The Arts of Logic and Rhetoric, Part 3

The Arts of Logic and Rhetoric · Part 3

THE ORDER OF HOVSholde, deſcribed methodicallie out of the worde of God, with the contrarie abuſes founde in the vvorlde.

THE order of an Houſholde called Oiconomia, is an order for the gouernement of the matters of an houſholde, according to the worde of God. 1. Tim. 3. 4. Whiche gouerneth his houſe well and excellentlie. Pſal. 101. I will walke in the perfect waye, in the vprightnes of my ſoule in the middest of myne houſe. which declareth there is a perfecte way which commeth from GOD onelyonly, as all perfection doeth, wherein is required the vprightnes of ones ſoule, and wherof he ſetteth down ſome parte afterwarde. Prou. 24. 3. 4. By wiſedome the houſe is builte, and establiſhed by vnderſtanding, and by knowledge the roomes ſhalbe filled with all precious and pleaſaunt ſubſtance.

Nowe the wiſedome meant in this booke is that which is allowed of gods worde: eſpeciallie when he ioyneth ſuch bleſsing vntounto it.

The houſholde order hath two partes,

The firſt of theſe which concerne the gouernours of the familie.

The ſeconde of thoſe which are gouerned in the ſame.

1. Tim. 5. 8. If one care not for his owne, eſpeciallie thoſe of his houſe: which ſheweth an eſpeciall rule of mutual duetie betweene theſe two. Alſo the wiſedome of the holy Ghoſt, in ſetting downe mutuall dueties vntounto them. Pro. 31. Ephe. 6. 2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, which is the first commaundement with promiſe. 3 That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest liue longe on earth. 4 And ye Fathers, prouoke not your children to wrath, but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lorde. 5 Seruauntes, be obediente vntounto them that are your Maiſters according to the fleſhe, with feare and humblinge, in ſinglenes of your hartes, as vntounto Chriſt. 6 Not with ſeruice to the eye, as men pleaſers, but as the ſeruauntes of Christ, doing the will of God from the harte. Coloſ. 4. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

Thoſe which gouerne the familie, are thoſe Superiours who hauehave authoritie in the ſame. Their generall and common duetie is, to order their houſe according to the former rule. Yet one may (being vrged by the great care of Magiſtracie, or for ſuch like) hauehave a ſtewarde, that is, one to gouerne his houſholde, according to the rules he preſcribeth. Contrarie to this is the common and whole caſting off of this care, vnleſſe in worldly matters. The firſte parte of this rule is proued by theſe places: I will hauehave the yonger women to marrie, and gouerne their houſholde. 1. Tim. 5. 14. If one rule not his houſhold well, howe ſhall he care for the Church? 1. Tim. 3. 5. The example of Dauid, Pſal. 101. 4. 1. Salomons mother. Pro. 31. 1. 2. 3. &c.

The ſeconde parte of this rule is proued by the example of Abraham, who hadde his elder ſeruaunte in his houſe, who was ouer all that he had, and to whom he committed the waightie duetie of prouidinge a wife for his Sonne. Gene 24. 2. Then Abraham ſpake vntounto the elder ſeruaunt of his houſholde, which was ouer all that he had, ſaying: Putt nowe thy hande vnderunder my thighe, 3 That I may binde thee by an othe, by the Lorde God of heauen, and God of the earth, that thou wilte not take a wife vntounto my Sonne of the daughters of the Cananites, amongſt whom … dwell. 4 But that thou wilt goe vntounto my countrie, and to my kindred, and take a wiſe for my ſonne Iſaac. So Ioſeph in Putaphars houſe.

This gouernement muſt be performed with all comelines fitte for the houſholde, which is, that agreeable fitnes or conueniencie, which worthilie becōmeth the diuerſitie of perſons in the familie, as, Superiours, inferiours, equalles: of ſexe, male, female, of age, childehoode, youth, ripe age, old yeares: of matters, as ſome concerning God, ſome man: of time, the daye, the night. For all theſe hauehave not one and the ſame Rule of decencie: Therefore the Apoſtle ſaith: Which ruleth his houſe, which keepeth his children in ſubiection, with all comelines. 1. Tim. 3. 4. Now▪ as there is comelines peculiar to the ſubiection of children, ſo of ſeruauntes: And as there is comelines for ſubiection, ſo for equalitie: and as for behauiour of thoſe of the houſe, ſo to thoſe not of the houſe, and ſo likewiſe in all other the former reipectes, as ſhall appeare by the ſhining light or eye of this generall rule in euerie parte of houſholde gouernement.

Of the dueties of ordering the houſhold, by the chiefe of the ſame: There are 2. ſortes,

The firſt regardeth thoſe in the houſholde.

The other, ſtraungers or gueſtes comming into the ſame.

1. Tim. 5. 10. If ſhe hauehave brought vp her children well: if ſhee hauehave bene giuen to hoſpitalitie▪ Iob 31. 31. If the men of my tente hauehave not ſayde. O that ſome would giuegive vsus of this fleſhe: we are not ſatisffied, becauſe the ſtraunger did not lodge abroade, I opened my doores to the wayfaring man So he cauſed ſeruauntes to giuegive place to ſtranngers, whiche ſheweth this diuerſitie of dueties.

Nowe both of theſe are in regarde of

Chriſtian holines.

The things of this life.

Pro. 31. 15. Shee openeth her mouth in wiſedome, and the doctrine of merciemercy is on her tongue. And riſing whiles it is yet night, ſhe giueth meate to her houſe, and a taske to her maydes. And Exod. 18. 5. And Iethro the father in lawe of Moſche comming with his children and with his wife vntounto Moſche into that deſerte where he had placed his Tentes, to witte, to the mounte of God: 6 Hee ſayde vntounto Moſche: I thy father in lawe Iethro do come vntounto thee: alſo thy wife and her two ſonnes with her. 7 Th… Moſche wente foorth to meete his father in lawe, and bowing him ſelfe he kiſſed him, and they asked one another of his welfare: afterwarde they wente into his Tente. 8 Where Moſche declaring vntounto his father in lawe whatſoeuer thinges the Lorde had done vntounto Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Izrael: and all that troubles which had happened vntounto them in that waye, from whence the Lorde had deliuered them. 9 Iethro reioyced for all theſe benefites which the Lorde had done vntounto Izrael, becauſe he had deliuered them cut of the handes of the Egiptians. 10 And Iethro ſayde: Bleſſed be the Lorde God which hath deliuered you out of the hande of the Egiptians, and …ut of the handes of Parrho: Which hath deliuered his people from vnderunder the handes of the Egiptians. 11 Nowe I knowe that the Lorde is greater then all goddes: for in that thinge wherein they were proude, he is aboue them. 12 Therefore Iethro the Father in lawe of Moſche, tooke and offered Sacrifices, and a burnte offeringe vntounto GOD, and Aaron and all the Elders of Izrael came to eate meate with Iethro Moſche his father in lawe, before God. 13 And it came to paſſe the nexte daye, Moſche …ittinge to iudge the people, when as the people ſtoode about Moſche from the morning of that daye vntounto the euening. 14. That the Father in lawe of Moſche behelde all that hee did vntounto the people: and ſaide: What is this that thou doest vntounto this people? Why ſittest thou alone, and all the people ſtande before thee from the morning vntounto the eueninge? 15 Then Moſche ſayde vntounto his father in lawe: Becauſe this people come vntounto mee to aske ceunſell at God. 16 When there is any buſines betweene them, euerie one commeth vntounto mee, that I may iudge betweene bothe, and I make knowen the Statutes of God and his lawes. 17 But Iethro his father in lawe ſoyde: the thing is not good which thou doest. 18 Thou wilt altogither fainte both thou and the people that is with thee, or this thing is to heauie for thee, thou canst not performe it alone. &c.

And this ariſeth from a double reſpecte: the commoditie they receyue, and the dutie they owe to the common ſtate wherein they are: that as they hauehave of their children, ſeruauntes, gueſtes, not onelie bodilie ſeruice and friendſhippe, but that whiche is of conſcience, and commeth from their fayth and religion, and their prayer, and the bleſsing in them Matth. 10. 41. ſo they muſt giuegive them this douh…e recompence. Alſo to the common ſtate they are bounde by couenaunte, not onelyonly as much as in thē lyeth by their houſholde gouernement to further the peace and tranquillitie of the common wealth, but alſo of Religion and true holynes. 2. Kinges …1 17. Contrarie to this is, their beſt care to be moſt exquiſite in the latter, and wholie negligente in the forme…, which is the chiefeſt: So that their adminiſtration of houſeholde matters, is altogither ciuill, not religious.

For the familie, the duetie whiche regardeth them is to keepe them in ſubiection, for the performance of all dueties of holines and religion, and for the diligent performaunce of thoſe workes and laboures, which are fitte for euerie one.

1. Tim. 3. 4. Which may gouerne well his houſe, whiche may keepe his children in ſubiection, with all honestie. 1. Tim. If anie be vnblameable, the Husbande of one Wife, hauing faythefull children, whiche are not ſlaundered of ryot, eyther ſtubburne. Pſal. 101. 1. I will ſinge merciemercy and iudgemente vntounto thee, O Lorde will I ſinge. 2 I will marke (in an vpright waye) when thou ſhalt come vntounto mee, I will continuall…e walke in the ſoundnes of my minde, in the middest of myne houſe. 3 I will not ſette before myne eyes a wicked thing: I hauehave hated the workes of them that decline, it ſhall not cleaue vntounto mee. 4 A frewarde minde ſhall departe from mee: I will not acknoweledge euill. 5 The tongue that priuely hurteth his neighbour, I will cutt out: him that is proud in his eyes, and ſwelling in his minde, I ſhall not be able to ſuffer. 6 Mine eyes ſhall wayte vponupon the faythfull of the lande, that they maye abide with mee: He that walketh in the ſounde waye, ſhall minister vntounto mee. 8 The deceytfull ſhall not dwell within myne houſe: Hee that telleth lyes, ſhall not be establiſhed before mine eyes.

Nowe for the performance of this generall duetie, two ſortes are required:

which are,

Such as where they muſt commonly goe before them and directe them.

Such as they muſt performe vntounto them.

Gene 35. 2. Wherefore Iacob gaue commaundement vntounto his familie, and to all that were with him: Put awaye the goddes of the ſtraunge people, which are amongest you, and cleauſe your ſelues, chaunginge your garmentes. … Afterwarde ariſinge let vsus aſcende to Bethel, that there I maye make an Altar to that ſtrenge GOD, whiche hearde mee in the daye of my distreſſe, and was preſente with mee in the waye wherein I wente. 4 Which when they had giuen vntounto Iacob all the goddes of the ſtraunge people whiche were in their handes, and the earerings whiche were in their eares: Iacob hidde them vnderunder that Oke which is beſides She…em.

Where we ſee that both Iaacob doth both inſtructe them what to doo, and in the dooing of theſe things directeth them.

