Exhortation to the Ministers of Gods Word, Text 1 (3 of 3)
As a calling must be followed with d… gence, so also there is wisedome, skill, & dise… tion to be vsed in it. For as in lifting of a gr… waight, a mightie strong man wanting cunni… can not mooue that, though he straine and b… himselfe much, which a weake man will… with a sleight: so dealing in any calling, so… man shall toyle exceedingly much, and yet want of wit and discretion not doe halfe… good that another shall with more ease, P… 13. 23. Hee that hath a trade, let him learn… be cunning in it, and able to goe through… it, Prou. 16. 20. And to the end hee may wa… on surer ground, let him not disdaine to a… aduise and counsel. For the praise of contri… matters well by his owne wit is not so grea… is the losse and ignominie when for wan… counsell a man entreth a wrong course.… sides, Salomon doeth commend this wisedo… vntounto vsus often, to take heed of hastinesse, he… nesse. and selfe-will, and to beware of… weening in our owne reach, Prouerbs 15.… Without counsell, thought, that is, intents and purposes, come to nought: but in the multitude of counsell, there is stedsastnes. And 20. 18. Establish thy thoughts by counsell, and by counsell make warre. Whereas on the other side, haste bringeth waste. Whosoeuer is hastie, that is, rashly goeth about his businesse without counsell, commeth surely to pouertie, Pro. 21. 5. That is notable, Pro. 29. 20. Seest thou a man hastie in his matters, there is more hope of a foole, then of him. The same is said of the conceited man, Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceit? there is more hope of a foole then of him. Prou. 26. 12. When the Spirit of God doth so carefully commend this thing to vsus, we must needs thereby see that it is a matter of great necessitie, and of excellent vse. For, as the Prouerbe is, two eyes see more then one. And many times, men see more cleerely in other mens matters, then in their owne. In this case also, it is good to looke to the examples of others, and our owne experience in such like cases; for much light commeth into a wise mans mind by this window. And to the end, that thou may est make thy vse of experience & examples, when occasion shall serue; it is good to marke things which shall fall out, to obserue the beginnings, proceedings, and euents of matters, and to keep them in mind to stand thee in stead. For he that neuer marketh any thing, it is all one as if he had neuer seen or heard any thing: and such a one must alwaies bee running for counsell in eueryevery light matter, or else may take a wrong course, excep… hee can stumble on the right way by good hap… This obseruation and pondering of euen… with the causes that went before, is the ripene… of wit. But idlemindednesse, and carelesse l… ting passe of matters maketh an emptinesse i… the head of such good things, as make one ma… excell another.
Thirdly, in following thy calling, let not i… stice, Iustice is a vertue, that yeeldeth to eueryevery man his owne.and vpright dealing be forgotten, but… der thy dealing by them. If there were no… ther, yet this reason should weigh with the… that so thou mightest looke to reape good de… ling at other mens hands, as it is said, Pro. 21. 2… He that followeth after righteousnesse and mer… shall sinde life, righteousnesse and glory. Where… such as measure out hard measure to other… hauehave the like measured to them againe, acco… ding to the saying of our Sauiour Christ. B… sides the riches gotten by ill meanes hauehave… heauie destiny vttered against them: The gath… ring of riches by a deceitful tongue is vanitie, toss… to and fro of them that seeke death. Pro. 21. 6.
As iustice and equall dealing toward all m… must be looked vntounto, so God will hauehave vsus no… Mercifulnesse is a compassion and fellow-feeling of an other mans misery, with best inde…our (so farre as may be) toomit mercifulnesse, and friendly dealing to… poore. Be not then so tied to thy businesse, th… thou canst neuer looke out to the necessities… others, nor spare time to serue their occasio… Among many waies of helping the poo… which are commanded, this is one, to goe or comfort, relieue and succour him.ride for them, to saue them from wrong, or to further them in their right, to be their mouth to plead for them, when by feare and simplicity they cannot plead for themselues. And toward them especially a sparing hand is forbidden, & that with a sore item, Pro. 21. 13. He that stoppeth Psal. 16. 3. Gal. 6. 10. Heb. 6. 10. and 13. 16. 1. Iohn 3. 16. Prou. 22. 9.his eare at the crying of the poore, he shall also cry and not be heard. And to shew liberalitie (especially to the Saints and faithfull) there is a perswasion with a sweet promise, Pro. 19. 17. Hee that hath mercy vponupon the poore, lendeth vntounto the Lord, and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath giuen.
