Exhortation to the Ministers of Gods Word, Text 2 (3 of 3)

Exhortation to the Ministers of Gods Word · Text 2 (3 of 3)

The husband and the wife are Lords of the house: for vntounto them the Lord said, Be ye Lords Gen. 1. 28.Gen 1:28ouer the fish of the sea, and ouer the fowle of the heauen, and ouer euerie beast that moueth vponupon the earth. And the selfe same Creator said, that the woman should be a helpe vntounto the man. Gen. 2. 18.Gen 2:18Therefore the husband without any exception, is master ouer all the house, & hath more to do in his house with his owne domesticall affaires, then the magistrate. The wife is ruler ouer all other things, but yet vnderunder her husband. There are certaine things in the house, that only do appertaine to the authoritie of the husband, wherwith it were a reproach for the wife, without the consent of her husband, to meddle: as to receiue strangers, or to marrie her daughter. But there are other things, in the which the husband giueth ouer his right vntounto his wife: as to rule and gouerne her maidens: to see to those things that belong vntounto the kitchin, and to p. 174huswiferie, and to their house-hold stuffe. Other meane things, as to buy and sell cer… necessarie things, may be ordered after the… wisedome, and fidelity of the woman. It can… wel be rehearsed, how many vtilities & profits, the mutuall concord and louelove of man and wife, doth bring to great things, both at home and abroad, nor how many losses and incommodities doe grow of the dissention and disc…de betweene them. For the household, when th… master and their mistresse, or dame, are at debate, can no otherwise be in quiet, and at… then a citie, whose Rulers agree not, but whe… it seeth them in concord and quietnesse, the… reioyceth, trusting that they will be euen so… to them, as it perceiueth them to be am… themselues. Wherein surely, they are not deceued, for if the man & his wife doe louingly… gently support and intreate one another, th… learne not to disdaine, or for eueryevery light… to be angrie with their seruant, or yet for a… household wordes, to be vexed or angry… with the other, but they set aside all hastie… cruell wordes and correction, with all o… things, that issue and proceed of a disdainef… and a furious minde. And the seruants are… onelyonly merrie therefore, but also they doe th… seruice the more obediently and cheerefully shewing reuerence vntounto the authority that proceedeth and increaseth of quietnesse and concord. For the husband doth defend his wi… p. 175estimation, with louelove and beneuolence: and the wife her husband, with honour and obedience. So that vnitie and concord, causeth them to be accounted wise, honest, and vertuous, and they must needes be good, seeing they hauehave loued so long together. But there can be no long amitie or friendship, but betweene those that are good, who doe suffer and deuour vp those things, for the which other men leaue and forsake amitie, and breake off charitie. Neither doth there grow of any other thing, so great reuerence and honour, as of the opinion and estimation of another mans goodnesse and wisedome: the which reuerence, is not onelyonly honoured within the doores, but also shineth and extendeth it selfe into the citie; so that hee is taken for an honest man, and accounted to be louing and gentle, seeing that he loueth his wife so constantly, and also he is reputed for a wise man, considering that he can so moderately handle so difficult and hard matters; and he is reckoned worthie to rule a common-wealth, that with such wisdome, discretion, and iudgement, doth rule and gouerne his owne house; and that he may easily conserue and keepe his Citizens in peace and concord, that hath so wel established the same in his owne house and familie. And one the other side, none will think or beleeue, that hee is able to be a ruler, or to keep peace & quietnesse in the towne or Citie, who cannot liue peaceably in his owne house, p. 176where he is not onelyonly a ruler, but as it we… little King, and Lord of all. And in matri… all debate and discord, the man is more to… blamed, then is the woman, because that he being the chiefe Ruler and head, doth not p… and remedie her of that vice, the which ing… dred that discord, or else patiently beare a… suffer the same. For the blame of all disc… is commonly laid on him that is chiefe, bec… he would not moderate nor stay the thing… come to such a strife and discord, or else because he was not able to doe it. In the first, the… appeareth manifest malice, in the second imp… tience and weakenes, the which ought to be… from him that is esteemed to be most wo… and appointed to rule and gouerne others. A… thus hee commeth into hatred, for as much… he hath left off to do his dutie and office, wh… necessitie required it. That husband that lo… not his wife after that he hath enioyed her… a season, but doth waxe feeble and cold, (wh… is a thing most vsuall and ordinarie with su… are kindled with bodily lust and lecherie)… very beast, and no man, hauing no reason,… drawne to those deeds, through the moti… his senses, which, after the heat is a little p… will cleane change their opinion.

Also there are other occasions, that sho… The causes …hy the hus…and should …ue his wife.moue the husband to extend this louelove to h… wife, in case he be not duller then a stone. A… for that his wife hath suffred so great trauell… p. 177labour, that shee hath borne and brought him forth children, the heires of his name and substance, and the vpholders of his familie: and that she hath forsaken her fathers goods and riches to follow him, & to suffer with him both good and euill: and that she setting her whole mind now vponupon him, knoweth no other father, not yet any of all her kin. What one thing shall suffice, if these and others cannot doe it? who so will then obey nature, humanitie and wisedome, shall euerie day louelove his wife more and more. And the better he knoweth her the more he will trust her, and so open and disclose his louelove, and shew her greater signes and tokens of louelove and beneuolence, manifesting that to be borne and nourished, through the experience of her vertue, and through hope to be continued and kept, that in time to come she may be like her selfe, and striue to ouercome herselfe with vertue. As the husband ought to louelove his wife tenderly, so from her as from a The husband must louelove his wiues kinsfolkes.fountaine, he must extend his louelove also vntounto her parents and kinsfolks, to the end that they may well know and perceiue, how greatly their cousin doth aide and helpe them, and that she in like manner may vnderstand, that his beneuolence and louelove to her is such, that it redoundeth among her friends and parents, & of this he shall receiue no little profit at home. And seeing hee loueth his wiues kinsmen for her sake, how much more ought he then to louelove her p. 178children, that she in like case may louelove… he hauehave any: And thus the one seeing the… tuall louelove of the other, they shall knit and… ple themselues in good and stedfast louelove… their liues end. The duties which are to… performed of the husband and the wife,… either pertaining to pietie and godlinesse,… else mutuall seuerall duties concerning the p… ties themselues.

