CHRISTIAN HOME-LIFE.

A BOOK

OF

EXAMPLES AND PRINCIPLES.

LONDON:

THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY;
Instituted 1799.

DEPOSITORIES, 56, PATERNOSTER ROW,

65, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, AND 164, PICCADILLY :
SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS.

1864.

100. u. 226.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

Importance of the subject-The family the basis of all true civilization—

Testimony of Dr. M'Cosh-The family and social morality-A pure

home-life unknown to heathenism-Flourishes most where the gospel is

most powerful-Beneficial results-The crowning blessing

CHAPTER II.

THE BIBLE AND HOME-LIFE.

page 1

The primal law of the family instituted in Paradise-Restored by Christ-

The influence of the gospel on the social relationships-Testimony of

the early Christian Fathers-Sanctions to the family relationships given

in the Bible-Parental obligation-God's condemnation of domestic

corruptions-Relation of the family to the moral government of God,

and the spread of his kingdom-John Howe-Dr. Krapf-Our Lord a

member of a family-Scripture examples of family piety: Abraham,

Joshua, Job, and others-The family at Bethany-The Bible still our

guide

page 9

CHAPTER III.

PIETY AT HOME.

The charm of home-Testimony of the poets, and quotation from Goldsmith

-Home sickness-"Lochaber no more "-Montgomery and Words-

worth-Memories of home-Importance of making this feeling sub-

servient to the promotion of piety-Christian homes-Dr. Waugh-

The principles on which they should be governed-Influence of them

upon children-Examples of piety at home-The Puritans—Mrs.

Hutchinson-Quarles-The Henrys-W. Wilberforce

page 23

CHAPTER IV.

HOME PIETY AND HOME HAPPINESS.

John Foster-Dr. Chalmers-Sir T. F. Buxton-Letter of Rev. C. Simeon--

Dr. Morison's recollections of his home-Legh Richmond-His letters

to his children; care for their happiness-Recognition of the claims of

religion necessary to the happiness of the home-Sir Thomas More-

Dr. Morison-Home duties and social engagements

CHAPTER V.

TEACHING AND TRAINING.

page 42

Childhood of Timothy-Parental responsibility-Rev. J. A. James—In-

stances of the value of early religious training-Origen-Augustine-

Gregory of Nazianzum-Chrysostom-Bernard of Clairvaux-Luther-

Method of training-Philip Henry-Testimony of Matthew Henry to

his father and mother-Richard Baxter-Dr. Doddridge-Letter to his

daughter-Early training of the Wesley family-The Divine promise in

relation to the training of children-The results delayed, but not denied

-Gilbert West-The Haldanes-Dr. Payson-A sailor-Capt. A.

Gardiner-Parental influence-Cecil-Bishop Hall-Hooker and

others

Fage 55

CHAPTER VI.

THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER-PERSONAL HABITS.

The highest blessing within our reach-Letter of John Foster on the birth

of his son-Formation of character for eternity entrusted to parents-

Absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit's influence-Susceptibility of

children to external impressions-The mother-The father-Example

and precept-James Montgomery-George Herbert's mother-Sir Wm.

Jones-Sir T. F. Buxton-Habits-Reverence-Truthfulness-Industry,

order, and perseverance-Prince Albert-Self-reliance, forethought,

economy-Mental habits, reading, and study-The formation of good

habits necessary to a consistent Christian character

CHAPTER VII.

THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER-SOCIAL HABITS.

page 80

Obedience-Mrs. Wesley-Kindness and severity-Illustrative examples-

Dr. Morison-John Foster-Spencer Thornton-Kindness and con-

sideration for others-Sympathy of children with the pursuits of their

parents-Legh Richmond-Sir T. F. Buxton-Discipline-Dr. Vaughan

--Liberty and restraint-Self-restraint-F. L. Mackenzie

page 105

CHAPTER VIII.

CHILD-PIETY.

Common mistake as to early piety-Its true nature-Possibility of it-The
corrupt nature-Impartation of renewing grace possible at a very early
period-Instances of piety in childhood-Matthew Henry-Wilberforce
Richmond-F. L. Mackenzie-Imperfections of childhood no argument
against child-piety-The Christian home only complete when children
are early trained for Christ-Testimony of a little child

CHAPTER IX.

FAMILY WORSHIP.

page 117

Family worship the oldest form of worship-Its obligation-Rev. J. A. James

-Scriptural evidence in its favour-Abraham-Joshua-Job-Practical

importance of it-Cecil-The infidel-Family worship and family life-

Never out of place-In time of affliction-Rev. J. A. James-Best time

for fulfilling this duty-Letter of Rev. J. Newton-Exceptional cases-

Methods of conducting it-Rev. J. A. James-Cecil-Sir T. F. Buxton-

The Henrys-Family worship at Broad Oak.

CHAPTER X.

THE LORD'S DAY AT HOME.

page 136

1. The sacred obligations of the sabbath must be faithfully maintained—

Restraint on the conversation and behaviour of children-Liberty and

law.

2. Household arrangements must be made to accord with the

design of the sabbath-Dr. R. W. Hamilton-Dr. Morison. 3. The

sabbath day a special opportunity for parental instruction-Work of the

mother, of the father-The Puritans. 4. The sabbath must be a happy

day at home-Gloom and sadness inappropriate to the Christian sabbath

-Family intercourse-Influence of such sabbaths on apprentices, as-

sistants, servants, young children-Their influence on the week-

Appeal to Christian parents

page 151

Family association and family affection-Isaac Taylor-Application of the

principles of the gospel to the intercourse of daily life-Gaining the

confidence of children of great importance-Dr. Chalmers-Rev. J. A.

James-Brothers and sisters-Younger and elder children-Domestic

servants-Behaviour to them, and care for them-Intercourse between

the young and the aged-The bond of perfectness

page 165