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The Godly Home
In twenty-first century America, at a time when the family structure is crumbling, divorce rates are at an all-time high, and respect for parents is diminishing, The Godly Home serves as a balm for those seeking God's plan for the family. With an introduction by J. I. Packer, this book includes topics for those passionate about families or those teaching on the characteristics of a godly family. Richard Baxter covers topics such as marriage, children, and family worship methodically and comprehensively through both hypothetical and real-life questions and concerns that arise in family dynamics. He uses arguments, objections, and frequent Scripture to help husbands, wives, and children to live godly lives. More than three centuries ago, Puritan church leader Baxter compiled a 1,143-page tome entitled Christian Directory , which included a section on family life. The Godly Home is the only stand-alone version of that section of Christian Directory. Editor Randall Pederson has updated the language and syntax to make this seventeenth-century collection of words one that will continue on for generations to come.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2010
13 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Richard Baxter
442 books104 followersRichard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn-writer, theologian, and controversialist. Dean Stanley called him "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen". After some false starts, he made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the nonconformists, spending time in prison.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2024
This modern rendering is very helpful.
Baxter writes with typical puritan clarity and force.
The portions on family devotions and spouse selection (dating) were very convicting.
Any Christian spouse or parent would find this book both edifying and convicting.
Baxter writes with typical puritan clarity and force.
The portions on family devotions and spouse selection (dating) were very convicting.
Any Christian spouse or parent would find this book both edifying and convicting.
September 5, 2024
Reading this book felt like going through marriage and parental counseling with a 17th Century Puritan. A lot of principle, personal, and practical wisdom that both encouraged and convicted me as a son, husband and father. JI Packer in his introduction describes this work as a “triumph of close-packed clarity” despite the fact that Baxter’s “exhaustiveness can be exhausting.”
I also loved the Q&A sections where Baxter answers some complicated questions and situations from the perspective of spouses, parents, and children. The practicality to the 21st Century is amazing, as Packer writes, “within his seventeenth-century frame, Baxter is handling the things that abide.”
Below is a small taste of some of the wisdom packed into this book:
1. On the importance of your children’s education:
- “I do not doubt that a godly education is God’s first and appointed means for causing actual faith and other graces in the children of believers … if any means are likely to do them good, it is this; but ill education is more successful in making them evil. This cherishes those seeds of wickedness that spring up when they come of age … therefore, let those who are able either educate their children at home or in private and well-ordered schools.”
2. On the importance of Godly families:
- “It is an evident truth that most of the mischiefs that now infest or seize upon mankind throughout the earth are caused by ill-governed families … cleanse and cure these corrupt families, and you may cure almost all the calamities of the earth.”
3. On the importance of Godly families on the church:
- “A holy, well governed family prepares for a holy and well governed church. If masters did their part and sent such polished materials to the churches as they ought to do, the work and life of the pastors of the church would be more easy and delightful … it is difficult for ministers to preach to those who cannot understand them, for they must always be feeding them with milk and teaching them basic principles.”
4. On the authority of God in the home:
- “Maintain God’s authority in your family more carefully than your own. You own is but for His … God’s honor must be greatest in your family.”
5. On the importance of love in the home:
- “Let love have dominion in your governing, that your inferiors may easily find that it is in their interest to obey you. For interest and self-love are the natural rulers in the world … your authority over your children is great, yet only such as, joined with love, is needful for their good education and happiness.”
6. On the importance of good books:
- “Love the Word of God and all good books that would make you wiser and better; do not read plays, tale-books, love-books, or any idle stories. When idle children are at play and engage in foolish behavior, let it be your pleasure to read and learn the mysteries of your salvation.”
7. On the importance of caring for older parents:
- “If your parents are in want, it is your duty to relieve them according to your ability, yea, and wholly to maintain them if there is need. For it is not possible by all that you can do that you can ever be on even terms with them or ever repay them for what you have received from them. It is base inhumanity, when parents come to poverty, for children to put them off.”
8. To children on the importance of holiness:
- “Without knowledge and holiness all the riches and honor of the world are worth nothing; all your pleasures will undo you.”
9. On disciplining your children:
- “Let it be more for sin against God than for faults about your worldly business … correct them not in passion, but wait till they perceive that you are calmed; for they will think else that your anger rather than your reason is the cause … when his reason is convinced of the reasonableness of correcting him, it will be more successful.”
10. On anger in marriage:
- “Do not be angry both at once … remember, the work you are called to is to mollify and not to exasperate, to help and not to hurt, to cure one another rather than to right yourself … remember that you are both diseased persons, full of infirmities; therefore, expect fruit of those infirmities in each other … stir up in them most what is best.”
11. On the primary calling of the husband and father:
- “It is the unquestionable duty of every Christian ruler of a family to improve his interest, power, and parts to the uttermost, to bring all his family to be people of Christ … and so to dedicate all his family to Christ … Christian families are societies sanctified to God … HOLINESS TO THE LORD must be, as it were, written on their doors and on their relations, possessions, and affairs.”
12. On the centrality of the Lord in marriage:
- “It is God whom you must serve in your married state … it is God whom you must depend upon for business and comforts of your relationship.”
13. Cautions concerning the difficulty of marriage:
- “Do not think that you are entering into a state of mere delight, lest it prove a fool’s paradise to you … we are more apt to stir up one another’s distempers.”
14. On the diversity amongst children:
- “Understand the different tempers of your inferiors, and deal with them as they are and as they can bear, and not with all alike … you must recognize differences between their different faults.”
I also loved the Q&A sections where Baxter answers some complicated questions and situations from the perspective of spouses, parents, and children. The practicality to the 21st Century is amazing, as Packer writes, “within his seventeenth-century frame, Baxter is handling the things that abide.”
Below is a small taste of some of the wisdom packed into this book:
1. On the importance of your children’s education:
- “I do not doubt that a godly education is God’s first and appointed means for causing actual faith and other graces in the children of believers … if any means are likely to do them good, it is this; but ill education is more successful in making them evil. This cherishes those seeds of wickedness that spring up when they come of age … therefore, let those who are able either educate their children at home or in private and well-ordered schools.”
2. On the importance of Godly families:
- “It is an evident truth that most of the mischiefs that now infest or seize upon mankind throughout the earth are caused by ill-governed families … cleanse and cure these corrupt families, and you may cure almost all the calamities of the earth.”
3. On the importance of Godly families on the church:
- “A holy, well governed family prepares for a holy and well governed church. If masters did their part and sent such polished materials to the churches as they ought to do, the work and life of the pastors of the church would be more easy and delightful … it is difficult for ministers to preach to those who cannot understand them, for they must always be feeding them with milk and teaching them basic principles.”
4. On the authority of God in the home:
- “Maintain God’s authority in your family more carefully than your own. You own is but for His … God’s honor must be greatest in your family.”
5. On the importance of love in the home:
- “Let love have dominion in your governing, that your inferiors may easily find that it is in their interest to obey you. For interest and self-love are the natural rulers in the world … your authority over your children is great, yet only such as, joined with love, is needful for their good education and happiness.”
6. On the importance of good books:
- “Love the Word of God and all good books that would make you wiser and better; do not read plays, tale-books, love-books, or any idle stories. When idle children are at play and engage in foolish behavior, let it be your pleasure to read and learn the mysteries of your salvation.”
7. On the importance of caring for older parents:
- “If your parents are in want, it is your duty to relieve them according to your ability, yea, and wholly to maintain them if there is need. For it is not possible by all that you can do that you can ever be on even terms with them or ever repay them for what you have received from them. It is base inhumanity, when parents come to poverty, for children to put them off.”
8. To children on the importance of holiness:
- “Without knowledge and holiness all the riches and honor of the world are worth nothing; all your pleasures will undo you.”