1. The first common dutie is paye,… they pray together by themselues. For a… are to pray with others in their families,… things which concerne their house-hol… there are certaine things, which belongi… themselues, are not to be mentioned in th… miles, but priuately, as namely, for a god… steritie, and that in the birth the child… comely, and not monstrous in comming… like monsters, which might be a griefe… them or an occasion that the wicked… speak euill of the Gospel, &c. And furthe… are to pray, that they may hauehave comf… them in their well carriage and good… our: as likewise for their house-hold, and… other affaires, which they cannot so co… ously pray for, in their publike families▪… Isaack and Rebecca, besides the praiers in… house which they vsed with Abrahams … did also pray together priuately: as Gen.… it is said, Isaack prayed before his wife: for… words signifie, that they might hauehave child…

p. 1792. A second dutie of pietie is, that they admonish one another. As the husband is to admonish the wife, and also to teach her, so the wife is to admonish the husband; and in her place admonishing, bringing sufficient reason as to be heard. For euen as the Master is to counsell the seruant, and likewise to heare the good counsel of his seruant, as Naaman. 2. King. …. 13. 14. heard his seruant, which counselled him to wash in Iorden, according to the saying of the Prophet: so in like manner, the husbands dutie is to counsell, and to admonish his wife: yet so, as when he faileth in dutie, he is to heare her good counsell and admonition, either concerning heauenly matters, or earthly affaires: she notwithstanding considering her estate & condition vnderunder him, & in humilitie confessing her selfe to be the weaker vessell. 1. Pet. 3. 7.

Their mutuall and seuerall duties pertaining to themselues, are: First, the holy familiaritie which ought to be betwixt man & wife: wherby they hauehave a more familiar vsage one of another, and do more familiarly behaue themselues … a comely sort one to another, then any other parties whatsoeuer: in regard whereof Abimelech Gen. 26. 8. 9.Gen 26:8Gen 26:9king of Gerar (after that Isaack had said of Rebecca his wife, she is my sister) seeing Isaack playing & sporting with her familiarly (knowing that familiaritie which ought to be be…eene the husband and the wife, and knowing that Isaack was a godly religious man, and p. 180therefore would not vse that kind of b… our to any other woman, saue to his wife… cerned thereby, and concluded certainely,… she was his wife, howsoeuer hee had de… before: Noting, that a woman is not to be… miliar after that sort with any other man,… her husband, and contrary, that the husb… ought not to vse this familiaritie with any o… woman, which hee doth with his wife. A… therefore Pro. 5. 19. we see that the wife, h… be to him, as the louing Hind: namely, de… full, & one in whom he may delight: that… Hart delighteth in the Hind: so the wife sh… be a delight vntounto her husband: and so i… manner, she ought to take delight in hi….

2. Againe, there is another mutuall… pertaining to themselues: to witte, that… coniunction, euen in regard of their bodi… an holy procreation of children, in res… whereof the Apostle saith, the husband… 1. Cor. 7. 4.1 Cor 7:4not power ouer his owne bodie, but the… &c. OnelyOnly when it is with the wife (as… mon to women Ezech. 18. 6.) or that… sicke of her disease, hee is not then to h… vse of her body, &c.

Such as doe aspire and purpose to en… the holy estate of Matrimonie, are to beg… Duties common both to the husband and the wife.in prayer and holinesse to God. And h… attained to that estate, ought to vse the be… of marriage, as an holy ordinance of God,… all godlinesse and puritie, for a remedie aga… p. 1811. Cor. 7. 2.1 Cor 7:2the weakenesse of the flesh, and not for the prouocation and lust to intemperancie.

True it is, that honestie of marriage grounded vponupon Gods ordinance, doth couer the shame of incontinencie: yet not so, as that married folkes should defile and pollute that holy estate, by admitting all things, but that they should so vse it, as there might be no excesse in dissolutenesse, neither any intemperancie contrarie to the holinesse thereof: so that to abuse it in lasciuious excesse, is fornication.

When God created the woman, he said: It is Gen. 1. 18.Gen 1:18…t good that man should be alone, I will make him a helpe meete for him. But whatsoeuer is said of the woman, that she should be a helpe to the man, must also be put in practise, and exercised by the husband toward his wife, according to the doctrine of the Apostle Saint Paul, 1. Cor. 7. whether in auoyding fornication, whether in procuring generation, and the education and bringing vp of children, whether in maintayning a familie, or for the seruice of God, and saluation of soules.

Hereby it euidently appeareth, that the dutie common both to the husband and wife importeth, that the one should ayde and helpe the other.

First, that they may leade their liues in chastitie and holinesse. Next, to auoid fornication. So that the dutie of the husband and the wife, consisteth in this, that they liue together in all p. 182Chastitie and purenes, and that they take… heed, and beware of breaking the bond,… infringing, and violating the faith of mar… by fornication or adulterie, which is a dete… ble sinne in the sight both of God and… If such as wanting the remedie of marriage… committing fornication do incurre an of… worthie euerlasting damnation, what… those deserue, who hauing a remedie for… infirmitie, doe neuerthelesse ouerflow in… terie? yet is it not inough, onelyonly to ab… from this abhomination, vnlesse wee also… beare from eueryevery thing, that may see… tend thereunto, or to containe any begi… apparance, allurement, or occasion of… First, because, that by the law, all this… bidden, euen in these expresse words:… shalt not commit adulterie. For the word… trie, Exod. 24. 14.Exod 24:14comprehendeth al prouocations, gest… speeches: yea, euen vnchast lookes. And th… fore saith Iesus Christ, He that looketh… other mans wife to lust after her, hath… Mat. 5. 28.Matt 5:28committed adultrie with her in his heart. … that wee preuent all occasions of ieal…s…e,… most dangerous disease, & of great diffic… cure. For where either the husband or the… is tainted with iealousie, they beleeue… word that they heare spoken touching… passion, albeit it beare no apparance of… And therefore Christian husbands and… must so beare themselues, that they inc… p. 183suspition of euill: but rather they ought to practise this, as well to auoid occasion of offence, as for feare, lest iealousie should conuert marriage into a most miserable & wreched estate.

The care and burthen to maintaine their familie is common to them both: yet so, as properly the husband is to get it, and to bring it in, and the wife to order and dispose it. Howbeit the dutie of the wife, or of the husband, doth not so exempt either of them, but that she also according to her abilitie and power, must help her husband to get it, and he likewise in his discretion, direct her in the dispensation thereof. He that doth not orderly gouerne his house, shall inherit the winde. (saith Salomon) And order consisteth in this, that the husband follow his businesse, traffique, or calling, without any molestation of the wife, who ought not to meddle or controle him therein, but with great discretion and gentlenesse, as also the husband is not to deale, but soberly & in great discretion with affaires that are proper to the wife. The man is iealous of his authoritie and reputation, and the woman inclined to respect her selfe to be despised. Wherefore, as the husband cannot well abide that his wife should shew her selfe more skilful and wise in his businesse then himselfe: so cannot the wife suffer that her husband should despise and account her a foole, by medling with her small household affaires.

