And verily there is one spring and cause of the decay of…
““And verily there is one spring and cause of the decay of religion in our day, which we cannot but touch upon, and earnestly urge a redress of; and that is the neglect of the worship of God in families, by those to whom the charge and conduct of them is committed. May not the gross ignorance, and instability of many; with the profaneness of others, be justly charged upon their parents and masters; who have not trained them up in the way wherein they ought to walk when they were young? but have neglected those frequent and solemn commands which the Lord hath laid upon them so to catechize, and instruct them, that their tender years might be seasoned with the knowledge of the truth of God as revealed in the Scriptures; and also by their own omissions of prayer, and other duties of religion in their families, together with the ill example of their loose conversation, have inured them first to a neglect, and then contempt of all piety and religion?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Neglect of family worship and moral instruction leads to religious decay and loss of reverence for God.
In simple terms: Families not teaching faith cause spiritual decline.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize family prayer and moral teaching.
Themes
faith
family
religion
education
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
didactic
sermonic
When to use this quote
- family devotions
- children religious education
- community worship
- parental mentorship
Key Concepts
Moral decay
spiritual neglect
parental responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families revive daily spiritual practices?
- What barriers prevent parents from teaching faith?
A Different Perspective
Families may lack knowledge or resources to teach effectively.