If any feare, that if he tie himselfe so short, as neuer to passe the bounds of equitie, and besides open his hand so wide to the poore, he shal neuer liue and thriue of his calling, let him remember what is written, Pro. 16. 3. Commit thy works to the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be directed. And let that promise encourage him to follow the Lord whithersoeuer he calleth, notwithstanding any feare or misdoubt. Besides, let him hauehave that in minde, which is in Pro. 28. 22. against couetousnesse, and posting to be rich: A man with a wicked eye hasteth to be rich, and knoweth not that pouertie shall come vntounto him. And againe in the 20. verse, Hee that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent. Whereto agreeth that of S. Paul, 1. Tim. 6. 9. 10. He that willbe rich falleth into tentation and snares, &c. and the vanitie of riches ill gotten, or ill kep… declared, Prou. 13. 11. and 20. 21.
Hereunto men must ioyne Contentati… Contentation is a Vertue, whereby a man is well pleased with that estate wherein he is placed. 1. Tim. 6. 6. Phil. 4. 11. 12. Matth. 6. 31. Heb. 13. 5.with that allowance which God as a wise… ther that knoweth what is best, maketh v… them. For a restlesse, and vncontented mi… breedeth haste-making to riches, dryeth vp… riuers of liberalitie, and setteth the conscie… vponupon the racke, and stretcheth it beyond… bounds of equitie and iust dealing, when h… of gaine is offered. Wherefore Salomon to p… uent these euils in men, & to make them to… of their present estate, telleth them, that Be… is a little with righteousnesse, then great reue… without equitie, and the like is in Psal. 37.… There is a double reason for this: First, bec… store gotten with wrong, breedeth a sore tr… ble, sometime of minde and conscience,… Esay 33. 1. Prou. 22. 22. 23. Eccles. 5. 7. and 4. 1.sometimes outward, while the right owne… the goods suffereth thee not to goe so qui… away with them: or God stirreth thee vp enemie mightier then thy selfe, that shall p… from thee, as thou didst from another.
The second is, because such hauehave the… tred of many, for that which they purloine, get by wrong and oppression: which a g… man would not hauehave for so small commo… Hitherto wee hauehave shewed what thou… looke …to in following thy calling. N… there follow other things, not vnworthy t… thought vponupon of him that would prouid… his familie well. Though we would not hauehave a To spare, that thou maiest hauehave to spend in honestie and necessitie for Gods sake, is vvell done. A thing is sooner spared them gotten.man faine himselfe poore, and a niggard, when he hath abundance, as a number doe by whyning and complaining without cause, who are neither good to the common-wealth, nor kind to themselues: yet it is not wisedome to carrie a higher port and countenance in the world then a mans abilitie will warrant. Such shall be enuied; so long as they doe beare it out by the hard-edge, they shall be laide at for charges, and if through necessitie in the end they be faine to yeeld, they shall be scorned of their enuiers, and little pittied of all others. Wherefore it is wisedome rather to beare a low saile, and to keepe within compasse, and rather to come short of that thou mightest do, remembring that which is, Prou. 12. 9. He that is despised, and is his owne man, is better then he that boasteth himselfe, and lacketh bread.
Againe, as they which louelove to pearke aloft, and desire to be carried with a full sayle by the winde aAmbition is an vnlawfull or wicked desire of glory, namely, when a man seeketh to be aboue all other in honour, and seeketh to effect the same by vnnecessarie and vniust actions, besides his vocation, trusting to his owne wisedome and strength.of Ambition, and bVaine-glorie is a certaine disordinate desire to be well thought of, well spoken of, praised, and glorified of men.Ʋaine-glory, rather then to hauehave sea-roome, doe oftentimes rush vponupon the rocks of want, and there sticke till they sincke: so they, which in feare of such rockes choose to ride with halfe or quarter saile, where they hauehave not roome at will, are more safe from danger, and may more conueniently prouide against a tempest. Yea, they may so saile, that when God shall remoue them hence, they shall not be constrained to leaue their children to the wide world, which thing nature binde… man to hauehave a care of.
Another rule may be drawne out of th… which is Prou. 10. 5. A wise sonne gatheret… summer: but hee that sleepeth in haruest is the… of confusion. Where hee teacheth, that whe… man spieth an opportunitie of honest gaine… commoditie, he is to follow that while the… serueth: but hee that for a small matter, let… slip occasions, and reckoneth of this time,… that time, this day, and that day, thinking th… to hauehave more fit opportunitie, that wil bring… to nothing.
