There are some very important outward ordinances and means of grace7 that are plainly implied in the Word of God, but for the exercise of which we have few, if any, plain and positive precepts; rather are we left to gather them from the example of holy men and from various incidental circumstances. An important end is answered by this arrangement: trial is thereby made of the state of our hearts. It serves to make evident whether, because an expressed command cannot be brought requiring its performance, professing Christians will neglect a duty plainly implied. Thus, more of the real state of our minds is discovered, and it is made manifest whether we have or have not an ardent love for God and His service. This holds good both of public and family worship. Nevertheless, it is not at all difficult to prove the obligation of domestic piety.8

Consider first the example of Abraham, the father of the faithful and the friend of God ( James 2:23). It was for his domestic piety that he received blessing from Jehovah Himself: “For I know him, 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” (Gen. 18:19). The patriarch is here commended for instructing his children and servants in the most important of all duties—“the way of the Lord”—the truth about His glorious person, His high claims upon us, His requirements from us. Note well the words “he will command” them, that is, he would use the authority God had given him as a father and head of his house to enforce the duties of family godliness. Abraham also prayed with as well as instructed his family: wherever he pitched his tent, there he built “an altar unto the Lord” (Gen. 12:7; 13:4). Now, my readers, we may well ask ourselves, Are we “Abraham’s seed” (Gal. 3:29) if we do not “the works of Abraham” ( John 8:39) and neglect the weighty duty of family worship?