Henry Ward Beecher - Select Quotes

The worst thing in the world next to anarchy, is government.
~ in Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1867

Ignorance is the womb of monsters.
~ in Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1867

The strength and the happiness of a man consists in finding out the way in which God is going and going in that way, too.

Troubles are the tools by which God fashions us for better things.

__________

Premarital Counseling Questions

In the Minister’s Marriage Manual, Samuel Ward Hutton offers the following questions as some of those he uses when performing premarital counseling.  I am not overly impressed with them, and have a few that I would like to add.  However, before doing so, I know that there are many readers of this blog who do premarital counseling (and a few married folk who probably have ideas).  What questions would you add to the following list?

How long have you two known each other?

For what period of time have you been  engaged?

Have either of you been engaged before?

What interests  do you  have in common?

What is your attitude toward your future inlaws?

Will both of you work, or only one?

What will the combined income be?

Have you  considered working out a budget of expenses in keeping with your total income?

Do you plan to rent, or will you attempt to buy a home?

Which of you will control the purse strings?

Is either of  you inclined to be extravagant or a “tight wad”?

Do you plan to open one or more charge accounts?

What is your attitude toward children?

Have you had any arguments?

Do  either or both of you have quick tempers?

What recreation can you both enjoy?

How will you face discouragement or elation?

Are there any particular problems that bother you?

Are you deeply in love with one another?

What is the church background of each of you?

If you come from different faiths, what are your plans for agreement?

Have you considered asking a blessing on the food before each meal?

What has been your experience and practice in prayer?

Have you carried a responsibility in your local church, such  as leading a youth group, teaching in the church school or singing in choir?

Some have found a brief devotional at the breakfast table helpful.  Would this be a practice you are open to?

What are your reading habits?

Preacher or Husband / Father?

I plead guilty. Like most preachers I don’t do as good a job as I could of keeping my family’s life private. My wife and kids appear as characters in far too many of my sermon illustrations (and blog posts). It is tough enough to live in a glass house without your husband / father exposing you further. I heard one pastor say that he always asks his family members for permission before including them in a narrative. That is probably good advice.

And, now for those of you who just don’t get it, here is an educational video: