possible, where two or three families of kindred
sympathies can meet together in each other's

The Domestic Sanctuary.

"homes, " as the churrli in the house, and be
**h('l|)(M^ to^^etlier of each otlicr's joy."

'riii'ie was one characteristic in the Jewish
reH^qon dcscrvinji; our special consideration :
that was its frecjuent washings and sprinklinp[s
of j^'armonts, vessels, and places, which were
made literally clean ; itsanointin^'and pnrifyinf^;
its order and arrant^ement. Althou^di much
of it nii^dit be ceremonial and typical, it shows
us that there is at least an analogy between
order and outward purity, and that outward
purity must be a^neeable to the Divine mind,
thou|;h (iod has shown His approval of it rather
in a fijj^urative manner, than by making it
known in the form of law. Where there is a
christian household who are dirty in their
persons, and in their houses; irref,uilar in their
habits ; whose devotions, meals, arranj^^e-
ments, apartments, are all confusion and dis-
order, it shows plainly that they hold their
christian profession very cheaply and incon-
sistently. Every one must feel that an orderly
and clean dwelling, and a well regulated and
calmly worked system of household arrange-
ments, is eminently favorable to the worship of
God, and will command respect from the family,
and sway them into harmony of feeling and
conformity of action to whatsoever things are
lovely and of good report,

Abodes and Habits.

THK CHAKAri IK AND i IRCUMSTANCKS Ol r.OT
AND HIS lAMII.Y IN SODOM.

The cl iiactei and ciicumst-'nces of Lot
and his family in Sodom, afford many strikniR
illustration^ ot the precedin • rem uks. Ahra-
hain and Lot vverr relatives. L«>t was Abra-
ham's brother's son. His father was dea('. and
Abraham had been his honorable guardian.
Under the wisdom and influence of Aliahaiii,
Lot became rich: indeed, the flocks and heids
of both had f^'reatly inuitiplied, so that the land
was unable to bear them. The right of pas-
turage had become a subject of painful dispute
between the herdmen of the two masters.
Abraham is the Hrst to introduce the matter,
and en«leavor to tjuell the rising storm. He
sought out Lot. and aftci stating the wln^ie
case, said, *' Let there be no strife between
me and thee, between mv herdmen and thv
herdmen, for we be brethroi.'' Surely that was
sufficient to lead to any sacrifice of feeling, to
tlje sinking of any preferences and rights.
Rather than the bond of peace should be
broken, Abraham wcndd suffer. The simple
fart that they were family relatives ought to
put an end to all strife. Abraham does not
consult with his servants with a view
strengthening his own cause. He had already

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"the Oomestic Sanctuary.

the stron^^cr chiim, either to remain where he
was, or to choose the direction in which lie
woiilcl move. He mi^dit have said to Lot,
*' The land is too straii^ht for us, we must part.
I have looked around nnd decided to go east-
ward, and you must go westward. I have
cared for you, and assisted you until it is not
convenient to do so any more. You must find
a new home." Would there have been a single
stain upon his reputation of impropriety or un-
kindness? In this he was the older, the more
powerful, yet such vv'as the greatness of his
character, that he submitted himself to Lot, say-
ing, " Is not the whole land before thee? .^ ^ ^
If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go
to the right, or if thou depart to the right, then
I will go to the left." What true greatness !
Not that there is either poetry or grandeur
about it, but an ordinary circumstance, an
everyday occurrence ; therefore it seems all the
more effective to bring out the real character of
the men. And this is the true way to test men.
Ordinary men may be wrought up to acts of
daring heroism, but only great and good men
act nobly in the ordinary affairs of everyday
life.

While these two men were discussing the
prospects of their future lot, the neighboring
landscape presented two widely different scenes.

On one side was a rich and fertile land, ^reen
pastures, runnini;' brooks, never failin;^^ sprinji^s
of water, and the Jordan rollinj^^ in the distance.
The inspired writer appears to have been under
a special inspiration when describinj^^ it. It
was like the " (rarden of the Lord," it was well
watered every wliere. It was like the land of
Egypt. And on the other side was compara-
tive barreness. It was no trifle to a man
whose substance consisted mainly in flocks
and herds to give up this rich pasture land to
another. But Abraham hesitated not. There
were other things of graver importance which
claimed his attention besides flocks and herds,
so he let Lot have the preference.

But what a contrast to this is recorded of
the conduct of Lot. How we might have
acted under similar circumstances we cannot
tell. Perhaps we might have been as weak and
base as he was. Abraham possessed those
qualities which make the christian gentleman,
while Lot betrayed a lack of them. Lot was
under great obligations to Abraham. Many
years before this, his father died, and Abraham
had acted nobly a father's part; had given him
powerful protection, good example, wise advice,
and beneath his shadow Lot had grown to his
present estate. Every young man owes a
debt of respect and gratitude to a father who

the Domestic Banctua^y.

nobly fills a father's place ; but if his father be
taken away, and some one ^^enerously stands
in the father's place, the respectful f^ratitude
he owes to his benefactor is even greater than
that he owed to his father.

This was the position of Lot. Had his
heart been right, and his actions ruled by noble
and generous principles, he would have de-
clined his uncle's offer with a firm hand, and
said, "No! I am greatly indebted to you. I
am so much younger. Your claim is in every
wa} much stronger, and I have such love and
esteem for you that I shall esteem it a privi-
lege to come in second to you." But, alas !
Lot did not rise to this. The prize was too
great for him to lose, and, in his eagerness to
grasp it, he sacrificed those nobler feelings that
link us to heaven. There is nothing so much
betrays an ignoble character as the greedy
seizure of favors at the expense of others,
especially where their generosity places them
within our reach.

When Lot looked out upon the beautiful
scene spread before him, he saw a goodly for-
tune. In those well-watered pastures his flocks
would multiply exceedingly, and he might be-
come one of the wealthiest men of the day.
There he would have " good society." He
might be in such a position as to be in social

Abodes and Habits.

intercourse with the rich, and even be courted
by the kinjj^s of the cities around him. He
might be able to settle his daughters in good
families, and make suitable provision for future
glory and greatness. He might yet become
the father of a great people, leaving his good-
natured uncle far behind.

