The upbringing of Mary Fish

We are still going through chapter 2 of our True Woman book study (by Susan Hunt). One of the things that stuck with me though this chapter was from the segment on Mary Fish. The book describes a little bit about her up bringing and I just love it!

*They started each day with morning prayers. She was taught that children should be still during family worship, that they should listen intently to the reading of God's Word (not play around and fiddle, but be taught reverence for the Bible). (Hebrews 12:28)

*Her parents encouraged her (and her siblings) to read the Bible on their own. (Mark 12:24; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

*They kept the Sabbath strictly (not even talking about worldly things). (Exodus 20:8)

*Her parents encouraged her (and her siblings) to examine themselves every night before bed! Every night! To see if they had any sins that they needed to confess, or anyone that they needed to forgive. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

*She was taught to forgive others. If they had sinned against her, she wasn't to be upset, but forgive them. If they pointed out a sin of hers to her, she wasn't to be upset, but examine herself to see if it were true, then either ask forgiveness for herself, or forgive them for being in the wrong. (Colossians 3:13)

*She was brought up to help others unconditionally. To help strangers as well as people she knew, even if she knew that they would never help her in return. (Matthew 5:38-42)

*She was taught to be thankful in every situation (including helping others that would never help you in return). (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

*She was encouraged to be diligent. NEVER IDLE! To always be busy at work, doing something that would turn out a profit of some sort. (2 Thessalonians 3:7)

I'm sure her parents failed at somethings, and made tons of mistakes. But I would love to bring my children up with those values!!! Moreover, these are values and qualities that I wish were dominant in my own life. They were the values of the Puritans. The Puritans valued God above all. His Word was their rule for living. Somewhere along the lines, our focus has shifted from God to man. We no longer live by (and for) the Scriptures, but by (and for) our own experiences. We are no longer duty oriented, but pleasure oriented. I fear that I am more so than most.

I am really enjoying our study through this book. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to study it with such a wonderful group of women!

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