Joshua 24:14,15

What a noble resolution Joshua made for himself, and for his household? How worthy of imitation in all families! But could Joshua answer for his servants, or for his family? Certainly he could not compel their consciences: neither did he mean it. Unless led to it by the sweet influences of the Holy Ghost, he could not assure himself that he should serve the Lord; and he well knew that it must be from the same Almighty power his household could do it. But yet, as far as the outward means could be made use of, he resolved to enforce the observance of these upon himself and people. Reader! are you a parent, a master of a family, or placed in any situation of authority? Behold then the beautiful example of Joshua. And think how inexcusable that man, that parent or master must be, in whose house there is no family worship! Tell me, if you can, wherein such households differ from the brutes which perish, when they rise up and lay down as the herds of the stall, and never ask where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night, Job 35:10.