The incomparable jevvell Shewed in a sermon, which was preached in the church of B. in S. at the solemnization of a marriage, had betweene W.B. and E.S. the daughter of I.S. of London, merchant. Wherein, is recommended to every good and well disposed minde the matchless worth of a vertuous wife; and wherein also is discovered the hatefull company and hellish condition of a vitious -

THE INCOMPARABLE JEWELL . PROV. 31. 10. Who can finde a vertuous Woman ? for her price is farre above Rubies .

THe Wisdome of God , purposing to set out , & shew forth unto the sons of men the gracious endowments , and vertuous conditions of a good Woman , seemeth to mee in this Text , to put the cause to hands ; that those , who by seeking have found , and by findding experimentally , know this blessing , may subscribe ; and the daughters of men , who have beene sued and sought unto , might understand , and alwayes call to minde , what an incomparable blessing they should be to those , by their vertuous deportment , who with so much suing , and seeking have found them , and have laboured all the world over to finde one good , every one for his owne selfe .

It also pleaseth the wisdome of God to open it self unto us in this Oracle , First , by a Quaere ; Who can finde a vertuous woman ? Secondly , by a Quare ; For her Price is farre above Rubies .

The Quaere as an Inlet , runs into foure Rills . The first is the Indefinitenesse of the Question : Who ? Who I say among all ? Secondly , the Difficultie of the Question : Who can ? Which , albeit it be difficult , yet it is feasable : for an Act tending thereunto is implied ; Who can finde ? which implies Seeking . Some by seeking find them sans question ; the reason is manifest ; for the Evangelicall Precept Seeke , hath an Angelicall Promise annexed , and yee shall finde . Thirdly , the Subject , or rather Object : What ? A Woman . Who can finde a Woman ? Alas , what more easie to finde than that Creature ? Shee is no Ostium Nili : yea but that 's not all . The Qualitie is the Question , and that 's the knot : Who can finde a vertuous Woman ? which is the fourth Rill that the Quaere runs into .

The Tigurines render the Quaere thus ; Who can finde a strong Woman ? And why so ? for that nothing is stronger , or more prevailing than vertue . A vertuous woman prevails with God , for shee is gracious with him ; prevails with Men , for shee is compliable toward them ; prevails with both , for shee is not onely of Israel , but a true Israelite ; not a Christian woman Numero onely , in the rout , as one should say among many ; nor Numero & Professione onely , among the rout , and in the outward semblance ; but a true , reall , vertuous , gracious Christian woman Numero , Professione , and Electione ; who is made partaker of that Grace , which winneth infallibly , holdeth inseperably , and leadeth indeclinably in the wayes of eternall blessednesse . This is the Quaere , wherein I finde a Raritie ; These vertuous Women Apparent rarae nantes in gurgite vasto .

The Quare is rationall , and discloseth it selfe into five parcels . For , besides the estimation of a good woman in the whole Text , and the price of a good woman ; who is Quantivis praetii in all good mens judgements ; her valuation with God weighes down all . For first , Gods wisdome resembles her to a Jewell , in the Generall : Secondly , to a Rubie , in Particular : Thirdly , in Pluralitie , to Rubies : Fourthly , Superlatively , Above Rubies : Fifthly , and lastly , Super-superlatively , Farre above Rubies . This is the Quare , and herein I finde Pricelesnesse .

From the rills of the Quaere , and from the parcels of the Quare results this Proposition .

A gratious vertuous wife is a rare , and choice Iewell Propositio . of incomparable valuation .

In the first place I shall endeavour to shew this Raritie by enumeration of places , persons , and by putting of the case more plainly .

First , for Places . Many places afford few good ones , and in the latitude and extent of place they are rare and singular . Canaan affords a good Sarah , ( Rara fuit illa Sarah ) and a faithfull Abraham found her . The Captivity yeelded an Hester that shrunk not , but hazzarded her bloud for the people of God her Countreymen . The Wildernesse had an holy Miriam . The Israel of God one good woman , the wife of Phinehas , that takes to heart the losse of Gods Arke , taken by the Philistines . In all Israel one Deborah , ( Mulier consultissima ) that knew the minde of God . In all the Land of Moab , but one resolute Ruth , that forgoes , forgets , and forsakes her Countrey and kindred , for the God of Israel . And in all the Territorie of Sidon , but one poor widow of Sarepta , who entertaines the Servant and Prophet of the Lord . Thus much for the Places : Women , yee see , are sowed very thick , but vertuous women are reaped very thin , and are long a comming up , like Coteswoll Barley .

Secondly for Persons . If any one might finde this good one , in all probability , the prime man in the Primitive time might finde her ; but Adam found a tempting Evah . Holy Iob found a blasphemous foolish consort to his wife : Potent Ahasuerus a disloyall Vashti . Strong Sampson a perfidious Dalilah . Magnificent Ahab found in his Ivorie Palace a false-hearted , whorish , painted Iesabel . Evangelizing Ananias a Saphira , a consort and companion in evill : and prudent Salomon , not one inter omnes . Thus for the Persons .

If then neither in manifold Places , nor among many Persons this Jewell can be found , but rarely , as hath beene shewed ; you may quickly resolve the point of raritie , by putting the case your selves . And you , O men and mortals , who have wofull experience of this raritie , may pitifully complaine , and say in the words of the Prophet : Woe is us , that these vertuous Mich. 7. 1. gratious Women are like the gleanings after harvest , and like the clusters of grapes after the vintage . In the Quaere then there is raritie sans Question .

In the Quare , which is the second parcell of the Text , I finde Pricelesnesse ; I doe not say Peerlesnesse , nor yet pettish and peevish Precisenesse . These will be subject to reproofe in their places . But the Pricelesnesse of a good wife , I endeavour to shew from the peeces of the Context , first Positively , and then Privatively .

Positively : A vertuous wife is a Cordiall to her husband . First , to his heart , for that trusts in her . Secondly , to his bones ; shee makes him a glad man , and a glad heart fatteth the man , and makes him batten . Thirdly , to his reputation : Hee sitteth with the Elders of the Citie , and is with them of good esteem . And fourthly , to his state , by her care , frugality , and housewivery . Doubtlesse this Cordiall Consort is Pricelesse .

Secondly , I shew it Privatively . A vertuous wife doth her husband no evill , as wicked wives doe : wicked , and vitious wives are Corrasives to their husbands , and not Cordials . First , to their hearts , by dolour , palpitation , and doubtings . Secondly , to their bones , by their insatiable Intemperance , which brings rottenness to his bones . Thirdly , to his reputation : Hee sits , good man , and sigheth among his Neighbours , and they cannot discerne what ayleth him . Fourthly and lastly , to his state and condition of life ; shee brings that to a morsell of bread , and to a corn of salt . Assuredly such a wife is a curse , and a deadly corrasive to the heart of her husband .

Whereas the vertuous wife doth her dutie , not by fits and slashes , but constantly and continually , for so Exeat urtica , & paricella sit in●…us amica . speaketh my Context ( and I dare not omit it ) : and so shee becommeth a continuall feast , and cordiall unto his heart . Shee is never in the sorrie moodes ; either in the Indicative , complaining , murmuring , or grudging ; or in the Imperative , commanding her husband , and domineering ; but ever in the Optative , wishing , and woulding with meekenesse , and sobrietie .

In the second place . As a vertuous woman is a Cordiall to her husband ; so is shee as a skilfull Palinurus , a Pilot to her children . Shee bears , brings , and breeds them up in the fear and nurture of the Lord . So did Lois , Timothie's Grandmother bring up her Daughter Eunice , and Eunice Timothy her Son . The benefit of this her bringing , and breeding them up shee reapeth ; for they prove not stubborne , and disobedient children , nor incorrigible caitiff●…s , but they rise up , and call their mother blessed ; and they are her choyce Jewels . As a godly , gratious , and vertuous Lady of this Kingdome answered another Ladie a Neighbour of hers that came to her a How doing , as they terme it : this religious Lady had beene with her said Neighbour not long before , and shee having shewed her all her Plate , Chaines , Carkenets , Rings , Jewels , and other prettie knacks in archivis , said , that after some few dayes shee also would come and see what Jewels and Rarities shee had : this good Ladie replied , shee should be welcome . Come shee did some few dayes after , but in the afternoon of the day , for some reasons besides good manners , quas dicere nolo ; Shee was accosted with fair salutes , and comely comportments : many words passed , and much time spent , as is usuall in such visits ; It drew toward night , and time of departure . At last , quoth this visiting , and How doing Ladie , You told mee the other day , that you would shew me your Jewels when I should come to see you , I pray you now doe so according to your promise . That shall I willingly doe , by Gods favour , quoth the godly Lady . And telling her a prettie tale or two to prolong the time , anon her children came in from schoole . These , these , quoth this good Ladie ( as once that thrice noble Roman Lady Cornelia , the mother of the Gracchi said ) are my Jewels . As for the other vanities which you shewed mee the other day , are in respect of these my Children of no valuation at all . O Heroina verè heroica , & heroe digna .