9. On disciplining your children:
- “Let it be more for sin against God than for faults about your worldly business … correct them not in passion, but wait till they perceive that you are calmed; for they will think else that your anger rather than your reason is the cause … when his reason is convinced of the reasonableness of correcting him, it will be more successful.”
10. On anger in marriage:
- “Do not be angry both at once … remember, the work you are called to is to mollify and not to exasperate, to help and not to hurt, to cure one another rather than to right yourself … remember that you are both diseased persons, full of infirmities; therefore, expect fruit of those infirmities in each other … stir up in them most what is best.”
11. On the primary calling of the husband and father:
- “It is the unquestionable duty of every Christian ruler of a family to improve his interest, power, and parts to the uttermost, to bring all his family to be people of Christ … and so to dedicate all his family to Christ … Christian families are societies sanctified to God … HOLINESS TO THE LORD must be, as it were, written on their doors and on their relations, possessions, and affairs.”
12. On the centrality of the Lord in marriage:
- “It is God whom you must serve in your married state … it is God whom you must depend upon for business and comforts of your relationship.”
13. Cautions concerning the difficulty of marriage:
- “Do not think that you are entering into a state of mere delight, lest it prove a fool’s paradise to you … we are more apt to stir up one another’s distempers.”
14. On the diversity amongst children:
- “Understand the different tempers of your inferiors, and deal with them as they are and as they can bear, and not with all alike … you must recognize differences between their different faults.”
May 30, 2014
I have long appreciated the work and writings of the Puritan authors. Their ability to thoroughly dissect all manner of Christian doctrine in a manner that is both fully theological in scope while consistently practical in application is a skill for which modern writers and expositors of Scripture should certainly take note. One of the Puritan divines I always enjoy reading is Richard Baxter, author of over 170 works, one of which arguably is his magnum opus, Christian Directory, Methodus Theologiae Christianie, an 1143 page manual described by Tim Keller as “the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.” Crossway Books has published The Godly Home, a work that constitutes an updated and easier to read version of the opening chapters of Baxter’s Christian Directory, specifically the sections dealing with matters of marriage, family worship, parenting, and children.
For those not familiar with the Puritan methodology of writing should note the writing style of the Puritan authors is very structured. They first state the issue at hand such as the doctrine under consideration, followed by a discussion of the arguments both pro and con regarding that doctrine, concluding with practical matters of application to include the appropriate nature by which the doctrine under discussion should be practiced in daily life. In The Godly Home, Baxter follows the traditional Puritan style of writing by engaging marriage, family worship, parenting, and children by stating the biblical position, addressing the various arguments presented for and against that doctrine, followed by the important element of application. It is the application portion of this book that is of great significance for Christian families today.
Many may view the Puritan perspective on things like marriage, parenting, children, or family life in general as outdated, outmoded, and irrelevant to the accepted and promoted methods found in modern society. Such an approach should be rethought as the Puritans share much in their writings that should be applied in our families and in our relationships, thoughts that are soundly rooted in theological rich doctrine and the aforementioned practical application. In particular, despite the material from which The Godly Home is taken from being over 300 years old, the truths shared by Baxter are timeliness since they again are rooted in the pages of Scripture.
Since the entirety of Baxter’s The Godly Home is well worth reading over and over again as a valuable family resource, I will focus on a few points of discussion Baxter addressed that stood out to me. As a relatively new parent and in particular being the parent of a 12 year old adopted daughter, I was immediately drawn to the chapters in this book titled “Duties of Parents to Their Children” and “Duties of Children to Their Parents.” We live in a world where far too often the duty of parenting has been grossly neglected even within the Church. Parents far too often slough off their biblically mandate duty of teaching their children God’s Word to the Sunday School teacher or Youth Group leader hoping that will be enough godly teaching to enable their child to be a god fearing adult. Baxter aptly notes “You cannot dedicate yourselves to God until you dedicate to him all that is yours and in your power, and therefore your children as far as they are in your power.” Such a statement is rooted in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19 where God commands parents to instruct their children in the things of God all day and every day.