Suche as wherein they muſte onelie goe before them and directe them, are thoſe whiche onelyonly ought to be done iointlie of the whole famelie, and then the ſuperiours muſt be there the chiefe directours of them: otherwiſe when they are abſente, they they muſt cauſe them to be done: as in prayer before and after their labour, in thanks giuing before and after meale▪ Iam 5. 13. Is anie amongeſt you ſicke in minde? Let it him pra…e …s anie man chearefull? let him ſinge. Pſal 127. Vnleſſe the Lorde builde the houſe, then labour … but loste that builde it▪ Vnleſſe the Lorde keepe the Citie, the keeper is diligent in vayne. 2 Let them be in vayne vntounto you, which riſe be…mes, which ſitte downe ſtowelie, which ar… …edde with the meate of ſorrowes, ſo he giueth ſleepe to his beloued. Pſal. 55. 18. In the euening and morning, and a… none dayes will I me lita…e and make a noyſe, vntill he hath hearde my voyce 1. …im 4. 4 For what ſoeuer God hath created is good, neyther is any thing to be refuſed, if it be taken with thankeſgiuing. Luke 22. 17. And he tooke the cuppe, and when he had giuen thankes he ſaide: Take this and …e…ide it amongest you. So Abrahams ſeruaunt ſayde, Gen. 24 12. O Lorde GOD of my maister Abraham, cauſe I beſeeche thee, that it come vntounto me this daye, and exerciſe this goodnes towardes my maiſter Abraham. 48 And I bowed downe and worſhipped the Lorde, and bleſſed the Lorde God of my maiſter Abraham, becauſe he had brought me by the right waye, to take my maisters brother daughter for his Sonne. And vponupon anie great iudgement on the familie, Church, or common wealth, to directe them in faſtinges and prayers, with readings, meditations, and vſe of the worde, as may ſerue to giuegive eſpeciall cauſe of humblinge, and eſpeciall cauſe of comfort fitte for that worke. Heſt. 4 16. Goe gather togither all the Iewes which are at Suſis, and faſte for mee, and neyther eate nor drinke theſe three dayes, night no… daye: I likewiſe and my maydes will faſte: ſo at length I will goe in to the King, whiche is not according to the commaundement: and when I ſhall periſhe, I will periſhe. Nehem 1. 4. And it came to paſſe▪ when I hearde theſe wordes, I ſate downe and wepte, and mourned certayne dayes, in whiche I fasted and prayed before the God of heauen. 5 And I ſaide: I beſeeche thee O Lorde God of heauen, most ſtronge God, greateſt, and chiefely to be feared: Keeping couenaunt and merciemercy, to them that louelove him and keepe his commaundementes. 6 Let thine eare be attentiue, and thine eyes be open to hearken to the which I praye before thee at this time daye and night for the Izraelites thy ſeruauntes: and I confeſſe the ſinnes of the Izraelites wherewith we hauehave ſinned againſt thee: I alſo and the houſe of my fathers hauehave ſinned. &c. For as it is their duetie in their own priuate faſte to doo this by them ſelues, ſo to directe others in the ſame, when they doo it with them. Contrarie to this is the vnchriſtian prophanenes in ſuche caſes: Alſo the vnchriſtian ſhamefaſtnes of ſome, and common negligence in others in theſe dueties.

Such as they muſt performe vntounto them are dueties

of inſtruction.

Reforming.

Pro. 13. 24. He which keepeth backe his rodde, hateth his ſonne, but hee whiche loueth him, doeth giuegive him inſtructions betimes. Pro. 15. 32. He which withdraweth him ſelfe from instruction, deſpiſeth his ſoule: but he that harkeneth vntounto rebuke, poſſeſſeth his ſoule.

The dueties of inſtruction are, that by a familiar and moſt playne manner of teaching, they may growe in the knoweledge of that trueth which is according to godlines. Gene. 18 19. When as I hauehave knowen him, ſhoulde I not reueale it, for this cauſe that hee may commaunde his children and houſhold after him, that they may keepe the way of the Lorde by exerciſing righteouſnes and iudgement, and that the Lorde may performe vntounto Abraham that which he hath promiſed vntounto him. Gene 14 14 When Abraham had hearde that his kinſman was taken, he armed his men, inſtructed 318. and followed them vntounto Dan. Deut. 20. 21.

They are for

Continuall daylie inſtruction.

That which reſpecteth the publike miniſterie.

Exod. 12. 25. 26. Let it be therefore, when ye ſhall come into the lande which the Lorde ſhall giuegive vntounto you as he hath ſaide, and ſhall obſerue this worſhippe. Lette it be (I ſaye) when your children aske pou: What ſignifieth this worſhip vntounto you? that ye ſaye: It is the Sacrifice the Paſſeouer of the Lorde, who paſsing by the houſes of the children of Iſrael, in Egipte, when he ſl…we the Egiptians, he deliuered our families. Exod. 13. 14. And let it be when thy ſonne ſhall aske thee hereafter ſaying. What meaneth this? that thou ſaye vntounto him: With a stronge hande hath the Lorde brought vsus out of Egipt out of the houſe of ſeruauntes. For it came to paſſe when Pa…ho ſhewed himſelfe cruell in letting vsus goe, that the Lorde ſlewe euerie firſte borne of men, vntounto the firſte borne of beaſtes. Therefore I kill vntounto the Lorde the males of all that open the wombe: but eueryevery firſte borne of my children I redeeme.

Dueties for dailie inſtruction, are

Inſtruction out of the Scriptures.

Inſtruction drawen from Gods workes.

Pſalm. 87. 1. Receyue with your eares (my people) my doctrine, incline your eare vntounto the wordes of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable, I will powre foorth hidde things, whiche HAVE BIN OF OLDE TIME. 3 Which wee hauehave hearde and knowen, as our Elders hauehave tolde vntounto vsus 4 We will not hide it from their children, the after generation 5 Being about to declare the prayſes of the Lorde, his might, and his wonders which he hath done. For he hath ſet a teſtimonie in Iahha…ob, and put a lawe in Iſrael: which he commanded our Elders to make knowen to their children. 6 That the after generation, the ſonnes which ſhould be borne, riſing vppe, might declare it to their ſonnes. 7 And they may ſet their hope on God, nor might forget the workes of the ſtrong God: but keepe his cōmaunpementes 8 Nor that they be not as their elders, a ſtubburne and rebellious generation: a generation which hath not prepared their minde, and whoſe ſpirite was not conſtant towardes the ſtronge God.

Inſtruction out of the Scripture, is by the dailie readinge of the ſame with them, both to make them acquainted with the courſe of them, ſo that they maye marke the ſame for their better profiting, by the allegations of the publike miniſterie, and alſo to referre thoſe thinges which are playne and eaſie, or which they hauehave learned from the publike miniſterie, vntounto ſuch playne inſtruction, as they inſtructed, may vnderſtand and knowe, howe to bring it in vſe. 2. Tim. 3. 15. Thou haſte knowen the Scriptures from a childe: which can not be ſpoken of a through knowledge, no not ſuch as belongeth to the olde men, who ſhoulde be ſounde in faith: much leſſe ſuche as belongeth to a Miniſter: but ſuch as this, in being made acquainted with it, and cauſed to marke as he was able, the courſe of it, and to learne for vſe and practiſe, ſuche as his parentes were able to note vntounto him, and he fitte to receyue by dailie practiſe. Deut. 6. 6. And let theſe wordes which I commaunded hee this daye, be in thy harte. 7 And put them pearcinglie into the children, and ſpeake of them, when thou …ittest at thine houſe, when thou walkeſt by ante waye, when thou lieſt dow…e, and when thou riſeſt vppe. 8 Alſo buylde them for a ſigne vppon thine hande, and let them be for frontelettes betweene thine eyes. 9 Brieflie, write them on the poſtes of thine houſe, and on thy gates.

Contrarie to this is, firſte that they are vtterlie negligente and ignorant how they ſhould doo this: Th…n that ſome preſume aboue this rule, and goe beyonde their calling: and eſpeciallie that their houſhold is not trained by this meanes, nor made fit for the publike miniſterie, and to amende their liues by ſuch chriſtian exerciſes.

Inſtruction drawen from Gods workes is, by applying the workes of God paſte or preſente, to mooue them the better to confidence, and truſte in God, by workes of his merciemercy: to feare to offende God, by workes of his iuſtice, and ſo to ſowe the verye ſeede of true religion and good conſcience in them. Gen. 18. 19. When as I hauehave knowen him, ſhould I not reueale it? for this cauſe that he may commande his children and ho…ſholde after him that they keepe the way of the Lorde by exerciſing iuſtice and iudgement, that the Lorde may performe vntounto Abraham that which he hath promiſed vntounto him.

The duetie which reſpecteth the publike miniſterie, Double,

Firſte concerning the obteyning of it.

The ſeconde concerning the vſe of it.

Firſt concer…ing the obteyning of i…, they muſt (if it be poſsible) in their place & calling adioyne them to a ſet miniſterie, if not, to b…ſt…we at leaſt the Sabboth dayes, yea other alſo, in ſeeking to the Miniſters and Prophetes of God, to heare the worde of God: This is manifeſt, firſte: Becauſe we muſt firſte ſeeke the kingdome of God, whereof this is a parte, Eſa. 32. 1. Beholde a King ſhall rule iuſtlie, and excellent ones ſhall gouerne according to the rule, the eyes of them who ſee ſhall not winke, but the eares of them who heare, ſhall hearken: the minde of the …astie ſhall vnderſtande knowledge, and the tounge of the ſtutterer, ſhall readilye ſpeake ſhining things. When Sauiors, to wit, miniſters of the doctrine of ſalvation▪ ſhall aſcende in the mountayne of the Lorde to iudge the mountayne of Eſau, the kingdome ſhalbe to the Lorde. Hob…d. 21 Diuers adminiſtrations but one Lorde. 1. Cor. 12 We are the Embaſſadours of Christe, to beſeeche▪ you to be reconciled. 2. Cor. 5. Secondlie it is the ordinarie meanes to begette and nouriſhe faith in vsus. Howe can they beleeue except they heare: howe can they heare without a Preacher: howe can hee preache without he be ſente? Rom. 10. He hath giuen Paſtors, and Doctors, for the gathering togither of the Church the worke of the miniſterie, and building them vp to a perfect age in Chriſt, that they bee not as children wauering and caried about with euerie winde of doctrine. Ephe. 4. Attende to reading exhortation and doctrine, in theſe continue, in theſe things be, for in ſo dooinge thou ſhalt ſaue thy ſelfe and others, 1. Tim. 4.

Secondly becauſe it is the greateſt bleſsing to hauehave it, and the greateſt plague to wante it. Iere. 23. hauing threatened them that they feede not the people, he ſaith after, I will gather the reſt of my ſheepe out of all the lande whither I had driuen them, and I will bring thē backe vntounto their ſheepeco…s, where they ſhal multiplie and m…eaſe, and I will ſet ouer them Paſtors, whiche ſhall feede them: ſo that they ſhall feare no more, nor ſhalbe wanting, ſaieth the Lorde. Iere. 3. I will bring you to Syon, where I will giuegive you Pastors after my harte who ſhall feede you with knowledge and vnderſtanding. God will giuegive you in deede the bread of affliction & water of oppreſsion: but none of thy Teachers ſhall …ſhut vp any more in a corner, but thy eyes ſhall ſee thy teachers, and thy eares ſhall heare a voyce behinde vsus, ſaying, Heare is the way walke in it. Eſa. 30. 20.

A famine not of breade, nor a thirſt of water, but hearing the worde of the Lorde. &c.

Mat. 8. But when he ſawe the multitude he had compaſsion on them, becauſe they were diſperſed and ſcattered abroade as ſheepe hauinge no ſhephearde: Then he ſaide, Surely the harueſt is great, but the labourers fewe, &c. Which ſheweth how miſerable they are which want this benefite: It alloweth alſo this duetie of ſeeking. 2. Kin. 4. 22. And he ſaide, wherfore wilt thou go to him (meaning the Prophet) to day? It is neither …w Mo…n… nor Sabboth day Which ſheweth that in the ſcarcitie of the preaching miniſterie, they went on thoſe dayes to the Prophetes to heare the worde of God. The ſeconde duetie is to cauſe them to doo that which is commaunded them in the thirde Cōmand▪ to that purpoſe. Which although it be not proper to this place, yet for the ſimpler ſorte, it is thus ſet downe Firſt, to prepare thē ſelues to the preaching of the worde, by cōſideration of Gods ordinance & promiſe, and their corruption▪ ſo that laying aſide all ſuperſtuitie of euill, that they …aye with meekenes receyue the word. Iam. 1. 17. Luc. 8. 8. Take heede therefore howe yee heare: for whoſoeuer hath, it ſhalbe giuen vntounto him, and who ſo hath not, euen that which he ſeemeth to hauehave, ſhalbe taken from him: And for the Sacraments, to conſider Gods inſtitution, their miniſterie, his merciemercy in Chriſt, their faith, their repentance, and their wantes: and ſo ſeeking the aſſurance of grace, of reconciliation and comforte, to come vntounto the table of the Lorde, 1. Cor. 11. 28. But let eueryevery one proue him ſelfe, and ſo let him eate of that breade, and drinke of that cuppe. Eſa. 1. 16. Waſhe your ſelues, purifie your ſelues, put away the wickednes of your actions, and ceaſe to do euill before mine eyes. Eſa. 66. 2 But vponupon hint doo I looke that is poore and contrite in ſpirite, and trembleth at my wordes. Mat. 5. 23 Therefore if thou hast brought thy gifte to the altar, and there remembreſt that thy brother hath ought againſt thee. 24 Leaue there thy gifte before the altar, and goe thy wayes: Firste, he reconciled to thy brother, and then come & offer thy gifte

Secondlie, in the workes themſelues, with reuerence and vnderſtanding to heare & receyue the worde, to be touched according to the matter, and with ioye and aſſu…āce of faith receyue ſolace and increaſe of grace by the right vſe of the Sacramentes, & after to call to minde & trie by the ſcripture things deliuered, and ſo hold faſt the good and to applie the comfort of the Sacraments vntounto all temptations afterwarde. Pſal. 78 1. Heare my doctrine O…ny people, incline thine …are to the wordes of my mouth. Nehe. 8. 10. After Nehemiah ſaid (to wit the Kings Embaſſadour) and Ezra the Priest and Scribe, and the Leuites teathing the people, vntounto all the people: This is the day ſanctified vntounto the Lord your god, mourne not, neither weepe▪ (for all the people wept when they …oarde the wordes of the Law). 1. Theſ. 1. 5. Becauſe our Goſpell abode wi…h you, not in ſpeache on…y but alſo in power: both in the holy Ghoste, as alſo with much ſure perſuaſion, as ye hauehave knowen what maner of men we hauehave bin amongest you for your ſakes Mat. 26. And when they had ſong a Pſalme, they went out into the moun… Oliue…. 1. Theſ 5. 20. Quenche not the ſpirite: Set not light by preaching: Trie all things: Holde faſte that which is good.

For obedience of life it behoueth them to teache them, call on them, and ſee thē doo this which they learne, that the publike miniſterie and priuate vſe of the worde be not contemned, neglected, vnprofitable vntounto them, and ſo god prouoked not only againſt their familie, but alſo the Church of which they are. Cōtrarie to this is, that men both themſelues and their families, go to the publike miniſterie, as to a common matter, let it fall after to the grounde, without anie lookinge into the certaintie of doctrine, the power and practiſe of it: and ſome with the miniſterie of the worde become worſe, both they and their houſholdes, then thoſe which neuer hearde it. Exod. 13. 1. And declare vntounto thy ſonne in that day, ſaying: For this hath the Lorde done theſe thinges vntounto mee, when I wente out of Egipte 9 So ſhall it be vntounto thee for a ſigne vppon thine hande, and for a monun…ente betweene thine eyes, that the doctrine of the Lorde may be in thy mouth: to witt, that the Lorde with a ſtrong hande brought thee out of Egipt. Which with the reſte of the Lawe ſheweth, that a… thoſe times this muſt be done, and that ſo throughlie, that this worke by this meanes, may be a liuelie ſigne, and the doctrine be ſo vnderſtood, that it may more fruitefullie and liuelie be communicated by conference one to another. Alſo Act. 10. 24. And the other day after, they entred into Caeſarea. And Cornelius wayted for them, hauinge gathered togither his kinſemen and ſpeciall friendes. Nehe. 8. 13. And all the people came to eate and to drinke, and to ſende por…ions, and to make great ioye, becauſe they vnderstoode thoſe wordes whiche they had made knowen vntounto them. 1. King. 13. 31. And i… came to paſſe after they had buried him, that he gaue cō mandement vntounto his ſonnes, ſaying: When I ſhalbe dead, burie me likewiſe in this ſe…ulchre, in the which that man of God is buried: place my bones beſides his bones. 33 For ſurelie the things whiche he hath foreſhewed by the worde of the Lorde, against the altar which is in Bethel, and againste all the highe places whiche are in the Cities of Schom…m, ſhall come to paſſe

Iob the firſt chap. v. 5. After it came to paſſe, when they had fniſhed the dayes of the banket, that Iob ſent and fanctiſyed them, and riſing earelie, he offered a ſacrifice according to the number of them all. For Iob ſayde, Peraduenture my ſonnes hauehave ſinned, or curſed God in their harte. So Iob did euerie of thoſe dayes. Which ſheweth, he called on them to do their dueties, in ſanctifyinge them ſelues and their families, and preparing them according to the manner preſcribed.

The dueties in reforming, are thoſe dueties whereby they muſt laboure to reforme eueryevery thing amiſſe which is eſpied, for Gods glorie and their good, and leaſt it creepe further. Contrarie to this is, that many corruptions are not accompted of, that they are winked at.

Iob. 1. 5. Pſal. 101. 3. 4. 5. I Will not ſet before mine eyes a wicked thinge, I hate the workes of thoſe that decline, it ſhall not cleaue vntounto mee. A frowarde minde ſhall departe from mee: I will not acknowledge euill. That tounge that priuelie hurteth his neighbour, I will cutte out: Him that is proude in looke, and ſwelling in minde, I can not ſuffer.

The rule of this muſt be the meaning of the tenne commaundementes, whiche becauſe it is neceſſarie for the ſimple, though not ſo proper for this place, it is brieflie ſet downe. They ſhall ſuffer none in their houſe vnreformed: whicheA Phil. 1. 9. 10. Col. 1. 10 11. B Cōmand. …. Ier. 9. 24 C Deut. 6. 4 5. 12. 13. He. 1228. Gen. 17. 1. D Cōmand. 2 Deut. 12. 31. 32. Eſa. 29. 13. 14. Mat. …5. Col. 2. 23. Pſal. 119. Pſal 26. 8. Act. 2. 42. E Iohn 4. 22 2 King. 18. 4 Act. 10. 26. & 14. 13. Exod. 33. 24. Rom. 1. 23. Hoſ. 2. 17. Eſa 30. 22. F Command. 3. Mat. 5. 34. Iam. 5. 12. G Act. 9. 15. H Gen. 4. 26. Mal. 1. 11. 12. (prap.) 2. Chro. 24. 2. Eccle. 5. 2. Gen. 24. 5. Luc. 8. 18. Eccle. 5. 1 1. Cor. 11. 28. (Feeling) 2. Chro. 24. 22. Ierem. 4. 2. 1. Theſ. 2. 13. Nehe. 8. 10. (Fruite) Heb. 6 16 1. Theſ 5. 20- Act. 17. 11. Pſal. 51. 9. K Comman. 4 Eſa. 58 13. Amos 8. 5. M Command 5 Mark. 7. 10. Rom. 13. 7. Rom. 1. 31. 32. 1. Tim. 5. 8. N Leut. 19. 32. Iob. 32. 6. Rom 12. 6, 7. 1. Pet. 4. 6. Col. 3. 22. Theſ. 5. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 2. O Command. 6. Mat. 5. 21. 22. Leuit. 19. 17. Exod. 21. 29. P Command. 7. Ephe. 5. 3. Mat. 5. 28. 1. Pet. 4. Iob. 31. 1. Q Command. 8. Exod. 26. 14. 15. 1. Theſ. 4. 4.Phil 1:9Phil 1:10Col 1:10Jer 9:24Deut 6:4Gen 17:1Deut 12:31Deut 12:32Isa 29:13Isa 29:14Matt 5Col 2:23Ps 119Ps 26:8Acts 2:42John 4:222 Kgs 18:4Acts 10:26Acts 14:13Exod 33:24Rom 1:23Hos 2:17Isa 30:22Matt 5:34Jas 5:12Acts 9:15Gen 4:26Mal 1:11Mal 1:122 Chr 24:2Eccl 5:2Gen 24:5Luke 8:18Eccl 5:11 Cor 11:282 Chr 24:22Jer 4:21 Thess 2:13Heb 6:161 Thess 5:20Acts 17:11Ps 51:9Isa 58:13Amos 8:5Mark 7:10Rom 13:7Rom 1:31Rom 1:321 Tim 5:8Job 32:6Rom 12:6Rom 12:71 Pet 4:6Col 3:221 Pet 5:2Matt 5:21Matt 5:22Lev 19:17Exod 21:29Eph 5:3Matt 5:281 Pet 4Job 31:1Exod 26:14Exod 26:151 Thess 4:4 A eyther in iudgement is knowen to erre from the trueth of the worde of God, or in manners, from the practiſe of the ſame But if any B delighte in the ignorance of God, be careleſſe to approue him ſelfe as one that C wholy dependeth on him, loueth him, feareth him, feareth him, reuerenceth him, laboureth to approue all his wayes before him: D If anie be giuen to Idolatrie, ſnperſtition, &c. and careth not in eueryevery parte of the worſhip of God, to followe his reuealed will: or if in the partes commaunded, he appeare negligent and colde. E Or to put them to anie other vſe then is commaunded, or be giuen to images, ſuperſtitiouſe monumentes, cuſtomes, occaſions, or ſuch like. If anie diſhonour the Name of God, eyther F in the vnreuerent vſing, or abuſing, or peruerting and not vſing with that preparation before, feeling at the preſent time, & fruite after which is preſcribed, his citles, G worde, H Sacramēts, I works. And if any K prophane his Sabboth by vayne paſtimes, going to playes, or giuegive L not him ſelfe to the exerciſes appointed on that daye, out of the worde: M If anye neglecte eſpeciall dueties towardes their equalles, N ſuperiour or inferiour in yeares, giftes, authoritie, as Maiſters, Parentes, Magiſtrates, Miniſters, ſeruantes, children, or people. If any declare not a conſcience to flee O euill, anger, malice, contention, quareling, fighting, or anie hurting of the perſon of a man, eyther in ſoule or bodie: not being carefull to ſuccour the ſame accordinge to his calling: P If anie be founde vnchaſte, in bodie, wordes, countenance or geſture: vntemperate in dyet, in apparell diſſolute, not caringe to maintayne the contrarie holynes in him ſelfe and others: Q If any care not for the goods of another man, but by falſehoode. fllatterie, oppreſsion, &c. diminiſhe the ſame. R If he be negligent in increaſing of his owne by honeſte and lawful meanes▪ R. Cōmand. 9. Ephe. 4. 28. Pro. 28. 19. S. Cōman. 10. Pſal. 15. 3. Tit. 3. 1. Co. 13. 4. Pro. 25. 13. V. Iam. 1. 23. Gal. 5. 24.Eph 4:28Prov 28:19Ps 15:3Titus 31 Cor 13:4Prov 25:13Jas 1:23Gal 5:24if he miſpende it in cardes, dice, gaming. &c. S If any care not to mayntayne the good name of others, but be giuen vntounto vnneceſſarie blaſing of other mens infirmities, by lying, ſlaundering, backebiting, taunting. &c. T V If any ſhew him ſelfe careleſſe to reſtrayne the motions and entiſementes vntounto ſinne, and the Iuſtes of the ſame: Then they ſhall vſe the meanes following to redreſſe them.

The dueties which are to be applied to this rule, are theſe:

Thoſe which they muſt do by themſelues.

Thoſe which they muſt procure to be done by others.

Iam. 5. 15. And the prayer of fayth ſhall ſaue the ſicke, and the Lord ſhall rayſe him vp: and if he hauehave committed ſinne, they ſhalbe forgiuen him. As this muſt be done for him in ſicknes, ſo in health: and as in this cauſe ſo in any other of the like nature.

The dueties they muſt doo by them ſelues muſt hauehave two properties:

They muſt be done with wiſedome fitte for thoſe dueties.

Pacientie fitte.

Wiſedome is that the cauſes may be throughlie ſifted, and ſoundlie reproted out of the worde of God. According vntounto this wiſedome alſo, vntill a fitter occaſion, this duetie may be let paſſe, and with keeping the authoritie of the chiefe of the familie be winked at for a time. Eccleſ. 7. 21. Applie not thy minde vntounto all the wordes that are ſpoken, ſeeing thou oughtest not to heare thy ſeruaunte curfinge thee. 22 For alſo many times thy minde is priuie, that thou hast curſed others. Prou. 20. 21. He which bringeth vp his ſeruaunte deltcatelie, ſhall in the ende be depriued of his children.

Patience fitte for it is, with keeping the authoritie of the chieefe of the familie, to heare what can be alledged, and by equitie alſo to allowe or diſallowe the ſame. Contrarie to which is, haſtines without diſcretion and making the matter playne, that the conſcience may be touched for the faulte. Alſo pride not to heare any excuſe or defence deliuered in duetie, ſubmiſsion and obedience of childe or ſeruaunt. Finallie, bitternes, which may prouoke wrath rather then cauſe amendement. Coloſ. 3. 21. Fathers, prouoke not your children to wrath, least they be diſcouraged. Iob. 31. 13. If I contemned the cauſe of my ſeruaunt or mine handmayde when they pleade with mee. 14 For what ſhould I doo, if the ſtronge God ſhould riſe? or if he ſhould viſite, what ſhould I anſwere him? Nomb 22. 26. After the Aungell of the Lorde went forwarde, and floode in a na…we place, where there was no waye to decline, eyther to the right hande or to the leſte. 27 And when the aſſeſeeing the Aungell of the Lorde God layee downe vnderunder Baalam, Balaam being kindled with wrathe, ſmote the Aſſe with his floffe. 28 And the Lorde opened the mouth of the Aſſe, whiche ſaide vntounto Baalam: what hauehave I done vntounto thee, that thou hast ſmitten mee newe three tymes? Paalam ſayde vntounto the Aſſe, becauſe thou haste meeked mee. I would there were a ſworde in mine hande, for euen n…we would I kill thee. Ephe. 6. And ye Maisters, doo the ſame things towardes them, letting paſſe threatninges: knowing alſo that your maiſter is in heauen, neyther that there is reſpect of perſons with him.

And theſe are the properties of thoſe dueties.

The diuers ſortes are,

Rebuke.

Correction.

Pro. 22. 15 The fooliſhnes which is bounde vntounto the harte of a childe, the rodde of inſtruction, will remooue farre from him. Pro. 23. 13. Withdrawr not correction from thy ſonne: when as thou ſhalt ſtrike him with the rodde, he ſhall not dye thereof. 14 Strike him with the rodde, and thou ſhalt deliuer his ſoule from the graue. Pro. 20. 30. Horſecombes are for the euill man, blewenes, woundes and ſtripes, pearcing through the inner partes of the bellie. Pro 29. 15. The rodde and rebuke giueth wiſedome: but the childe let alone to him ſelfe. ſhameth his mother.

Rebuke is a ſharpe admonition to take heede of the euill reproued aright, as is gathered out of that before.

Correction is when with a ſharpe rebuke of inſtruction, puniſhment is inflicted or layde vponupon the offendor, according to their diſcretion: conſideration being had of the faulte and all circūſtances of the ſame. Yet if this at any time for ſome cauſes be omitted, a greater is to be threatened and performed, when they ſhall nexte deſerue the ſame. Pro. 19. 19 Be thou great in the ſeruencie of anger, in forgiuing the faulte, ſaying, that if thou ſhalt deliuer him, thou wilt further puniſhe him afterwarde. Contrarie to this is, to much lenitie, alſo immoderate correction. Pro. 19. The rodde and rebuke giueth wiſedome, but a ſonne permitted to him ſelfe, ſhamed his mother. Pro. 29. 16. Chaſtiſe thy childe, and he ſhall bring thee rest, he ſhall delight thy ſoule. Pro 29. 19. A ſeruant is not chastiſed with wordes, &c.

That which they muſt procure to be done by other is, that when the former meanes will not ſerue, they doo according to S. Iames his rule, ſende for the Elders of the Church, that they may by newe admonitions, rebukes, and cenſures of the Church drawe them to repentance: and if that ſerue not, to bringe them to the Magiſtrate, and ſo (thoſe which they may) to diſcharge thē from the familie, vnleſſe they amende: and thoſe which they may not to kepe them in ſuch order, till God or the common wealth cutt them off. Iam. 5. 15. And the prayer of faith ſhall ſaue the ſicke: and the Lord ſhall rayſe him vp: and if he hauehave committed ſinnes, they ſhall be forgiuen him. Mat. 18. 16. But if he ſhall not heare thee, take yet with thee one or two, that of the mouth of twoo or three witneſſes, the whole matter may be confirmed. Deut. 21. 18. If any man ſhall hauehave a ſtubburne and rebellious ſonne, which hearkeneth not vntounto the voyce of his father, nor to the voyce of his mother, although… they hauehave chastiſed him, yet hee hearkeneth not vntounto them: 19 At length his father & his mother taking him, lette them bringe him to the Elders of their Citie, and to the gate of their place: 20 And let them ſaye vntounto the Elders of their Citie: This our ſonne is ſtubburne and rebellious, hee hearkeneth not vntounto our voyce, hee is a ryotous perſon and a drunkarde. 21 Then lette all the citizens ouerwhelme him with ſtones, that he may die, and take awaye that euill out of the middest of thee, that all the Izraelites may heare and feare. Pſal. 101. 7. He that worketh deceypte, ſhall not dwell within myne houſe: hee that ſpeaketh lyes ſhall not be establiſhed before mine eyes.

And hitherto of the firſte ſorte of dueties concerning Chriſtian holynes in the familie.

The other concerning the things of this life, is conuenientlie to prouide the neceſſarie things of this life, as that they hauehave cōuenient clothing, foode, reſte: and (if on certayne cauſes neede be) recreation. 1. Tim. 5. …. But if any man prouide not for his, and eſpecially thoſe of his houſe, hath denied the faith, and is worſ… then an infidell. Pro. 31. 21. Shee feareth not for her familie becauſe of the ſnowe, for all her familie is cloathed with double clokes. Pro. 12. 9. The iuste man regardeth the life of his beaste, but the compaſsions of the wicked, are the compaſsions of the cruell.

And then much more the maiſter muſt care for the ſeruauntes, that they may hauehave euen that refreſhing & eaſe which is meete. And thus much for the generall dueties, and of their ſpeciall dueties towardes thoſe which ſhalbe cō tinuallie or ordinarilie vnderunder their gouernement in the familie.

Nowe followeth the other which is the intertaynement of ſtrangers: whoſe propertie is, the louelove of intertayning of Gheſtes, 1. Tim. 3. 2. Therefore a Biſhop must be vnreproueable, the husbande of one wife, watchinge, ſober, modest, giuen to hoſpitalitie, &c. Heb. 13. 2. Be not vnmindefull of intertayning Cheſtes: for hereby certayne vnawares hauehave intertayned Aungells. 1. Pet. Be hailcicus one towardes another, without grudging.

The firſt duetie required of this worke is, a liberall & chearefull miniſtring of protection and all things which ſerue for the neceſsitie and comfort of this life, as is meete for the abilitie of them which receiue, and the cōdicion of thoſe who are receyued. Gen. 18. 2. For when lifting vp his eyes he had looked, beholde three men ſtoode before him, whom whilest he ſawe he runneth to meete them from the doore of the Tente and bowed him ſelfe to the earth. And he ſaide: My Lordes: If newe I hauehave founde fauour in thyne eyes, paſſe not I praye thee from thy ſeruaunt. 4 Let there nowe be taken a litle water, and waſhe your feete, and ſitte downe vnderunder this tree. 5 In the meane time I will take and bringe a morſell of breade, and refreſhe your harte, afterwarde yee ſhall goe forwarde, ſeeing that for this cauſe you paſſe by your ſeruaunte: which ſayde: Doo ſo as thou haste ſpoken. 6 Therefore Abraham going haſtilie into the Tente vntounto Sara, ſayde: Make readie at once three meaſures of corne: Take fine meale, kneade it, and make kakes baked vnderunder the aſhes. 7 But Abraham running to the hearde, tooke a ſucking calfe, tender & good, and gaue it to a ſeruaunte, whiche made haste to prepare it. 8 Therefore takinge butter and milke, and the calſe which he had prepared, he ſet them before them, who did eate he ſtanding by them vnderunder the ſame tree. Gene. 19. 1. And thoſe two Aungels comming vntounto Sodome in the eueninge, Lott ſate at the gate of Sodome: whom when Lot ſawe, he riſinge wente to meete them, and bewed him ſelfe with his face to the grounde. 2 And hee ſayde: Beholde nowe my Lordes, turne I praye you into the houſe of your ſeruaunte,For protection ſee a notable example of Lot, Gen. 19. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. And Iudg. 19. 16. 17. 18Gen 19:2Gen 19:3Gen 19:4Gen 19:5Gen 19:6Gen 19:7Gen 19:8Judg 19:16Judg 19:17Judg 19:18 and waſhe your feete, after riſing in the morninge, ye ſhall goe your waye. Whiche ſaide: Not ſo, we pray thee, for we can lodge all night in the ſtreetes. 3 But when he was inſtant vponupon them exceeding lie, they turning vntounto him, entred into his houſe: which made them a banket, and did bake vnleauened breade, and they did eate. 1. Tim. 5. 10. Being decked with a fit teſtimonie in good workes, if ſhe hauehave brought vp her children, if ſhe hauehave bin har …erous, if ſhe hath waſhed the Saintes feete, if ſhee hauehave ſuccoured the afflicted, if ſhee hauehave followed eueryevery good worke diligentlie.

The other is as occaſion ſerueth mutuallie to edifie one another, by callinge to minde Gods workes, mutuall inſtructions and exhortations: Alſo by bringinge them to the publike ſeruice of GOD, and cauſing them to keepe with them the Sabboth, as appeareth by the example aboue. And Rom. the firſte Chap. the 10. verſe, Alwayes in my prayers beſeechinge, that (if by any meanes) …t length a proſperous iourneye by the will of God might be giuen mee to come vntounto you. 11 For I long to ſee you, that I mighte imparte vntounto you a ſpiritual gifte, that you may be eſtabliſhed.

Contrarie to this is nigardlines, ſuch as was in Nabal in receyuing of gueſtes. Alſo ſuffering God to be diſhonoured, his word or Sabboth neglected, or anie ſuch abuſe to be committed by their gueſtes, & not labour by good meanes to amende them or remoue them from the familie.

And hitherto of the chiefe of the familie, and their dueties as are generall to all.

Nowe for the moſte parte, the chiefe of the familie are maried folke, and ſo in common the gouernours of the houſe. They are called maried folkes, becauſe of the bande of Mariage. Mariage is that ioyninge of one man and one woman togither by the couenaunt of God, that they may be one fleſhe, vntill they ende their life. Gene. 2. 24. Therefore ſhall man leaue his father and his mother, and cleane to his wiſe, and they ſhalbe one fleſhe. Leuit. 18. 18. Take not one woman vntounto another to vexe her, by vncouering the ſhame of her that is married vppon this in her life. Pro. 2. 17. Which forſaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the couenaunt of her God. Mala. 2. 14. But you ſaye, Wherefore? Becauſe the Lorde hath witneſſed betweene thee and the wiſe of thy youth, againſt whom thou doest vnfaithfullie: yet ſhee is thy companion and wife couenaunted vntounto thee. 1. Cor. 7. 30. The wife is bounde by the lawe as longe as her huſbande liueth, but if her husbande be dead, ſhee is free to marie vntounto whom ſhe will, onelie in the Lorde. Rom 7. 1. Knowe ye not brethren (for I ſpeake to them that knowe the lawe) that the lawe doeth beare rule ouer a man as long as he liueth? 2 For the woman being ſubiecte vntounto the man being aliue, is bounde by the Lawe: but if her husbande be dead, ſhe is deliuered from the lawe of the man. 3 Therefore whilest the man liueth, ſhe ſhalbe called an adultereſſe, if ſhe become another mans: but if her husband be dead, ſhe is free from the lawe, that ſhee is not an adultereſſe, though ſhe become another mans.

To be one fleſhe, by a parte put for the whole, is that moſt neare and holy ſocietie with the power and vſe of the bodies one of another in puritie, wherby the man in an eſpeciall manner is become the heade of the wife, and the wiſe another helpe vntounto the huſbande likewiſe. Gene. 2. 18. And the Lorde ſayde: It is not good that man ſhould be alone, I will make him an helpe meete for him. Pro. 2. 17. Which forſaketh the guyde of her youth, and forgetteth the couenant of her God. Mat. 19. 6. Therefore they are no more two but one fleſhe: that therefore which GOD hath ioyned togither, let no man ſeparate. Ephe. 5. 31. Therefore ſhall man leaue father and mother, and ſhalbe ioyned to his wife, and they which were two ſhall become one fleſhe.

Therefore in the whole gouernement of the familie,

The huſbande is the chiefe or foregouernour.

The Wife is a fellow helper.

To be a foregouernour is in the whole adminiſtration of houſholde gouernement to be ouer all perſons and matters in the houſe, and euen the wife. 1. Tim. 3. 5. For if any man knoweth not howe to gouerne his owne houſe, howe ſhall he… care for the Church of God? And to looke as the chiefe honor, to all reuenewes & the eſtate of the good thinges of this life, eſpeciallie to care for the keeping & increaſing of it. Diligentlie knowe the eſtate of thy heardes. &c. Pro. 27. 23.

To be a fellowe helper, is to yeelde helpe to her husbande, eſpeciallie as home, in all the matters of the familie. 1. Tim. 5. 14. I will therefore that the youger women marrie, and bringe forth children, and gouerne the houſe, and giuegive no occaſion vntounto the aduerſarie to ſpeake euill. Tit. 2. 5. That they … temperate, pure, tarying at home, good, ſubiecte to their husbandes, least that the worde of God be blaſphemed. Iudg. 5. 24. Bleſſed be Iahell the wife of Chebar the Kenite before all women, Let her be bleſſed before the women which abide in tentes. Pro. 31. 5. Who ſhall finde a woman of ſtrength, ſeeing her price farre exceedeth the Carbuncles. 12 Shee doeth him good and not euill all the dayes of her life. Gene. 18. 6. Therefore Abraham going hastilie into the tente vntounto Sarah, ſaide: Make readie at once, three meaſures of corne, take fine meale, kneade it and make kakes breade vnderunder the aſhes. 7 And Abraham running vntounto the heard, tooke a ſuckinge calfe tender and good, and gaue it vntounto a ſeruaunt, which made haste to dreſſe it. 8 Then taking butter and milke, and the Calfe which he had prepared, he ſet them before them, whiche did eate, he ſtanding by them vnderunder the tree.

Contrarie to which is, that we keepe not the authoritie and chiefedome in all matters: that women vſurpe anie parte of it: that they be giuen to gadding and to meddle with matters not fitte for their labour and trauell. 1. Tim. 5 They will goe from houſe to houſe. &c. Pro. 7. 11. Her feete dwell not in the houſe.

The dueties of maried folke in the familie are of two ſortes,

Firſte mutuall.

Then towardes others.

Pro. 31. 12. 15. Who ſhall finde a ſtronge woman, when as her price exceedeth the car…ncles? And riſing whilest it is yet night, ſhe giueth foode to her houſe, and a taske vntounto her maydes.

Mutuall dueties are thoſe which are to be performed one to another of thé, they are

Common to both.

Proper to eche.

Exod. 21. 10. If he ſhall take another vntounto him ſelfe, let him not diminiſhe her foode, her clothing, and beneuolence due vntounto her. Tim. 2. 3. Likewiſe vntounto the olde women, that they we are ſuch apparell as may become holynes, not ſlaunderers, not giuen to much wine, but teachers of honest things. 4 That they may make the yonge women wiſe, that they may louelove their husbandes and children. 5 That they may be temperate, chaſte, tarying at home, good, ſubiect to their husbandes, that the worde of God be not blaſphemed.

Common to both is that which both owe to eche other, and it is

Dwelling togither.

Mutuall good proceedings from thence.

The 1. Epiſt. to the Cor. 7. 12. If anie brother hauehave an vnbeleeuing wife, and ſhe be contente to dwell with him, let him not forſake her. 13 And the wife which hath an vnbeleeuing husbande, which is contente to dwell with her, let her not forſake him.

Dwelling togither is to be ordinarilie in a dwelling place for the better performance of eche other mutuall duetis. Mat. 1. 18. For when his mother Marie was betrouthed to Ioſeph, before they came togither, ſhe was founde with childe by the holye Ghost. 1. Cor. 7. 10. And to the maried I commaunde, not I but the Lorde: Let not the wife ſeparate her ſelfe from her husbande. But to the remnaunt I ſaye, and not the Lorde, if …ay brother hauehave an vnbeleeuing wife, and ſhe be contente to dwell with him, lette him not not forſake her. 13 And the wife which hath an vnbeleeuing husbande, whiche is contente to dwell with her, let her not forſake him. 1. Pet. 3. 7. Likewiſe let the men dwell togither as becommeth them that ha… knowledge, giuing honour vntounto the womans veſſel, as to the weaker, that when as ye be … iointlie of the grace of life, your prayers be not interrupted. Ruth. 4. 11. VntoUnto whom all the people which were in the gate, and the Elders ſayde: We are witneſſes: The Lorde make this woman which ſhall come into thine houſe, like vntounto Rachell, and Leah, which both did builde the houſe of Iizraell, and get thou the ritches of Eph…ata, and let the name of Bethlehem be renowmed. 12 Letee thine houſe be as the houſe of Peretz whom Thamar bare vntounto Iehuda, of that ſeede which the Lorde ſhall giuegive thee of this mayde.

Yet the Scripture aloweth vponupon neceſſarie occaſion of warfare ſeruice to the cōmon wealth, Church, or neceſſarie affaires of their owne, ſometimes a long abſence. Deut. 20. 7. What man ſoeuer hath eſpouſed a wife, and yet hath not married her, let him goe and returne to his houſe, that he dye not in this battell, and another man marie her. 8 And let the Gouernours proceede further to ſpeake vntounto the people: What man is hee that is ſofte and fearefull in harte, let him departe and returne to his houſe, that hee make not the hartes of his brethren to melte as doeth his harte. 9 Then when the Gouernours ſhall ceaſe to ſpeake vntounto the people, they ſhall make Princes of the bandes o… warre, in the heades of the people. 2. Samu. 1…. 11. And Vriah ſayde vntounto Dauid: The Arke & Izraell and Iehuda, abide in Tentes, and Ioab my Lorde and the ſeruauntes of my Lorde, hauehave their Tentes in the playne fielde, and ſhoulde I enter into mine houſe to eate and drinke, and lie with my wife? As thou liuest and as thy ſoule liueth, I will not doo this thing. Pro. 17. 19. For mine husbande is not at home, hee is gene a farre iourney, at the appointed daye hee will returne agayne.

Contrarie to this is ordinarie abuſe and negligence of this duetie, whiche bringeth manifolde inconueniences.

The mutuall good proceeding from dwelling togither is that which conſiſteth in a ſweete communicating of the perſons and goods, for the mutual neceſsitie and conſolation one of another. 1. Cor. 7. 3. Let the husbande giuegive vntounto the wife due beneuolence, and likewiſe the wife vntounto the husbande. 4 The wife hath not power ouer her owne bodie but the husbande: and likewiſe the husbande hath not power euer his owne body, but th… wife. 5 Defraude not one another, vnleſſe it be by conſent for a time, that ye may applie your ſelues to fasting and prayer, and come togither agayne, least Sathan tempte you for your incontinencie. It is not good for man to be alone. Gen. 2.

Here alſo muſt be conſidered the partes of this duetie: firſte, due beneuolence which is the honorable poſſeſsiō of their veſſels in holines one towards another, for auoyding of ſinne, bringing forth a ſeede of God, and the honeſt and proper delight which ought to be betweene the man and the wife. Hebr. 13. 4. Mariage is honourable among all men, and the bedde vndefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God ſhall condemne. Mala. 2. 14. And ye ſaye, wherefore? Becauſe the Lorde hath witneſſed betweene thee and the wife of thy youth, againſt whom thou doeeſt vnfaithfullie wherea… ſhe is thy companion and ioyned in couenant vntounto thee. Eſai. 62. 7. As when a yong man marrieth a virgin, when thy children do marie wiues, as in the ioye (I ſay) of the bridegrome with the bride, ſo ſhall the Lord reioyce with thee. Gen. 26. 8. And it came to paſſe when they had bin there many dayes, that Abimelech king of the Philistims looked by the wind…we and ſawe that, beholde I ſaak played with Rebekka his wife, wherfore calling Iſaak, he ſaide to him, Surelie beholde ſhe is thy wife.