In the third place . A vertuous wife is a true Ladie ( note the signification of Lady in the Saxon tongue , from whence the name of Ladie with us is derived ) toward her Domesticks , or houshold servants . Shee sets them their taskes , they eate not their bread in idlenesse . And for their wholsome food and rayment , they surpasse other mens servants .

In the fourth place . Shee is an helping hand to the Poor . Shee laboureth , that shee may give them . Shee spareth at home , that the poor abroad may have some taste of her thrift , and shee eateth not her morsels alone : shee is no idle , nor idoll gossip , that spends idlely and vainly more in one moneth , than shee bestowes on the poor in a whole yeare , yea perhaps in seven yeares .

In the fifth place . Shee is an eye to her neighbours by her good example ; for her good works so shine , that her neighbours may see them , and glorifie her Father , which is in heaven .

In the sixth place . Shee is a Saint to her God ; with whom shee hath found favour ; and with whom both her life is pretious , and her departure hence : Right deer in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints . If their deaths be so pretious with him , doubtlesse their lives are so also ; either Temporall life , or Eternall , as shall most conduce to Gods glory .

Lastly , Shee is in and to her selfe an inestimable Pearle , which when the Merchant had found , he sold all hee had , and bought it ; in respect of the sweet repose shee hath in the incomparable content of a quiet Conscience . For chaste shee is in body ; composed in soule and spirit : shee openeth her mouth in discretion , and under her lips is the Law of Grace .

Where lives that wight that can match this pricelesnesse ? Shee weighs like the Shekle of the Sanctuary , wherein twentie Gerahs goe to one Shekle ; twenty and twenty to that cannot equalize her . The Platonists extoll the Idaea of Vertue , that if it might be seene per se , all the earth would be in love with the beautie thereof : but if the gratious , and vertuous wife had a cunning and curious Dissector to anatomize her , shee would be a Quintess●… unto the most profound Naturalist ; Et admirabiles amoris excitaret affectus ; Imò , Impiger extremos curret Mercator ad Indos : ut potiatur hac .

If therefore you take a view of this gratious vertuous wife ; either Positively , as shee is a Jewell ; or Comparatively , as shee is a Rubie ; or Pluralitively , as shee is resembled to Rubies ; or Superlatively , above Rubies ; or Super-superlatively , farre above Rubies , you will conclude with mee in the cause , considering the Premisses , That a gratious vertuous wife is a Jewell of incomparable valuation .

The Reasons are manifest ; For shee is the Gift of Prov. ●… . Ibid. 12. Ibid. 18. God ; shee is the Crown of her husband , albeit hee be her head ; nay shee is a Transcendent . For shee is Res bona , beyond all Predication , not bounded within the limits of any Predicament , Predicable , or Topicall Predicate .

Mistake not now in all this Explication , that albeit I call her pricelesse , I doe not say shee is peerlesse . Many doubtless there are of these vertuous wives ; yet I dare say , that the paucitie of the one is rare , in respect of the pluralitie of the other : that 's to say , a paucitie of pearles , a pluralitie of peebles . Pearles few , fit to be worn by the best ; peebles many , good for nothing but to be trampled under foot : yet that God , who hath given Man commission to seek , hath also granted permission to finde , such an one as the Text meaneth .

Furthermore , albeit I say shee is pricelesse , yet I doe not Cavenda est pernic●…es , tum z●…z ●…niorum , tum praec . sorum de vita Domini sarmentorum . Aug. say shee is precise . The Text saith not , who can find a precise wife ? There are too too many of them , who cannot be content to be Master at home , but they will play Rex , taxing Caesar ; they will play Lex , saying , The Parliament was ill advised to make such and such a Law ; yea and Grex too , imposing upon their silly neighbours .

As I am a man , and consider things equally , I can find no great reason , why a man should seek , sue , and wooe a woman . For , in reason , the weaker should seeke for supportation of the stronger ; and not the contrary . Onely I remember in the Creation , I finde that the woman was made of the rib of a man ; and so happely the man , conceiting that hee wants some-thing , is occasioned to goe seek his lost rib , untill he finde it .

But as I am a Christian man , and look above my self and all the world , and hope for a better beeing in feeling the powers of another life ; then I see Marriage is honourable Heb. 13. among all men , and the ●…ed undefiled ; but Whoremongers , and Adulterers God will judge .

I see God the Father to be the first Priest to marrie the first couple , and that in Paradise in the time of Mans Innocencie . I see God the Son honouring marriage with his first miracle in Cana of Galile . God the Holy Ghost overshadowing the blessed Virgin , espoused to Ioseph , in the wonderfull mystery of the Incarnation . I see it honoured of the whole Trinitie , both in word and deed . In word , by resembling the Kingdome of Christs Church to a Marriage on Earth ; and in deed , by saving in the Deluge eight married persons , and no other .

I observe the blessed Virgin , and the holy Disciples of Jesus , to be present as guests at a marriage feast . I finde it honoured of the Fathers of the Church , who call marriage , Ecclesiae Seminarium , filling the Earth with People , and Heaven with Saints . I finde it honoured of Jewes , who kept it tyed to their tribes , and had it in great reverence ; yea and I read that marriage is honoured of the very Gentiles , and that in a great deale of strictnesse , and austeritie . In a word , I observe it honoured of all , except Hereticks and Papists . The old Hereticks , called Cathari , damned second marriages ; and the new hereticall Papalins , who with Pope Siricius , that great Don of Rome , interpret that of the Apostle ( Rom. 9. They that are in the flesh cannot please God ) most carnally and grossely . At dicam falli eos , qui negant Sirici●…m istum Papam os ha●…uisse , and a foule one too ; who by his cursed glosse , which corrupts the Text , and his cursed head that understands it not , yet sets this his private stampe upon it , saying , They that are in the flesh , that is to say , They that are married , cannot please God ▪

O res digna joco , & risu celebranda bimestri .

All this while I have spoken to your heads by way of Explication ; give mee leave now to exemplifie the Text by speaking to your hearts & best affections by more particular Application : and for that wee will not wander at large , we will indeavour to shew what estimation is to be had of a vertuous wife , and what detestation of a vitious wife .

Of a vertuous wife : First , in the estimate of Jewels . Secondly , in the quaint , and fit resemblance that shee is likened to Pearles . Thirdly , of a vitious wife ; whose price is resembled and matched with the price of a Dog . Fourthly , as the Text referres to all of either sexe Husbands , and Wives . And lastly , as the Text reflects upon the Bridegroome and the Bride , and they upon it .

Touching the first point . The Question is not , Who can finde a faire woman ? For favour is deceitfull , and favour is no such Jewell , seeing a gleame of the Sunne will discolour it , the fit of an Ague dis-fashion it , and the wrincles of old Age make it very uneven , with unhandsome furrowes to see to . Neither is the Question , Who can finde a rich wise ? for that blessing is the care and ability of the parents . In which point , the Schoole resolves very neatly . There are three sorts of things here beneath . Of the first sort , some are so good , that God bestowes them upon none but his own dear ones ; as justifying Faith , sanctifying and saving Grace , Repentance to Salvation , and the like . Of the second sort , some are so bad , that none have them , but the wicked and reprobates ; as Infidelity , Hardnesse of heart , Contempt of Gods Word , finall Impenitencie , & the residue ejusdem farraginis , vel potius furfuris . Of the third sort , some are Adiaphoricall , or indifferent , which are given promiscuously both to the good , and to the wicked ; for that they are neither good , nor bad in themselves , but onely in their use ; and these are Riches . For , Abraham the faithfull , and Lot the righteous , were wealthy ; & so was also Nabal the sottish , surly , & foolishchurle ; with the namelesse Epicurean Glutton in the Gospel . So then you see the point , Good men & evill possesse them , and they prove either a curse , or a blessings even as the owners , make use of them . A rich wife may be the gift of rich Parents , but a gratious and vertuous wife is the gift of God ; and shee is the woman to be so highly prized .

Her price therefore is the price of Jewels pricelesse , it is farre above Jewels : Onely herein lies the difference . Jewels oft-times are overvalued , their worth lying onely in opinion , and so is nominall ; but her worth is reall .

The estimation of Jewels and Pearles have been evermore very pretious . Cleopatra Queene of Egypt had from the Kings of the East two Pearles , valued at an hundred Sestertium , which is , two hundred Tunne of Gold . And Iulius Caesar had one only Jewell , valued at the same rate .

But what make I mention of profane stuffe ? Salomon the great when hee would expresse a matter of incomparable Prov. 3. 15. value , hee doth it by the resemblance of a Pearle .

Christ Jesus , the true Salomon ( whereof the other was but a Type ) when hee would declare the pricelesnesse of the Kingdome of Heaven , sets it forth in the resemblance to a Merchant , that seeking goodly pearles , finding one Mat. 13. of incomparable worth , sells all hee hath and buyes it . Thus you have the estimation of Jewels ; see the fitnesse , and elegancie of the resemblance to Pearles . First , in the Generation of Pearles . Secondly , in their union , or onenesse . Thirdly , in their Appearance . And fourthly , in their Efficacie .

The Generation of Pearles , especially the Orientall , is properly ingendred from the deaw of heaven . For , at a certaine season the Conchae , or mother of pearles opens , and receives in the deaw , whereof the pearles in due time are perfected . The gratious and vertuous woman in my text , minding heaven and heavenly things , is intent and lookes for all her blessings from heaven ; whence every good and perfect gift descendeth , by the influence and inspiration of the Holy Ghost . The deaw of her birth in the act of Regeneration , is from the wombe of the morning .

The Union of pearles is alwayes only one . Therefore the Latines call them Vniones , not Plures , as mostly one . The Motto of this good woman is Semper eadem , and the The word of the honourable familie of the C●…cils . word of an honourable Familie in this Land . Cor unum , viauna , is her Resolution and Disposition . For , albeit this good wife have a consort , an husband ; yet they two are one flesh . One heart of faithfulnesse shee hath to her husband , one way of integrity to walke in ; and be her husband absent , or present , shee is even the same . Harlots , and vitious women have two , yea twentie , and can as well be content with one man , as with one eye .

The Quantity of pearles in appearance is very small , but in their operation great , and virtuall . The vertuous wife is lowly , and nothing in her own eyes ; and speakes as the blessed Virgin in her Magnificat , The Lord hath looked upon the lowlinesse of his hand-maiden . Yea pearles will cast lustres , being broken into the least parcels , sparkes , and pieces : This vertuous wife at the lowest ebbe , will then most of all shew forth her gratious and enobled resolutions .

Lastly , for the efficacie and vertue of pearles is marvellous . For Pearle is cordiall , especially the Rubie , to which pearle this priceles creature is resembled . Cordiall is the pearle Rubie against the disease called the Cordiaca Passio , which is a wringing of the heart . This vertuous wife dilates the heart of her husband , which doth trust in her fidelity , & so he is not troubled with any Dubitation .

Cordiall also is this pearle the Rubie against the disease of the heart ; called Cordis Syncopen , which is the swouning of the heart . This good vertuous wife , like to the virtuall and powerfull Rubie , cures the drooping heart of her careful husband , and fortifies it against all assaults in the broyles and turmoyles of this world , both by her sweet companie , which is compliable in sympathizing with him , as also by her good counsell , which is prudent , provident , and perpetuall .

I have read , and have received credentiall relation of those that knew a great , and prudent Peer of this State , who in his dayes was reputed the Oracle of the time ; and yet would often say to his familiar friends and intimates , that he would not leave the advice , counsell , and foresight of his wife which he had in one yeare , for halfe his Revenue . Thus you see the estimation that is made of pearle , with the fitnesse of the resemblance . Descend wee now from this land of Goshen , where is light , and let us ( though against our wils ) looke downe unto Sodom , Seboim , Adama , and Gomorrha covered with stinking Sulphur .

Turn the Text , and read it thus . Who can finde a vitious woman ? for her price is nullius pretii ; unlesse it be the price of a dog , an hog , an hyaena , serpent , or surrepent gloe-worme , or the like . Who can ? Quis non ? Who not ? Vbiquest abulant : Infinitus stultorum numerus ; yet one graine of the tree of life is incomparably more worth than all the whole bulke and body of Medicine . One graine of gold more worth than a ditch-full of snow , or a chest-full of pumpeons .

A vitious woman need not be sought for : shee is in the open street with an whores behaviour ; shee lieth waite in every corner to entice thee . Her feet cannot abide in her house : shee will be heard if not seen , for shee is babling Prov. 6. Ibid 7. and loud , and with an impudent face , and flattering lips shee entiseth the foole , that is taken with her allurements ; who is led like an Oxe to the slaughter , and like a foole to the stocks for correction . Her house is the way to the grave , which goeth downe to the chambers of death . Shee will bring a man to a morsell of bread , and Ecclus. 23. will hunt for his pretious life . Shee despiseth her maker , trespaseth against her husband ; and begetteth her children by another man .

Shee infrigidates , and dries up the body , makes the heart of man to apostate ( as the wiseman saith ) diminisheth Amittunt gratiam , perdunt gloriam , incurrunt aeternam damnationem . Aug. the braine , rots the bones , and ruines the state of a man . Pleasant at first shee is , like Dioscorides Rhododaphne , faire to the eye , but poyson to the taste ; and as bitter as worm wood in the side . They that find such a vitious vermine , are in danger to lose grace , destroy their hope of glory , and incurre eternall damnation .

A vitious woman knoweth neither good , nor bad , be Neque ju●… , neque bonum , neque aequum , sciunt melius , pejus , prosit , obsit ; nihil vident nisi quod libido suggeret . Unus ●…berinae vir suffic●…t ? Ocvus illud exto●…quebis , ut haec oculo contenta sit uno . Iuven. it better or worse , beneficiall , or hurtfull they will doe what they lust . As shee is vitious , shee is also various ; like the Sea , shee ebbes and flowes . An husband is a cloake for her villanie ; once married , shee may flie out at her pleasure , the name of an husband is a sanctuarie to make all good .

What 's a vitious woman ? A whore . What 's shee ? A gulfe to devoure youth , a ruine of mankinde , a consumer of patrimonies and matrimonies , a downfall of honour , fodder for the Devill , and a supplement to hell . A bitter honey shee is , sweet poyson , delicate destruction , a voluntary mischiefe , a puddle , and a dung-hill .

Lucretia , a notable queane , confessed , that gluttony , anger , envie , pride , sacriledge , slaughter , were all borne that day , that a whore began her profession ; for , as shee followes it , her pride is greater than a rich churles ; shee is more envious than the plague , as malitious as melancholy , and as covetous as hell . If from the beginning of the world any were Mala , pejor , pessima : Bad in the Superlative degree , a whore is Longè pessima , Super-superlatively nought . How many ( saith this prodigious Curtisan ) have I undone , caused to be wounded , and slaine ? O Antonia , thou feest what I am without ; but within God knowes I am a puddle of iniquitie , a sinke of sinne . Thus Lucretia to Antonia .

Such a wife is a fever Hecticke ( as Scaliger sayes ) cured onely by death . Mare haud mare , vos Mare acerrimum ( said one by woeful experience of such women ) . An Irish Sea ; which is called Mare portentosum , is not so turbulent and raging as a vitious woman . A vitious woman yet one may eschew , but a vitious wife cannot be avoyded , one being once married ; which made the Divell , as most Divines hold , when hee had taken away Iobs goods , health , children , friends , to persecute him the more , used the help of his wicked wife to vexe and gaule him , worse than all the fiends of hell ; as knowing the conditions of a vitious woman .

What price then doe you take this Creature to be of ? Any , or none ? If any , it is the price of a dog , an hog , an hyaena , a crocodile , a camelion , a dragon , a serpent . See what estimation wise men make of such .