A good neighbour (saith one) is a go… thing. Agreeable to this, Salomon saith. Pro.… 17. A friend loueth at all times. And 18.… A friend is nearer then a brother. As if… should say, there is many a friend that is m… kind then a brother, & more readie to doe pl… sure then he that is more bound by nature… dutie. He saith also Pro. 27. 9. As oyntment… perfume reioyce the heart, so doth the sweetne… of a mans friend by heartie counsell. That is… notable, which is, verse. 17. Iron sharpneth… so doth a man the face of his friend: to wit;… cause mutuall communication of friends… with another quickneth the spirit, and cheer… the heart.
All these places containe motiues, to gi… heede to this exhortation. Verse, 10. Th… owne friend, and thy fathers friend fors… not, neither enter into thy brothers house in the day of thy calamitie: for better is a neighbour that is neere, then a brother that is far off. In the end of the eighteenth Chapter. verse. 24. hee sheweth how a man shall preserue this treasure which is so good. A man that hath friends, must shew himselfe friendly. Hereto agreeth that of the heathen: he that would hauehave a good neighbour, must be a good neighbour. In the …4. verse. 27. Hee seemeth to giuegive a rule for the …ight order of managing a mans Household affaires; saying: Prepare thy worke without; and make readie thy things in the field, and afterward …hou maiest build thine house. As though hee should say, first looke after things as are needfull and necessarie for house-keeping, as that …hou maiest hauehave prouision, &c: and then, when …hat is prouided for, thou maist fall a trimming …p of thy house. But many fooles begin first to …decke their houses, before they lay for necessa…ies, and are faine afterwards to sell their ornaments with losse, to prouide more necessarie matters. It is a good point of wisedome, to …eare the want of that longest, which may best …e spared.
The last rule is, that a good gouernour of a Sparing is good getting, and the greatest rent that one can hauehave.…amilie, for the better maintenance of his fami…ie, must be frugal, or (to speake english) a good …usband, that is sparing and sauing, and that he …o order and moderate himselfe, that if his goods and reuenues be not sufficient: for him and his charge, hee make himselfe sufficient fo… goods, and dispose of himselfe accordin… the old prouerbe: So to cut his coate ac… ding to his cloth, and to eate within his o… Tether. Yet wee would not hauehave him pinc… or niggardly, and so dried vp for liberalitie, nothing should be wroong from him for… vses. That is too farre on the left hand, as… digalitie is on the right. But where there i… iust cause to spend or lay out, and it might… well spared, there we would hauehave him saue, his riches be the Lords goods, which God… made him a steward of. When the Lord th… fore wils him to open his hand, there let him… be straight handed: but where nothing bu… ruly lusts and pomp, or vaine glory, bid… draw, there is hee to hold fast: for hee is… steward, that will lay out his masters g… where there is no neede, or where lesse w… serue. There be many, who of a greedy an… uetous mind, will easily imbrace this prece… sparing: but as they do it with a wrong pu… so they faile in the matters wherein they sh… saue and be sparing. Many misers pinch… seruants in their meate and drinke, allo… them not inough, or not good inough, and they take to bee frugalitie and thrift: wh… to prancke, and pricke vp themselues in… uery, and that sometimes about their ca… they are very lauish. This is no more to be… ted frugalitie, or good husbandrie, then to… poore man to giuegive to the rich, is true liberalitie. When therefore thou thinkest of sparing, let not the greedie desire of gathering draw thee to it, but conscience of well vsing that which God hath lent thee. And this mind will draw thee to spare and saue onelyonly there, where it may be well done, and not there wherein conscience thou oughtest to spend. Now the better to further our selues in this honest thriftinesse, or frugality, which is called of one a great reuenew: the occasions of needlesse expences must be auoided. LoueLove not mirth and pastime, for they hauehave oft occasion of expences. Againe, they cause losse of time, and neglect of businesse at home: yea, and often men doe buy their pleasures with losse in their goods, while retchlesse masters hauehave either the euish, or carelesse seruants. Therfore Salomon telleth such their fortune, Pro. 21. 17. He that loueth mirth or pastime will be a poore man.
Secondly, a sweet tooth, and a fare mouth, that is, daintinesse, or choicenesse in diet is an enimie to frugalitie, a needlesse charge, to delight the taste for a moment, whereas wholesome meat and drinke, would be more ease for the purse, and more healthfull for the bodie. He that loueth Wine and Oyle, that is, sweet delicats for his sences, will not be rich Pro. 21. 17.