As the dutie therefore of the husband and p. 184wife, consisteth in looking to that which… foresaid, to the end their marriage may be… et, and themselues liue together in louelove: e… an idle and vnthriftie husband, and a pro… and slouthfull wife, are two ready wayes to… struction. The husband that hath such… casteth his labours into a bottomlesse s… and the wife that is matched with such a… band, draweth a Cart heauie loden through… sandie way without a horse.

Such a husband, especially, if idlenesse… him to louelove and haunt Ale-houses & Ta… is cruell to his wife and children: and su… wife confoundeth her husband, and bring… reproch and pouertie to her whole familie. T… remedie for the husband that hath such… is patience, with discreet admonition and p… er to God: as also the helpe for the wife… hath such a husband, is tolleration, gentle e… hortation, and cheerefull and louing enter… ment of her husband, whereby to induce… willingly to keepe home.

They are also to be mutuall helpers, eac… ther in matters concerning their own sal… and the seruice of God. First, if one of thems… saith the Apostle be an vnbeleeuer, the o… must labour to draw his partie to the kn… ledge of the trueth. Saint Paul exhorting… husband and wife, of contrarie religions, not… part, but to dwell together, addeth a no… reason, saying: What knowest thou, O… p. 1851. Cor. 7. 15.1 Cor 7:15whether thou shalt saue thy wife: or thou O woman, whether thou shalt saue thy husband? therein declaring that the faithfull person in dutie is to labour and indeuour to winne his partie to the knowledge of the trueth, and so to saue her.

Saint Peter exhorteth wiues to be subiect to their husbands, albeit vnbeleeuers, and such as obey not the word: that so without speech, by their holy and vertuous conuersation, they may winne them.

Secondly, if both be beleeuers, their dutie is, to confirme and strengthen each other in the time of persecution, that they constantly follow Iesus Christ. They are also each to help and comfort other, if either of them happen to fall into any fault or sinne. They ought also each to perswade other to charitie, to relieue the poore, diligently to frequent Sermons, to vse praiers and supplications, and praise & thanksgiuing to the Lord, to comfort each other in the time of afflictions, to be short, either to exhort other; to walke in the feare of God, and in all duties and exercises beseeming the children of God. In this manner did that holy woman Elizeus Hostesse, exhort her husband to prepare a chamber, for the Prophet to lodge in. Saint Paul also saith, that women desirous to learne, should question with their husbands at home. Whereby he sheweth, that the husband ought to be so instructed, as that he may be readie to instruct his wife at home. p. 186And therefore the husband (after the examp… of the Bee) should eueryevery where gather eueryevery good instruction, that he might be able to inpart it to his wife, and by hauing communication, acquaint her therewith.

There are other duties, which be common both to the husband and the wife, as among the rest, such as proceed of the vnion and coniunction of marriage, whereof it is said, They are one flesh: Genes. 2. 24. Math. 19. 5. And of this vnion, proceedeth the mutuall louelove betwixt them. For no man (saith the Apostle) … teth his owne flesh, but loueth and cherisheth i…. But for as much as the foundation of this mutuall Ephes. 5. 15. Titus. 2. 5.Eph 5:15Titus 2:5louelove, is the vnitie of marriage, whereby the husband and the wife are made one flesh, the husband as the head, the wife as the bodie… followeth, that this louelove must be stedfast, n… variable, and that the vnion of marriage continue notwithstanding, whatsoeuer befall either the husband or the wife. Notwithstanding whatsoeuer complexions, (we say) natu… and infirmities may appeare, whatsoeuer… nesse, losse of goods, iniuries, griefes or o… inconueniences that may arise, yet so long… the foundation of louelove, that is the vnion of marriage doth continue, so long must louelove and affection remaine. God commandeth vsus, to l… our neighbours as our selues, because they be… Math. 5. 44.Matt 5:44our flesh. Albeit therefore, that he contemne, hate, offend, or wrong vsus: albeit hee be o… p. 187enemie, and in respect of himselfe, deserueth not that we should louelove him, yet because hee is of our flesh, the foundation of louelove remaineth, we must louelove him. How much rather ought they to put this in practise, who by the bond of marriage, are made one flesh? The rather, because the vnion betweene man and wife, is without comparison more straite and bindeth them each to louelove other much more, then the coniunction, whereby man is vnited vntounto his neighbour.

But this is the mischiefe, that in many, their louelove is not grounded vponupon the vnion of marriage but vponupon beautie, riches, and other carnall and worldly considerations, subiect to change, alteration and losse.

This corruption that respecteth beautie, is olde, and noted to be among the causes of the flood. The sonnes of God (saith Moses) seeing Gen. 6. 2.Gen 6:2the daughters of men were faire, lusted after them, and tooke them in marriage. But indeed, it is money that maketh louelove, and riches ingender affection, witnesse the experience of our daies. Yet such louelove, resembleth onelyonly a fire of straw, which is but a blaze, and is soone out, vnlesse it be continued with great wood, or other like substance. LoueLove growing of beauty, riches, lust, or any other like slight, vncertaine, and fraile grounds, is soone lost and vanished, vnlesse it be maintained with the consideration of this vnion, of two in one flesh, and the p. 188vertues thereto adioyned: and therefore must euerie man thinke vponupon this vnion in marriage▪ that he may enioy, nourish, and continue the louelove that therof proceedeth, the rather because such louelove is the nurse of concord, that maketh marriage happie, as contrariwise, the want of this louelove, is the fountaine of strife, quarrelling, debate, and other like afflictions, that conuert the paradise of marriage into a hell. For dissention betweene man and wife, is the trouble and ouerthrow of the house-hold.

They that will auoide such strife, must therefore louelove each other: and especially, they must hauehave care hereof, when they are first married. For as a vessell made of two peeces, & glewed togither, may at the first be easily broken, but in time groweth strong: so is it also with two persons that are glewed or ioyned together by the bond of marriage.

This louelove, the mother of peace, will ingender a care and dutie, each to support other, and so to practise the same, which Saint Paul requireth in all beleeuers: that is, To be gentle… to another, friendly, and each to forgiue other,… as God hath forgiuen vsus through Christ. Let the husband think, that he hath maried a daughter of Adam, and all her infirmities: and likewise let the woman thinke, that she hath not maried an Angell, but a child of Adam, with his corruption. And so let them both resolue to beare that, that cannot be soone amend. Let not the p. 189bodie complaine of the head, albeit it hauehave but one eye, neither the head of the body, albeit it be crooked or mishapen. Such defaults doe neuer break vnion and louelove betweene the head and the bodie: neither must the infirmities of the husband or the wife, infringe the louelove that proceedeth of the vnion and coniunction of mariage. If the husband be giuen to brawling, or the wife to chiding, let them both beware of giuing any occasion.

The Bell hath a loud sound, and therefore he that will not heare it must beware how he pulleth the rope and shake it: so if the one will begin to chide without a cause, let the other be either deafe and so not heare it, or dumbe, and so make no answere. So that where the husband is deafe, and the wife blinde, marriage is quiet and free from dissention. Whereby is meant, that the wife must winke at many infirmities of her husband, as if shee saw them not, and the husband put vp many shrewde speeches of his wife, as if hee heard them not. Neither can it be any reproach to the husband and wife, so stedfastly vnited, to practise this dutie, considering that Dauid protesteth, that he vsed the like patience and discretion among his enimies: They that seeke after my life lay snares, and they that goe about to doe me euill, Psal. 38. 12.Ps 38:12talke wicked things, and imagine deceit continually: But I as a deafe man, heard not: and am as a dumbe man which openeth not his mouth. Thus p. 190I am as a man that heareth not, and in wh… mouth are no reproofes.

This vnion betweene man and wife do… also engender that dutie which the holy Gho… noteth, saying: For this cause shall a man le… his father and mother, and cleaue to his wife. And Math. 19. 5. Ephes. 5. 31.Matt 19:5Eph 5:31also the wife in the like respect is bound to the like dutie toward her husband. Not that marriage exempteth any from their due hon… and obedience to parents, but to declare that the vnion betweene man and wife, is greater, then betweene the children and the parents And indeede, the true louelove of the husband to the wife, and of the wife to the husband, s… mounteth all louelove of children to their parents.

The husband and the wife, hauehave their secret counsels and communication of matters concerning their profit and commoditie. The w… is more obedient to her husband, and the h… band more desirous to please his wife, the… their parents: yea, and at length it falleth o…, that they depart from their parents, to kee… house by themselues. And this plainely app… red in Lea and Rachel, being sisters, and… Gen. 31. 4. 5. &c.Gen 31:4Gen 31:5wiues of Iacob. For Iacob grieued at the wrong offered him by their father Laban, boldly made his moane to them.

Whereupon they also complaining of the… father, agreed with Iacob, and consented… gether, to leaue their father, and to follow the… husband Iacob. Herein likewise consisteth another p. 191dutie of the husband to the wife, and of the wife to the husband: namely, that they shew no greater secrecie or communication of their household affaires to their parents, then mutually each to other: and this rule is especially to be put in practise, when there groweth any discontent betweene themselues. For if the husband shal complaine to his parents of his wife, or the wife of her husband, such dealing might breed a most dangerous iealoufie, and consequently perhaps irreconciliable dissention and strife. But if it should grow to any complaint it were requisite, so discreetly to prosecute the matter, as that the wife should come to her husbands parents, & the husband to the wifes parents. So would all cause of iealousie cease, and the complaint procure most assured remedie.

This louelove and agreement in marriage produceth yet another dutie, common both to the husband and the wife. And that is, that they neuer seeke, neither once thinke of diuorce. And to that end, let them remember what is written: That which God hath ioyned together, let no man put a sunder. Likewise, that nothing Mat. 19. 6.Matt 19:6but Adulterie, may separate those that are vnited by marriage.

All other agreements and contracts, made by mutuall consent, may be broken and dissolued, by the like consent of both parties: but in the contract of marriage, Almightie God commeth in as a witnesse: yea, he receiueth the p. 192promise of both parties, as ioyning them i… that estate.

And this doth Salomon note, where he obiecteth Pro. 2. 17.Prov 2:17to the Harlot, that shee hath forgotten the couenant or alliance of her God. But Malachie speaketh more plainely, and giueth a reason, why God punished such husbands as leauing their lawfull wiues tooke others: Because Mala. 2. 14.Mal 2:14(saith he) the Lord hath beene witnesse betweene thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom th… hast transgressed, yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy couenant. The promise therefore to God cannot be broken, but onelyonly by his authoritie.

In the daies of Moses, husbands were easily and soone intreated to forsake their wiues, by giuing them a Bill of diuorce: yet so farre was this course from being lawfull, that contrariwise Iesus Christ saith, that it was tolerated Math. 19. 8.Matt 19:8onelyonly in respect of the hardnesse of husbands hearts, who otherwise would hauehave vexed their wiues, and intreated them cruelly.

And this libell containing the cause of d… uorce, and putting away of the woman, did i… stifie her, and condemne the man. For seeing it was neuer giuen in case of adulterie, (which was punished with death) all other causes alledged in the libell, tended to iustifie the wom… Leuit. 20. 10. Iohn. 8. 5.Lev 20:10John 8:5and declare that she was wrongfully diuorced, and so condemned the husband, as one th… contraried the first institution of marriage; p. 195whereto, Iesus Christ condemning this corruption, doth returne them, saying, It was not so from the beginning: and therefore, whosoeuer Mat. 19. 8.Matt 19:8shall put away his wife, except it be for whoredome, and marrieth another, committeth adulterie: and whosoeuer marrieth her which is deuorced doth commit adulterie with her. So straight is the bond of marriage.

Hereof it followeth, that notwithstanding, whatsoeuer difficulties that may rise betweene the husband and the wife, whether it be long, tedious, and incurable sicknesse of either partie: whether naturall and contrarie humours that breede debate, wrangling, or strife, about household affaires: whether it be any vice, as if the husband be a drunkard, or the wife a slouthfull, idle, or vnthriftie huswife: whether either partie forsake the truth, and profession of religion, and doe fall to idolatrie or heresie: yet still the bond of marriage remaineth stedfast, and not to be dissolued. Neither may they be separated, euen by their owne mutuall consent. For as the holy Ghost hath pronounced: That which God hath ioyned together, let no Mat. 19. 6. 1. Cor. 7. 12.Matt 19:61 Cor 7:12man put asunder. And therefore S. Paul saith: If any brother hath a wife that beleeueth not, if she be content to dwell with him, let him not forsake her: and the woman, which hath a husband that beleeueth not, if hee can be content to dwell with her, let her not forsake him. Also because some did suppose, that the vnbeleefe, in any of p. 196the parties, might breed some pollution in their marriage, and make it prophane and vnch… an, he answereth no.

His reason is, For the vnbeleeuing husband,… sanctified by his beleeuing wife: and the vnbeleeuing wife, by her beleeuing husband. And this he proueth by affirming, that the children is… ing of such a marriage be holy: that is to say partakers of the couenant of God, and consequently accepted into the fellowship of the Church. OnelyOnly he addeth this exception: If the vnbeleeuing man depart and forsake the be… uing wife, shee is not subiect to follow him. A… yet must this be vnderstood where such departure ariseth either vponupon hatred that he beareth to the true religion that his wife professeth, or vponupon a desire to vse his polluted & f… religion. For therein cannot his wife follow hi… without danger of defiling and depriuing… selfe of the profession of the truth, togethe… with the food of her soule.

Likewise, where Saint Paul speaking of… husband and wife, both beleeuers, saith: If… 1. Cor. 7. 11.1 Cor 7:11woman depart from her husband, let her re… vnmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:… therein meaneth not that it shall be lawfull… the woman, because shee cannot beare… trouble-some nature of her husband, or to… uoid strife and debate, to depart and liue as… widdowe, but onelyonly hee sheweth that wh… the husband vponupon such like occasion, s… p. 197put away or cast off his wife, yet is not shee at her libertie to marrie another, but must remaine vnmarried, and labour to be reconciled: And therefore those women which vponupon the hard dealing, or troublesome dispositions of their husbands doe forsake them are greatly to be reproued, as thereby giuing occasion of great mischiefe and trouble, as also are those husbands, who vponupon like occasion doe forsake their wiues. For seeing nothing may make diuorce but Adulterie, eueryevery purpose and determination to part vponupon any other occasion or reason is restrained by Gods ordinance, and the law of marriage. And for as much, as it is not lawfull for vsus to continue in such separation, the whole course of our liues: neither is it lawfull so to abide at all, either so much as enter thereinto: if therefore, vponupon such occasion the husband forsake his wife, or the wife her husband, rather then to continue the mischiefe begunne, let them returne togither againe, and thinke, that the shortest follies doe least hurt. Obiection.

If they alleadge their intreatie, in their opinion, intollerable, and their nature so contrarie, that they cannot liue without strife and debate: also, that being asunder, and quiet in conscience, free from trouble, they may the better apply themselues, and employ their Answere. time in prayer: the answere is, that such infirmities must not dissolue, or breake the bond p. 198of marriage, and their duties to liue together: but let them thinke that GOD hath called them to the exercise of patience, which vp… heartie prayer hee will graunt to them: l… them labour, each to beare with other, that they may liue in peace, and continually pray to GOD to giuegive them grace so to do: let them remember, that the diuell transformeth himselfe into an Angell of light, whe… by propounding a dutie to liue in quiet, and consequently a meane to pray vntounto GOD for the compassing thereof, hee induce… them to gain-say Gods prohibition, and a… to seperate that which God hath ioyned together. For as the coniunction commeth of God, so the separation and diuorce proceedeth from the diuell.

If they reply, that by liuing a sunder, so th… they marrie not againe, they breake not t… bond of marriage, let them remember, th… marriage being ordained for a remedie aga… fornication, for the generation and bringing… of children, and also for a help each to o… in mutuall societie, and inseparable conuersation of life, yet doth there appeare no token… effect of marriage in those that liue a sund… albeit they marrie not againe.

So that the benefite of marriage co… steth not onelyonly in the procreation of childre… but also in the naturall societie of the two… uers sexes. Otherwise it could not be said, th… p. 199therewere any marriage betweene two old folkes.

This vnion of marriage, yet teacheth vsus another dutie, common both to the man and to the wife, which is, that their goods be common betweene them. That common-wealth may in some sort be said to be happie, where they hauehave no vse of these words: Mine, and thine: but in marriage especially they ought not to be heard. If the wife hauehave brought most, goods in marriage, the marriage once consummate and made, her part is gone, and they are gone, and they are made common: as also are the debts, whether hers, or her husbands. And therefore can neither of them say: this is mine, but this is ours. When a woman hath brought great goods, yet may shee not say, I will doe with mine owne what I list: for she her selfe, is not her owne, but her husbands.

The husband, as the head and chiefe guide of the familie, must hauehave the custodie and chiefe gouernment of the goods in the house: yet may he discharge himselfe of the whole, or of part, as himselfe shall thinke meet and conuenient.

Yet let him remember, that hee intreat her not as a seruant, by giuing her money as it were in mistrust, or with condition to returne him a particular account: for the husbands mistrust doth many times prouoke the woman, and the wiues vaine expence breedeth mistrust in p. 200the husband. But the faithfull and discreet employment, and good vsage of the wife, and her husbands confidence in her, will procure th… the goods be common to both, so each a… shall vndertake the custodie & employment of the same. Hereunto, for a conclusion of th… point, wee will yet adde two duties, comm… both to the husband, and the wife.

The first, that they daily pray to God… giuegive them grace to liue together in peace and louelove, and that each may be a help to other saluation. Let all such as desire to enioy suc… felicitie, vnderstand, that they must dayly p… to GOD for the obtaining thereof, A… let those that liue in strife and debate exa… themselues, whether they hauehave no cause to i… pute their miserable estate, to their neglect… this dutie.

The second, consisteth in the practise of… same: which, Saint Paul teacheth, saying:… those that be married, be as if they were not… ried. 1. Cor. 7. 29.1 Cor 7:29But how? by so enioying the com… ditie and contentation of marriage, that… benefit of their coniunction, breede… diuorce betweene God and them: like… that thereby they be not hindered or… slacke in any dutie toward God and the… neighbours: as also that no affliction depe… ding or proceeding of marriage withd… them, or force them to resolue any thing c… trarie to the vnion of marriage, and the p. 201Christian profession that they be the children of God.

The particular duties of the husband toward the wife, are: first, to protect her, to hauehave regard and care ouer her, &c. Ruth. 3. 9. Secondly, that hee vnfaynedly louelove her, out of which fountaine springeth this dutie, that hee must beare with her infirmities, and not by and by, to enter into bitternesse and wrath: Colos. 3. 16. To the same end Saint Peter exhorting 1. Pet. 3. 7.1 Pet 3:7husbands to behaue themselues discreetly, and with knowledge and wisedome toward their wiues, hee requireth of them two things.