I had rather dwell with a Dragon , or a Lion , than keep house with a vitious woman : I had rather dwell in a wildernesse ; no wickednesse like to hers : shee makes a sorrowfull heart , an heavie countenance , a wounded minde , weake hands , and feeble knees . A vitious woman , and death , are two of the bitterest things in the world . The case is all one with the Comique conceit ; The day that a man marrieth such an one , is all one , as if his friend should bid him goe home and hang himselfe .

Such a monster as shee is , shall be brought out into the Congregation , and examination shall be had of her children ; her children shall not take root , and her branches shall bring forth no fruit ; a shamefull report shall shee leave , and the stinke of her reproach shall not be put out . A vitious woman in her cholerick mood , is a Pyromantick Divell ; in her melancholy and sullen fits , a Geomantick Hob-goblin ; in her flegmatick disposition , a Hydromantick Hydra ; and in her sanguine and best condition , an Aeromantick Mushrome , Concipit aethera mente ; Mens levior vento , tossed up and downe with every fancie . I have read of Cardanus his father , how hee conjured up seven Divels at once : Hee that marrieth a vitious wife hath no need to send to a Conjurer ; hee shall see the seven deadly sinnes ruling , reigning , and raging in his Empousa , as the seven Divels in Mary Magdalen , whiles shee was yet no convert . The poore man then hath no remedie but prayer and patience , and fast he must too ; for this kinde of Divels goeth not out , but by prayer and fasting .

Blessed is the man that never sees this vitious Creature , more blessed that never hears her , and most blessed that never toucheth her . So much for this Quaere . Non quaerendo , sed execrando potius .

Nolo igitur ulterius hanc , vel potius istanc movere camerinam . Valeat illa , imò longùm valeat cum Ila : A vertuous woman is my Theame : the vitious one is a sinke for the Devill to rake in . But what shall we say to the parties of either sexe , as was proposed ? First to husbands , and then to wives .

To Men then , as they are husbands . If your wives shall at any time boast , and brag , as oft-times many pimpernells doe , without cause , that they are pearles , and ought to be esteemed so ; doe you doe no more but bring them to the triall , as Lapidaries doe in the triall of their pretious stones .

Foure wayes they use to trie , and discerne the true pearle from the countetfeit . First , by weight : Secondly , by the file : Thirdly , by the form : And fourthly , by the fire .

First , when they weigh them , they find that the counterfeit 1 stone is many graines lighter than the true one , albeit it be of the same quantity . The vertuous wife is of a gratious stayedness in her gate , speech , and whole comportment ; shee is no giddie , minsing minion , no skittish , squeamish , light houswife .

Secondly , when Lapidaries bring their pretious stones 2 to the file , the touch of the file cannot taste the true one . It abates and dulls the sharpest , and keenest edged file . This true pearle , this gratious woman , is such an one ; shee cannot be touched , shee cannot be tasted , shee cannot be tainted by the most imperious , or impetuous Tempter ; shee is terrible and dreadfull unto them , soone doth shee abate their keene courage : no wily winke , no lure of letter will shee stoop to , nor to any other wicked and wanton enticement ; no Philtrum , no follie , no fancie can worke on her in any kinde . Shee resists all base conditions , and like a marble pillar , shee retorts into their faces all those arrows ( or fooles bolts rather ) of foolery , wantonnesse , and lust fulnesse that are shot at her .

3 ly , when Jewellers trie their pearles by their form , they 3 finde , that it is impossible for a counterfeit to be of that form and fashion , that a true one is of . Now it is known , that Forma dat esse rei . The truth is , that pearles indeed doe , by their aspect , satisfie the beholder , but never satiates them . The true gratious wife so demeanes her selfe in Mood and Figure to her husband , that hee alwayes leaves her , with appetite to come to her againe : whereas the counterfeit piece ( or patch rather ) when shee hath wearied her selfe and her husband , nondum satiata recedit .

Lastly , when Lapidaries try the pretious from the counterfeit , 4 by fire they finde , that the counterfeit moulders away to nothing ; whereas the true pearle will not be the worse . The fiery tryall of sorrow , sicknesse , povertie and sharpest afflictions daunts not the vertuous wife . Shee shrinkes not in an hard time ; shee is true to her husband ( Melle & felle ) in prosperity and adversity , in weale and woe , in life and in death .

Weigh them then , good men , you that have them , and see , if in the weight they be not found too light , like Belshazzar Dan. 5. the grandchild of Nebuchadnezzar .

If they prove counterfeit and light , surely they are not pearles , but bugles , light every way . In their heeles , like the corke there ; in their heads , like the feather in their Caps ; and in their hands , like their foolish fanne . If you meet with such , sing

Quid levius Pluma ? Flamen : quid Flamine ? Flamma : Quid Flamma ? Mulier : quid Muliere ? o.

Bring them to the file . If they be as weake as water , apt to receive any impression , as pliable to take any form as Virgins waxe ; take them not , esteem them not for pearle ; Non sunt , they are very trash and counterfeit stuffe , fit for nothing but to be trampled and trode under foot , and to be cast out unto the dung-hill .

And if , like Swallowes , they will honour you , love you , and respect you , whiles the sun-shine of prosperity shineth warme upon her ; and in time of affliction slinke , shrinke , and sinke from her obedience , dutie and debonaire behaviour , she is a counterfeit dissembler , Projecta vilior algâ . Thus much to the good husbands , and now to the good wives .

If your husbands , or any other shall say unto you by way of overture , or cavillation , that the woman was first in the transgression , and so forth , with such like true objections . Answer you againe , but with a great deale of temper and moderation , saying ; Be it so , that the woman was first in the revolt from God , yet this sore , you know , is salved , and that great breach made up , repaired and perfected ; in that Christ , the world's Saviour , was made Gal. 4. ●… . Pet. 3. Luke 24. of a woman ; women are made coheirs with men in Christ , partaking of the same grace and favour of God , and the resurrection of the dead , which is the key of the Scriptures , was first revealed to a woman . Are not women pearles then ?

Oh spare a little , lift not up your head too high , and speake not with a stiffe neck ; for , if you grow proud , let me intreat you to put on your spectacles , call to mind the ancient time ; and looke back , lest while you plead your owne cause , you implead your husbands . Have you not heard of a lascivious , treacherous Dalilah , of a disdainfull Michol , of a painted Iezabel ? and yet these counterfeits looked for the estimation of Pearles and Jewels ; whereas the world knowes there is no such matter ; unless they be like pearles in the eye , a blemish , a bane , and a burthen .

Learne your lesson then , and labour to become pearles indeed ; you all know , that then you may justly challenge your right , and stand upon your worth , and there is good reason for it . A Jewell is an ornament to the best man that liveth on the earth , and so is a vertuous wife . It is Doctrine Apostolicall . The woman is the glory of the man , 1. Cor. 11. Prov. 12. and the crowne of her husband . But this , not every woman , Ex quolibet ligno non sit Mercurius . Not that woman or wife , who delights in nothing else , but to decke and pranke up her selfe with dawbing of gold and silver , and such like ; but that woman who is pretious with God for her holy faith ; and gracious with Man , by her discreet and wise carriage , adorning her selfe with the feare of the Lord , with chastity , with purity , with humility , and with sincere obedience . These are the Margaritae , the mother of pearle ; these are the true Conchae , ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) as the Graecians call them , true Housewives . The Hierogliphiques describe , and pourtraite a woman sitting upon a shell-snaile , when they would signifie a good housewife ; for , as that Creature carries an house upon its back , so the good housewife will keep her house over her head , and stay within doores , unlesse shee have urgent occasions abroad . Shee is not of the Tribe of Gad , to be a gadder abroad caulesly , as commonly they doe who are such gadders , and come home crackt , as did wandring Dinah , the daughter of Iacob , when shee went gadding to see the fashions of the Countrey .

But why doth this good woman content her selfe at home , and keep house so much ? Because shee finds true contentment in her selfe ; Virtus est seipsa contenta , Vertue is content with it selfe : So is shee with reflecting upon her selfe , and the gracious favours God hath given her . Shee envieth no other womans gift , nor other womans gowne ; every one , shee knowes , have their proper gift of God , some after this manner , and some after that , 1 Cor. 7. 7. then none have all . That woman is fair , like Rachel , yet not fruitfull ; another is fruitfull , yet not fair . Moses was prudent , not eloquent ; Salomon wise , not chaste ; Nabal rich , but a foole ; Iephtah valorous , but a bastard ; Naaman honourable , but a leper . Shee observes among her neighbours ; One is rich , but foolish ; another wise , but unsucces-full ; one wittie , but unsetled ; some have one gift , some another , none have all ; shee therefore is content with that gift , which God hath given her . If shee have no children , shee murmurs not , for God , she knowes , is a free donor , and a wise disposer of all things , who divideth to every one severally as hee will : 1 Cor. 12. Shee takes notice also as well of her defect , as of her gifts ; by the notice of the one shee is humble , by the other thankfull . Shee is no murmurer to grumble at Gods gifts , but lets him alone with his owne , both wise and gracious dealing . Shee can answer all grumblers , with that in the Gospel : Is it not lawfull for God to doe what hee will with his owne ? Be it preferment , be it riches , be it honours ; may not hee doe what hee will with his owne ? Shee is no male-content ; she sits and considers , the gifts shee hath , how small soever they seem , are the free gifts of Gods mercie , the least whereof shee can no wayes deserve ; and for every one , shee owes praise and thanksgiving : for shee can say to her selfe , What have I , that I have not received ? 1 Cor. 4. 7. And howsoever it is with her , shee rests contented in the Lord , and waits his good pleasure . If shee be afflicted , shee resolves , that it is good for her that shee should be so , that so she may learne the statutes of her God . If shee live in a private state , shee assures her selfe it is good for her , that so shee may serve God , and be free from the temptations of better places . If shee live in meane estate , shee knowes that's good for her too , that so shee may serve God without the cares , and distractions , that great riches doe bring with them . It is good for her , if shee have a crazie and sickly body , that so shee may remember her end , and prepare for her departing out of this world . And so in all other cases , shee is still content with her selfe , and thinks that best , which God allotteth her , and resolves her selfe , that if her provision had beene better in the world , her condition might have bin worse toward God . Give me then but a gracious vertuous wife , and her price is farre above Rubies . I read of twelve pretious stones in the Brest-plate of Aaron , of twelve gates in the heavenly Ierusalem , that are twelve pearles . Give me a gracious vertuous woman , and her worth is more pretious than these . See her super-superlative worth , farre above Rubies . Pretious stones have but their severall , singular , and individuall properties , splendours and operations ; but shee alone hath them all .

The Ametist drives away Drunkennesse , shee is sober ; and if shee have a drunken Sott to her husband ▪ yet her sweet modesty , sobriety , and Christian counsell , is ▪ daily admonition , and holy meanes to reclaime him from that beastly Sin . The Berill hath six angles ; shee is setled , composed , & stedfast at all times , & in all places . The Calcedon cures the frantick phantasie ; shee , by her stayed deportment , makes a humorous husband to see his lunatick fits of follie and frensie . The Chrysoperase quencheth lust ; shee is chaste , and giveth temperate example in the marriage-bed . The Chrysolite shineth in the darke , so glittereth shee with her rare endowments , albeit shee be matched in the midst of a froward , untoward , and crooked generation : And the Emerald is alwayes green , shee flourisheth in her goodnesse like a Palme tree . The Iasper is ever pliable in its aspect to the beholder , and is bright and discoloured , as the wearer is either well , or ill affected ; shee , this gracious wife , like Hippocrates twins , smileth and weepeth , rejoyceth and is sad , as shee observeth her husband to be disposed . The Iacinth worketh gentleness and man sweetness in Nature ; nothing more compliable , and more facile to her husbands bent than shee in all things that are good . The Saphire is of an azure hue , of the colour of the firmament of heaven ; her pious mind thinkes of nothing more than of heaven and heavenly things . The Sardis stone is dreadfull to wilde beasts ; shee is awfull to all wilde tempting beasts of exorbitant and extravagant lust . The Sardonix worketh by inclination to sincerity ; shee doth all things with an open heart , and plain breast , with the integrity of her loyall heart , and the discretion of her housewife-like hand . And the Topaz operates perseverance ; shee is alwayes the same at home and abroad , in her husbands absence as in his presence . Her Motto is , Semper eadem , as was said before .

It s past dispute then , that this vertuous woman is in her price , worth , and true repute above Rubies , yea farre above Rubies . Singular and severall pearles have singular and severall properties ; shee alone hath all these rarities . Et quid vultis amplius ?

Question it not therefore , O yee Sons of men ; for , if there be a Summum bonum here on earth , which may be Christianly named a secondary chiefe good , it is ( sans question ) a gracious and vertuous wife . The reasons are manifest . First , Nature doth nothing in vaine , therefore the God of Nature doth nothing in vaine . Secondly , All mens actions tend to a primarie end , and there they rest , otherwise the progresse of mens actions would goe in infinitum . Thirdly , Man is a Creature subject to infelicitie , especially in the contrary of this particular , that must lye so neer him ; to wit , If a man finde a vitious woman , Quarum infinitus est numerus , and therefore man is capable of happinesse , otherwise hee were the most miserable creature of all . Fourthly , to conclude this point , Man is furnished with a Mind intelligent of honestie and felicitie , and with a Will capable of vertue and goodnesse .

Many and manifold have been , and are the differences of opinions touching the Chiefe Good here in this world ; but as long as blindnesse of mind in the corrupted heart of man reigneth , and the studie and musing of crossing and cross-biting one another doth remain together , with the affectation of vaine and vile glory ( which is Paramount ) this difference will continue untill the second comming of Shilo ; for albeit in this life there is no perfect happinesse to be found , no not in the chiefest good , yet we may attaine to some degrees therein ; and among other blessings here beneath , a vertuous wife is an especiall helpe .

Talke with the vulgar , and they will tell you , that the chiefest good here on earth is no where to be found but in riches , but ah mee , they are quite beside the matter : For , riches may be gotten by unjust & unlawfull meanes ; but this blessing of a vertuous wife can be had by no meanes , but by good and godly seeking her in Gods fear , and craving his favour . The owners of riches may be the scumme of the people ; but of this sweet blessing none , but those whom God loveth . Riches are abused to all kinde of voluptuous vitiousnesse ; this vertuous Creature will not be abused to any evill turne . Riches are uncertaine , this most certaine . Riches satisfie not , this creature doth . And in a word , Riches are not desired for themselves onely , but for another end and purpose ; whereas a vertuous wife is desired for her selfe onely , and for no other purpose .

Talke with a polititian , or a Militarie man , all their Tenet is Honour and Glory for their chiefe good ; but their Tenet is also most absurd . For , honour and glory may be atchieved by most unworthy groomes ; but this blessing cannot . Honour is fickle , this fast . Honour is more in honorante , than in honorato : that 's to say , More in the power of him that gives the honour , than in him that receives it . But this transcendent is in the power of the possessor .

Talke with the Learned , and they will tell you , that the Epicures sought to finde their happinesse in Pleasure ; which opinion , among the Ancient , was understood in the grosse and carnall sense ; but the Modern and latter learned have gone about to mollifie , and modifie that conceit ; and by Pleasure , understand not that Pleasure which mortals have common with beasts , but they thereby understood a pure Contentation , and oblectation of minde , abstracted from corporeall and grosse conceits , arising up in the mind of man from the knowledge of excellent rarities , & from the actions of honest things .

In the former sense , for a man to marrie a wife onely for corporall and carnall pleasure , as the end of his mixing himselfe with her , is most bestiall , and most unworthy a Christian. For , man knoweth right well , that that pleasure is common also to brute beasts ; brings with it tediousnesse , and wofull effects in the excesse thereof ; makes a man effeminate , and unfit for masculine and brave undertakings ; stirs up a man oft-times to most desperate and damnable designes ; may be hindered by diseases , old age , and many other occurrences ; and it doth fight against all vertu●…s , especially against Temperance and Modestie . True it is , that all living Creatures desire that pleasure in the sensitive appetite ; but for a Christian man to set his ayme , end and bent upon that , which is common also to brute beasts , and to seeke his Summum Bonum in the inferior , ignoble and sensuall part of man , Non sani est hominis , non sanus juret Orestes .

For , a Christian man will soone resolve the case plainly , knowing , that bodily pleasure was not in the Creation of man ; for , in the primitive puritie , the sensitive part was subject to an holy and heavenly minde , made and framed according to the image of God ; but this sensuall pleasure came from corruption and sinne in our revolt from God , and fettered our Nature , insomuch , that the minde of man , becomming destitute of its former sanctimony , neither would , nor could command the sensitive power , unlesse that breach be made up by God in Christ , or restrained , as wee note it was in divers Heathen ; as in Lucretia , the Roman Ladie ; and in Penelope , the Graecian Dame , and the like .

Talke with all the ancient learning of the Stoicks , Peripateticks , and Academicks , and they will tell you by common consent ( choro consono ) that the chiefest good is no where to be found , but in vertue . And albeit they had a seeming difference about the habit of vertue , and the exercise thereof ; yet they agree in this , that vertue beautifies the best part of man , that is , his mind , makes him most like to his God , cannot be taken from him by any meanes but by the permission of God , and causeth all inferiour and subordinate favours , as Riches , Honour , Health , and the like , to be at his service , and to become blessings unto the owners .

So then , whether a man begin with the Stoicks , and place his felicitie in the habit of vertue : or with the Peripateticks goe on to the action and exercise of vertue , it may easily be reconciled . For , as the one thought not the habite of vertue only to be sufficient to happiness , unlesse it went on to the action : so the other thought no action of vertue to be good , unlesse it issued from the internall habite ; for that the purpose of doing well is never hindered , much lesse taken away from a vertuous creature , but still upon every emergent occasion , a vertuous man or woman is readie to proceed from the habite to the act , and exercise thereof with all cheerfulnesse and alacritie . It is not therefore ( good women ) either health , or beautie , or noblenesse of birth , or riches , or honour , and so forth , that makes you vertuous ; but when you labour , and studie , and strive to be good in your selves , and to doe good to others . It is not the Pearles and Jewels that you lade your selves withall , and thinke you shine with them , that makes you the more esteemed with wise husbands , or with other wise men ; but the habite of your vertuous minde , and the excellencie of your vertuous actions , these makes you gracious with God , and glorious with men , and so to be prized farre above Rubies .

But doe you thinke your selves ever the more vertuous , ●…no filo villa●…um in●…unt precia . Hie●…on . or more pretious with God or good men , when your ropes of pearle are so rich , that upon one rope hang the prices of diverse Lordships ? as St Hierome tells us in the life of Paul the Eremite .

Or doe you repute your selves ever the better , when Tertul. de Habitu mulieb . Sueton. Sen●…c . de vita beata . your tender neck carries woods and Ilands upon it , and at your eares doe hang dangling Jewels worth the Revenues of a rich Familie ? or when your mad fancies this way bring your husbands into base servilitie by your hanging two or three patrimonies at each eare ? And doe Plini●… . you boast and brag , that a pearle is a womans serjeant to wait upon her , when shee showes her selfe abroad ?

Or doe you suppose , that any wise man can make account of you , when you doe not blush to paint your cheeks onely , but your eye-browes also ? when you frisle your hair , and curle it too with hot irons ? or when you dye your hair , or wear that which is bought , in stead of your owne , & so carrie a lie in sight upon your heads ? or when one shall come into your chambers , and finde infinite boxes filled with lothsome trash of sundry kindes of colours and compositions for the dawbing and hiding of your deformities , the very sight and smell whereof is able to turne a mans stomach ?

O yee fond and foolish daughters of men , can yee suppose , that your nicenesse in your apparell and dressing makes you the more respected with good and godly people ? that if but an haire be amisse , or a paultrie pin , you must call a Counsell about you for the reforming of it , as if your credit , or your life in question were ; nay , if but any little crannie appeare through any part or hole of your fan , or if a flie chance to sit upon it , you presently complaine , that you were not borne among the Cimmerians .

Doe you thinke , that you are vertuous women in these Sardonichas , Smaragdos , Adamantas , Jaspidas u●…o , versat in articulo Stella ( Severe ) me●…s . Mar●… . and such like fantasticks ? or when you get upon one joynt of your least finger a Sardonix , a Smaragd , a Iasper , and a Diamond , as the fond , foolish , phantastick Courtier Stella in Martiall is said to weare ? or when , like Lollia Paulina , yee go beset and bedeckt all over with Emrauds and Pearles ranged in rowes one by another round about your Tires , Caules , Borders , Peruges of haire , Boongraces , Chaplets , Carcanets , upon your wrists in Bracelets , upon your fingers with Rings , that yee glitter and shine againe as yee mince along ? What with all these can you make of your selves , but idle housewives and idols of vanity ?

Will you heare the Prophet of the Lord round you in the eare ? The Lord saith , Because the Daughters of Es. 3. 16. &c Sion are haughty , and walke with stretched out necks , and De●… pimur specie , gemmis , anroque teg●…tur omnia : Pars mini●…a est ipsa puel●…a sui . Ovid. with wandring eyes , walking and mincing as they goe , and making a tinkling with their feet ; Therefore shall the Lord make their heads bald , and discover their secrets , and bereave them of their slippers , caules , round tires , sweet balles , bracelets , bonnets , borders , tablets , ear-rings , mufflers , vailes , wimples , curling-pins , glasses , fine linnen , their hoods , and lawnes : And instead of sweet savour there shall bee stinke , instead of an ornament a rent , instead of braiding their haire baldnesse , instead of a stomacher sack-cloth , and instead of beautie burning , and for their jollitie and mirth , they shall sit in desolation upon the ground .

For , in the old time , the women ( saith St Peter ) that trusted in God , did not thus attire themselves in all outward bravery , but their vertue was such as to looke that 1 Pet. 3. 4. the hid man in the heart might be uncorrupted , cloathed with a meek and quiet spirit , which is before God a thing much set by . Herein you may rejoyce if you be thus minded , otherwise all your pert and proud boasting is vile and vaine : and so I leave you to ponder these things , and if you be vertuous you shall understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord .

Yea , if you be the strong woman , as the Text is rendered , and your strength be the comfort of your age , and wit the grace of your strength ; yet vertue is the guide of your wit ; for , your age without strength is tedious , strength without wit dangerous , and wit without vertue hurtfull and pernicious . For , vertue is , like a rich stone , best plaine set , and surely vertue is best set in a comely body , albeit not of delicate or delicious feature . Vertue gives and gets favour ; beauty hath the only colour , and that 's the best favour , which a picture cannot expresse , for that beautie makes vertues shine , and vices blush . And there I leave you , good women , and returne againe to the men .

What if I read my Text in favour and behalfe of the good women , & make a Quaere : Who can finde a vertuous Man , or Husband ? & put in the Quare , for his price is farre above 1000000000 millions of millions , or what can be thought on , in the latitude and extent of mans invention : Doubtlesse the masculine vertue out-strippeth the feminine multis parasangis .

For , the soule of a vertuous man is the proper subject of vertue ; the powers whereof in the rationall part doe command , and in the irrationall part doe obey . In his rationall part , the understanding in the Theorie conceiveth of things aright , and in the practice doth them rightly .

His memorie , which is servant to his understanding , records things in generall , as Notions of good and evill ; and in speciall , either doth , or not doth , as the Objects be either good or evill . His other part of the reasonable soule is his Will ; which followeth , or avoydeth that , which his right reason judgeth to be done or undone . This Will of this vertuous man respects the end of all his actions , yea and the meanes too that conduce to the end .

The Affections of this vertuous man , are the Object of vertue , in the moderation and subjection whereof his masculine vertue is chiefly busied . He also is well aware , that the cause of vertue is not in the temperature of the body , as Galen , and some other Philosophers thought , as if a cholerick complexion caused men to be of a fierce and fiery condition ; a melancholick , made men sad and thinkeative ; a sanguine , merry and compliable ; a phlegmatique , lazie and sleepie . True it is , that the temperature of the body , be it either compleat or crasie , may encline a man ; for wee see by experience , that choler in a man , being vehemently kindled , drives him oft into a phrensie , to much melancholy , into madnesse ; abundance of phlegme that is redundant casts a man into sottish foolerie .

These , I say , may incline a man , but by education , custome and learning they may outwardly be corrected , and inwardly , by the inspiration and influence of divine grace , they may be amended . For , wee see by experience , that many men are wise , and of great temperance and moderation , whose complexion doth show the contarie .