But there was another side : "The men of
Sodom were wicked, and sinners before the
Lord exceedingly." To be tempted, ensnared
and corrupted by these men was the risk he
had to run ; to be vexed and ruined by them,
in character, in family, in fortune, was the fear-
ful price he had to pay. But the desire of
wealth, rank and greatness was so pressing
that he was determined to run the risk. His
subsequent history is so appalling that it
seems to be written with a pen dipped in tears,
and even at this distance of time it lifts up
such a warning voice, and sends such a wave
of woe across the ages, as should make every
covetous feeling within us sink and die. But,
alas! how Httle men heed. Even now, they
are paying the same dreadful price for the same
empty baubles ; and '' large profits " and "good
settlements," with their associated attractions,
lead men down to the Sodoms and Gomor-
rahs of modern society, where they become
bewildered and lost in their own confusions.

The Domestic Sanctuary.

It would he a very sad, but iustructive study,
to follow out tlie after-lives of some of these
unhappy meu. These two uien were not only
brethren, but they were professors of reli^Mon,
and held distin^niished positions in the ehurch
of God : AbraliPin as the " F'riend of (iod."
and Lot as '' Ri^diteous." Circumstances
brin^^ out .the latent principles of individual
character. Many people pass throu^ni life with
character undeveloped, because circumstances
suitable to the purpose have been absent.
These two men acted out what was in them.
Each man's conduct was consister.t with him-
self.

Lot has n9w made his choice, and decided
to reside in Sodom ; so the household and flocks
of these two ^reat men are divided. Abraham
and Lot take leave of each other, not knowing
when or where they may meet again. Abraham
might deliver an affectionate, warning admoni-
tion to the man who would be rich ; and Lot
mi^ht have some secret misgivings as to the
ultimate results of his new enterprise. For
years after he is settled in his new home,
all goes on well, — increasing flocks, accumula-
ting wealth, rich acquaintances, and wealthy
alliances for his daughters, until his mountain
appears strong and immovable. We might
watch the movements of Lot as he entered his

Abodes and Habits.

new possessions anrl formed his associations
and friends, and wonder what influence thev
would liave upon his rcii^^nous Hfe and character.
He nii/j:ht suppose and fondly hope, that when
he went to live amon^; these wicked men, that
his pious example, prayers and admonitions,
would work some j^^ood. Even supposing a
desire to do them i^ooqI had been his chief
motive in ^oin/^ to live amon^ them, he would
have needed more strength of character and
religion than he possessed. ISuch risks are
dangerous even to the most godly and well
established. But lot's motives were worldlv,
and his character not eminently godly. Day
by day his righteous soul was vexed with the
filthy conversation of the wicked. At first he
might have shuddered, then submitted quietly,
and at length, with a kind of pious sentiment-
alism, soothed his grief by the vague idea that
he was making his fortune and accumulating
wealth.

Then, as to his family: true, he had been
successful in accomplishing the marriage of
some of his daughters to the men of the place.
He probably hoped that both would be im-
proved, and both husbands and wives become
blest and honorable; but never was more fatal
mistake. Instead cf raising their husbands to
their level, they sank towards the level of

their Inishaiids. W'luit else could he expected ?
One feehle woman matched a^'ainst her hus-
hand, and his relatives and connections, im-
mersed in the worldliness and sin of these
wicked cities. Had she heen disposed to keep
up the unecpial contest, she would have needed
somethinj^' in addition to natural force of char-
acter, developed hy the most careful training:;,
and stren^^thened and fortified by divine ^Tace.
So far as we can feather, the dau^diters of Lot
had none of these thin/^^s, and the probability
is, that, after a few feeble and unsuccessful
attempts to improve the moral atmosphere of
their new homes, they gave up the struggle, and
sank into the abounding degradation by which
they were surrounded.

From the chronology of our Bibles we have
reason to suppose that Lot resided in Sodom
about twenty years before the reckoning time
came. On a certain evening, three strange look-
ing men came to vSodom. They had been on a
friendly visit to Abraham and had enlarged his
borders. They had also apprised Abraham of
the doomed cities, for the preservation of which
he pleaded; and although he did not succeed
in averting the wrath of the Almighty from
their overthrow^ yet he prevailed in having
Lot and a part of his family miraculously
delivered. Indeed, they might all have been

Abodes and Habits.

()(

'J*J

saved had it not hvvu for tlioir roiitirnied obsti-
iiju v and unht-Iiet". It was with j^reat difficulty
thiit they suc(L'('(l(.'(l in ^\'ttinj4 the few out <jf
the city; they Hn^eitMl. so that tliey had to
be taken by the hand and hterall\ forced out.
It may be a heavy blow for a wealthy man tu
lose his fortune. In the morning Lot's flocks
and herds were i^aeat, and he had possessions
of houses, lands, silver and j^old; but duriu};
the storm of Jehovah's lon^^ delayed wrath
which swe|)t over the valley, in one day Lot
was left all but destitute. This was another
evil conse(iuence of the choice he had made
long ago. His advantages were now completely
gone. All that was left was their memory, a
pillar of salt, and three homeless fugitives
flying across the plain. Alas', for the uncer-
tainty and vanity of earthly good. Alas! for
the mistakes of good men, especially in rela-
tion to their families.

We can form but little conception of the
agony of the parents when they left the city
and commenced their journey across the plain.
How the angels reiterated the warning, and the
stern command, that on no account should
they look behind them, lest they should
meet a terrible fate. But the yearnings of a
mother's heart were too strong for her. There
were, no doubt, many pleasant memories of

.11

loo

The Domestic Sanctuary.

bridal soii^^' and iniisir, attended by youthful
joy iiiid hope, and now her dear d uj^diters, and
their htishands, were left behind to a dreadful
doom. She was leaving' everything' dear to the
heart of a wife and a mother, and she felt she
must take one last farewell look, cost what it
may. She made the dreadful venture, and the
warm currents of life ceased to tiow within
her, and there was left a solitary monument
standinj^' on the plain, with this warnin^^ ''Re-
member Lot's wife."