In this ranke doth march Gluttonie: I meane Gluttonie is a vice, when any doth cram and fill bis bodiecramming and pampering the bodie, and also drunkennesse. These dull the mind and wit, darken reason, and make a …an become s… tish. Besides, they stuffe the body with gro… humours, which breed diseases, & diseases b… other charges for phisicke, or at least, losse… time, and neglect of businesse, which… cost a man as much as his diet wherein… was excessiue: so that these euils hauehave do… expences.
To be briefe in this point, God hauing… Drunkennesse is a vice, when any doth gull in ouermuch drinke.the destinie of the drunkard, and the glutt… namely, that many euils, and namely pouer… shall betide them, Pro. 23. 21. 29, 30. 31.… some way or other he will effect his iudgeme… For no one peece of his word shall fall to… ground.
A great backfriend to thrift is good-fello… ship, and companie keeping: for it hath losse… time, and draweth thee away from thy calli… and hindereth the due ouerseeing of good h… bands affaires: it maketh a man ouer slippe… casions of doing good things in a due and… season: besides, it draweth home others to th… house, or draweth thee to others houses, as T… uernes, Alehouses, and such like, the haunti… whereof is a thing of no good report: and it m… keth thee lauish in spending, or else it is no go… fellowship, (as they say) and by meanes there… thou shalt feede the gluttons, and spend that vponupon others, which belongeth to thine owne f… milie: which Salomon saith, Pro. 28. 7. is a sha… to thy father.
Thy company keeping hath many other enormities: He that toucheth pitch, shalbe defiled therewith. And as thou art a partie with him in his euils, so shalt thou be also in his punishment. The companion of fooles shall be afflicted. Wherefore Prou. 13. 20.auoide such, and rather follow the wise: He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: who are they? euen they that hauehave the lippes of knowledge, whose words teach good things. But such whose talke is nothing but froth, their words vnsauourie, bringing no good to the hearer though there be no outward euill in their liues, yet they must not be admitted for companions, further then vponupon some vrgent occasion thou must deale with them: Pro. 14. 7. Depart from the foolish man, when thou perceiuest not in him the lips of knowledge.
As to hauehave a faithfull friend, is a matter auaileable to thrift; so by some friends a man may be endammaged. There is a friendship, which is very costly, and chargeable to maintaine. Hee that desireth familiaritie with great men, must hauehave other things suteable; as costly apparell, well trimmed houses, often inuitings to bankets to recompence their kindnes, he must follow their humours, and not sticke to neglect his affaires to keepe them company.
This wlll cost a man sweetly, but what shall hee gaine? A friendly countenance, before his face, and perhaps a drie floute behind his back, especially if things go not well with him for the world: then oh it is pitie, a frank-hearted ma… no bodies foe but his owne, and such like, S… lomon giueth thee warning of this kind of frie… ship. Pro. 23. 1. 2. 3.
There is another mans friendship, whi… Salomon would hauehave thee to auoide, as hurtf… vntounto thee, Pro. 22. 24. Make no friendship… an angrie man, neither goe with the furious. T… cholericke man, though neuer so good a fello… while he is pleased, yet is soone turned to h… thee. And no heauier foe, then he that w… friend: which Salomon declareth, A brot… offended is harder to winne then a strong Ci… and their contentions are like the barre of a P… lace. If a man could alwaies keepe in with… angry man (which cannot be done with… putting vp many iniures) yet may that b… hurtfull. For the Wise man addeth, Least th… learne his waies, that is, become like to him… furiousnes, and that is as hurtfull on the oth… side. For the furious man aboundeth in tr… gressions, Prou. 29. 22.which doe often cost him the setti… on, euen from men, who being by his rage hu… or reproched, doe watch their occasions… worke him some woe. Whereupon we say i… common prouerb: The angry man neuer… teth woe. There be also Trencher-friends, w… to winne fauour and good-will, will smooth in words, fawne, and glauer: they will say as y… say, and bring you tales of your enemie, so… feed your humour, that hee may winde with… you: a beast that biteth sorest of all tame beasts. For while a simple-hearted man suspecteth no hurt, he watcheth his occasions to speede himselfe of a bootie: a matter, that by the counsell of the holy Ghost off repeated in the Prouerbs, is as carefully to be auoided, as it is hurtfull to a mans estate. If he can doe none of these, yet he hath not lost his labour: for hee had many a good welcome for his faire talke. And by often resorting to thy house, he hath furnished himselfe with some thing to discredit thee, except thou hast walked marueilous warily, which a man can hardly doe before flatterers.