Furthermore, those who feel as if the Puritan authors have nothing relevant to say should consider Baxter’s comment that “The common course of parents is to please their children so long by letting them have what they want and what they will, until their wills are so used to being fulfilled that they cannot endure to have them denied and so can endure no government because they endure no crossing of their wills.” Such a poor parenting approach is the method du jour in many modern households and Baxter rightly reminds parents of the need to balance love with discipline when it comes to raising their children.
I also appreciated the fact that Baxter addresses children, taking the time in this book to relay the importance of things such as obedience, respect, love, authority, contentment, humility, thankfulness, discipline, and godly friendships. These are all extremely important issues for children to understand especially in the current social environment they find themselves operating in on a daily basis. Baxter saliently instructs children that “It is a fearful thing to see and hear how ungodly children talk contemptuously and rudely to their parents, argue and contend with them, contradict them, and speak to them as if they were equals; and at last they will grow even to abuse and defame them.”
Marriage, parenting and family dynamics are no easy issues for anyone and there certainly are no perfect marriages, no perfect parents, and no perfect children as we are all sinners in need of a daily dose of God’s grace. With that said, books such as The Godly Home by Richard Baxter should be required reading for parents and their children. This would be an excellent book to utilize during family devotions as its addresses a plethora of important issues facing families. I highly recommend this as a resource for parents to implement in their parental tool chest as the sound guidance found within its pages will be of great assistance for your family, your children, and their children’s children.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
For those not familiar with the Puritan methodology of writing should note the writing style of the Puritan authors is very structured. They first state the issue at hand such as the doctrine under consideration, followed by a discussion of the arguments both pro and con regarding that doctrine, concluding with practical matters of application to include the appropriate nature by which the doctrine under discussion should be practiced in daily life. In The Godly Home, Baxter follows the traditional Puritan style of writing by engaging marriage, family worship, parenting, and children by stating the biblical position, addressing the various arguments presented for and against that doctrine, followed by the important element of application. It is the application portion of this book that is of great significance for Christian families today.
Many may view the Puritan perspective on things like marriage, parenting, children, or family life in general as outdated, outmoded, and irrelevant to the accepted and promoted methods found in modern society. Such an approach should be rethought as the Puritans share much in their writings that should be applied in our families and in our relationships, thoughts that are soundly rooted in theological rich doctrine and the aforementioned practical application. In particular, despite the material from which The Godly Home is taken from being over 300 years old, the truths shared by Baxter are timeliness since they again are rooted in the pages of Scripture.
Since the entirety of Baxter’s The Godly Home is well worth reading over and over again as a valuable family resource, I will focus on a few points of discussion Baxter addressed that stood out to me. As a relatively new parent and in particular being the parent of a 12 year old adopted daughter, I was immediately drawn to the chapters in this book titled “Duties of Parents to Their Children” and “Duties of Children to Their Parents.” We live in a world where far too often the duty of parenting has been grossly neglected even within the Church. Parents far too often slough off their biblically mandate duty of teaching their children God’s Word to the Sunday School teacher or Youth Group leader hoping that will be enough godly teaching to enable their child to be a god fearing adult. Baxter aptly notes “You cannot dedicate yourselves to God until you dedicate to him all that is yours and in your power, and therefore your children as far as they are in your power.” Such a statement is rooted in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19 where God commands parents to instruct their children in the things of God all day and every day.
Furthermore, those who feel as if the Puritan authors have nothing relevant to say should consider Baxter’s comment that “The common course of parents is to please their children so long by letting them have what they want and what they will, until their wills are so used to being fulfilled that they cannot endure to have them denied and so can endure no government because they endure no crossing of their wills.” Such a poor parenting approach is the method du jour in many modern households and Baxter rightly reminds parents of the need to balance love with discipline when it comes to raising their children.