It is a proverbial sayinj^^ amon^^ men, that
one trouble seldom comes alone. So with Lot,
one followed another in rapid succession,, Hut
his two unmarried daughters are yet left to
him, and with them he may yet have a home
and be happy. Hut alas ! alas ! tell it not in
Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon.
Had it not been better that they had shared
the fate of their sisters in the tires of Sodom,
or stood petrified and lifeless forms beside
their mother. They lived, but it was to involve
their father into drunkenness and crime. They
became the unholy progenitors of an unholy
race, which spread pollution and death for a
season, then lost its name for ever among the
living.

What a wonderful contrast to all this do we
find in the life of Abraham. He accepted the

(

Abodta and Habits.

lul

poorer fortimc. but retained witli it lionor, in-
tej^Tity, heiu'volciice, rcli^'ion. (iod. He ^^rew
iinmensely rich, and made his family wealtliy
and piosperou:, anionj; the nations ot the earth.
In his seed the pioniise of (iod was fuHilled,
and all the nations of the earth blessed. He
retained his own pit^ty, by thi' j^nace of (io<i ;
developed a truly noble character, and died at
len^^th in a ^'ood old a^^e.

The histories of these men arc full of im-
portant instruction. Abraham's ^'enerosity, his
retirement under the winj^^s of Providence, his
determination to keep close to God at all
hazards, earnestly teach us this lesson : that
if we are properly affected with the necessity
of reli^non, imd the evil influence to which we
are continually liable, we shall be anxious to
dwell among a people like-minded with our-
selves, and to enjoy all the spiritual helps which
the christian church supplies. We may some-
times be unavoidably separated from them, but
the call of Providence must be very distinct
and ur|:^ent to -justify us in fixing our perman-
ent residence in the midst of moral darkness
and depravity, far from the house of God and
the assemblies of His people.

How solicit(f!ls niany parents are for the
temporal welfare of their children ; seeking to
start them well in life, to get them, into the

102

The Domestic Sanctuary.

of^ce of .1 money-making' firm, to many tliem
into vvcaltliN families. 'I'liis ma\ Ix* iaiidahle
eiiou;;li to a certain extent, only let otliei con-
siderations he e(|ual, then all may he well. It
is not enough that a hiisiness house he pros()er-
ous ; are its principles honest, honoiahle, i»p-
ii;;ht? It is not sufficient to many them into
certain families, hecause of wealth, accom[)lish-
ments or position: have they character for
honor, honesty, integrity? Had tliese thinjjs
been more freely attended to, how many reined
fortunes and l)earts had heen saved.

CIIAITIK l\.

DIFIICUKTIKS.

There are no doubt ditliculties existing in
soTiir families nti wliirli it would be a hard aud
delicate niatt'T to advise, especially to speak
with posit iveuess. It is a delicate case, where
the wife is a devoted christian, ;ind the husbatul
is an unconverted worldlin.i;, or ;i conscience-
seared wanderer from Ciod's fold, and retuses
to sanction morninj,^ and eveinti^' worship.
Alas, this is a condition into whic h some chris-
ti»::i women brin^^ themselvv's, by er»terin^' into
prf'hibited and unblessed unions with the im-
f^'odly. Where it is so. it mayradierlu icj^^arded
as a just punishment of sin than as a trial
of christian faith and patience, But if it be
not thus, I should sav to a tried and afflicted
wife and mother, rather than hazard a bmst
of wrath, or keep alive a continual strife and
subject of annoyance, it were better to yield,
so far at least as the form of family worship is
concerned*; but oh! do not fail, in the absence
of your husband, to j^ather your children to-
^'ether and present them all to the care and
j^uidance of the God of the families of the
whole earth.

104

Ths Domestic Sanctuary.

il'

THP: mother of the late rev. JOHN SCOTT.

It is recorded of the mother of the late Rev.
John Scott, Wesleyan Minister, that bein/^^ a
strong-minded woman, with f(reat energy of
character, she began her reHgious life with a
full determination to serve God faithfully.
Each morning she called together her children
and servants, and such farm laborers as were
disengaged, and read and prayed with them.
Her husband, not ay oving of her conduct,
would go into the next room, and, cracking his
whip, call the men by name, and allot to each
his work. Notwithstanding, she maintained
daily family worship, and soon the heart of
her husband softened, till he, too, was found
kneeling among the rest. He sought and found
salvation, and died happy in a Saviour's love.

Can we reflect upon the life and character of
Job without noting how his domestic circle was
beset with the most formidable difficulties.
The religious welfare of his large family of seven
sons and three daughters, under the fostering
influence of an injudicious and sensuous, if not
a profane and idolatrous, mother, was a burden
of deep and anxious solicitude.

Had David no opposition ? Did the mem-
bers of his household approve of his devotions?
Was his wife pleased to behold the expressioiis

Difftcultlea.

T05

of his fervent zeal for God ? No, she eved him
with a scowl of contempt, and accosted him in
a strain of insultin^^ and sarcastic impiety :
" How glorious was the king of Israel to-day,
who uncovered himself in the eyes of the hand-
maids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows
shamelessly uncovereth himself."

Such was the impudent and irritating lan-
guage in which David was addressed, when he
was preparing to bless his household.

Daniel, while in charge of one hundred and
tv^enty provinces, could be successful in his
government, yet find time and convenience to
pray three times a day ; and when he knew that
a wicked confederacy was formed against him,
he yet faltered not in his course, but, with
unswerving fidelity and perseverance, kneeled
and prayed, and gave thanks before his God,
as he did aforetime.

Poverty, severe and exhausting labor, want
of early culture, and other unavoidable impedi-
ments, may stand in the way of an illiterate
christian from aspiring to learning or extensive
general knowledge, but no difficulties can effec-
tually prevent his successful pursuit of what is
excellent and laudable in human nature.

As true manliness was exemplified in the
laborious life of shepherds and herdsmen, as
Jacob and Moses, Gideon and David, and by

SI!