Pro. 5. 18. Let thy fountayne be bleſſed, and reioyce with the wife of thy youth. 1… Let her be as the louing hinde, and pleaſaunt wilde goate: let her brestes ſatisfie thee at all times, and wander in her louelove continuallie. 20 And wherefore ſhouldest thou wander my ſonne with a ſtraunge woman, or embrace the boſome of a ſtranger?

Contrarie to this is the abuſe of their libertie betwene them ſelues, communicating that which is proper to the husbande to other in whooring, dauncing, vncomelie familiaritie with other.

The ſeconde is their mutuall helpe or laboure one towardes another, in worde, deede, and commuuicating of good thinges, for the mutuall nouriſhing one of another. Ephe. 5. 29. For no man euer hated his owne fleſhe, but nouriſheth and cheriſheth i…, as Christe alſo doeth the Churche. Pro. 31. 28. Her children do riſe, and call her bleſſed, her husbande alſo doeth prayſe her, ſaying: Many women hauehave done ſtoutelie but thou exceedest them all.

And theſe are the common dueties of one towardes another: the proper doo followe They are the dueties one of them in ſeuerall to another.

They ar of the

Husbande to the wife.

Wife to the husbande.

Ephe. 5. 33. But alſo you particularlie euerie one ſo louelove his wife as him ſelfe, and let the …ife feare the husbande.

The proper dueties of the husbande are,

A proper care for his wife.

The applying of the generall duetie of all men towardes women to his wife.

1. Pet. 3. 7. Likewiſe let men dwell togither with them: giuing honour vntounto the womans veſſell as vntounto the weaker, ſeeing that ye are heires togither of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindred.

The proper care for the wife is to couer her that is to prouide all things meete for a mate ſo neerily ioyned in ful bleſsing to him, and thus according to their condition, to giuegive honor to her as the fitteſt for him, in heauen and in earth,When Adam had perfectlie knowē the nature and propertie of all beastes, and giuē a fit name to eueryevery one yet to Adam he founde not a fit helper before him, therfore he must performe this honor to her. with a paciente couering or bearing of her infirmities. 1. Pet. 3. 7. Exod. 21. If he ſhall take another vntounto him, let him not diminiſhe her foode, her clothing and bene…olence due vntounto her. Gen. 30. 16. And vntounto Sarah he ſaide, Behold I hauehave giuen a thouſand Cicles of ſiluer vntounto thy brother: beholde he is the couering of thine eyes amongſt all that are with thee: Let it be knowen amongſt all, and be thou inſtructed. Ruth. 3. 9. VntoUnto whom hee farde: who art thou? which ſaid: I am Ruth thy handmayde: that thou maiest ſpreade the wing ouer thine handmaide, becauſe thou art the kinſeman. Eſai. 3 28. In that day ſhall 7. women take holde of one man, ſaying: We will eate our owne meate, and put on our owne clothes: only that we may be called by thy name: Take away our reproche.

The applying of the generall dutie of all men in regard of care toward; his wife, is when in an eſpecial maner the image of Gods glorie & wiſdome doth …hine in the gouernement of the husbande towardes his wife, and the glorie which God hath in the ſame, ſhineth in the honor and glorie whiche the man in all things taketh from the wife. 1. Cor. 11. 3. I will that ye knowe, that Christe is the head of eueryevery man, and the man the womans head, and God is Chriſtes heade. 7 For the man ought not to couer his head, becauſe he is the image and glorie of God, but the womā is the glorie of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man &c.

Contrarie to this is, when men are vndiſcrete, childiſh, fonde, loſe their authoritie; or keepe it not, but alſo their hardnes, bitternes, want… of wiſedome in framing them to perfection in obedience.

The proper dueties of the wife are,

Recompence of her husbandes care.

And the applying of that generall duetie of all women in regard of men, in a peculiar maner to him, which is called to hauehave him that couering of her eyes before all men.

The recompence of the husbandes care, is by obeyinge him in all good things, and by her aduiſe, ſweet counſell, labour and trauell, to be a comfort or helpe vntounto him. Pro. 31. 11. The ſoule of her husbande doeth truſt her, and the ſpoyles do not ſayle. 12 Shee doeth him good and not euill all the dayes of her life. 13 Shee ſecketh …oll or flaxe, and maketh it for the pleaſure of her husbandes. 14 Shee is like to the marchauntes ſhippes, ſhe bringeth meate from farre. 17 She girdeth her loynes with ſtrength, and confirmeth her armes. Shee tastinge her marchandiſe to be good, her candle is not put out by night. Shee putteth her handes to the whar…e, and her handes do holde the ſpindle.

The labour is double:

Eyther in matters of this life: or

Chriſtian holines.

Pro. 31. 26. Shee openeth her mouth wiſelie, and the doctrine of merciemercy ſitteth on her tounge. 28 She beholdeth the wayes of her familie, and eateth not the bread of ſlouthfulneſſe.

The matters of this life are, her laboure

In regarde of her familie.

And her owne worke.

For the familie, ſhe muſt ouerſee all the wayes of them, and both ſet them worke and taske, and alſo giuegive them their meate and other neceſſaries in due ſeaſon. Pro. 31. 15. And riſing whileſt it is yet night, ſhe giueth foode to her houſe, and a taske to her maydes. 16 She conſidereth a fielde, and taketh it: of the fruites of her handes ſhe planteth a vineyarde. 17 She girdeth her loynes with ſtrenght, and confirmeth her armes. 21 She is not afrayde of her houſholde, becauſe of the ſnowe, for all her houſholde is clothed with double clokes.

Her owne worke is to labour diligentlie, earelie and late, in ſomethinge of profite for the familie. Pro. 31. 13. 14. 15. 17. 19. 22.

Her labour for Chriſtian holines is, to ſee all dueties accompliſhed at the cō mandement of her husbande: for which Chriſtian watchefulnes proper to a Miſtres of the houſe, is requireth euen to be his eyes, foote and mouth, when he is away: in eſpying, looking, admoniſhing, rebuking, & alſo giuing almes to the poore. Pro. 31. 20. She openeth her palme of her hande vntounto the poore, and ſhe ſtretcheth out her handes vntounto the needie. 26 She openeth her mouth wiſelie, and the doctrine of merciemercy is ſet on her tounge.

The ſeconde eſpeciall dutie of the wife ſo called by the ſigne of it, is to be an image of the authoritie and wiſedome of her husbande, in her whole adminiſtration, and ſo to be his glorie and honour: and from a meeke and quiet ſpirite in all her behauiour of wordes, deedes, apparell, countenance, geſture, &c. to ſignifie plainlie ſhe hath feeling of him in her harte, as of the image of gods Maieſtie, glorie, and perfection. Gen. 24. 63. (For Iſaac had gone forth to praye in a certaine fielde in the euening) and when he liften vp his eyes and behelde, Beholde the Cam m…ls came. 64 R…bekka alſo lifting vp her eyes, when ſhe ſawe Iſaak, ſhe deſcended from the Cammell. 65 For Ribhah ſaying vntounto the ſeruaunt, who is that man which walketh by that fielde to meete vsus? The ſeruaunt anſwered, It is my maiſter. And ſhee tooke a …ayle and couered her ſelfe. Gene. 20. 16. And vntounto Sarah he ſaide: Beholde I hauehave giuen a thouſande Cicles of ſiluer vntounto thy brother: beholde he is vntounto thee a couering of the eyes amongst all that are with thee. 1 Pet. 3. 6. As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lorde, whoſe daughters ye are made as longe as ye doo well, euen when ye are not terrified with anie ſeare.

Where Sarah ſpeaking of her husbande but in her harte: the Apoſtle ſaith ſhe did it as of her Lorde. Contrarie to this is, the pride and vntamed affection of the wiſe, their vncomelie geſtures, their whote and chiding anſweres towardes their husbandes, their vnſhamefaſte or equallike lookes: finallie, whatſoeuer is contrarie to the former rules.

And hitherto of the dueties which are betweene them ſelues.

Nowe followe the dueties towardes others.

They are double,

As they are parentes.

As they are maiſters and maiſtreſſes.

Coloſſ. 3. 21. Fathers, prouoke not your children to wrath, least they be diſcouraged. Coloſ. 4. 1. Ye Maisters, giuegive right and equalitie vntounto your ſeruauntes, knewing that you hauehave a maister in heauen. Tit. 2. 4.

The duetie of parentes muſt be performed moderatelie of the Father, with great grauitie and authoritie. Gen. 22. 7. And Iſaak ſpeaking vntounto Abraham his Father, ſaide: My father: which ſaide: Beholde, here I am my ſonne. Then ſayde Iſaak: Beholde, here is fire and wood, but where is the ſmall beaste for the ſacrifice? VntoUnto whom Abraham ſayde: God ſhall prouide for him ſelfe a ſmall beaste for the ſacrifice, my ſonne: when they wente both togither. Pro. 4. 3. When I was a ſonne with my father, tender and onlie beloued before my mother. 4 Hee teachinge me, ſaide vntounto me: Let thy minde holde my wordes, keepe my commaundementes and liue. 5 Get wiſedome, get vnderstanding, forget not, neyther decline from the worde of my mouth. Of a Mother, with that chearefull eaſines of a mother which keepeth her authoritie. Pro. 31. 1. The gathering togither of the wordes of Lemuell the king, wherewith his mother had inſtructed him. 2 What ſhall I ſaye my Sonne? What thing, O ſonne of my wombe? And what, O ſonne of my deſires? 3 GiueGive not thy ſtrength vntounto women, and to thoſe that worke that Kinges maye be aboliſhed.

The dueties are,

Common to both.

Proper to eche.

Common to both from the firſte conception of children to take care of thē, euen to the ende of their liues, as appeareth by the partes following.

The eſpeciall partes of this duetie are theſe.

Which reſpecte

Their tender age.

Youth.

Gal. 4. 1. This I ſaye, the heire as longe as he is a childe, differeth not from a ſeruaunt, though he be Lorde of all. 2 But is vnderunder tutors and gouernours vntill the time appointed of the father.

The duetie in their tender age, is according to their yeares and abilitie, to …ource them vp in diſcipline fitte for children, and admonitions of the Lorde. Ephe. 6. 4. And you fathers prouoke not your children to wrath, but bring them vpp in doctrines and admonitions of the Lorde. Pro. 22. 6. Instructe thy childe according to his capacitie, yea when he ſhall be olde, it ſhall not departe from him.

Diſcipline fitte for children is, when by intiſementes, allurementes, corrections. &c. fitte for them, they are framed to good The giuing of the admonitions is, by litle and little, by often repetitions, in greateſt playnes whiche maye be, to make them vnderſtande ſome chiefe groundes and ſeedes of religion, of good manners, and behauiour towardes al, and ſo to beginne ſome conſcience in them. Eſa. 28. 10. When as there ſhalbe added precepte vntounto precepte, precepte vntounto precepte, line vntounto line, line vntounto line, here a little, there a little. 2. Tim. 3. 15. That thou haste learned the holy Scriptures of a childe, which are able to make thee wiſe vntounto ſaluatiō, which is in Christe Ieſus. Hebr. 5. 12. For you which for the time ought to be better learned, hauehave neede to be taught agayne what are the principles of the worde of God, and yee are become thoſe which hauehave neede of milke and not of ſtronge meate. 13 For eueryevery one that vſeth milke, is vnexperte of the worde of righteouſnes, for he is a babe. Prou. 20. 11. Let a childe make him ſelfe knowen in his workes, whether his worke be pure and right.

