Family Worship in 1647

It's Sunday, so I've been thinking about the Christian life. One of my favourite sites for reformation source documents is http://www.reformed.org/. It was here that I found the 1647 Edinburgh Directory for Family-Worship, an act (of the Church of Scotland, I presume) for "observing the Directions of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY for secret and private Worship, and mutual Edification; and censuring such as neglect Family-worship." It begins, "THE General Assembly, after mature deliberation, doth approve the following Rules and Directions for cherishing piety, and preventing division and schism..." Worthy goals? Then read on for 360-year-old instructions designed to edify you (build you up in your faith), assist you to cherish piety (help you to love godliness) and prevent division & schism (keep you within the true Christian faith)... or you could just skip the smaller text and read my modern-day paraphrase, which is in the standard-sized text.

I. And first, for secret worship, it is most necessary, that every one apart, and by themselves, be given to prayer and meditation, the unspeakable benefit whereof is best known to them who are most exercised therein; this being the mean whereby, in a special way, communion with God is entertained, and right preparation for all other duties obtained: and therefore it becometh not only pastors, within their several charges, to press persons of all sorts to perform this duty morning and evening, and at other occasions; but also it is incumbent to the head of every family to have a care, that both themselves, and all within their charge, be daily diligent herein.

Individually: Pray. Think deeply upon the Scriptures. This is the way to a vibrant relationship with God, a relationship that will equip one for every part of life. Do this in the morning, in the evening and at other times. Husbands/Fathers must take responsibility to ensure that the entire family is diligent in this private worship.

II. The ordinary duties comprehended under the exercise of piety which should be in families, when they are convened to that effect, are these: First, Prayer and praises performed with a special reference, as well to the publick condition of the kirk of God and this kingdom, as to the present case of the family, and every member thereof. Next, Reading of the scriptures, with catechising in a plain way, that the understandings of the simpler may be the better enabled to profit under the publick ordinances, and they made more capable to understand the scriptures when they are read; together with godly conferences tending to the edification of all the members in the most holy faith: as also, admonition and rebuke, upon just reasons, from those who have authority in the family.

Corporately, with the entire family present: Pray, keeping the family's own situation and condition in mind. Praise God. Read the Bible. Teach the basic doctrines of the Christian faith simply. Train all of the family in godly character and behaviour. Expose and correct any sin.

III. As the charge and office of interpreting the holy scriptures is a part of the ministerial calling, which none (however otherwise qualified) should take upon him in any place, but he that is duly called thereunto by God and his kirk; so in every family where there is any that can read, the holy scriptures should be read ordinarily to the family; and it is commendable, that thereafter they confer, and by way of conference make some good use of what hath been read and heard. As, for example, if any sin be reproved in the word read, use may be made thereof to make all the family circumspect and watchful against the same; or if any judgment be threatened, or mentioned to have been inflicted, in that portion of scripture which is read, use may be made to make all the family fear lest the same or a worse judgment befall them, unless they beware of the sin that procured it: and, finally, if any duty be required, or comfort held forth in a promise, use may be made to stir up themselves to employ Christ for strength to enable them for doing the commanded duty, and to apply the offered comfort. In all which the master of the family is to have the chief hand; and any member of the family may propone a question or doubt for resolution.

When the family reads the Bible together, anyone who can read should be allowed to do so, and after this, all family members should discuss what they have read and heard, with a view to understanding it better. Be on the lookout for sin in your own lives that you have read of in the histories of others. Learn from the judgement of others, so that you yourself will not suffer the same consequences. Be encouraged by the Bible's teachings on righteous behaviour for a godly life of service. Be comforted by the promises of God that you read of. The husband/father is to lead this, but any member of the family is to be allowed to ask a question.

IV. The head of the family is to take care that none of the family withdraw himself from any part of family-worship: and, seeing the ordinary performance of all the parts of family-worship belongeth properly to the head of the family, the minister is to stir up such as are lazy, and train up such as are weak, to a fitness to these exercises; it being always free to persons of quality to entertain one approved by the presbytery for performing family-exercise. And in other families, where the head of the family is unfit, that another, constantly residing in the family, approved by the minister and session, may be employed in that service...

The husband/father must take responsibility to ensure that the entire family is involved in family worship, and that it runs smoothly. The minister of the church should teach and exhort those who are unable or unwilling to meet this responsibility. Alternatively, if the husband/father is unfit for this responsibility (for example, if he is not a Christian,) then the minister of the church may delegate this duty to another person (such as the mother).

VIII. On the Lord's day, after every one of the family apart, and the whole family together, have sought the Lord (in whose hands the preparation of men's hearts are) to fit them for the publick worship, and to bless to them the publick ordinances, the master of the family ought to take care that all within his charge repair to the publick worship, that he and they may join with the rest of the congregation: and the publick worship being finished, after prayer, he should take an account what they have heard; and thereafter, to spend the rest of the time which they may spare in catechising, and in spiritual conferences upon the word of God: or else (going apart) they ought to apply themselves to reading, meditation, and secret prayer, that they may confirm and increase their communion with God: that so the profit which they found in the publick ordinances may be cherished and promoved, and they more edified unto eternal life.

Within the local congregation: On Sundays, the members of the family should worship individually and as a family before going to the meeting of the local church congregation, so that they are mentally and spiritually prepared. The husband/father is (again) to take responsibility for the family's attendance at and involvement in this church meeting. After the church meeting, the father should pray and then listen to the members of the family narrate the contents of the sermon or their Sunday School lesson. Any time on Sunday that is not otherwise scheduled should be spent in teaching the basic Christian doctrines and in discussing the Scriptures. Alternatively, family members may spend time individually reading the Bible, thinking upon its message and praying, in order to build upon what they have heard in the church meeting.

IX. So many as can conceive prayer, ought to make use of that gift of God; albeit those who are rude and weaker may begin at a set form of prayer, but so as they be not sluggish in stirring up in themselves (according to their daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all the children of God in some measure: to which effect, they ought to be more fervent and frequent in secret prayer to God, for enabling of their hearts to conceive, and their tongues to express, convenient desires to God for their family.

Regarding prayer: Be determined and diligent in prayer. Young children and new Christians may learn to pray by reciting a standard prayer (such as the Lord's Prayer or a Table Grace), but it is expected that they will grow to enjoy and appreciate the many blessings of personal prayer for themselves and their family.

X. These exercises ought to be performed in great sincerity, without delay, laying aside all exercises of worldly business or hinderances, not withstanding the mockings of atheists and profane men; in respect of the great mercies of God...

And now, get on with it! Work hard at it! Don't be put off by other duties or difficulties. Ignore those who scoff at your desire for a godly family. As Paul said, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." [Romans 12:2]