1 06

The Domestic Sanctuary.

the apostles of our Lord, so, in modern days,
intelligent and noble-minded christian peasants
have their souls purified from all filthiness
of flesh and spirit, and refined and expanded by
the rich and holy feeling's of experimental re-
ligion, by fellowship with saints, and commu-
nion with God. It is well known that among
the godly poor there are persons who, though
unlearned, are wise ; who, though unpolished,
are courteous ; who, in want, difficulty, and
suffering, are humble and magnanimous ; who,
though cramped in their external condition,
have an unaffected largeness of heart. Such
weak things Almighty God, as the head of His
church and the Governor of the world, not un-
frequently "chooses to confound the mighty,"
and "things that are not to bring to nought
things that are."

The late Reverend Thomas Jackson, in the
recollections of his own life and times, says:
"On a review of my past life, I find a thou-
sand things which call for my grateful acknow-
ledgments to the Giver of all good. I owe
thanks to God especially for my parentage. I
wis not born to the inheritance of wealth, but
V as early sent from home to earn my bread as
best I might. The consequence was, that I
acquired habits of industry from my boyhood,
and could never bear to be unemployed. But

Difffcultles.

toy

for this habit, I could never have passed
throu;^di the course of hard mental labor, which
durin^^ a lonj^ life has been my providential lot ;
nor could I have rendered that service to others
which I have rendered, however imperfectly,
in the study, in the pulpit, in the lecture-room,
and through the press. ^. ^. ^ .^^ I trust
that God, in the greatness of His mercy, will
accept what has been well intended, and for-
give what has been defective and faulty."

Dr. Clark once remarked, while speaking
upon domestic matters, that there are three
things which a working man likes to see when
he comes home from work : a clean house, a
good fire, and a pleasant look, — the truth of
which, all parties concerned will readily admit.
But what an amount of forethought, care and
industry, is embraced in this, all of which a
prudential wife cheerfully realizes, and the
duties are easily accomplished. Many of the
troubles of the working class are home-growTi.
Many a fretful, pining, half-starved wife, has
herself to blame for a great part of the misery
she has to encounter. If she would observe
the apostolic injunctions, and be " discreet,
chaste, a keeper at home, good and obedient to
her own husband," with the duties of home
properly attended to, the cause of most of the
unhappy conflicts would vanish. A husband

5 1

i ^

1 In

\. :

^^E

1 ■

io8

f/jfl domestic Sanctuary.

does not like to see his hard earninj^^s wasted,
or laid out with little or no jiidf.anent, with no
power of contrcjl in the family, or system in
household management. See the children wan-
derinj^ in the streets, formin^^ their characters
and habits amonj,^ swearers and drunkards,
^^amblers and Sabbath-breakers; they become
reckless, headstron^^^ and wicked, because they
cannot find companionship or help at home.
How can a man be happy amidst such a scene
as his home presents, when he returns wearied
and tired from his day's labor? and if he cannot
find happiness at home, where is he to ^o in
search of it ? Do we wonder that he should go
to the tavern or saloon, where there is suitable
attraction and ready welcome. We would that
such unhappy cases were less numerous.

JOHN BUNYAN.

There is a providence in human destiny.
The great masters in religion, science and lit-
erature, have, in many cases, been raised from
the humblest classes. The mighty agencies
by which progress has been effected in the dif-
ferent departments of earthly affairs, have been
of comparatively mean origin. God frequently
works from the bottom upwards. See, in
John Bunyan, a poor and unsuccessful young
man taking to himself a wife. His bride as

poor as himself; but she was the child of f^odly
parents. Her father l)e(|aeathe(l to her the
only dowry he had to leave her, the memory of
his own ^ood name, and two little books — The
Plain Mans Pathway to Heaven, and The Prac-
tice of Piety. As to household stuff, they had
not, according' to the bridegroom's account, so
much as a dish or a spoon between them. Yet
those two volumes have redeemed her memory
from oblivion, whilst damsels dowered with
gold are forgotten and unknown. This good
woman urged her husband to read ; and, by her
intreaties, he recovered the art which he had
almost lost. vShe told him, moreover, as only
a loving wife can, of her godly father and his
holy life, until his heart was impressed by the
affecting tale. Of his early life he tells us that
he had but few equals, both for swearing,- curs-
ing, lying, and blaspheming the holy name of
God, and that he was the ringleader in all man-
ner of vice and ungodliness. But who is not
willing to bless the memory of Bunyan's wife ;
but for her promptings and her humble mar-
riage portion of two books, we should never
have had his glorious dreams, besides sixty de-
stinct publications which have astonished the
world by their simplicity and power.

As a means of religious edification in the
promotion of intelligent piety, and the enlarged

tto

The Oomestic Sanctuary.

and ever extending' intiueiice by wliich your
interesting^ char^^e is swayed to duty and affec-
tion, have some manual of devotion at hand,
and in your closet some book of choice chris-
tian biography under careful perusal, that you
may see how others have thoujj^ht and felt and
acted in the everchanginf,' trials of their lot.
See how they read their Bible, and how they
understood it ; mark what clear views they had
of their high calling and how they pursued its
prize; how highly they esteemed heavenly-
mindedness, and how they gained it. In addi-
tion to the regular scripture lessons of the day
at the family altar, frequently,

While quiet in your house you sit,
That book be your companion still ;

Your joy its sayings to repeat,
Talk o'er the record of His will,

And search the oracles divine,

Till every heartfelt word be thine. •

Have no sympathy with those who scoff at the
multitude of religious books. An unreading,
unthinking religion, is generally an unheavenly
one ; and especially disregard those who say
we have enough of commentaries and exposi-
tions, for of these works we never can have
enough. The most profound, heavenly, holy,
and beauteous thoughts of good men are little
more, when attentively considered, than expo-
sitions or illustrations of scripture ; and as

ill

Dlfpcult'm.

TTT

lonf( Jis the word of God shall he a suhject of
human contemplation, so Vm^ it is likely to
call forth an accumulation of volumes which
shall show what vast realms of sunshine may
be filled from one centre of li^dit.