I also appreciated the fact that Baxter addresses children, taking the time in this book to relay the importance of things such as obedience, respect, love, authority, contentment, humility, thankfulness, discipline, and godly friendships. These are all extremely important issues for children to understand especially in the current social environment they find themselves operating in on a daily basis. Baxter saliently instructs children that “It is a fearful thing to see and hear how ungodly children talk contemptuously and rudely to their parents, argue and contend with them, contradict them, and speak to them as if they were equals; and at last they will grow even to abuse and defame them.”
Marriage, parenting and family dynamics are no easy issues for anyone and there certainly are no perfect marriages, no perfect parents, and no perfect children as we are all sinners in need of a daily dose of God’s grace. With that said, books such as The Godly Home by Richard Baxter should be required reading for parents and their children. This would be an excellent book to utilize during family devotions as its addresses a plethora of important issues facing families. I highly recommend this as a resource for parents to implement in their parental tool chest as the sound guidance found within its pages will be of great assistance for your family, your children, and their children’s children.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 7, 2017
It's been said, by people who actually read the Puritans, that they were not the stern, severe, and strident killjoys they are routinely proclaimed to be by those who do not actually read the Puritans. This manual is evidence of that. Baxter is kind, thoughtful, and gentle in his encouragement to saturate one's home with the true worship of God in all of one's familial relationships. No pursed-lipped schoolmarmish orders here; just persuasive entreaties to love your neighbors with whom you live daily as yourself, and to do so by fervently loving God.
June 29, 2011
This book has been on my radar for a while. Whether it's the puritanical style or the fact that its about family life and marriage, I knew I had to read it.
Just released from Crossway in 2010, yet written over 300 years ago, The Godly Home by Richard Baxter is actually a small part of a larger directory (totaling 1,143 pages) written in 1673. This specific section was titled "Christian Economics for Family Duties," and is an in depth treatment of the way Christians ought to worship God through family life, including marriage and child raising. In the useful introduction by J.I Packer, he quenches any uneasiness one may have with dealing with such an old text. He says "it would be mere chronological snobbery, to borrow a C.S. Lewis phrase, to assume that only contemporary treatments of Christian family life are worth reading." Agreed.
Let me explain a few things about the book. It is definitely written to men. Where it does not directly address men, I think it is implied that the men are reading to the children or to the wives. I got a good laugh anyways. The editor, Randall Pederson, did a really good of making it readable for the 21st century reader, taking out uncommon or old English phrases and still keeping with the authenticity of the text. It took me a minute to adjust, but that could also just be my ADD. There was no difficulty reading it, and it was never boring. In fact, I finished this in less than 3 days.
The book is written in chapters, each first giving a theological examination of a certain family related topic, then providing listed out instructions, and ending with a question and answer section. This was very helpful, and quite intriguing to see certain cultural norms in place (the editor purposefully kept in the sections about marrying first cousins!). I found most of the advice to still be quite timely and important, despite the difference in centuries. Actually, I was very challenged and encouraged by reading this and think its a necessary read for anyone considering marriage and family.
The first chapter has to be one of my favorites. Listen to the title: "Directions About Marriage." Baxter is very keen on making sure his reader has thought very thoroughly on choosing to get married and that "neither lust nor rashness thrust you into a married condition..." He explains very clearly that "every man is bound to choose that condition in which he may serve God with the best advantages and which tends most to his spiritual welfare and increase in holiness." It seems that at this period in time, many were just rushing into marriage (how curious!), so the advice given today might be slightly different. But yes, we must consider through marriage or singleness, which one increases our holiness!
His second directive is to not rush into "a state of life where you have never thought of all the inconveniences!" Oh Richard Baxter. Twenty reasons why marriage is inconvenient later, he goes on to explain how one should go about choosing "the person on whom so much of the comfort and sorrow of your life will rest." Brilliant. It's gold advice. I want to rip out this chapter and give it to all my single or dating friends!
Chapters 2-5 deal with "Family Government" and the "Careful Education of Children." There are many points that I had never fully considered before such as the sanctity of the christian family, discipline as worship, frequency and content of family worship, and authority structures in the family setting. Baxter takes care to explain how to lead the family in ways that will draw the children and family to Christ, instead of heavy handed or passive leadership which is the antithesis of a gospel centered family.
