Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-10-18
From the S. C. Herald.
THE DUTY OF FAMILY PRAYER.
No. 4.

THE DUTY OF FAMILY PRAYER.
No. 4.
This duty is not only enjoined in the sa-
cred scriptures, but we are also pointed to
it bv the light of nature. Accordingly the
ancient heathen had their Lares and Pen
ates. or household Gods. These were
kept, and worshippcd in every family by
the Greeks and Romans; and idols, If not
ofthc same name, vet ofthe same kind are
worshipped by most Of the heather at the
present day. Such were also the gods OF
Laban which Rachel stole from him, and
the craven and molten images of Micah
which he kept in his house, It's true that
these were idols, but Notwithstanding they
show that nature dictates the propriety of
Gods being worshipped in every family. For
what reformation would q reasonable and
pious man suggestto the idolatroustamllles!
Would he urge them to cast away their
idols and substitute nothing in their room!
or would he advise them to renomce the
vain worship of images, and take up the
proper worship of the only living and true
God? Undoubtedly the latter.
Reason plainly teaches that God, who is
infinitely excellent, is worthy ofall the hon.
age which his creatures can give him.
And because he has created them and
hourly upholds them, because it Is in linn
they live. and move and have their being,
he is not only worthy of their homage
but has the strongest claims to their servl-
ces. Their ability is the only measure of
their obligation, and therefore they are
bound to worship him in every capacity in
which they arc capable. AS individuals
this obligation is never denied. Every man
feels that he is dependent upon God, and
however negligent he may be to acknowl.
edge his dependence, and serve his proprlc.
tor and benefactor, yet his conscience
teaches him that it is his duty to worship
God, his maker But the Same arguments
which enforce personal and individual du
ties, also establish the propriety of family
worship. Families are of divine appoint
ment. God is the author of the relations of
husband and wife, and parent and children.
He is also the author of our sociable natures
which induces us to seek these relations,
and which capacitates us to receive and
enjoy social blessings. He is the suppor.
ter, and benefac:or of our families, as well
as four persons. In the capacity offam.
lies we receive merces, we need tavorS,
and require comfort and support which can
alone come from God; we are guilty of
sins, to acknowledge which, and pray for
pardon can only be done with becoming
propriety around the family altar; and we
are exposed to danger and temptations, for
deliverence from which the united prayers
ofhusband and wife, and parents and chill
dren should ascend to God. The same
reason therefore which induces an indivldu-
al 10 pray for personal blessings should lead
family to throne of grace TO receive do
mestic mercies, and so also in every part of
religious worship, the acknowledging OF
sins, the rendering of praise, and thanks
giving, and the humble, yet sincere dedica-
cation of soul and body to the service of
God.
Ifanv one denies the truth ofthis let hun
nut his denial in words, and he cannot but
shudder at the impiety which they express.
Such denial would be in some thing like
the following language. 81 acknowledge
that God is worthy and has a strong claim
to all the homage and service which | can
render him. | own that he is the proprietor
and constant supporter ofmy family. But
my family as such shall have nothing to do
with him, as an individual | will serve him,
but as a parent, as the head of family, |
owe him no worship, and / will pay him
none." Strange and wicked as this language
appears, it is spoken by the conduct OF eve:
ry parent who processes TO be Pious, and
yet negIects to pray in his family.
NJ. S. X.