Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

And are there not some, that time was when they would worship God with their families; but they are fallen away, and have cast off the practice that is good? O foolish creatures, you did run well, but who hath driven you back? Remember the word that was spoken by the Lord Jesus, Luk. 9.62. No man having put his hand to the Plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. Didst thou begin to pray with thy family? This was to set thy hand to the Lords plough: woe to thee if thou drawest it back again.

And are there not some, that time was when they would worship God with their families; but they are fallen away, and have cast off the practice that is good? O foolish creatures, you did run well, but who hath driven you back? Remember the word that was spoken by the Lord Jesus, Luk. 9.62. No man having put his hand to the Plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdome of God. Didst thou begin to pray with thy family? This was to set thy hand to the Lords plough: wo to thee if thou drawest it back again.

3. This reproveth those who do that in families which is quite contrary unto praying and serving God therein. Are there not families in this place, wherein there is Drinking to excess, Gaming, Wantonness, uncleanness? Indeed, when such deeds of darkness are brought to slight, they are put to shame amongst us; and it is a great mercy to the Land, that open profaneness and wickedness is punished, but the Lord seeth what is done in private Houses. He knoweth who they are, that assemble themselves by […] in the Harlots House, Jer. 5 7. And are there not families in the which instead of Prayer, there is ⟨p. 69⟩Cursing, Swearing, Sabbath breaking; & the like Transgressions that provoke the glorious eyes of the Holy Majesty o• Heaven? Let the Masters of such Families look to themselves. For the Sabbath breaking & other profanenesses that are indulged in their Families, will be charged upon them, who ought to rule their Houses better,