¶ Of Virginitie , and the state of single life , together with the dutie of Virgins , of Maids , or single Women .

NOw concerning virgins [ or the state of Uirginitie ] I ( saith S. Paule ) haue no commandement of the Lord : yet giue I mine aduise & counsell , as one that hath obteined mercie of the Lord to be faithfull [ or beléeued . ]

I suppose therfore , that the single life is good for the present necessitie , [ in these afflictions and persecutions of the Church ] I meane that it is good for a man so to be [ single , or a woman to be a virgin . ]

Art thou bound vnto a wife ? Séeke not to be loosed . Art thou loosed from a wife ? Séeke not a wife : but if thou marie , and takest a wife , thou sinnest not . And if a virgin marie , she sinneth not : neuerthelesse , such shall haue trouble in the flesh , [ as worldlie cares of their children and familie : ] but I spare you , [ in wishing that you men could liue without wiues , and you virgins without husbands . ]

And this I saie , bicause the time is short : the fashion of this world goeth awaie , and I would haue you without care . For the vnmaried careth for the things of the Lord , how he may please the Lord : but he that is maried , careth for the things of the world , [ onelie apperteining to this present life ] how he may please his wife .

There is difference also betwéene a virgin and a wife : the virgin , or vnmaried woman careth for the things of the Lord , that she may be holie both in bodie and in spirit : and attaine vnto it sooner than the maried wife , bicause she is without cares : but she that is maried careth for the things of the world , how she may please hir husband .

And this I speake for your owne commoditie or profit , not to intangle you in a snare : [ not to bind your conscience to single life . ] For that were presumption : ] but for comlinesse sake , that ye might folowe that which is honest , and that ye may cleaue fast vnto the Lord without separation .

But if anie man thinke that it is vncomlie for his virgin , if she passe the flower of hir age or time of mariage , [ then ] and néed so require , [ that she should marie to auoid fornication ] let him doo what he will , he sinneth not : let them be maried . Neuerthelesse , he that standeth firme in his hart [ and is fullie persuaded ] that he hath no néed : but hath power ouer his owne will , and hath so decréed in his hart , that he will kéepe his virgin , he doth well . [ For the fathers will dependeth on his childrens will in this point of mariage , insomuch as he is bound to haue respect to their infirmitie : neither can he iustlie require of them singlenesse of life , if they haue not the gift of God so to liue . ] So then , he that giueth his virgin to mariage doth well : but he that giueth hir not to mariage doth better [ and more commodious for his children , in preseruing them from cares . ]

The wife is bound by the lawe of matrimonie , as long as hir husband liueth : but if hir husband be dead , she is at libertie to marie with whom she will , onelie in the Lord : but she is more blessed , if she so abide , in my iudgement : and I thinke that I haue also the spirit of God . 1. Cor. 7 , 25,26 , &c.

[ Where note , that S. Paule doth not here prefer single life , as a thing more holie than mariage : but in respect , and by reason of the incommodities which mariage hath more than the other : neither doth hée bind mens or womens consciences to single life or widowhood , as to that which God hath left frée , and therfore it were presumption in anie other to doo it . But shewing what is most agréeable to Gods will , according to the circumstance of the time , place and persons , as appeareth in that the Church was now , when he wrote this , in great persecution : he would insinuate hereby , that to heape one trouble or care vpon another by mariage , was not so profitable for men and women to go on towards godlinesse , as behooued , during such afflictions . ]

If a virgin or maid vow a vow vnto the Lord [ of virginitie , ] and bind hir selfe by a bond [ to liue chast , ] being in hir fathers house , in the time of hir youth : & hir father [ hearing of this hir vow and bond , wherewith she hath bound hir selfe ] hold his peace , and doo not gaine-saie , but by silence approoue it : then all hir vowes [ of virginitie ] shall stand , and euerie bond wherewith she hath bound hir selfe , shall remaine of force against hir : but if hir father disalow of this hir vow and bond , the same daie that he heareth thereof , and doo not approoue or consent to the vow or bond wherewith she hath bound hir selfe : then shall not that vow or bond be of value . And the Lord will forgiue hir , bicause hir father [ who hath authoritie ouer hir ] disalowed hir . Numb. 30,4,5 , &c.