Men are learned , and their knowledge in learning stirs them up to masculine and vertuous undertakings . For , by knowledge and learning , the masculine minde of a man is inured to turne it selfe from the grosse and muddie things here below , and from the objects of fond affections , by which meanes occasions are cut off , that oft-times draw the minde to vitious courses . Secondly , by his learning hee knoweth the Nature and Causes of things , and can esteeme of them as they are ; and so knowes how to magnifie things of worth , and to vilifie vaine things : yea , & those things , which to the vulgar seeme admirable and dreadfull , hee knowes are unworthy his cognizance or respect . Thirdly , in his notice of things naturall and supernaturall , hee seeth many causes and enforcing reasons , why a man should be inflamed to vertue , and to detest and abominate vitious living . For , he understandeth the Nature and Excellencie of the Creator , and labours to be like him , as knowing , that all things under the Sun are created of God for man ; and therefore man is stirred up to serve , and to be thankfull to his so gracious a Benefactor . Besides , mans learning shewes him in the very Creatures the impressions of vertue ; in some of temperance , in others of valour and chastity ▪ in all a naturall instinct and industrie to undergoe those parts and duties which are proper unto them ; whereby hee is moved to thinke how unworthy and unjust a thing it is for man to be wanting in his dutie . Lastly , learning prescribes and sets forth the true forme of vertue , proposeth the precedents of worthy men , who by their excellent vertues have atchieved honour , glory , and rewards of great account ; and contrariwise , setteth out the wofull ends , and ignominious deaths of such as have sold themselves to all kinde of vitiousnesse ; whereby the masculine minde of a vertuous man is easily indued , and at the last vanisheth with the love and admiration of vertue , and with a detestation of vice and vanity .

Moreover , this vertuous man knowes where to seeke for vertue , even in the midst of a number of vices . For , as in a circle there is one onely center in the midst of the circle ; and all the points running from the center are not centers , but make a recesse from it ; so vertue being but one and singular , and vice being various and manifold , is to be sought in the midst of vices , or if you will , in the midst of affections , and not in their extremities .

And for that this Medium , or Meane , wherein this masculine vertue is to be sought and found , is either Arithmeticall or Geometricall ; this vertuous man knowes that it is not found in an Arithmeticall meane , which is Equalitie of Excesses , but in a Geometricall meane , which is Equality of Proportions . Hee also knowes the reason hereof . For that vertue doth not alwayes make unequall recesse from either extreme ; but it oft falls out , that vertue makes a neerer accesse to the vice which is in the excesse , than to the vice in defect , and oft times the contrary . As for example sake : The vertue of valour drawes neerer to boldnesse , than to cowardice and base feare . Temperance another vertue more inclines to abstinence which is in the defect , than to intemperance which is in the excesse .

This neernesse also is either greater or lesser , as the occasions and severall objects doe require , which this vertuous man knowes are seven comprised in one verse .

Quis , Quid , Vbi , Quibus auxilijs , Cur , Quomodo , Quando . Which circumstances he diligently weighes & considers , to the end , that every vertuous act of him may be directed according to the rule of right reason , and the golden meane of comely and equall proportion ; the Law of God being his onely and exact rule to square all and every one of his actions by ▪ yea , but stay you there a little , by your leave , sayes the feminine sex . Where may wee finde the man thus accoutred ? I answer , That there liveth not the man but hath his defect , yea and fault V●…s memo sine nascitu●… : O●…timus ille est , qui minimis urge●…ur . too if you will : hee is best yet that hath fewest faults , and whose vertues doe surpasse his vices ; which a fond and foolish woman cannot judge of , nor discerne neither .

Whence comes all that sweet concord and cohabitation of contraries , that are matched together as man and wife , in the whole world ? Is it not from the sweet vertue of one of them , or of both ? O how unequally are some yoaked ?

This man is unequally yoaked with a daring , audacious and impetuous dame ; had hee not vertue of bearing and forbearing , both in his christian and civill carriage , what issue could be expected , but ruine and wretchednesse ? Better therefore is the patient man , than the stout and strange ; and hee that by his masculine vertue subdues Prov. 16. 3●… . himselfe , than hee that takes a Citie .

Another is unequally yoaked with an intemperate , lustfull and unsatiable patch , which makes the very marriage-bed loathed and abominable ; all delicates cannot satisfie her delicious , luxurious and lascivious palate ; and commonly , a liquorous and sweet-mouthed taste hath a leacherous touch of the same quality , and a smack of the same smoake at the other end of the house . If now this masculine , gracious , and vertuous man had not moderation to modifie , & temperance to order and guide things in a golden meane , what would or could ensue but penurie ?

A third is unequally yoaked , either to a base scraping & avaritious scrat , or to a profuse , prodigall and prodigious unthrift . If then the masculine vertue of a good , free and liberall husband did not intervene to gaine and get a state ( whence it ought ) by honest labour and a godly calling ( not by dice , lust , or usurie ) and to use it when it is gotten with moderation and measure , and in bestowing his beneficence to erogate it to none but to honest persons , and for honest causes , to proportion that which is given , to give it to whom and when it ought , as to those that are indigent and want our reliefe , or to such as have well deserved of us , or to such whom vicinity , community , and society of commerce doe commend unto us , to give it cheerfully ( that wee doe give ) and without regret ; and to give out of thy cisterne , not out of thy fountaine , lest that thereby become dry and exhausted : If then I say , this gracious vertue of this good husband did not intervene , what could be expected , but that the prodigality of the one would soone bring a Noble to nine pence , a faire Estate to a morsell of bread , and make a Farmer a begger ; and the basenesse of the other make them and their progenie to be hated ? and if they be left rich with such proling , scraping , and penurious patcherie , they are left but as a prize to the next birds of prey that dwell about them .

A fourth is unequally yoaked with an immodest piece , who can doe little but open her mouth wide most petulantly , either in her owne praise , or in the laud of her other husband , without any respect of time , or place , or persons , to no purpose in the world but to vent some of her venome to her present occasion : whether would her tongue walke , thinke you , had shee not a modest , moderate , and verecundious husband , to restraine and over-awe her over-daring , sawcie , and impetuous world of evill in her mouth , with the sweet rules of masculine and matchless modestie ? would shee not make the whole world ( that knowes her ) to be weary of her petulant prating , and foolish Pharisaicall boasting ? willing her , to bethinke her selfe of the precepts and counsels of wisdome . Let the mouth of a stranger praise thee , not thine owne mouth ; Prov. 27. 2. and the lips of another , and not thine .

A fifth is unequally yoaked to an angry , fretfull , and revengefull furie , who is like gun-powder ; touch it with fire , and it is presently in your face ; touch her once with the least coale , downe into the Gunner-roome gets shee , and le ts flie her broad sides at you ; being thus suddenly moved , shee is enraged , implacable and cruell : Did not now this masculine man of vertue interpose , that nothing should be rashly done , but as Athenodorus gave the rule to Alexander , if at any time his minde began to be stirred up and moved to anger , hee should not speake untill hee had tacitely to himselfe repeated the letters of the Greeke Alphabet , that so his minde might in the interim settle and be more composed , and then hee might answer and reply with judgement . And as blessed Ambrose the Bishop of Millaine gave in rule to Theodosius the Emperour , that hee should at no time signe his imperiall mandates for the execution of capitall offendors , but hee should ever respite the execution for thirty dayes after the mandate was out , that in the meane time the heat of his offended minde might be appeased , the justice of the decree of death might be weighed ; and , if there were cause , he might revoke , and call backe his sentence .

A sixth is unequally yoaked to an unfriendly , lying , and uncivill slut . In the first , shee is wayward in all congresse , in conference difficult and tetrick , in counsell contentious , and in colloquie a perpetuall dictator . In the second , shee is a palpable dissembler : No Popish Emissarie hath more aequivocations ; no Jesuite more mentall reservations ; no scoffing Ismaelite more frumps and ironicall dashes , carrying one thing glib in her tongue , and another thing hid in her heart : arrogance and vanity are the whelpes of this spitefull hypocrite . In the third , she is scurrulous , rusticke , and unsavorie . Did not the masculine vertue of a gracious husband stay the bells , what would become of her ? His sweet and man-suete affability to all , his civill ( not Logicall or Metaphysicall ) truth as it refers to the life of man in all things , his urbanitie , festivitie , and faire debonaire behaviour , condemns , if not corrects all that mishapen , miscreant-like , and mischievous hodg-pot and medley of her lewd , lying , uncivill , and brainsick tongue .