"Mutual Duties of Husbands and Wives Toward Each Other," "Duties of Husbands to their Wives," and "Duties of Wives to Their Husbands" are the titles of chapters 6-8. It is obvious that these chapters reflect on solely the marital relationship. "Never say you love them if you will not labor for their salvation." The main goal is to encourage spouses to point each other in a respectful and loving way towards godly growth. I loved the part about preparing each other to "die well." Sounds morbid, but it's very helpful. Baxter also deals with godly submission of wives to their husbands. I even learned some things from the footnotes in these chapters.
Chapters 9-12 deal with the relationship between parents to children, children to parents, and children to God. I think anyone can relate to these chapters, and even in the "Duties of Children and Youth to God" chapter, I was admonished and helped by some of the directives. He reminds children that "[you] have corrupted natures to be cured and that Christ is the Physician who must cure them." Amen sir.
Throughout this book I caught some paedobaptistic references that I would definitely challenge. I also am now interested in learning more about the theologian William Ames. It also does a good job at subconsciously making the case for local church involvement, membership, and discipline. Some of the quotes from this book remind me of some helpful resources out today such as "Shepherding a Child's Heart," by Tripp and "When Sinners Say I Do" by Dave Harvey.
Overall, "The Godly Home" is quite the robust guide for all things marriage and family. I give it a two thumbs up.
Just released from Crossway in 2010, yet written over 300 years ago, The Godly Home by Richard Baxter is actually a small part of a larger directory (totaling 1,143 pages) written in 1673. This specific section was titled "Christian Economics for Family Duties," and is an in depth treatment of the way Christians ought to worship God through family life, including marriage and child raising. In the useful introduction by J.I Packer, he quenches any uneasiness one may have with dealing with such an old text. He says "it would be mere chronological snobbery, to borrow a C.S. Lewis phrase, to assume that only contemporary treatments of Christian family life are worth reading." Agreed.
Let me explain a few things about the book. It is definitely written to men. Where it does not directly address men, I think it is implied that the men are reading to the children or to the wives. I got a good laugh anyways. The editor, Randall Pederson, did a really good of making it readable for the 21st century reader, taking out uncommon or old English phrases and still keeping with the authenticity of the text. It took me a minute to adjust, but that could also just be my ADD. There was no difficulty reading it, and it was never boring. In fact, I finished this in less than 3 days.
The book is written in chapters, each first giving a theological examination of a certain family related topic, then providing listed out instructions, and ending with a question and answer section. This was very helpful, and quite intriguing to see certain cultural norms in place (the editor purposefully kept in the sections about marrying first cousins!). I found most of the advice to still be quite timely and important, despite the difference in centuries. Actually, I was very challenged and encouraged by reading this and think its a necessary read for anyone considering marriage and family.
The first chapter has to be one of my favorites. Listen to the title: "Directions About Marriage." Baxter is very keen on making sure his reader has thought very thoroughly on choosing to get married and that "neither lust nor rashness thrust you into a married condition..." He explains very clearly that "every man is bound to choose that condition in which he may serve God with the best advantages and which tends most to his spiritual welfare and increase in holiness." It seems that at this period in time, many were just rushing into marriage (how curious!), so the advice given today might be slightly different. But yes, we must consider through marriage or singleness, which one increases our holiness!
His second directive is to not rush into "a state of life where you have never thought of all the inconveniences!" Oh Richard Baxter. Twenty reasons why marriage is inconvenient later, he goes on to explain how one should go about choosing "the person on whom so much of the comfort and sorrow of your life will rest." Brilliant. It's gold advice. I want to rip out this chapter and give it to all my single or dating friends!
Chapters 2-5 deal with "Family Government" and the "Careful Education of Children." There are many points that I had never fully considered before such as the sanctity of the christian family, discipline as worship, frequency and content of family worship, and authority structures in the family setting. Baxter takes care to explain how to lead the family in ways that will draw the children and family to Christ, instead of heavy handed or passive leadership which is the antithesis of a gospel centered family.
