The Godly Family: A Series of Essays on the Duties of Parents and Children

by Samuel Davies (Contributor), Philip Doddridge (Contributor), Arthur Hildersham (Contributor)

This book contains a collection of 16 essays and sermons from 17th and 18th century pastors on ordering a godly home. The book is divided into four sections: 1) The Importance of Family Religion, 2) The Duties of Parents, 3) The Duties of Children, 4) The Eternal Family. Some of the authors in this collection are George Whitefield, Henry Venn, Samuel Stennett, Arthur Hildersham, Philip Doddridge, and Thomas Houston.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Gary Ezzo

Section 1 - Family Religion
1. The Necessity and Excellence of Family Religion by Samuel Davies (1723-61)
2. The Great Duty of Family Religion by George Whitfield (1714-70)
3. A Plain and Serious Address on the Important Subject of Family Religion by Philip ?Doddridge (1702-51)

Section 2 - The Duties of Parents
4. Parental Duties Illustrated by Samuel Worcester (1798-1859)
5. The Duties of Parents Towards Their Children by Henry Venn (1796-1873)
6. Disciplining Children by Arthur Hildersham (1563-1632)
7. On The Method of Instructing Children by Henry Venn
Four Sermons on the Religious Education of Children by Philip Doddridge
8. Dedication
9. Sermon 1
10. Sermon 2
11. Sermon 3
12. Sermon 4
13. Blessings Consequent Upon Parental Fidelity by Thomas Houston (1803-82)

Section 3 - The Duties of Children
14. The Duties of Children to Their Parents by Samuel Stennett (1727-95)
15. The Duties of Children by Henry Venn

Section 4 - The Eternal Family
16. Heaven Considered as a Family by Samuel Stennett

Genres: Parenting, Family

341 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good anthology of 17th, (mostly) 18th, and 19th century Protestant essays/sermons on themes relating to the family. The opening essay by colonial American Presbyterian minister Samuel Davies sets the tone for all that follows. Anglican minister Henry Venn’s essays are very useful. English nonconformist minister Philip Doddridge’s sermons are powerful, if a bit lengthy (especially sermon 4 on the religious education of children - this one is really intense in a good way). Northern Irish Reformed Presbyterian minister Thomas Houston (known for his excellent treatise on the doctrine of adoption) has an encouraging essay on blessings for faithful parents, and Seventh Day Baptist minister Samuel Stennett has two chapters toward the end which are surprisingly good. All told, I highly recommend this book to readers who are not scared away by the somewhat dated verbiage.

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Godly Family is a collection of essays from Puritan writers back in the 17th and 18th centuries. This collection of writings focuses on the role of the household plays in the spiritual development and life of not only children but of parents as well. The authors continually implore their readers to not disengage from the spiritual education and training of their children but to take the lead with the support of their churches to bring their children up in the Lord and to teach them the sound doctrines of the church. This call to action was no less true 300 years ago as it is today. Parents need to educate themselves more in order to take more of a leading role in the spiritual development of their children. This book can serve as a springboard for parents to begin to engage more with their children and to walk with them as they come to a greater understanding of their Savior.

[Esther McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend this varied collection of short writings - sermons and letters to congregations. The authors' earnestness and passion really comes across. Memorable and easy to read.

[Mark Bennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid essays from a bunch of men to aspire to follow.