The practice of piety directing a Christian how to walk, that he may please…

1. IF thou beest called to the government of a Family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God, and live uprightly in thine own person, unless thou causest all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty, God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel. For (saith God) I know him, ¹that he will command his sons, and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham, that he hath spoken unto him. And Abraham had 318 Men servants,² which were thus born and catechized in his house. With whose help he rescued also his Nephew Lot from the captivity of his Enemies.³ And religiously valiant Joshua protesteth before all the people, That if they all would fall away from the true Worship of God, yet that he and his house would serve the Lord. And God himself gives a special charge to all Householders, that they do instruct their Family in his Word, and train them up in his fear and service. These words which I command thee this day, ⁴shall be in thy heart, and thou shalt whet them continually upon thy Children, and shalt talk of them when thou tarriest in thine house, and as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up, &c. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him. ⟨p. 201⟩David according to this Law, had so ordered his Family,⁵ That no deceitful person should dwell in his house, but such as would serve God and walk in his way: ⁶and religious Esther had taught her Maids to serve God in fasting and prayer. And (the more to further thy family in the zeal of religion) settle ever thy chiefest affection on those whom thou shalt perceive to be best addicted to true Religion. This also will turn to thine own advantage in a double respect. First, God will the rather bless and prosper the labour and handy-work of such godly servants. For Laban perceived,