First, that they neuer say nor doe any thing, that may iustly offend their wiues; as some there be, who being prodigall, great spenders, or idle and slacke in their businesse▪ doe cause their wiues and children to languish in pouertie: others, who haunting Tauernes, Ale-houses, and Gaming, doe consume and waste that which should maintaine their famililie: others, who comming home drunke, doe beat and vexe their wiues, and at it were, driue them into despaire: others, who by vile and bitterspeeches, by threatnings, and other vnchristian actions, vnworthy a husband, do prouoke their wiues, and so stirre vp such strife and debate, as doe conuert the comfort of marriage into an hell. Seeing therefore, that the husband is head, hee ought in such wisedome, reason, p. 202and discretion to beare himselfe, that he giuegive his wife no iust occasion of offence or prouocation: yea, he must remember that if the head be drunke, the whole bodie is in danger of weake gouernment, euen of lying in the mi…e.

Secondly, that albeit the wife should minister iust cause of griefe and displeasure, yet that the husband should not thereof take occasion against his wiues infirmities, or enter into bitternesse, tauntes, or disquietnesse: but discreetely, and patiently beare with her, that so they may quietly, and louingly liue together.

The hurt or weakenesse of any one member of the bodie prouoketh not the head to wrath or bitternesse: but rather to compassion, and an inclination to help it. And indeede, whereas God hauing created woman the weaker vessell, as S. Peter noteth, & did so ioyne her to man, it was not to the end, that hee st… uing with so fraile a vessell should bruise… breake it, but that by gentle and discreet in… ting he should quietly enioy the helpe th… God hath giuen him.

Let him therefore, after the counsell of S… Peter, so respect her, as one, who albeit s… be weake, is neuerthelesse a profitable vesse… for him. Moreouer, let him louelove and honour 1. Pet. 3. 7. Gen. 2. 18.1 Pet 3:7Gen 2:18her, as one, whom notwithstanding the frail… of her sexe, God hath so honoured, and Ie… Christ so loued, that being together with m… p. 203redeemed with his blood, she is, together with her husband, co-heire of life euerlasting.

A chrystall Glasse, is a precious and profitable vessell, yet brittle: so is the married woman. For albeit she be brittle, yet is she profitable to her husband, and precious in the sight of God, as child of God, and member of Christ. As therefore a man doth more carefully take heed of breaking such a glasse, then some earthen or …nne vessell, the one being more base, and the other more strong: so likewise should the husband hauehave such regard of the frailetie of his wife, that he may beare with her, and intreate her with gentlenesse and discretion, that he may …se her, as a precious and profitable vessell, to his comfort and ioy. And in as much as praier is an excellent seruice, that God requireth of vsus, and the readie meanes to purchase his blessings, let the husband discreetly beare with his wife, least otherwise through their strife and contention, their praiers (as Saint Peter saith) beletted and interrupted. Pet. 3. 7.

Yet must wee not say, but the husband both may and ought to tell his wife of her infirmities, that shee may amend. But here wee are to enter into consideration of sundrie points.

First, he is especially to reprooue her offences against God: As when Rachell said vntounto lacob: GiueGive me children or else I die: he reproted Gen. 30. 1.Gen 30:1her of importunitie, saying: Am I in Gods p. 204steed, who hath withholden from thee the fr… of they wombe? Also when Iobs wife said to her husband: Doest thou abide in thy integritie? C… God and die: he wisely reproued such a wicked speech, saying: Thou speakest as an vnwise… man, What? shall we receiue good at the hand if God, and not receiue euill?

Secondly, that it be with gentlenesse and testimony of good will: as Elkanah dealt with his wife Hanna, when she mourned because she 1. Saem. 1.had no children. And indeed it is meete, that the husband should reproue his wife louingly, rather by perswasion, then by force. For… in a great stormie wiude, a man lappeth … cloake about him, and holdeth it fast for… of loosing it, but when the wind is downe a… the weather calme hee letteth it hang easily: so, when husbands will (as it were) perf… wrest away their wiues infirmities, many …f them will obstinately resist, yet contrari…, by sweet wordes and louing exhorta… they might be wonne voluntarily to fors… them.

Thirdly, the husband must seeke dilige… ly to remoue the occasion and stone when at his wife stumbleth, and taketh occasion griefe. So when Sarah was moued aga… Abraham, because of Agar, and obiecte… Gen. 16.Gen 16vntounto him, albeit wrongfully, that hee… the cause that shee contemned her: bearing with his wife, hee remoued the cause of the p. 205contention, in suffering her to turne Agar out of doores.

He must also take heed, that he himselfe be not tainted with the same vice, which hee reproueth in his wife, least shee stop his mouth with the reproach of the same fault: but rather by giuing her example by the contrarie vertue, let her be induced and led to follow him. In reprouing the wife, the husband must alwaies vse such discretion that shee be not brought into contempt: and therefore it should neuer be done in the presence of moe then themselues. For as it is meere folly for a husband to praise and commend his wife in companie: so is it as dangerous to checke and reproue her before witnesse. For indeede thereof it commeth, that women, not being able to beare that disgrace, will reply, and so prouoke strife, and dissention in open presence, which will redound to great reproach and offence. And therfore, as the husband must not flatter his wife, so hee must not reproue her before strangers. A wise husband, and one that seeketh to liue in quiet with his wife, must obserue these three rules: Often to admonish▪ Seldome to reproue: And neuer to smite her.

Let the husband also remember, that the infirmities of his wife, must be either taken away, or borne withall. So that he that can take them quite away, maketh his wife farre more commodious and fit for his purpose: and hee p. 206that can beare with them, maketh himselfe better, and more vertuous.

The husband is also to vnderstand, that as God created the woman, not the head, and so equall in authoritie with her husband: so also he created her not of Adams foote, that shee should be troden downe and despised; but hee tooke her out of the rib, that she might walk… ioyntly with him, vnderunder the conduct and gouernment of her head.

And in that respect, the husband is no… command his wife, in manner, as the Mas… his seruant, but as the soule doth the bodie, a… being conioyned in like affection & good wi… For as the soule in gouerning the body, tendeth to the benefit and commoditie of the same: s… ought the dominion and commandement of the husband ouer his wife, to tend to reioyc… and content her.