For , hee well knowes , that faire language , and a faithfull Pro. 22. 11. heart is the delight of a King . That a foolish man Pro. 11. 12. will despise and despite his neighbour , but a wise man is as a deafe man to all evill report . That a prudent man Pro. 17. 27. will restraine his talke , and an intelligent person is of a cold and temperate spirit . That as vapours and winde Pro. 25. 14. wherein is no raine ( and so doe no good ) is a foolish body that boasts of that which is not . That a Bard or Pro. 25. 11. foole breathes out all his spirit at once , but a wise man will stay it backe . That a joyous heart is physick to the Pro. 17. 22. body , but a melancholick disposition drieth the bones . That the masculine minde of a prudent man doth muse Pro. 15. 14. of knowledge , but the mouth of a foole feedeth himselfe Prov. 15. 14. fat with fooleries .

A seventh is unequally yoaked to a shamelesse , beastly , and incorrigible brute , who is neither capable of counsell , nor willing to be reformed , nor careth for instruction ; but shee despiseth all restraint of her madness , and hath cast the Law of God and good manners behinde her back : Impudent shee is , and hath steeled her whores forehead , that shee stands in awe of nothing that may shame her . And for that this her excesse doth further make recesse from the golden meane , the more incurable shee is : And , Cui pudor perijt , is perijt antequam perijt . But this vertuous husband steps in and would pluck her out of the fire , but shee will not , Curavit Babylonem , & non est sanata : yet his verecundiousness blusheth for her impudent behaviour , and his just conceived displeasure for her incorrigibilitie is restrained with limits : for , we should not be incensed with wrath because of evill doers , nor fret at the notoriously wicked ; in that there is no end of evill , Prov. 24. 19. and the lampe of the cursed shall be put out .

But of all things take heed , O yee Sons of Men , that you be not yoaked with a foole . For , bray a foole in a mortar , and hee will not leave his foolery ; and of all fooles beware of a shee foole , as of all Beares take heed of a shee-Beare . Talke with such an one and perswade her to wisdome , shee hath no capacitie for that ; but either out of the concavity or convexity of her hollow scull shee frames Chimaeraes , and so buries her selfe and the poore man in mis-lead errour , mizeeled ignorance , and voluntarie blindness : Deale with such an one , shee deales with thee summo jure , cavilling at thy cleerest judgment with an idle interpretation of her own foolish fancie .

Not unlike the Thracians , who ( as Strabo relates it ) making truce with the Boeotians for some certaine dayes , did notwithstanding depopulate and spoyle their territories in the night season . Or not unlike as when Papilius , in the Capitulations of peace made with Antiochus , had condescended and capitulated , that the Romans had left halfe the shipping to Antiochus , did afterward cut the ships in two , and left one halfe so divided to Antiochus , and burnt up the other . No knowledge , or skill , or prudence , or understanding , or wisdome of thine can beat any goodnesse into her fooles hide ; but happely when shee is inwardly touched with her owne follie , shee doth shake her idle head , and so you have a foole for your labour .

In the last place , let the case be put , that this vertuous man finds a vertuous wife . O how sweet is that conjunction ? the blessing is doubled to either , the relation is Cherubicall , the reflection Seraphicall , the consummation of their loves Angelicall . And so I am by Gods favour come to the last point premised in my division of the practique and usefull part of this my Labour , to wit , as my Text reflects upon the Bride and Bridegroome ; and first to him and then to her .

Hee ought first seriously and sadly to consider , that Pearles and pretious stones are not to be found upon every shore ; for there is a pluralitie of peebles , but a paucitie of pearles , as I have said more at large before . Have you touched on a happie shore ? stoope downe and take up your pearle with all cheerfulnesse and gladnesse of heart .

In the second place , having found this Jewell , it requires your best skill to know how to weare it . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Many can drive the plough , but few can hold and guide it aright .

In the third place , Have you found a vertuous wife ? lose her not by negligence , or by giving her an evill example , or reading her a lewd lesson , as too too many doe .

In the fourth place , Is shee a Pearle ? tread her not under foot , so doe hogs ; and in a word , be you ever mindfull how injurious you are to God your Donor , that gave her unto you the Donee , so incomparable a donation , lest you provoke the Almighty to displeasure , and he take her from you , and you take another that will be a pearle of vexation , and trouble to your eye-sight , & she become an eye-sore unto you , and an heart-sore too .

In the fifth place , call to minde your happinesse , and be cheerfull in it : you have God in this your great business as Efficient in your marriage , who hath made you two one ( consensu Partium ) by consent ; and this is the essence of your conjunction . Your spouse and you , being Gods workmanship , and created male and female , are the matter in this union . The lawfull joyning of you together in the face of Gods people , Consensu Parentum , with consent of Parents , is the forme and congruitie of your blessing : The feare of the Lord , which is cleane , and the procreation of Children , whereby God may by glorified , and the kingdome of Christ increased , is the end of your marriage . Comfort your selfe in this , for these be the causes of all your future happinesse .

In the sixth place , remember happiness never comes to a man without holinesse ; and conceive , that a good meanes and outward estate be thought to dull and take off the edge of Ecclesiasticall persons from their sacred offices and performances ? The same might , and sometimes did befall of old ; so prone is man to sin : but Ecclesiasticall persons have ( and should make use of ) their religious knowledge to use temporall things aright ; if they doe not , good Lawes established in a Christian Common-wealth are of force to prevent or cure that malady . The Gospel by Gods great goodnesse as it hath brought unto us a better covenant , and better promises ; so it hath bettered and enlarged the temporall meanes of all estates : Is it fit here to make the Ecclesiasticall estate an exception from the generall ? Let that , I pray you , be duly considered : God , thankes be unto him for his gracious goodnesse , hath now made roome enough for his people , as for Israel in Canaan : and what needs ships having sea roome at will to clash and fall foule one against another ? God is good unto all , and can open the windowes of heaven and poure out a blessing on all estates . Onely let the civill and spirituall estates , as two strong pillars , mutually conjoyne their forces , and in Christian love support the whole frame of the building , and so make each other the more steady and strong .

But further , Is it fit that our ecclesiasticall persons should bee termed Lords ?

Answer , first , It pleased God ( as above was shewed ) to vouchsafe titles of his owne to Civill and Ecclesiasticall persons ; as these to the ecclesiasticall , Sar Prince , Nasi Prelate , Rosh head , Architecton chiefe builder , &c. These , as also the terme Adon , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lord , are in the highest and most eminent sense due to God onely , for hee is a Lord doing what ever hee pleaseth of his owne authority : yet in an inferiour and subordinate sense , Sara called Abraham Lord ; so did the Hittite , Genesis 23. Abrahams servant is called Lord , Genesis 24. 18. So is any master of servants , Exodus 21. 5. Col. 4. 7. and ( which comes home to this present objection ) one of the foure and twenty Presbyters . Apoc. 7. 14. is called Lord : And if so , then this terme is not denyable to Bishops .

Secondly , as others in chiefe places subordinate to Princes are high and honourable Lords , so may the chiefe Ecclesiasticall persons be venerable and reverend Lords : because in all times , from the worlds beginning until Christs dayes , Ecclesiasticall persons were of great esteeme : in the primitive times they were chiefe governours of the Church under Christ ; and for their sacred imployments sake , being men answerable to their calling , ought doubtlesse to have a neer subordination to Christian Princes ; and if the kingdome of God by their vigilancy be first and chiefly sought , all other matters of this world wil be the more prosperous .

Thirdly , Though God in some sense ( as above ) doth deny certain titles to men , yet he never was against words of due respect and observance to superiours ; nor indeed are such words blame worthy : so that they be not a a As Iudas his Haile Master . bare and meer complement , and not cordiat : or b b As was Herods applause . Acts 12. 19. hyperbolicall to puffe up men with pride . Yea , I know not whether due titles bee not now more studiously and frequently fitted to mens persons : Because , 1. Some sects set themselves to vilifie them . 2. Because 't is not amisse thereby to put some great ones in minde to be Lords , defending the innocent , as well as to have a title to rule over others in the Lord : to be Lords providing for the welfare of all under them , as well as to have a power commanding them . God hath been bountifull to Ecclesiasticall persons many wayes , and they who truely consider that , will not be strict handed to them .

What hath been here spoken in their behalfe , was occasioned by some , who upon faulty arguments ( as I conceive ) judge amisse of their places and callings : These have ( as Saint Paul in like case said ) compelled mee to speak what I by Gods word finde to bee truth in this point , and submit whatsoever I have herein written to the religious , grave , and mature judgement of all who bee growne men in Christ , and by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evill .

FINIS .