posing the case) say, We are unprofitable servants ; we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke xvii. 10.

Yet let not any (for we are apt to err on every side) be too much DISCOURAGED BY THE STRICTNESS RECOMMENDED. The writer freely confesses how much he falls short of what he recommends; the good I would, I do not: the evil I would not, that I do. Let the conviction of our falling short only lead us to see the necessity of a total surrender to the righteousness of our crucified, risen, and interceding Saviour; and to come more simply to him for strength to do that which is of manifest excellence, and a plain duty,

CHAPTER VIII.

FAMILY WORSHIP.'

THERE are some very important means of grace, and outward observances, which are plainly implied in the word of God, for the performance of which we have few, if any, positive, plain, and expressive precepts. We are left to gather them from the examples of holy men, and from various incidental circumstances: such, in some degree, is the duty of public, and such more plainly is the duty of family worship.

The reasons may be these. The Christian dispensation is designed as a religion for people in every country, and in every situation in which a human being can be placed. It is more of a spiritual transaction between God and the soul than the Mosaic dispensation was. Had there then been positive precepts respecting the means of grace, and the circumstantials of religion, and particularly respecting time, place, or frequency, the tender conscience, for which God has ever manifested particular regard, would necessarily have been bur

1 The greatest part of this chapter may perhaps be read with advantage by the master of a family, when first beginning to attend to this duty.

dened when placed in situations where the duty was impracticable.'

By this, also, another important end is answered. A trial is made of men's spirits. It is seen, whether, because a positive precept cannot be brought requiring its performance, men will neglect a duty plainly implied. Thus more of the real state of our minds is discovered, and it is manifested whether we have, or have not, a full and ardent love for God, his worship, and service.

It will not, however, be difficult to prove the OBLIGATION of family worship in various ways.

Consider THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM, the father of the faithful, and the friend of God.-His family piety is that for which he is blessed by Jehovah himself: I know Abraham, 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, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Abraham is here commended for instructing his children and his household in the most important of all duties, the way of the Lord, the great doctrines of religion, and justice and judgment, its great duties. And observe, he will command them; that is, he will use that just authority which God gives the father and head of a family in the religious instruction of his children. Abraham also prayed with, as well as instructed his family. Wherever he fixed his tent, there he built an altar to the Lord. This we read he did in the plain of Moriah. And when he removed to a mountain on the east of Bethel, there he built an altar, and called upon the name of the Lord, Gen. xii. 7, 8. Now we may say

1 See Cecil's Remains.

to those who neglect family worship, that as all real Christians are Abraham's seed, (Gal. iii. 29) If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham, John viii. 39. Your neglect of this duty, tends to show that you do not really belong to Christ. 1

The EXAMPLES OF OTHER HOLY MEN are similar to that of Abraham. Consider the holy determination of Joshua, who declared to all Israel, Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua xxiv. 15. Neither the exalted station which he occupied, nor his various and pressing public labours, prevented his attention to the religion of his family. When David had brought the ark of God into Jerusalem with gladness, sacrifices, and thanksgivings, after discharging all his public duties, and blessing the people in the name of the Lord of Hosts, he returned to bless his household. 1 Sam. vi. 20. In addition to these might be adduced the examples of Job, (chap. i. 5.) Daniel, (chap. vi. 10.) and others. While the ark rested in the house of Obed-edom, a blessing came upon him and all his household. Would you then obtain the blessing of God on your household? let your family be daily assembled for prayer and praise. Observe the praise given to Cornelius; he was a devout man and one that feared God, with all his house; which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

1 Let us also notice the principle which influenced Abraham-Iƒ Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory. But he utterly renounced such ideas. In pleading before God, how he abases himself: Behold, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes! Abraham was justified by faith, and relying on the promises of God, his heart was filled with love, and hence he sought to impart to his family those spiritual blessings which he himself enjoyed.

Acts x. 2. The early Christians practised this duty. St. Paul greets the church in the house of Priscilla and Aquila, when they were at Rome, (Rom. xvi. 3,) and sends the salutation of the church that was in their house when they were in Asia. 1 Cor. xvi. 19. We may probably gather hence, that he alludes rather to the assembly of a religious family than to that of a stated congregation. See also Col. iv. 15; Philemon 2. When Peter was released by the angel from prison, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, where many were gathered together praying. Acts xii. 12.

These examples are brought forward to shew you, that in duly attending to family worship, you are followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST confirms the obligation arising from that of good men. He was the head of his family, and his Apostles belonged to his household. Matt. x. 25. We perpetually read how he instructed them in private, and asked them various questions as to their religious knowledge. Matt. xiii. 51; xvi. 13. He often prayed with his disciples. Luke ix. 18; xi. 1. You call yourself a Christian; then remember, he that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John ii. 6.

THREATENINGS are pronounced AGAINST THOSE WHO DISREGARD THIS DUTY. Those who neglect the worship of God in their families, lie (awful thought!) under the displeasure of the Almighty, under the frown of the Most High. Observe what is said, (Jer. x. 25,) Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not