"Mutual Duties of Husbands and Wives Toward Each Other," "Duties of Husbands to their Wives," and "Duties of Wives to Their Husbands" are the titles of chapters 6-8. It is obvious that these chapters reflect on solely the marital relationship. "Never say you love them if you will not labor for their salvation." The main goal is to encourage spouses to point each other in a respectful and loving way towards godly growth. I loved the part about preparing each other to "die well." Sounds morbid, but it's very helpful. Baxter also deals with godly submission of wives to their husbands. I even learned some things from the footnotes in these chapters.
Chapters 9-12 deal with the relationship between parents to children, children to parents, and children to God. I think anyone can relate to these chapters, and even in the "Duties of Children and Youth to God" chapter, I was admonished and helped by some of the directives. He reminds children that "[you] have corrupted natures to be cured and that Christ is the Physician who must cure them." Amen sir.
Throughout this book I caught some paedobaptistic references that I would definitely challenge. I also am now interested in learning more about the theologian William Ames. It also does a good job at subconsciously making the case for local church involvement, membership, and discipline. Some of the quotes from this book remind me of some helpful resources out today such as "Shepherding a Child's Heart," by Tripp and "When Sinners Say I Do" by Dave Harvey.
Overall, "The Godly Home" is quite the robust guide for all things marriage and family. I give it a two thumbs up.
October 17, 2023
An excellent Puritan treatment of the godly home. A few discussions arising from 17th century England are dated, but, as a whole, this offers countercultural biblical wisdom that is much needed today. Soul searching and earnestly motivating. Highly recommended.
May 13, 2025
"More souls are damned by ungodly parents, and next to them by ungodly ministers and magistrates, than by any instruments in the world.”
Puritans. What can you say? They don’t seem to be concerned with being winsome.
Which is why we need to read them.
Puritans. What can you say? They don’t seem to be concerned with being winsome.
Which is why we need to read them.
May 20, 2019
As usual with the English Puritans this book is verbose, but nontheless, so full of practical wisdom that it can and should be warmly recommended to anyone who will listen.
January 15, 2013
This book begins at chapter 5, in my opinion. Prior to that, the book had little to say. Crossway has repackaged an old puritan work "A Christian Directory (A.D. 1673)." I would not recommend this book but reading select sections from the free, old Google edition.
The book is written mostly in catechism form. E.g.,
Question three: may the wife go to hear sermons when the husband forbids her?
. . This is especially necessary on the Lord's Day, which is appointed for these uses. Here the husband has no power to forbid the wife, nor should she obey his prohibition.
=========
other quotes (gotta love the clarity and 2 options of the second!):
For it is the diseased temper of the heart that causes dissension more than the occasions or matters of the offense do.
A good husband will either make a wife good or will easily and profitably endure a bad one . .
The book is written mostly in catechism form. E.g.,
Question three: may the wife go to hear sermons when the husband forbids her?
. . This is especially necessary on the Lord's Day, which is appointed for these uses. Here the husband has no power to forbid the wife, nor should she obey his prohibition.
=========
other quotes (gotta love the clarity and 2 options of the second!):
For it is the diseased temper of the heart that causes dissension more than the occasions or matters of the offense do.
A good husband will either make a wife good or will easily and profitably endure a bad one . .
July 29, 2013
This book had good advice from time to time, but, to be honest with you, I'm really glad I didn't live in the 1600s. So much of what this book said about women is absolutely horrible and should be rejected/condemned as misogynistic. Also, for a book about the biblical conception of family life, Baxter sure used the Bible very sparingly. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book.
October 21, 2015
Recommended for all married couples and soon-to-be married couples. Simple and straightforward in its instructions, this book is a reminder of the biblical foundation for marriage and family. Parents, Married and Engaged Couples: read this book!
November 4, 2012
Excellent. Very good, sound, timeless advice. Well done, Mr. Baxter!
March 19, 2012
Really good!
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