To piefer, as is commonly done, the im-
provement of our fortune to the improvement
of our souls, is a gross blunder; an illiberal,
grovelling, self-degrading mistake, of which all
rational and immortal natures ought to be
ashamed. A mind self-cultivated, purified, en-
riched, and adorned in a manner as the sacred
scriptures instruct, is the noblest possession a
human being can attain to.

-it;

CHAPTER X.

THE ADVANTAGES OF I'AMILY RELKUON.

One of the niciny advantaf,'es of systematic
family religious training is hereditary piety.

It has often been remarked, and no doubt
justly, that the large proportion of the servants
of God, who have been eminent for their devo-
tion and usefulness, liave been brought to re-
ligious decision in early life. There may be
some striking exceptions to the contrary.
Nevertheless, the general rule holds good. As
it was in the Old Testament history, so it has
been in the history of Christianity. Samuel
was consecrated to God and his service from
his infancy. Jeremiah was but a youth when
the God of his childhood called him to fill the
office of a prophet under the most difficult and
perilous conditions. All that was good in
David, grew out of the promise of his youthful
prime. The grandeur of Daniel's character
was but the full development of his early con-
secration ; and the most majestic and im-
pressive of all the sons of Israel, under the Old
Testament dispensation, our Lord's immediate
forerunner, the Baptist, was filled with the

The Advantages of family Religion.

11.^

Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. In like
in.'iiiiior, Saul of Tarsus tells us that his man-
ner of life, from his youth, was of the strictest
sect of the reli^^on of the Jews. It is true that,
as a young man, he persecuted the people of
God, even to the death. He was, as he de-
scribes h" iiself, a l)lasi)hemer, persecutor and
injurer. Hut he was never vicious, even in his
worst and maddest course as persecutor. He
thou^dit he was doin^^ God service, and obtained
mercy or the ^Tound that he did it " i^nioranily
and in unbelief." Self-righteous and unrelen-
ting as he was in his bigotry, he had maintained
not only his Jewish f^iith, but his moral purity;
as touching the law, he himself declares that he
was blameless. When he speaks of his tender
love for Timothy, of their mutual, passionate
affection each for the other, and of his remem-
brance of the unfeigned faith that was in Tim-
othy, and which dwelt first in his grandmother
Lois, and his mother Eunice, — he well under-
stood the character of a Jewish education, with
all the details of family religious training, —
" But continue thou in the things which thou
hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing
of wdiom thou hast learned them, and that from
a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salva-
tion, through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

114

The Domestic Sanctuary.

"Vf^

THE SEED OF THE RIGIITKOUS.

The statement in Isaiah lix., 21, is in accor-
dance with the promises, which frequently
occur in the scriptures, that God would hless
the posterity of His people, showing' mercy
unto thousands (that is, thousands of f^enera-
tions) of them that love Him, and keep His
commandments. (Dent, iv., 37-40; vii., 9;
xxix., I. Ps. Ixxxix., 24-36.) There is no pro-
mise of the Hihle that is more full of consola-
tion to the pious, or has been more strikin/^dy
fulfilled, than this. And thouf^h it is true that
not all the children of ^'odly parents become
truly pious, — thouf^h there are instances where
they are signally wicked and abandoned, — yet
it is also true, that rich, spiritual blessinfi^s are
imparted to the posterity of those who serve
God, and keep His commandments. The fol-
lowing facts are pretty firmly believed by all
those who have given attention to the subject :
First — The majority of those who become reli-
gious, are the descendants of those who feared
God. Those who now compose the christian
churches, are not those generally who have
been rescued from the haunts of open vice and
profligacy; from scepticism and infidelity, or
from the immediate descendants of scoffers,
drunkards or blasphemers. Such men gener-
ally tread in the footsteps of their fathers.

The Aihanta^es of family Religion.

The church is chietly composed of the flcsceti-
daiits of those who have heeii true christians,
and who trained their chihhen in tlie way
they sliouhl go. Second — It is a fact that
comparatively a hirge proportion of the descen-
dants of the righteous become true christians.
I know that it is often said otherwise, and
especially that the children of ministers are
less virtuous and religious than others. But it
should be renuHubered that such cases are
more prominent than others ; that they attract
attention; and especially that the profane have
a malicious pleasure in making them the sub-
ject of remark. The son of a drunkard may be
a drunkard without attracting notice, for such
a result is expected ; so also of an infidel or a
scoffer, or a thief or a licentious man, without
being the subject of special remark. It is
regarded and expected as a matter of course.
But when the son of an eminent christian is
profane, licentious, or sceptical, it at once
excites surprise, because such is not the usual
course^ and is not expected ; because a wicked
world likes to triumph over the downfall of the
righteous, and will often lay the snare, and
afterwards glory in its success. Third — The
righteous should rest on the faithfulness of God
in His promises. Their faith and confidence
should be strong in His design to perpetuate

116

The Domestic Sanctuary.

relif^noi) in all the families of the faithful.
Thoy should he indefatii^'ahle in the iiiculcati(/ii
of reli^Mous truth, walking' worthy of (iod, and
to all Nvell-pleasin^^ hi^fore them, and continu-
ing,' instant in prayer; should s(« live that their
children may safely follow in their footste[)S,
and contiiuially look for and expect God's bless-
inp^ on their efforts, and their labor will not be
in vain. They shall see their childien walkinj^'
in the ways of virtue, and when they die and
leave the world, it will be with unwavering' con-
fidence that (lod will not suffer His faithfulness
to fail ; that He will not break His covenant,
nor alter the thinj^' that hath pfone out of His
lips. A remark of the Rev. A. Barnes may
illustrate these statements, he says: **I am
acquainted with the descendants of John
Koj^^ers, the first martyr in (,hieen Mary's rei/j^n,
of the tenth and eleventh generations. With a
sinj^le exception, the oldest son in the family
has been a cler^^^yman, some of them eminently
distinguished for learning and piety ; and there
are few families novv, a greater proportion of
whom are pious, than of that family.**

