Another quality eBook from Chapel Library. The biblical vision of fatherhood that arises from the pages of Scripture is beautiful, majestic, and holy. It is also foreign to the day in which we live.

In this issue William Gurnall (1616-1679) briefly introduces us to this subject by describing a father’s roles as a prophet to instruct the family, a king to govern the family, and a priest to lead the family in the worship of God. Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) then helps us understand that fatherhood is a responsibility and a privilege, as a father instructs his children, models the Christian life for them, disciplines them, and prays for them. John Calvin (1509-1564) explains a father’s main responsibility. Richard Baxter (1615-1691) writes that, in order to properly lead a family for Christ, a father must understand and maintain biblical authority in his home, skill in governing, and holiness of life. We then learn from Nicholas Byfield (1579-1622) that a father must be godly. What does this look like? Byfield tells us by giving us a list of signs by which fathers may identify Christ’s work in their hearts. To be a “prophet” in his home, a father must teach the Word of God, says Thomas Doolittle (1630-1707); and to be effectual in that good work, he, as a “priest,” must be a man of prayer. Every father knows that bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is a difficult task; for this reason, William Gouge (1575-1653) discusses the loving discipline that a father must exercise as “king” in his home. However, Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686) makes abundantly clear that fathers must act prudently toward their children: otherwise, they can provoke them to wrath. Having considered all this, what practical steps can a man take to accomplish it? Richard Baxter (1615-1691) gives clear, helpful, biblical counsel to fathers who would reform their families in the name of Jesus Christ. Finally, George Swinnock (1627-1673) concludes this subject with an earnest, heartfelt prayer to be the father that Christ has saved him to be.