Now therefore slaie all the males among the children , and kill all the women that haue knowne man by carnall copulation : but all the virgins , and women children that haue not knowne carnall copulation , kéepe aliue for your selues to marie . [ Note héere the prerogatiue of virginitie in the old lawe of armes . ] Numb. 31 , 16,17 .

Also , when thou shalt go to war against thine enimie , and the Lord thy God shall deliuer them into thine hands , and thou shalt take them captiues , and shalt sée among the captiues a beautifull woman , and hast a desire vnto hir , & wouldest take hir to thy wife : then thou shalt bring hir home to thine house , and [ to signifie that hir former life must be changed , before she be ioined to the people of God ] she shall shaue hir head , and pare hir nailes , and put off the garment that she was taken in , and so shall she remaine in thy house : and as she that hath renounced parents and countrie , she shall bewaile hir father and hir mother a moneth long , and after that shalt thou go in vnto hir , & marie hir , and she shall be thy wife . And if thou haue no fauour vnto hir , then thou maist let hir go whither she will : but thou shalt not sell hir for monie , nor make merchandize of hir , bicause thou hast humbled hir . [ Note that this onlie was permitted in the warres , otherwise the Israelites and people of God could not marie strangers . ] Deut. 21 , 10,11 , &c.

If a man take a wife , and when he hath lien with hir , hate hir , and laie slanderous things vnto hir charge , and bring vp an euill name vpon hir , and saie : I tooke this wife , and when I came to hir , I found hir not a maid : then shall the father of the maid , and hir mother take and bring foorth the signes and tokens of the maids virginitie vnto the elders of the citie in the gate . And the damsels father shall saie vnto the elders : I gaue my daughter vnto this man to wife , and he hateth hir , and lo he laieth slanderous things vnto hir charge , saieng : I found not thy daughter a maid : and yet lo , these are the tokens of my daughters virginitie : and they shall spread the vesture or shéet before the elders . Then the elders of the citie shall take that man , and chastise him , and condemne him in an hundred sicles of siluer , and giue them vnto the father of the maid , bicause he hath brought vp an euill name vpon a maid in Israel , and bicause the shame of the fact should haue lighted vpon the father , therefore the recompense shall be made vnto him that is faultlesse : and she shall be his wife still that complained , and he may not put hir awaie all hir life time .

But if this thing be true , that the maid be not found a virgin : then they shall bring foorth the maid to the doore of hir fathers house , and the men of the citie shall stone hir with stones to death : bicause she hath wrought follie in Israel , by plaieng the whoore in hir fathers house , and loosing hir virginitie : so thou shalt put euill awaie from among you . Deut. 22 , verse 15 , &c.

If a maid , damsell , or virgin betrothed vnto an husband be found lieng with an other man in the towne , they both shall be stoned to death : the maid , bicause she cried not being in the citie , [ where she might haue had rescue . ]

But if a man find a betrothed maid in the field , and force hir , and lie with hir , then the man onelie shall die , and not the maid , bicause there is in the maid no cause of death . For as when a man riseth against his neighbour , and woundeth him to death , so is this matter . For he found hir in the fields , where though she cried , yet was there no man to resist , helpe , or succour hir against the violence and force . [ Therefore the innocent can not be punished . ] Deut. 22 , 23 , &c.

The woman shall not weare that , which perteineth vnto the man : neither shall a man put on womans raiment . [ For that were to alter the order of nature , and to despite God therefore . ] All that doo so are abhomination vnto the Lord thy God . Deut. 22 , 5.

A maid , that in hir virginitie is defiled or gotten with child in hir fathers house , or otherwise is vnshamefast , bold , licentions , and vseth much libertie , shall bring both hir selfe , and hir friends to publike infamie and open reproch of all . Eccles. 42 , 10,11 .

A faire maid without discretion or good maners , is like a ring of gold in a swines snout . Prou. 16 , 22.