Contrarie to this is, to let them hauehave their will from the beginninge, to diſcourage them by ſeueritie, to let the common ignorance of the worde to be rooted in them, and not in this care to frame them to trueth and goodnes, and to prepare them to be apte to receyue profite from the publike miniſterie.

Their duetie towardes them in their youth is,

Eyther in the entrance of their youth.

Or in their ripe age.

Their duetie in the entrance of their youth is, according to their giftes and diuerſitie of them, to prepare them vntounto ſome profitable calling in the church, by applying them vntounto it, beating into them the giftes and conſcionable vſe of the giftes which is required. 1. Chron. 28. 9. Then alſo Salomon my ſonne, knowe the God of thy father, and worſhip him with an vndefiled bodie, and with a carefull minde, becauſe God doeth ſearche all hartes, and doeth vnderſtande euerie imagination of the thoughtes: if thou ſhalt ſeeke him, he wil be founde of thee, but if thou ſhalt forſake him, hee will forſake thee for euer. 10 Beholde nowe, ſeeing the Lorde hath choſen thee to builde an houſe for the Sanctuarie, be thou ſtronge and doo it. 11 Then Dauid gaue to Solomon, the paterne of the porche, and of the houſes thereof, and the treaſure houſes thereof, and of the Parl…re thereof, and of the inner chambers thereof, and of the place of the merciemercy Seate. Pro. 31. 1. The gathering together of the wordes of Lemuell the king, wherein his mother had inſtructed him. 2 What ſhall I ſaye my Sonne? What thing, O ſonne of my wombe? And what, O ſonne of my deſires? 3 GiueGive not thy ſtrength vntounto women, and to thoſe that worke that Kinges maye be aboliſhed.

Here the Church may not be depriued for honor, gayne, or ſuch fleſhlie reſpectes of meete Miniſters.

In their ripe age their duetie is to giuegive their children that which maye helpe them in this life, and alſo if they hauehave not the gifte of continencie, to counſell them, to gouerne them vntounto a fitte and religious wife, ſuche as is fitte for the dueties afore named.

2. Cor. 12. 14. For I ſeeke not yours but you: For children ought not to gather treaſures. for their parentes, but the parentes for the Children. Gene. 24 2. Put thine hande vnderunder my thighe, 3 That I may binde that with an othe by the Lora God of heauen, and the God of the earth, that thou wilt not take a wiſe vntounto my ſonne, of the daughters of the Cananites amongest whome I …well. 3 But that then will goe vntounto my countreye, and to my kindred, and take a wiſe vntounto my ſenne I…chak Ruth. 3. 1. Afterwarde Naemi her mother in lawe ſayde vntounto her: Shoul… I not ſeeke reste vntounto thee, that it might bee well with thee? So 1. Cor. 7. &c.

Contrarie to this is the neglecte of their life to come, to make matches onelie for carnall reſpectes, ſuffering them to liue wantonlie and vncleanelie, and not ſeeking the …n…die appoynted.

The proper dueties of both is commonlie towardes them in their infancie. The Fathers duetie is with all cont…enient ſpeede that maye bee, according to the aſſemblie of the congregation, to preſente the Chilo… for the firſt Sacramente, and there to giuegive a name in the mother tounge, which may hauehave ſome godlie ſignification, fitte for that worke.

Contrarie to this is, differring of that worke, for trifles or vnmeete cauſes, a giuinge of a name in another tongue, a prophane name. Gene. 25. 25. And the firste came foorth roughe, being all o…er as an hearie gowne, and they called his name Eſau. 26 Afterwardes his brother came foorth, whoſe hande helde the heele of Eſau, therefore euerie one called his name Iacob. Luke. 1. 59. And it was ſo on the eight daye, they came to circumciſe the babe, and called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 62 Then they made ſignes to his father, howe hee woulde hauehave him called. 63 So he asked for writinge Tables, and wrote ſayinge: His name is Iohn, and they marueyled all. Gene. 4. 25. And after Adam knewe his wiſe, whiche brought foorth a ſonne, and called his name Sheth: For ſayd ſhee: God hath layde vppe for mee another ſeede for Ab…ll whom Kain ſlewe. Gene. 19. 11. Furthermore the Angell of the Lorde ſayde vntounto her: Beholde thou arte with childe, and ſhalt ſhortlie beare a ſonne, therefore call his name Izmaell, becauſe the Lorde conſidereth thine affliction. 15 Therefore Agar brought foorth vntounto Abraham a ſonne, and Abraham called the name of the ſonne which Agar brought foorth vntounto him Iſmael.

So the Greekes in Greeke: as Timothie, the feare of God, Actes 16. 1. Then came he to Darbe and to Listra, and beholde, a certayne Diſciple was there, named Timotheus, a womans ſonne which was a I…weſſe, but his father was a Grecian.

And the Latines in Latine, as Tertius, Rom. 16. 22. I Tertius whiche wrote out this Epistle, ſalute you in the Lorde.

The proper duetie of the mother is, to nouriſhe it vp, if ſhee bee able, with her owne milke, and to wayne it, and performe all ſuch motherlie care and duetie. 1. Tim. 5. 10. If ſhee hauehave nouriſhed her children, if ſhee hauehave lodged ſtraungers. &c. Gene. 21. 7. Furthermore ſhee ſaide: Who would hauehave ſaide vntounto Abraham, Surelie Sa…ah ſhall gtue children ſucke: but I hauehave borne a ſonne in his olde age. 8 And the babe grewe and was wayned, and Abraham made a great feaste, what day Izaak was wayned. 1. Sam. 1. 29. So the woman abode that ſhe might nurſe her ſonne vntill ſhee had brought him vp. Luc. 2. 12. And this ſhalbe a ſigne vntounto you: you ſhall finde the childe ſwadled and layde in a cratche.

Contrarie to this is, the tendernes of many mothers, that bring on them the threatning of the Prophete willinglie, of barren breſtes, which ſhould goe onlie with a barraine wombe.

Hitherto of their duties as they be parentes.

Nowe followeth their dueties as they be Maiſters and Miſtreſſes, where beſides theſe, common both to children and ſeruauntes, this is proper, in regarde of ſeruauntes, that not onelie accordinge to iuſtice they paye them their due wages, but alſo otherwiſe helpe them, comforte them, liberallie rewarde thē, as farre as chriſtianitie, liberalitie, in equalitie ſhall binde them.

Contrarie to this is, to retayne their wages, to exacte of them, to oppreſſe them, or onelyonly rewarde them ſtrictelie, according to the exacte deſeruing. Coloſ. 4. 1. Ye Maisters, doo vntounto your ſeruauntes that which is iuste and equall, knewing that ye alſo hauehave a maister in heauen. And theſe are the duties which they muſt performe in their life time, All which muſt be ſhutte vp with ſetting order for all things at their death, with eſpecial exhortations and prayers for Religion, for vprightnes in their callinges, for peace and order after them.

Eſai. 38. 1. In thoſe dayes Hezechiah was ſicke vntounto death: Eſaiah the ſonne of Amotz the Prophete came and ſaide vntounto him: ſo ſaieth the Lorde: GiueGive preceptes vntounto thy familie, for thou ſhalt ſhortlie die, and ſhalt not liue. 1. Kings. 2. 1. And when the dayes of Dauid drewe neare that he ſhould die, he commaunded Schelom…h his ſonne, ſaying: 2 I ſhall ſhortlie departe after the manner of all the worlde: but be ſtronge and bee a man. 3 And keepe the ordinances of the Lorde thy God, by walking in his wyaes, keeping his ſtatutes, and his commaundementes, and his iudgementes, and his testimonies, as it is written in the lawe of Moſche: that then maiest proſper whatſoeuer thou ſhalt do, and whither ſoeuer thou ſhalt turne thy ſelfe. 4 That the Lorde may performe the worde which he promiſed me ſaying: If thy children ſhall keepe my waye by walking before me in faith from their whole harte and their whole minde, ſaying, I ſaye, there ſhall not be cutte of vntounto thee a man from the ſcate of Izraell. 5 Moreouer, thou knowest what Ioab the ſonne of Zeruiah hath done vntounto me, what he hath done to the two Captaynes of the hoste of Izrael, Abner the ſonne of Ner, and Hamaſa the ſonne of Iether, whome he ſlewe, appointing ſlaughter of warre in peace, as hee hath put the bloude of ſlaughter of warre on his girdle, which was about his loynes, and in his ſhoes which were vponupon his feete. 6 Wherefore doo according to thy wiſedome, neyther ſuffer his white heade to goe downe to the graue in peace. 7 But exerciſe merciemercy towardes the ſonnes of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be amongest thoſe that eate meate at thy table, becauſe likewiſe they came vntounto mee, when I fledde from Abſolon thy brother. 8 To be ſhorte, Schimmhi the ſonne of Gera be in thy remembrance, which curſed me, with a most bitter curſe, what day I went Machanan…m, who deſcending to meete me, to Iordan, Ihaue ſworne vntounto him by the Lorde, ſaying: I will not ſlare thee with the ſworde: 9 But nowe diſcharge not him being guiltie, ſeeing thou art a wiſe man, but knowe what thou ſhalt doo vntounto him, that thou mayeſt bringe downe his white heade vntounto the graue with bloude. 10 After Dauid ſlepte with his fathers, and was buried in the citie of Dauid. Gene. 49. 30. Then he commaunded and charged them, ſaying: When I ſhalbe gathered to my people, burie me with my fathers in the caue which is in the fielde of Hephron the Chittite.

Hitherto of the firſte parte of houſholders, which concerneth the gouernement of the ſame by the Superiours in it.

Nowe followeth the dueties of the inferiours.

The inferiours are thoſe which are vnderunder the reſte in the houſhold, and are called of Peeter, thoſe of the houſholde or houſholde fellowes.

Their dueties are towardes

The houſholde gouernours.

Or others.

Tim. 1. 6. If anie be vnreproueable, the husbande of one wife, hauing faithefull children, which are not ſlaundered of ryot, neyther are diſobedient.

Towarde the houſeholde gouernours, to

Be helpefull to them in outwarde behauiour.

Be in ſubiection and obedience.

Luc. 2. 51. Then he wente downe with them and came to Nazareth, and was ſubiecte to them.

The firſte is, by outward behauiour to acknowledge their authoritie, ſuch as ſhall be preſcribed vntounto them, as of cappe, legge, manner of ſpeaking.

Contrarie to this is, vnmannerlines, anſwering againe, giuing cutted aunſweres. &c. 1. Tim. 6. 2. And they which hauehave beleeuing maisters, lette them not deſpiſe them, becauſe they are brethren, but rather do ſeruice, becauſe they are faithfull and beloued, and partakers of the benefite. Tit. 2. 9. Let ſeruauntes be ſubiect to their maisters in all thinges, not anſwering againe. 10 Neyther pickers, but that they ſhewe all good faithfulnes, that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauiour in all thinges. 1. Pet. 2. 18. Seruauntes be ſubiect to your Maisters with all feare, not onelyonly to the good and courteous, but alſo to the frowarde.

The ſeconde duetie of obedience is in all commaundementes concerninge the forenamed dueties of the Superiours towards them, willingly to performe them, and to ſubmitte them ſelues to rebukes, to admonitions, corrections, & ſuch like, with meekenes. Pro. 4. 1. Heare O children the instruction of the Father, and giuegive eare to learne vnderstanding. 2 For I giuegive vntounto you good diſcipline, forſake not my doctrine. 20 My ſonne attende vntounto my wordes, and incline thine eare to my ſpeache. Numb. 12. 14. And the Lorde ſpake vntounto Moſche: If her Father had ſpitte in her face, ſhould ſhe not hauehave bin aſhamed 7. dayes?