The Secretary of the Massachusetts S. S.
Society made an investigation a little while ago
for the purpose of ascertaining the facts about
the religious character of the families of minis-
ters and deacons, with reference to the charge

The Aii^tanta^H of Family Religion.

snoftcii tiuule, that tlicit sduh and (lauxiitem
were worse than other chihircn. The fol-
h)vvin^' is the result : In iO.S farnihes there
were I75^> (liihhiMi over hftccn veins of d^c.
Of these, HH,\ w^'ie hopefully pious, 7<^ were
united in church ftiUowship, ()i were in the
fninistry, and 17 were dissipated, and only a
few of these hecaine so while living at home
with their parents. In 1 1 of these families
there are 12.J children, and all hut seven pious.
When and where can such results he fcnnid in
the families of the unj^txlly ? indeed, it is the
great law hy which virtue and reli/^ion are
spread aiul perpetuated in tlie world, that (iod
is faithful to His covenant, and that He blesses
tile efforts of His people in endeavoring to train
up generations for His service.

Our merciful Creator has not intended man
for a low or ignoble being, but has formed him
for honor and usefulness. We cannot be made
great by others; by our ancestry, or our patri-
mony, by beauty of form or loftiness of stature ;
nor does rank, however exalted or da/zling,
impart greatness to man. Mental imbecility
and meanness of character may roam in a
palace and strut in magnificent titles and robes.
Wealth does not yield greatness. The owner
of riches has frequently been their slave, num-
bered among narrow and bitter spirits, boast-

ii8

Thb domestic Sanctuary.

ing of treasures he had not the power to use,
nor quahfication to enjoy. True greatness is
greatn3ss in the sight of the Lord, and this is
found only in devotedness to Him. When
religion is supreme in the heart, her dominion
pervades all the faculties of the entire man.
That part of man's nature which recognizes
law and duty is the noblest and most impor-
tant, and when rightly educated and in the as-
cendant, his intellectual and emotional powers
are enlarged and tranquilized ; the love of
Christ — the most expansive of all affections; —
the glory of God — the sublimest of all contem-
plations, — become the principles of action, and
tend to raise the character to that grandeur of
which these elements form the basis and the
inspiration.

Righteousness is true greatness, goodness is
power, and wisdom is better than strength. It
is said of the Baptist that one great prepara-
tion for his extraordinary eminence and useful-
ness, was special abstemiousness and self-con-
trol — **He shall drink neither wine nor strong
drink." Self-mastery lies at the basis of noble
distinction. A preacher of repentance and self-
government, he himself was a pattern of religi-
ous mortification and hardihood. With what
severity, with what exalted sanctity, he stood
before Herod, reproving him for all the evils

The Advantages of Family Religion.

119

which he did. What is the distinction of the
warrior to the magnanimity of virtue, and a
soul inspired by the in-dwelHng of the Holy
Ghost? To what a littleness i.^an dwindles,
and how paltry his pursuits and conquests, in
the exclusion of religion, and of tht moment-
ous things of eternity. How little, in the last
day, will be the names of an Alexander, a Caesar,
a Napoleon, and a Nelson, compared to a
Coke, a Carey, a Williams and a Hunt, and
many others, now unknown to fame.

Think of Paul, probably the greatest human
name in all nistory. By his writings he is
to-day influencing more minds and hearts than
any other man that ever lived. See those
three young men, the Baptist, the apostle Paul,
and Timothy, all descendants of a pious ances-
try; early taught the holy scriptures with all
the sacredness and sanctities of revealed reli-
gion: distinguished men, shall we say repre-
sentative men, of New Testament faith and
practice, the epitomes of whose noble lives are
contained in a few significant words which
have no parallel, except in the book of life. Of
John it is said that "he was a burning and
shining light ;" of Timothy, "I have no man
likeminded ;" of Paul, '* I have fought a good
fight, I have kept the faith." The influence of
a holy example is salutary in all the stations of

120

The Domestic Sanctuary.

public and private life. Such fi^oodness is
powerful everywhere — in the circles of royalty,
in the councils of war, in the treaties of peace,
in discernment and warning, in the world and
in the church, at home and abroad.

What a beautiful description of patriarchal
piety and parental affection and esteem we
have in the character and conduct of Joseph,
as revealed upon the several occasions of his
brethern's visits to him in Egypt. When
Joseph was sold into Egypt, mature age had
fixed the stature and formed the features of his
brethern, so that the lapse of years had effected
no great change in their character and appear-
ance than what he had always seen them ;
whilst he himself had grown out of the
stripling into the man, and from a shepherd's
boy was become the ruler of a kingdom. When
they, therefore, appeared before him, he knew
them, but they knew him not. He listened to
their artless account of home with suppressed
emotion, while they told of the family and
circumstances in which his own name and that
of his father's were so deeply involved. (Gen.
xlii., 24 ; xliii., 7.) " Is your father yet alive, and
have you another brother?" They went down
a second time and again the question was, "Is
your father well, the old man of whom ye spake,
is he yet alive ? " More he could not venture to

The Advantages of Family Religion.

121

ask, while he was yet in his (lis;:]^uise. Rut at
the pleading of J udah on the behalf of licnja-
min, Joseph's firmness foorsook him, so that
he could not refrain himself any longer, and,
causing; every man to go out, he made him-
self known to his brethren. Then, in the height
of the paroxysm which came upon him (for he
wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard), still
his first words, uttered from the fullness of his
heart, were : "Doth my father yet live?" He
now bids them hasten and bring the old man
down, bearing to him tokens of his love and
tidings of his glory. On his arrival in the
country he goes to meet him. (Gen. xlvi., 29.)
He presents himself unto him, and falls and
weeps on his neck ; he provides for him and
his household out of the fat of the land ; he
sets him before Pharoah. By-and-byhe hears
that he is sick and hastens to visit him, he
receives his blessing, watches his deathbed,
embalms his body, mourns for him three-
score and ten days, and then carries him into
Canaan to bury him, taking with him, as an
escort to do him honor, all the elders. of Israel
and all the servants of Pharoah, and all his
house and the house of his brethren, chariots
and horsemen — a very great company.

Many of our young people are fond of novel-
reading. Let such take and read ten or twelve

(ill

122

The Domeotic Sanctuary.

of the last chapters of Genesis ; those contain-
in^^ the history of Joseph, where the romance
of real life is portrayed in events and circum-
stances so artless and simple, so fascinating
and pure, so rich and so elevating, as to have
no comparison in the realm of novel literature.
Although the programme of events of life may
be beyond the power of imitation, yet, when
read, such is the divine sublimity inspiring the
whole, that the entire story reads as if intensi-
fied with thoughts that breathe and words that
burn.

'' He that dwelleth in the secret place of the
Most High, shall abide under the shadow of
the Almighty ; because thou hast made the
Lord, even the Most High, thy habitation.
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall
any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Because
he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I
deliver him: I will set him on high, because
he hath ^:nown My name. He shall call upon
Me, and I will answer him ; I will be with him
in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and show him
My salvation."

These cheering declarations evidently se-
cure to us God's gracious benedictions, as the
result of our domestic acknowledgment to
His government and will.

The Advantages of Family Religion.

1^3

The peace and welfare of the domestic cir-
cle will, too, be greatly promoted. The man
that takes deU^ht in the stated inculcation of
God's holy word, and the habit of reli^dous
worship in his family, must necessarily be at-
tended with results in the hi;,diest de;^ree
blissful and satisfactory ; his leaf shall not
wither, his reli^'ious life shall not become stale
and uninfluential, and whatsoever he doeth
shall prosper. Corpict ideas of God and of re-
ligious truth will be obtained, by which the
younger members of the family may be admon-
ished and directed ; a powerful check will be
unceasingly presented against the commission
of much that is evil : whilst just in proportion
as the influences of religion are diffused
throughout the social circle, so will all that
creates disquietude and discord die away ;
envy and strife will cease, and our fjimilies,
yielding to the force of heavenly truth, will
pleasingly attest:

Sweet peace she brings wherever she arrives,
She builds our comfort as she forms our lives.
Lays the rough path of peevish nature even.
And opens in the breast a little heaven.

Ilf

CHAPTER XL

IMPORTANT TICSTIMONIKS OF DISTINGUISHED

MKN WHO HAVE (ilVEN ATTENTION TO

THE SUBJECT.

The late Rev. John An^^cl James remarks:
*' There is, in some households, no family gov-
ernment, no order, no^subordination. The
children are kept under no restraint, but are
allowed to do what they like ; their faults are
unnoticed and unpunished, and their tempers
are allowed to grow wild and headstrong, till,
in fact, the whole family becomes utterly law-
less, rebellious against parental authority, and
unamiable to all around. How many have had
to curse the over-indulgence of fond and foolish
parents ? How many, as they have ruminated
amidst the desolations of poverty, or the walls
of a prison, have exclaimed : 'Oh, my over-
fond parents, had you exercised that authority
with which God intrusted you over your child-
ren, and had you checked my childish corrup-
tions, and punished my boyish disobedience,
had you subjected me to the restraint of salu-
tary and wholesome laws, I had not brought
you with a broken heart to your grave, nor
myself with a ruined character to the jail.' "

Testimonies of Distin^uisiiod Men.

A^5

It is not unconinioii for parents to treat
the first acts of puerile rebellion rather as
freaks to be laii^died at, than as faults to be
reformed. Oil, says the mother, it's only play,
he will know better soon ; he does not mean
a,ny harm ; I cannot chide him. No; and if
the father, wiser than herself, does, she cries,
and, perhaps, in the hearing' of her child,
reproves her husband for cruelty, h^rom what-
ever cause it proceeds, it is in the hi^diest
dejj^ree injurious to the character of children.
Let those who are K^ii^ty of it read the fearful
comment upon this sin, which is furnished for
their warning in the history of Eli and his

family.

The late Rev. Dr. Stamp says on the sub-
ject : "What we are as families, such also will
our neighborhood be; all our attempts to
promote the well-being of society around us
will assuredly prove futile, if the religious cul-
ture of our respective households be unhappily
neglected. Were family religion universal,
could we find in every house an altar unto God,
the stream of general society, thus purified at
its source, would exhibit a striking contrast to
its present ruffled and muddy aspect. The
burstings forth of strife, the tumult of unholy
passion, with all that proves the bane of social
enjoyment, would cease to vex ; whilst under

1^6

The Domestic Sanctuary.

the hallowinp^ influence of truth, the peace of
coniiruinities would be as a river, and their rij;ht-
eousness as the waves of the sea. Just as the
duties of domestic worship are reco^'ni;^ed and
carried out, is the nuich-to-be-desired consum-
mation hastened."

The late Rev. Dr. Olin, of the United
States, observes: " The family institution is a
divine ordinance, obviously desij^ned as a pre-
paratory school for such a training of child-
hood as shall best fit it for the reception of re-
li^aous truth and the performance of religious
duties. It is a period of physical weakness
and absolute dependence upon the parent,
when the heart is impressable and the mind
plastic ; when the powers of imitation are
strong and active ; and when unlimited con-
fidence is reposed in the truth and propriety
of parental inculcations. Over this period of
human life, the laws of society, no less than
the laws of heaven, make the parents' author-
ity supreme. * '* * * Almost everything
depends on preoccupying the soul with right
habits, of which none is so closely connected
with favorable religious development as the
habit of obedience to legitimate authority.
Every parent who fails of establishing this un-
questionable dominion over his child, does in
the same degree entail upon him a curse of

Testimonies of Distinguished Men.

127

fearful omen. lie fosters the unhoni enmity
of the heart to the claims of rclij^'ioii ; and so
stren^'thens its o|ii,ositioii to the j^^overiiment
of God, that the usual aj^encies of the |;:^(»spel
are very likely to prove ineffectual f(tr the p^reat
end of piety and salvation. That this dire-
lection of parental faithfulness is one of the
most common, as well as inveterate, hindrances
to conversion, all ex{)erience and observation
offer their concurrent testimony. It may be
laid down as a Christian axiom, that the re-
bellious spirit which refuses obedience to par-
ents, will be the last to render it to God."