To conclude: As God hath testified his fegular goodnesse vntounto man, in creating him as helper to assist him: so let him consider, in… many sorts she is to him a helper, to passe o… this life in blessednesse. And let this daily seeking of such a benefit receiued at the hands of God, induce and stirre him vp to render thanks, and to dispose himselfe to vse it well, to his owne comfort and saluation: and not to abuse it, to the destruction both of himselfe and… wife.

But if hee chaunce (as many doe) vponupon p. 207troubles, and afflictions in marriage, let him remember, that the same doth proceed, not properly from marriage, but from the corruptions of the parties married: and for his part, let him studie to amend his infirmities and faults, by amendment of life, and withall, pray to God to grant the like grace vntounto his wife; to the end that the more they recouer the Image of God, the more feeling they may hauehave of the felicitie of marriage, which Adam and Eue had enioyed, had they continued, as they were created, in the Image of God. And the particular duties of the wife to the husband, are principally these:

First, that she be a helper vntounto him.

Secondly, that she be obedient vntounto him, &c.

These speciall duties are partly touched before, and partly afterwards.

As louelove matrimoniall is greatly alowed of God, and much commended of all good men, as an ordinate, holy, and godly louelove: so contratiwise hatred, dissention, strife, debate, vnquietnesse and frowardnes in marriage, highly displeaseth God, and much grieueth all good and godly men.

And therefore the diuell, the enemie of all vnitie, concord and agreement, laboureth by all meanes he can (especiall at the first comming of the married folkes to dwell together) to sow dissention, and discord, and to cause them not to agree, but to dislike one of the other; p. 208against whom they must diligently watch, by feruent & earnest praier to God, that the d…ell preuaile not against them, by such too ea… disagreement. For as two boords, if at the fir… they be not well coupled and ioyned together are neuer fastned right afterward, but if the first coupling and ioyning together be good, then can there afterward no violence driue the boords asunder, yea the whole boord doth sooner breake then the glewing of them together, euen so the husband and wife must be v… carefull and diligent, that their first cohabi… tion and dwelling together be louing, delectble, and friendly, and not separated through… spightfull contention or discord, so shall the The best policie in marriage, is to begin well.whole estate of their mariage be more comfortable, and prosper the better as long as they shall liue.

And though there happen to arise… sparke of discord betwixt them, yet let th… beware, that at the last there be not too much displeasure, disdaine, and inconuenience kindled thereby. For if at their first dwelling together, there shall fall out such vntowardnesse, and vncomely discord, then will it now a… then be breaking out. Euen as it fareth wi… great wounds, and broken legges or armes, which seldome are so throughly healed b… somtimes they hauehave paine at the change of the weather: so likewise, if married folkes beha… themselues thus vntowardly and vnhonestlie p. 209the one towards the other at the first, and if iars and discord be once begun between them, the old canker of hatred will breede againe, though it be scaled afterward. Let the one therefore learne betime to be acquainted with the nature and conditions of the other, and to apply themselues according to the same, in as much as they must needs dwell together, one to enioy another, and the one to liue and die with the other, and so stedfastly and vnfainedly to louelove one the other that neither of them hauehave any thing so deare, which they cannot be content to giuegive and bestow one vponupon the other: yea, even their owne life, if need require.

And therefore husbands and wiues must euen at the beginning of their marriage giuegive their diligence, that al iniuries and offences may be auoided, for tender and soft louelove is soone dissolued and broken.

So that this new louelove and coniunction of the minde, must be nourished with benigne, sweer, and gentle conuersation, vntill it be so increased and fastned, that no great storme be able to dissolue or breake it. And all suspition must be at all times, but especially at the beginning of matrimonie, eschewed and shunned, lest they should first begin to hate, or euer they begin to louelove: yea, and they must beware they do not faine any suspition, nor conceiue it of any light occasions and coniectures; for vntounto such they in no wise must giuegive eare, although p. 210there were some shew and great apparance of likelihood.

And this will be a good meanes to effect… worke this: namely, if they accustome the… selues to speake kindly, and cheerefully… to the other. For as the ancient counsell… of king Salomon gaue wise aduise and counsel 1. King. 12. 7. 8. &c.1 Kgs 12:71 Kgs 12:8vntounto Rehoboam king of Israel, to the end that hee might win the louelove and good liking of the people: Speake kindly vntounto them (said …y) and they will serue thee for euer after; which c… sell not being followed, great inconueni… and mischiefe after befell vntounto him. Eue… likewise, if the husband be desirous to proc… the louelove of his wife, and to win her to God;… if the wife be desirous, and would also proc… the louelove of her husband, and winne him… God, then they must draw on one anothe… with sweet and gentle words of louelove, speak… kindly one to another: because gentle w… pacifie anger, as water quencheth fire. B… Iudg. 19. 3. Prou. 15. 1.Judg 19:3Prov 15:1they shall vse taunts, or words of reproach… despight one against another, much hurt… may ensue thereof: for a little leauen s… the whole lumpe. And therefore let them vse… Gal. 5. 9.Gal 5:9giuegive one to the other their dutifull names… titles, and to eschew & shun the contrarie fo… example, like as the spightfull Iewes, which… ted the Lord Iesus, would not vouchsafe to gi… him his name when they talked of him, or wi… him, but to shew their vtter dislike of him the… p. 211…sed to say: Is this he? or, art thou he that wilt …e such a thing? Is not this hee? &c. Againe, Whither will hee goe that wee shall not find him? Iohn. 7. 11. 15. 35.John 7:11John 7:15John 7:35they would not say, Is not this Iesus Christ? or the Sonne of God? but they vsed a most de…pightfull kind of speaking, which did bewray abundance of malice that was hidden in their hearts: Euen so it sometimes falleth out betwixt the husband & the wife, betwixt the father and the sonne, betwixt the master and the seruant, &c. that they could speake dutifully one to another, but contempt and disdaine, anger and malice will not suffer the one to affoord vntounto the other their due names and titles, lest they should be put in minde of those duties, which those names require. Whereout Sathan sucketh no small aduantage: whereas many times …e very name of husband, or wife, father or …nne, master or seruant, &c. doth greatly help to perswade the minde, and to winne the affection: yea, the very mentioning of these names …oth often times leaue a print of dutie behinde … the conscience.

