In this environment, the idea of family devotions seems to be an anachronism from the “little house on the prairie” era of fireside family discussions.

However, if one goes back to Bible-believing pastors who were concerned about the lack of “family worship” in their congregations in the mid-nineteenth century, here is what you would hear:

Along with Sabbath observance and the catechizing of children, family worship has lost ground. There are many heads of families, communicants in our churches, and according to a scarcely credible report, some ruling elders and deacons, who maintain no stated daily service of God in their dwellings. (Thoughts on Family Worship, by James W. Alexander, 1847)

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Question: How do I know if I am ready to consider marriage?

Answer: Here are some questions you need to consider (regarding your motives, level of maturity, and prospective spouse). If you can answer these affirmatively, then it would seem that you are ready to consider marriage.

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The first duty of husbands is to love their wives…

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (Ephesians 5:25-29)

Some directions for maintaining love are as follows: (more…)

It is a great duty of husbands and wives to live in quietness and peace, and avoid all occasions of wrath and discord. Because this is a duty of so great importance, I shall first open to you the great necessity of it, and then give you more particular directions to perform it. (more…)

It should be understood that for every wife the first duty is the making and keeping of her own home.

Her first and best work should be done there, and till it is well done, she has no right to go outside and take up other duties.

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