The duetie to be helpefull is by their example and perſuaſions one to another, and by reuealing things, which by admonition will not bee amended, to be helpefull to the Superiours in the former dueties.

Contrarie to this is, euill example, euill perſuaſions, hiding thinges whiche ought to be reuealed. Gene. 37. 2. Ioſeph being 17. yeare olde, fedde the flocke with his brethren (for he was a childe) with the ſonnes of Bilhah, and with the ſonnes of Zilpath the wiues of their father, and he brought vntounto his father their euill reporte. Gen. 27. 44. And when it had bene tolde vntounto Ribkah all the wordes of Heſau her eldest ſonne, ſhee▪ ſending called Iaacob her yongest ſonne, and ſayde vntounto him. &c.

The duetie towards others is,

Amongeſt them ſelues.

Towardes other beſides them ſelues.

Amongeſt them ſelues that with peace and quietnes. They hauehave their mutuall equalitie, beare with one another, & helpe one another as farre as is lawfull. Contrarie to which is, vnquiet mindes, pride, iarres, lifting vp aboue others, not keeping the place or difference made by the chiefe of the familie.

Towardes others is, that they ſo order them ſelues towardes all, as they are taught out of the commaundementes, and towardes Gheſtes and ſtraungers: ritche and poore, hygh and lowe, as they be taught out of the fifte commaundement: And thus of the common dueties of all inferiours of the familie, and this is proued by the commaundementes and ſentences going before. Gene. 45. 24. And ſetting his brethren goe, he ſayde vntounto them: bee not me…ued or ſtirred one against another in the way.

Inferiours in the familie are,

Children.

Seruauntes.

Childrens duetie is from their beginning to their ending, to be ſubiecte, obediente, and helpefull to their parentes.

Contrarie to this is, the reiecting of theſe dueties at ſome yeares. Luk. 2. 51 …nd he deſcended with them, and came to Nazareth, and was ſubiect to them. 10. 19 26. When Ieſus therefore ſawe his mother, and the Diſciple ſtanding whom he loued, he ſaid vntounto his mother, woman, beholde thy ſonne. 1 King. 2. 19. And when Bath ſhebah came vntounto the King that ſhe might ſpeake vntounto him for Ad…n…ah, the King …oſe to meete her, and bewed him ſelfe vntounto her ſitting in his Throne, he commaunded a throne to be placed for the mother of the King, which ſate at his righte hande. Gen. 47. 29. And when the dayes of Izraell drewe night that he ſhould die, he ſente for his ſonne Ioſeph, and ſaide vntounto him: If new I hauehave founde ſauour in thine eyes, put I praye thee, thine hande vnderunder my thighe, and exerciſe this kindnes and ſaith towardes mee, burie me not in Egipte, but when I ſhall riste with my fathers, carie me out of Egipte, and burie me in their ſepulchre: Which ſayde: I will doo according to thy worde. Gene. 49. 29. After he willed and commaunded them, ſaying: When I ſhalbe gathered to my people, burie me with my fathers, in that caue whiche is in the fielde of Hephron the Chittite. 30 In that caue which is in the fielde of Macpela, which is on the other ſide of Mamre in the lande of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the fielde of Hephron the Chittite, for a poſſeſsion to burie in.

The proper or eſpeciall partes, of this dutie is in their proper

Obedience.

Recompence which they muſt make.

The proper obedience is that which ſpringeth from a chearefull, naturall, continuall and childelike louelove and reuerence.

Contrarie to this is, diſobedience, vnnaturall behauiours or affections. &c. 2. Tim. 3. 2. For men ſhalbe louers of them ſelues, couetous, boasters, proude, euill ſpeakers, diſobedient to parentes, vnthankefull, prophane. Coloſ. 3. 20. Children, hearken vntounto your parentes in all things, for this is acceptable vntounto the Lorde. Ephe. 6. 1. Children giuegive eare vntounto your parentes in the Lorde, for that is iust.

This obedience muſt ſhewe it ſelfe eſpeciallie in being gouerned by them in the matter of calling, and mariage, accordinge to the rules preſcribed in the worde of God, and all ſuch matters of waight & momente. Chieflie vntill by the fathers authoritie and conſente, more full power be giuen to their childrē, becauſe of their yeeres and diſcretion. Numb. 30. 4. When a woman hath vewed a vowe vntounto the Lorde, or bounde her ſelfe by a bonde at her fathers houſe in …er youth. 5 If when her father heareth her vowe or the bonde, when with ſhe hath bounde her ſelfe, and her father holde his peace concerning her, then let her vowes be establiſhed, and eueryevery bonde wherewith ſhe hath bonde her ſelfe, let it be establiſhed. 6 But if her father ſhall make her to breake it, in what day he ſhall heare it, let none of her vewes or bondes wherewith ſhee hath bounde her ſelfe be eſtabliſhed, and the Lorde ſhall forgiue her, becauſe her father hath made that ſhe ſhould breake it. 1. Cor. 7. 36. But if any man thinke he hath cōmitted ſome vncomely thing against his vngin, if ſhe paſſe the flower of her age, and that ſo it ought to be done, let him doo what he will, he ſinneth not. Let them be ioyned in mariage. 37 But he which abideth firme in harte, neyther is driuen by neceſsitie, but hath his owne will in his power, and hath decreed this in his harte, that he may keepe his virgine, he doeth well. 38 Therefore he that giueth her in mariage doeth well, but he that giueth her not in mariage, doth▪ better. Gen. 24. 51. Beholde Ribkah is before thee, take her and goe thy waye, that ſhee may be a wiſe vntounto the ſonne of thy Lorde, as the Lord hath ſpoken.

Laban the ſonne hauing the gouernement of his father being olde, was the chiefe in this buſines. Gen. 24. 55. And the brother of Ribkah and her mother ſayd, let this mayde tarrie with vsus a few dayes, at the least tenne, afterward goe thy wayes. 57 Then they ſaide: Let vsus call the mayde, and aske of her mouth.

Their eſpeciall recompence is, to relieue and maintayne them, or any other, which is knitte vntounto them in any eſpeciall care and duetie, as farre as their abilitie or duetie towardes the wife, and care of the familie will ſuffer.

Contrarie to this is contempte of your parentes, greeuing of them, neglecting to helpe and ſuccour them. &c. 1. Tim. 5. 4. But if anie widdowe hauehave children or Nephewes, let them learne firste to ſhewe godlines towardes their owne houſe, and to recompence their kindred, for that is an honest thing and acceptable before God. Mat. 15. 4. For God hath commaunded, ſaying: Honour thy father and thy mother: and hee that curſeth his father or mother, let him dye the death. 5 But ye ſaye, who ſoeuer ſhall ſaye to father and mother, by the gifte that is offered by mee, thou mayest hauehave profite. 6 Though he honour not his father or his mother, ſhalbe free, thus hauehave you made the commaundement of God of no authoritie by your traditions Gene. 47. 12. And Ioſeph nouriſhed his Father, and his brethren, and all the houſholde of his father with meate, as putting it into the mouth of children.

The eſpeciall dueties of ſeruauntes is to doe all things which their maiſter ſhall according to Gods will giuegive them in charge Col. 3. 22. Seruauntes be obedient vntounto them that are your maisters according to the fleſhe in all thinges, not with eye ſeruice as men pleaſers, but in ſinglenes of harte, fearing Goda Luke. 17. 7. Who is it alſo of you that habing a ſeruaunt plowing, or feeding cattell, would ſaye vntounto him by and by when he were come from field, goe and ſitte downe at the table. 8 And would not rather ſaye vntounto him, Dreſſe where with I may ſuppe, and girde thy ſelfe, and ſerue mee till I hauehave eaten and drunken, and after eate thou and drinke thou. 9 Doeth he thanke that ſeruaunt, becauſe he did that which was commaunded him? I trowe not.

Contrarie to which is, that ſome will doo one thing onelyonly at this time, & which pleaſeth him.

The maner of doing this, hath two partes,

Diligence.

Faithfulnes.

Tit. 2. 9. Let ſeruauntes be ſubiect to their maisters, and pleaſe them in all things, not aunſwering agayne: neyther pickers, but that they ſhewe all good faithfulnes, that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauiour in all things.

Their diligence is in a ſingle harte, as to the Lorde, not only by laboure and trauaile, but prayer, religious care, and all good meanes to performe the things layde on them.

Cōtrarie to this is, eye ſeruice, Col. 3. 22. Seruaunts be obedient vntounto them that are your maiſters according to the fleſhe in all things, not with eye ſeruice, as men pleaſers, but with ſinglenes of hart fearing God. 23 And whatſoeuer ye do, do it hartily, as to the Lorde, and not vntounto men. Ephe. 6. 5. Seruauntes be obedient vntounto them that are your maisters according to the fleſhe with feare and trembling, in ſinglenes of your hartes, a… vntounto Christe. 6 Not with ſeruice to the eye, as men pleaſers, but as the ſeruauntes of Chriſte, dooinge the will of God from the harte. 7 With good will ſeruing the Lorde and not men. Gen. 24. 9. Therefore the ſeruaunt putting his hande vnderunder his thigh, ſware vntounto him concerning this matter. 10 Afterwarde the ſeruaunt tooke tenne Camels of the camels of his maiſters, that he might go on his iourney: (for he had all the goods of his maiſter in his hand) And riſing he wente vntounto Siria betweene the riuers vntounto the citie of Nachor. 11 Where cauſing the Camels to reſt without the Citie beſide a well of water, in the euening, at what time the woman came forth to drawe. 12 And he ſayde: O Lorde God of my Maiſter Abraham: bring to paſſe I pray thee, that it may come to paſſe vntounto me this day, and ſhewe this merciemercy vntounto my maiſter Abraham. 26 And he enclined his face to the grounde, and bowed him ſelfe to the Lorde, ſaying: Bleſſed be the Lorde of my maiſter Abraham, whiche hath not lefte his merciemercy and faithfulnes towardes my maiſter.

His diligēce alſo appeared greatlie, when he ſaid, I will not eate till I hauehave ſpoken my wordes, or matter, ver. 33. and in making ſpeede he ſayde, Staye me not, ſeeing the Lord hath proſpered my waye. Sende me backe that I may goe vntounto my Lorde. &c.

Faythfulnes is in their labour and …darges, to ſeeke the vttermoſt they can, the commoditie and benefite of their Maiſters.

Contrarie to which is, picking, turning an other waye, in banketing, feaſting, riotte. &c.

This appeareth moſt liuelie in the deſcription which Iacob doeth make of his faithfull ſeruice to Laban This is the twentieth yeare ſince I hauehave bin with you, thy ſheepe and thy goates hauehave not lefte their yonge, and the Rammes of thy flocke hauehave I not eaten. The torne I brought not vntounto thee, but made it good my ſelfe, at my hande thou diddeſt require it. Likewiſe the ſtolen by day, and the ſtolen by night. I was about my worke when the heate conſumed me by daye, and the froſt by night, and ſleepe departed from myne eyes, Gene. 31. 38. 39. 40.

And thus much for the order of Houſholde, which is preſcribed by the worde of God.