Utterances like these on the importance of
domestic religion might be multiplied, if neces-
sary, but we forbear. Thero is a case of indi-
vidual character containing points of interest
which may be both instructive and encouraging
to those who, like Joshua, have resolved, that
whatever others may do, as for me and my
house we will serve the Lord.

' I remember, many years ago, a youth belong-
ing to a religious family in the country, coming
to take his place as an indoor apprentice in
connection with city life. The principals of
his new home were professedly Baptists, but
made little or no pretension to religion beyond
going occasionally to a place of public worship
on the Sabbath dav. On the Sabbath it was

128

The Domestic Sanctuary,

his duty to be at his paioiitnl homo. There
was no ii'h^'ioiis cliMiuiiit (Mtlicr in th(* house or
sho[), so that tliey all liad their conversation in
the hists of the flesh, fuUillin/^' tlie desires of
tlie flesh and of the mind. Hy the influence of
outsi(U' associations he was hrou^dit to see the
error of his ways, and eventually to he con-
verted from them. This soon developed itself
in newness of life and character. As usual, the
secret of it was mistaken by his shopmates,
hence a continuous peltin^^ storm of petty per-
secution ; in place of the civilities and sociali-
ties of life, there was an md)r()ken tirade of
coarseness and the low vul^^arities of unreason-
able and wicked men, the master himself some-
times joining with them.

To live a religious life under such circum-
stances would be considered almost impractic-
able, but the grace of God was sufticient, and
better days were in store for him. One day
when the master and he were alone, he sum-
moned courage to ask him for an explanation
of the unseemly treatment to which he was al-
most daily subjected. It was quite evident it
was more than the master expected, as he
could make no explanation, nor yet plead in-
nocence on his own part, or ignorance in that
of others. He frankly acknowledged the just-
ness of the complaint made to him, at the

Testlmonloa of Distinguished Men.

Hi)

same titno promisinj^' imtncdiate ref()rinati<ni.
A new era now set in, hostilities at onre ceased.
A larj^e family pew was rented inclnnrli, while,
very shortly after, the master and other mem-
bers of the family nnited in church fellowship.
Familv prayer twice a dav was now established,
at which all hands were required to attend,
the youthful hero leadin/^^ the way. Kouj;di
places were now made even ; motives beinj^'
pure, actions were peaceable; they, in turn,
by love served one another, rejoicin^^ not in
iniquity, but rejoicinj^^ in the truth.

In the course of time the younj:,' man com-
menced housekeeping on his own account,
where he had his family altar, around which
he and his devoted wife have trained a large
family. In this respect, God has been very
gracious to them: out of twelve of a family, ten
have been spared to man and womanliood ; the
whole are members of the christian church, also
the partners of those that are married. Two of
them are employed in the work of the christian
ministry.

He that was "young" is now old, at least

apparently so.

" He lives long who answers life's great end.'

He has had to endure a severe period of
long-suffering, which covered a large portion

The Domestic Sanctuary.

of t!u; latttM part of Iiis active lifo with a cloud.
Otherwise, as a local prt^arlier, rlass-li'idcr,
Sabbath school tt;acluM', and Sunday sch(H)l
superiutendeiit, he was iiidefati^Ml)U!, a!id
never could feel that he had done encai^di so
lon^ as he knew anything rcniainerl to be done.
lM)r some time he has been anxiously, yet
patiently, waiting; and watchinj^' on the inarj^in
of the river. In reviewin;^' the past, he is pain-
fully sensible of many defects of relijj;ious
^.haracter, and if not for the revelation of the
mercy of (lod in the sacrifice of His Son, he
mi^dit despair of any deliverance from their
terrible consecpiences. But this is the only
hope he has, no other lie needs, and with a full
and boundinj^' heart he sink's,

O love, thou bottomless abyss,
My sins are swallowed up in thee.

The repiesentations thus j^iven, as to the
reasons on which the duties of family religion
are based, the mode of its celebration, and the
advantages which its observance secures, we
now commit to your serious and prayerful
deliberation. If matters thus important be
unhappily lost sight of, you cannot complain
should your children or your servants be heed-

Tettlmonitt of DiitlnguishtU Men,

less of the word they never heard, or wan-
derers from I!itn whom tliey have nut boon
trained to worsliip. Where there is no^)rayin^'
he well assjut'd thert; will ht; sin. Where (iod
is not st;rv«'d, Satan will he. Shall then, a
responsibility thns fearful lie at >oui door?
Shall your very habitation witness before i'» I
a^^ainst you? ''Shall the stone cry out of the
walls, and the beam out of the timber answer ,
it," that in your dwelliiif^'s (iod is dishonored
and His worship not known ? "Have I been a
wilderness unto you," appeals Jehovah, "a lan<l
of darkness, that ye come no more tc Me ?
What ini(|uity have your fathers found in Nfe,
that theyare j^one far from Me, antl have walked
after vanity and become vain ?" Diftirultics
may indeed present themselves ; members of
your own families may oppose in this resi)ect
your righteous intentions ; grievous scenes of
this kind may have frequently been witnessed,
still let Joshua's determination be resolutely
yours. In your family, fear and worship (iod,
and if your children perish (which (iod forbid),
O, ye christian parents, let not the fault be
yours. Let not your offspring, or your ser-
vant, if found at the last at the left hand of
the Judge, have to say, *' My father never
prayed ;" " My master never instructed me in
the things of (iod." Let not your household

•fw

132

The Domestic Sanctuary,

perish in consequence of your neglect. Train
them up aright, instruct them in God's truth
and fear, commit them by daily and earnest
prayer to Him, so shall you hasten the ac-
complishment of that prophetic word: "Then
shall the offering of Jacob and Jerusalem be
pleasant unto the Lord as in the days of
old, and, as in former years, the Lord will
create upon every dwelling place in Mount
Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and
smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire
by night ; for upon all the glory shall be a
defence."

Ill
th

^ill

,nd

[ire