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Eowyn's Heart

The name of this blog is based on the character Eowyn from Lord of the Rings because I strongly identify with her on many levels. The purpose of this blog is to proclaim the glory of my Lord and King through His work in conforming me into the image of His Son, Christ Jesus. In all things, I trust you will see His hand at work.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

For Fathers

Remember, by a most solemn and sacred profession, you are "a man of God." You have a relation and a dignity to maintain; interests confided to your keeping, an honor entrusted to your hands, to which angels cannot aspire.... The thought [should]never be absent from you - "I am a Christian, a man of God, a follower of Christ, an heir of glory, a royal priest. So let me order my conversation that I do not compromise my dignity as a Christian, or dishonor my Father as His child."
- From "The Man of God: Spiritual Religion Explained and Enforced" (1863) by Octavius Winslow

If you are the head of a family, then you are to conside the several relationships yoiu have; and you should know, that in each one of them God has a special work for you to do, and that He expects your faithful behavior.... Concerning the spiritual state of his family; [a man] ought to be very diligent and cautious, doing his utmost both to increase faith where it is begun, and to begin it where it is not. Therefore, he must diligently and frequently bring before his family the things of God, from His Holy Word, in accordance with what is suitable for each person.
- From a sermon by John Bunyan entitled "Christian Family" (1674)

Bretheren, you are ordained of God to rule your own houses in His true fear, and according to His Word. Within your houses, I say, in some cases, you are bishops and kings; your wife, children, servants, and family are your bishopric and charge. Of you it shall be required how carefully and diligently you have instructed them in God's true knowledge, how you have studied to pant virtue in them, and [to] repress vice. And therefore I say, youi must make them partakers in reading, exhorting, and in making common prayers, which I would in every house were used once a day at least. But above all things, dear brethren, study to practice in life that which the Lord commands, and then be you assured that you shall never hear nor read the same without fruit.
- From "The Daily Exercise of God's Most Holy and Sacred Word" by John Knox

Let no huband nurse the notion that he has no responsibility for the happiness of his home beyond providing food and clothing and other comforts. His strong life should be the secure shelter beneath which his wife and children may safely abide. his haracter should be a continual revaling of the love and truth and holiness of God. He should live so that, seeing him day after day, his family shall learn to know the beauty of Christ. He is the priest of his house, and as such should both speak to God for his family and speak to them for God. Through him blessings should come to his home every day.
- From "Secrets of a Happy Home Life" (1894) by J.R. Miller

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