To end this matter of friendship, hauehave some neere friends but not many. Choose the best natured, and the best graced, that is, such as besides single-heartednes, and plaine simplicitie, are by grace brought to hauehave conscience of their dealing. And least vnderunder a shew of simplicitie, wilinesse should be hid, trie before you trust, and grow into familiaritie not all at a push, but by steps. Tell things of no great secrecie, as secrets to trie their taciturnitie. Be not ouer credulous vponupon sight of a little kindnesse, to account them amongst thy neerest friends. Many hauehave been wiped of their commodities, by falsehood in fellowship. Some hauehave beene betraied by vntrustie friends, and brought into great troubles. Many opening their mindes to blabs that can keepe nothing, hauehave their purposes openly knowne and scanned before duplicate page duplicate page they can compasse them, and so are often… preuented through the malice of their ene… Wherefore, except a man can finde a fait… friend indeed, it is good to remember the… saying, My secrets to my selfe. Where… common prouerbe answereth: Two may… counsell, if one be away. The wise man ascri… it to folly, to powre out a mans secrets lig… The foole powreth out all his minde, but the Prou. 29. 11.man keepeth it in.
As hurt commeth by some friends, so by enemies many are sore annoyed.… charges in lawing, and other troubles be… in the world, through enmitie? Wherefor… good wisedome, by all good meanes to a… breaches, which breed enmitie: and by all f… ly, iust and wife dealing to keepe peace &… will, euen with the meanest. The weake… mie is not to be contemned. It shall goe… but at one time or other, hee will worke some displeasure: at least his mouth sha… waies be open to speake ill, to misconst… actions, and to blaze abroad thy infirmitie… scapes.
He that would hauehave no enimies must himselfe none, by vniust, vnkind, or vn… bourly dealing: but he must rather by c… ousnes of speech, helpfulnes, and good… bourhood win the louelove and liking of men:… man may be too wise in this point. Many… loth to incurre any mans displeasure, w… seeke to vphold right and equitie, they will not speake for the poore, nor stand out to maintaine Gods cause, when he is dishonoured by open sin, as swearing, lying, rayling, and such like. Many to keepe in with all, vse all companies alike: for auoyding a mans companie breedeth a grudge.
But the good will of men is neuer to be purchased with forsaking of dutie. Such things as may iustly be ill taken auoyde for peace sake. Whereof the Wiseman noteth some: as medling in other mens matters: He that medleth Prou. 26. 17.with a strife that belongeth not to him is as he that taketh a dog by the eares: that is, casteth himselfe into dangers.
2. Be not hastie to goe to Law, no not in a right cause, but agree at home. For besides that a man doeth seldome scape without great losse, (in which respect it is also to be auoided, as an enemie to thrift) thy neighbour is openly put to reproch, he becommeth thy mortall enemie and will alwaies watch to doe thee hurt.
3. Sometime to seeke reuerence of a wrong Prau. 20. 22. 24▪ 25.breedeth greater malice in the authour of the wrong, and maketh him double it; as a man spurreth his horse for kicking, when he was spurred. Say not, I will recompence euill: but wait …pon the Lord, and he will saue thee.
4. Oft haunting of another mans house, may …ring thee into mislike: wherefore the Wise…an saith, Withdraw thy foote from thy neighbours Prou. 25. 17.house, least he be wearie of thee, and hate thee.… by carefull auoyding of all iust occasions th… canst not auoyde ill will (as the world louelove… none but her owne) neuer seeke to win fauo… by departing from dutie, but commit thy se… to God, and turne thy minde to make vse… thine enimie. Let enmitie, which is alway… prying and seeking occasions to hurt by w… or deed, make thee to walke, not more close… but more vprightly: and then mayst thou d… thine enimie: For he that walketh vprightly,… keth Prou. 10. 9.boldly.
Another enimie to thrift, (which is als… breaker of peace and good will among men) much borrowing. He that is to borrow d… spend much time, and let slip many occasi… of doing his busines in the due season: he… repay in better measure then hee borrowed else ill words, or ill will, will follow. If it… matter of any value which is borrowed, the… Salomon saith, The borrower is seruant to the… der: Prou. 22. 7.that is, beholding to him, and in his… ger. The thriftiest men louelove least to be b… den to others, and therefore seldome seeke… often refuse, euen when they be offered… ceiue benefits at other mens hands. He th… eth a borrowing, goeth a sorrowing. And… denial he receiueth, where he thinketh he sh… speed, is the seede of grudge in the mind o… denier, and of him who is denied. But of borrowing, to borrow vponupon vsurie is the de… buying, and the rankest poyson to thrift. When Dauid would wish a sore plague to his enimy, hee prayeth that he may be giuen into the vsurers hands: Let the vsurer eate him vp. If the Psal. 109. 11.vsurer be a deuourer: wo be to them that come in his hands.
To auoide borrowing, a good husband must cut off all vnnecessary expences, that hee may hauehave all necessaries in his house. To auoid borrowing of money, take heede of suertiship, of dealing in bargaines, which you are not fully able to compasse of dealing with many things, and hauing too many yrons in the fire at once. Looke how you may compasse matters, before you enterprise them. Prouide long before against any day of payment, and hauehave not mony to seeke vponupon the sodaine: for that driues a man to borrowing, yea to vsurie, or to sell Robin Hoods peny-worths.
Besides, he must keepe none in his house idle, or halfe set to worke; none more then needs must. Let eueryevery one hauehave his charge, that will throughly occupie him: also looke that they do their taskes eueryevery one in his place; and hauehave an often eie vntounto them, whether they hauehave done as they should doe. The masters eie maketh a fat horse: so also the mistris eie maketh a friendly dairie. Except you hauehave rare seruants, and such as truly feare God, and hauehave good consciences, trust them not further then you see them, except necessitie driue you.
Hitherto of the duties that be belonging… …he wiues du… touching …e things of …is life.the chiefe ruler of the familie, that is, the h… band, touching honest prouision for it. Ne… seeing that God hath ioyned the wife to h… husband as an helper, she must helpe him in th… prouision for her family, so much as lieth in… power, and is meet for her to doe. And indee… her industrie and wisedome may doe so mu… herein, that though her husband should… much wanting in his dutie, yet she might ho… in the goale. Thus many hauehave done, and so … lomon saith the wise woman will doe: A… …ou. 14. 1.woman buildeth her house. But it is not eue… womans case, because that all are not wise, as… that Salomon speaketh of. This wise woman… else where called a gracious woman, Prou. 11. 1… And a vertuous woman, Prou. 12. 4. because m… ny graces and vertues meete together in her.
For she is
To her husband dutifull, faithf… and louing.…utifulnesse or …tisull will, is …at which …th shine in …e declaration …d perfor…nce of du…s.
Towards those of her fam… wise and prudent.
In her businesse, diligent… painefull.
Towards her neighbour, mod… humble, kind, and quiet.
First, if she be not subiect to her husband let him rule all the household, especially o… ward affaires: if she will make against hi… and seeke to hauehave her owne waies, there will… doing and vndoing. Things will go backw… the house will come to ruine: for God will not blesse where his ordinance is not obeyed. This is allowable, that she may in modest sort shew her minde; and a wise husband will not disdaine to heare her aduise, and follow it also, if it be good. But when her way is not liked of, though it be the best way, she may not thereupon set all at sixe and seuen, with what should I labour and trauaile? I see my husband taketh such wayes, that he will bring all to nothing.
This were nothing else, but when shee seeeth the house falling, to helpe to pull it downe faster. Salomon saith, The wise woman buildeth her house; much more then doeth she vnderprop it, and hold it vp, that by her husbands vndiscreet dealing it be not pulled downe. Shee must not thinke her selfe freed from dutie, because he walketh not in his dutie, but hold her place, and labour for her part to vphold all: and so God will either blesse the worke of her hands, to the maintenance of the house; or giuegive her husband more wisedome and care, or else giuegive her a contented minde with a low estate, which is great riches. One point of subiection, is to be content with such apparell and outward port, as her husbands estate can allow her. They faile in this; who by importunitie and disquietnesse wring from their husbands more, then hee can well cut out of his reuenues, or gettings.
It is a part of vnfaithfulnesse secretly …o… 2. Faithfull.loyne and powle from him, for to prank… her children, or her selfe, her house and c… bers in brauerie: and besides, it is a close… mining of her house.