Husbands must not forget this point name…, that it is not sufficient for them to declare, …d outwardly make a shew of a good life, in …ords and precepts onelyonly, but also in life and deede: so that two things are very necessarie for them to rule withall: to wit, wisedome, and example, and that they themselues fulfill the …ing that they command to be done. The life p. 212and outward conuersation of a man, whe… it be good or euill, doth not onelyonly pers…ade… but also constraine and inforce. We do see how… mighty and auaileable this or the like exhor… tion of a Captaine is in the time of warre… battell: Oh my souldiers, do that yee shall s… me doe: the which contempt of death in… Captaine, doth so creepe through the wh… host, that there is not one, be he neuer so fee… and weake hearted, that doth esteeme hi…, for the which he perceiueth that his Cap…e careth so little. Thus did Christ with his Apostles and Martyrs, draw the world vntounto… Christian faith: Leuiticus 11. 44. and 19. 2.… 20. 7. & 21. 8. Iohn 13. 15. Phil. 3. 17. 1. T… 1. 16. 2. Thess. 3. 9. For as they liued, so t… spake, and as they spake, so they liued. The… fore if the husband would hauehave his wife to… temperate, quiet, chast, painefull in her ca… religious, &c. then he must be carefull that… be not distempered, vnquiet, no whore… ger, not carelesse in his calling, nor irre… ous, &c. So that if hee command any thing… be done, he must looke that he deny not to… the same himselfe, and so shall his wife and… milie obay the same, and be the more re… and willinger to doe it, being both honest a… lawfull to be done.

The very name of a wife, is like the Ang… which stayed Abrahams hand, when the str… Gen. 22. 11^oGen 22:11was comming. If Dauid because hee co… p. 213not expresse the commoditie and comfort of vnitie, and brotherly louelove, was faine to say: Oh how good and ioyfull a thing it is, for brethren to Psal. 133. 1.Ps 133:1dwell together in vnitie? then let husbands weigh and consider, how harsh and bitter a thing it is for them and their wiues to dwell together in enmitie and strife. For the first yeere after marriage, God would not hauehave the husband go to warre with his enimies, to the end that he and his wife might learne to know one Deut. 24. 5.Deut 24:5anothers conditions and qualities, and so afterwards liue in godly peace, and not warre one with another: and therefore God gaue a law and appointed, that the new married husband that yeere should stay at home and settle his louelove, that he might not war and iarre after: for the God of peace dwelleth not in the house of war, As a kingdome cannot stand if it be deuided: so a house cannot stand if it be deuided: for Mat. 12. 25.Matt 12:25strife is like fire, which leaues nothing but dust, smoake, and ashes, behind it. Wee reade in the scriptures of masters that strooke their seruants, but neuer of any that strook his wife, but rebuked her. Lot was drunke when hee lay with his daughters in stead of a wife: and so is he which Gen. 19. 33.Gen 19:33striketh his wife in stead of his seruants. The law sheweth how a bondman should be corrected: the wife is like a Iudge, which is ioy…ed in commission with her husband to correct…her. Wilt thou strike one in his owne house?… more shouldst thou strike thy wife in her p. 214house. She is come to thee as to a Sanctuarie, to defend her from hurt: and canst thou hurt her thy selfe? Therefore Abraham said to Lot, A… we not brethren? that is, may brethren iarre? but Gen. 13. 8.Gen 13:8they may say, are wee not one? can one chide with himselfe? can one fight with himselfe? He is a bad Oste that welcomes his guest with stripes. Doth a King trample on his Crowne? Salomon calleth the wife, The crowne of her h… band: therefore he which woundeth her, wo… deth Prou. 12. 4.Prov 12:4his owne honour. She is a free Citizen i… thine house, and hath taken the peace of thee the first day of her marriage, to hold thy hand till she release thee againe. Adam saith of his spouse, This is flesh of my flesh: But no man (sai… Paul) euer hated his owne flesh. So then, if a… aske whether he may strike his wife? God sai… Gen. 2. 23. Ephes. 5. 19.Gen 2:23Eph 5:19nay: thou mayst not hate thy wife: for no… hateth his owne flesh: shewing, that he sho… not come neere blowes, but thinke his w… too much.

So me husbands are wont to say, that they will rule their wiues, whatsoeuer they be,… howsoeuer they came by them, and that it is… the hand and power of the husband, what, and of what qualities and conditions shee shall be True it is, that a great part of this doth rest a… lie in the husband, so that he vnderstand as… ought to doe, that marriage is the supreme a… most excellent part of all amitie and friendship: and that it farre differeth from tyrann… p. 215the which doth compel men to obay. Truely it may force the bodie, but not the will, in the which all louelove and amitie doth consist and stand: the which, if it be drawne and forced doth resist and bow like a palme tree to the contrarie part. And the husband may assure himselfe that there cannot be any quiet marriage or vnitie, where hee and his wife doe not agree in will and minde: the which two, are the beginning and seat of all amitie and friendship. And such husbands as doe bragge, and thinke themselues able to rule, and ouer-rule their wiues: by that time they hauehave proceeded and gone a little further, they shall well feele and perceiue themselues to be beguiled, end finde that thing to be most hard and intricate, the which, to be done, they esteemed most light and easie.

Some husbands there be, that through euill and rough handling, and in threatning of their wiues, hauehave and vse them not as wiues, but as their seruants. And yet surely they are but very fooles, that iudge and thinke matrimonie to be a dominion. For such as would be feared, doe afterwards pitiously lament and complaine, that they can find no louelove in their wiues, whose louelove and amitie through their owne crueltie and hard dealing, they hauehave turned into hatred. And whereas at the beginning, they gloryed and craked thus cruelly that they were their wiues masters; they hauehave now purchased p. 216vntounto themselues a most miserable and lamentable life in time to come: all louelove and pleasure being now cast aside, and compassed with feare and suspition, hatred and sorrow. Surely, if a husband (as nature, reason, and the holy Scripture doe witnesse) be the head ouer his wife, and God their father: there ought, to be betweene them such societie and fellowship, yea, and greater then is betweene the father and his sonne, and not such as is betweene the master and the seruant. And amongst many reasons that may be vsed to perswade the husband and wife to liue together louingly, quietly, and christianly, this is not the least: namely, that neither of them is certaine how long they shall liue together, and then the parte that ouerliueth & purposeth to marrie againe, hauing beene churlish, froward, &c. With his former wife; or shee with her first husband, their so hard dealing one with the other before being knowne, will (no doubt be an occasion) that they shall not speed and match so well as otherwise they might, if they had behaued themselues peaceably, and dutifully in their first marriage.