In sending forth a new edition of the following tract, the writer has only to say that twelve months' close and prayerful consideration of the doctrine therein contained, has tended to strengthen his convictions of its truth and importance. He believes the tract to be, in the main, according to the revealed mind of God. That there are imperfections, in detail, he most fully admits; but he would earnestly entreat the Christian reader to look at the tract as a whole, and not to allow his judgment to be warped by attached passages which, it may be, through the infirmity of the writer, are imperfectly expressed; or, through that of the reader, are imperfectly understood. We are all feeble, erring mortals, and, hence, we would need the constant exercise of patience and forbearance; and, although we may not be able, conscientiously, to agree with all the principles contained in a book or tract, we should, nevertheless, hold ourselves in readiness to receive and profit by whatever truth it may set before us. To reject, or treat with indifference, an entire document, because of some clause therein which we cannot understand or adopt, argues a narrow mind, or a warped judgment, either of which is utterly unworthy of one who has been endowed, by grace divine, with "the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:77For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)) We are called to "try the things that differ," and to "hold fast that which is good." But while the reader will need to exercise an impartial judgment, the writer feels it imperative upon him to remove, so. far as in him lies, every stumbling-block out of the way. This he has earnestly sought to do, in the preparation of this edition, by removing or altering expressions which seemed likely to be misunderstood, and which, indeed, have been interpreted in a way which he never intended. He has, also, in a note or two, ventured to offer a few additional suggestions to those who are called of God to the solemn and important ministry of training the young, in which he sincerely desires, according to his measure, to be their fellow-helper.
May the Lord pour out His rich blessing upon all Christian parents, teachers, and guardians, that they may be enabled to discharge their interesting functions, in His presence, through His grace, and to His glory; and that their hearts may be encouraged by seeing abundant fruit amongst those over whom they are placed. Blessed be His name, He has, during the past year or two, given many Christian parents to say, in reference to their household, "He hath been mindful of us; and He will bless us."
May our hearts be filled with praise for the past, and confidence for the future!
C H M
Dublin, 1856
Publisher's Note
All Christian parents and teachers will have an increasing sense of the importance of the use of Biblical principles to raise up children for the Lord in this present evil world. This book has been a help over the generations for many families. But it not only deals with family life, but also the general home life of a Christian believer. For this reason it will have a message to all Christians who desire to live consistent lives at home for Christ's glory. We thank God that we are able to reissue this valuable booklet and trust Him to add His blessing upon its circulation in the present generation.
In the 1850s C.H.M. wrote "I never can form a correct judgment of a man from seeing him or hearing him in a meeting. He may seem a very spiritual person, and teach very beautiful and very true things; but let me go home with him, and there I learn the true state of things. He may speak like an angel from heaven, but if his house be not ruled according to the mind of God, he will not be a real witness for Christ." His book still contains valuable lessons for today and will give scriptural guidance to all who would desire to live for Christ and bring up their young for the Lord Jesus.
E. N. C 2001
Postscript
AM London.
I am glad you have called my attention to my little book, "Thou and Thy House." I am aware of the use which has been made of it in a recent tract on the subject of "Baptism"—a use which I consider to be aught but disingenuous. With the theory of that tract I have no sympathy whatsoever; still less with its monstrous statements. I believe the course of some of our friends, in urging on this question of baptism will, unless God in His mercy interpose, lead to most disastrous results. I complain not of any who conscientiously hold this or that view on the subject; but I do complain of those, who instead of preaching and teaching Jesus Christ, are disturbing the minds of God's people by pressing infant baptism upon them. For my own part—seeing the question has been forced upon me—I can only say I have for thirty-two years been asking, in vain, for a single line of scripture for baptising any save believers or those who professed to believe. Reasonings I have had, inferences, conclusions, and deductions; but of direct scripture authority not one tittle.
I may further add that there is not a word about baptism from beginning to end of my book, "Thou and Thy House."
C. H. M. Editor of Things New and Old magazine. Bristol, Dec. 22 1871