LoueLove and peaceablenesse in the wif… wards 3. Louing. LoueLove is a naturall affection of the mind, inflaming all the powers of the Louer, with willing dutie towards the beloued.her husband, is auaileable for the… of the familie. For where they agree lo… there they counting the good of the one… nefit of the other, doe ioyntly watch agai… such things in their family as might e… mage it. There the seruants knowing, t… pleasing one they shall please both, and… trariwise, be carefull in all things, to deale… whereas diuision in the gouernours m… partaking in the seruants, and then they not for pleasing, but onelyonly that side, which affect: and such kinde of seruice is but… beneficiall to thriuing. It can hardly be… ded, but there will be some squaring a… uersitie betweene the man and his wife they must labour to compose such… priuately and quickly, that they grow… breaches, for they be dangerous to thrif… there be therefore reasonings secretly be… themselues, of such matters as might br… skarre: but let them be soone ended af… occasion is offered, before the mindes be… exasperated. Let there be no hard wor… either side, nor opening of old matters.… be done priuately betweene themselues▪… not before children, or seruants: for they will not sticke to carie tales, to please the humours of the partie to whom they are most affected. Besides, they will spie your infirmities & grow to a lesse regard of you, and they will blaze abroad such matters to your discredit.
Now for her behauiour towards her seruants A good huswife is a great patrimonie, and she is most honourable, that is most honest and godly. A good sauer is as good as a good getter.and children, if it be prudent and with wisedome, it doth much good in a house: but it containeth many points. That which her care for the most part tendeth vntounto, is sauing. She that will be a good sauer, must not be a slender huswife, but skilfull in all points, whereof shee shall hauehave vse in her familie. She must not let her maides hauehave their owne waies, for want of skill: but shee must be able to direct and prescribe, what, and how, in eueryevery busines. Where she hath little skill, by reason of her education, she must be carefull by conferring, and marking to learne skil, against she is to deale in such things, that shee may be able to direct her seruants, and to finde them out when they hauehave done amisse.
She must hauehave a good forecast to contriue As a word spoken in his place, is like apples of gold with pictures of siluer. Pro. 25. 11. Euen so is a b… sines or wor… done in a fit and due time.and dispatch things in due time, and good order, that necessaries be not wanting when they should be vsed, and confusion doe not make more labour then is needfull. She must be wise, to marke the nature of her seruants and children, to deale with them as their natures require, for the training of them to her hand.
All must not be dealt with one… and yet many hauehave no way but one to… with all: and that is chiding, and br… which they fall to vponupon euerie occasio… that wearieth seruants, and maketh… chaunges, discourageth children, and m… both carelesse, whether they doe their du… no: yea it breedeth stubbornnes, frowa… and contempt in their mindes. She mu… wise, to marke and see what needles bur… vnnecessarie expences and losses there do… on occasions fall out within doores, an… uent such occasions afterwards. Shee… know the best waies of doing things to… test vse, with least charges. Briefly, she… know which way to saue a penny, and lay… her to saue it, for many a little maketh a… deale. She must know what is meete for… uants, what for workemen and what not:… is meete for ordinarie, and what is mee… strangers. Aboue all, shee must know ho… keepe within her compasse, and yet to… the reproch of a pincher, she must know… seruants may doe within the compasse… much time, and what is aboue their stre… She must hauehave a diligent eye to the beha… of her seruants, what meetings and gree… what tickings and toyings, and what w… and countenances there be betweene men… maides, least such matters being neglected,… follow wantonnes, yea folly within their h… …hich is a great blemish to the Gouernours.
In her businesse she must be diligent & Paine…ull. Painefulnes is a labour or indeuour vntounto wearines, to bring any thing to passe.Hitherto belongeth that Pro. 31. 15. She …seth before day: and verse 18. Her candle is not …ut out by night. She borroweth of the morning …nd the euening, for to dispatch her businesse. …hen she is vp, doth shee sit downe and cap a …oole? No, she looketh that her seruants hauehave …eir necessaries, that they may go soone to their …orke: she setteth her maides to worke: and …sketh them, to keepe them occupied: yea, she …ffereth none to be idle in her house, but either …oing somewhat that is profitable, or else lear…ing somewhat that is meete for them. She must …ot thinke to sit and command, but she must be …stirrer in euerie place, to ouer see whether dutie …e done of all hands, and that in good sort, yea, …nd to quicken the diligence of her family: and …hat things may be well done, she must be at …n end of eueryevery great worke, sometimes setting …o her hands to encourage the doer, sometimes …ently teaching, sometimes commending, …ometimes speaking faire, but neuer brawling: …ometimes shewing what is amisse in gentle …anguage, letting them see what losse com…eth by ill dooing of a thing: sometimes …riendly putting them in minde, how by slouth, …orgetfulnesse, or sluttishnesse they shall get an …ll name for their seruice, and so become turne-…waies from eueryevery good house. She must lay … diligent eye to her household-stuffe in euerie roome, that nothing be embezelled a… thing spoiled or lost for want of look… nothing marde by ill vsage, nothing… by more vsing then is needfull, noth… of place. For things cast aside, are de… be stolen, and then there followeth… table suspitions, which breed much… nesse. And though nice Dames thi… vnseemely thing for them to soyle th… about any household matters, (and th… they doe any thing, it is but pricking of… yet the vertuous woman (as Prou. 31. 1… deth her loynes with strength, and stre… her armes: that is, shee setteth her self… fully about some worke that is profitab… she selleth it afterwards, verse 24. Yea,… ticular worke is described: Shee seeke… and Flaxe, &c. Shee putteth her ha… wheele and her hands handle the spin… maketh Carpets. The meaning is: th… teth some matter to worke on, that s… exercise her selfe and her familie in,… not some idle toy, to make the world g… all, but some matter of good vse: H… is cloathed with double, and her H… knowne in the gate, hee is so comely a… apparrelled by her diligence at home,… is in regard among men, and knowne… goeth.
But what neede such as can liue… Obiection. lands, to labour with their hands?
What neede had the woman that Salomon Answere. …eaketh of? The conscience of doing good in …he world should draw them to doe that which …o need driueth them vntounto. Remember that the …ertuous woman stretcheth out her hand to the …oore and needie, Pro. 31. 20. She giueth not of …er husbands, she giueth of her owne: she found …way to doe good without the hurt of her hus…and. S. Paul requireth, that women should aray 1. Tim. 2. 10.…hemselues with good workes, the comeliest …rnament in the world, if women had spirituall …eies, to discerne it. Dorcas in the Actes, teacheth Acts 9, 36.wiues how to get this aray, for shee made … garments to cloath the naked and the poore. Thus might women finde how to set themselues a worke, though they could liue of their owne. But for such as hauehave but a meane allowance, God thereby sheweth, that he will hauehave them occupy themselues in some honest labour to keepe them from idlenesse, and the euils that issue there-from. They therefore must labour, if not to sell cloth, as Salomons woman did, nor to cloath the poore, as Dorcas did; yet to cloath her familie, that they may not care for the cold. Let her auoid such occasions, as may draw her from her calling. She must shake off slouth, and louelove of ease: she must auoid gosseping, further then the law of good neighbourhood doth require. S. Paul would hauehave a woman a good home keeper. The vertuous woman is neuer so well, as when she is in the middest of her affaires.
She that much frequenteth m… gosseps seldome commeth better ho… count it a disgrace to come much ab… they should be counted gosseps, wh… is become odious: but they must… lers come home to them, to bring th… and to hold them in a tale, lest they… thought to be idle without a cause.… ceiue not how time runneth, nor h… wardly their busines goeth forward w… sit idle. They know not, that great tale… be as great carriers, and that such m… gaine of carrying, & recarrying. The… man will be warie, whom shee admi… her house to sit long there, knowing… occupation is but to marke and carrie. T… her neighbours she is not sowre, but co… not disdainefull to the basest, but affa… modestie: no scorner, nor giber, but… with infirmities, and making the best of… not readie to stomacke them for euer… matter, and so to looke big, but passing… fences for vnities sake; not angrie, bu… not bold, but bashfull: not full of word… ring out all in her mind, & babling of he… hold matters, that were more fitter to… cealed, but speaking vponupon good occasi… that with discretion. Let her heare and s… say the best, and yet let her soone bre… talke with such in whom shee percei… wisedome, nor sauour of grace. Let he… …ght to beleeue reports, nor readie to tell them …gaine to fill the time with talke: for Silence is …rre better, then such vnsauorie talke. Let her Silence is a grauitie, when she abstaineth and holdeth her peace from speaking when it doth not become her to speake.…ot be churlish, but helpefull in all things to …euent breaches; or else to make them vp a…ine, if by the way wardnesse of others there be …y made. Let her not be enuious, but glad of …e good of others, not fond of eueryevery thing that …e seeth her neighbours hauehave, but wisely con…dering what is meet for her selfe, and what her …ate will beare. Let her not be gawish in appa…ll, but sober and modest: not nice nor coy, …ut handsome and huswifelike: no talker of …her mens matters, not giuen to speake ill of …y for feare of the like measure. Math. 7. 2.