Maidens , damsels , or women that are singers and dansers , are not to be harkened vnto , or kept companie withall . Eccles. 9 , 4.

Saie not thou , O yoong woman , after the maner of the wicked , which desperatelie boast , and saie : Come , let vs enioie the pleasures that are present , and let vs chéerfullie vse the creatures , as in youth . Let vs fill our selues with costlie wine and ointments , and let not the flower of youth passe by vs . Let vs crowne our selues with rose buds , afore they be withered . Let vs all be partakers of our wantonnesse . Let vs leaue some tokens of our pleasures in euerie place . For it is our portion , and this is our lot . O be not thou , my daughter , of this number , I saie . For they that imagine such things , go astraie , and their owne wickednesse hath blinded them ●o their sudden destruction , which they shall vndoubtedlie féele and prooue , [ but too late to repent of . ] Wisd. 2 , 6.

Ye maids , damsels , and virgins , vse not the companie of them that are singers , dansers , and riotous men : neither harken vnto them , least you be snared , and taken by their craftie allurements . Eccl. 9,4 , &c.

Gaze not on the beautie of anie man , least thou fall by that , which is pretious in him .

Cast not thy mind vpon ruffians in anie maner of thing , least thou destroie both thy selfe , and thine heritage .

Go not about gazing in the stréets of the citie , neither wander thou in the secret corners or places thereof .

Turne awaie thine eies from a beautifull man , and looke not vpon their comlie personages , and feature of bodie . For manie haue perished by such gazing : and through it , loue is kindled as a fire .

Euerie woman that is an harlot shall be troden vnder foot , as doong of euerie one that goeth by the waie .

Sit not at all with another womans husband , neither lie with him vpon the bed , nor banket with him , least thine hart incline vnto him , and so through his inordinate desire of lust thou fall into destruction with him .

Delight not thou in the things that the vngodlie haue pleasure in : but remember that they shall not be found iust vnto their graue . Remember , I saie , that thou goest in the midst of snares , & that thou walkest vpon the towers of the citie in the view of euerie one . Eccles. 9 , verse 14.

He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled with it , and she that is familiar with the proud and vngodlie shall be like vnto them . Eccl. 13,1 .

A shamelesse maid is compared to a dog : but she that is shamefast reuerenceth the Lord. Eccles. 26 , 26.

Let the yoonger women therefore be sober minded , discréet , chaste , kéeping at home , good , and subiect vnto their superiors , that the word of God be not euill spoken of . Titus . 2 , 4.

Flie also from the lusts of youth , and followe after righteousnesse , faith , loue , and peace with them that call on the Lord with a pure hart . For if anie woman separate hir selfe from the wicked , and purge hir naturall corruption by Gods spirit , she shall be a vessell vnto honour , sanctified , and méete for the Lord , and prepared to euerie good worke . 2. Tim. 2 , 22.

A well nourtured and manerlie maid is as a polished stone of a palace : yea , she is the beautie of the citie , and the honour of hir fathers house , as appeareth by Dauids opinion in his Psalme 144 , 12.

Bicause youth is most giuen to licentiousnesse , and vaine pleasure , and wanton delights of the world : therefore the holie Prophet King Dauid chieflie warneth them to frame their liues béetimes to Gods word , saieng : Wherewithall shall a yoong maiden redresse hir waies ? Euen by taking héed , and ruling hir selfe according to Gods word . Psal. 119 , 9.

Loue wisedome , and séeke hir from thy youth . For by hir shalt thou get glorie among the multitude , and honor among the nations , though thou be yet but yoong . Yea , by hir thou shalt obtaine immortalitie , and leaue an euerlasting memoriall among them that come after thée . Wisd. 8 , 2 , &c.

Desire to heare all godlie talke , and let not the graue sentences of knowledge escape thée .

Let thy mind be vpon the ordinances of the Lord , and be continuallie occupied in his commandements ; so shall he stablish thine hart , and giue thée wisedome at thine owne desire . Eccles. 6 , 36,38 .

Loue the Lord all thy life , and call vpon him for thy saluation . Ecc. 13 , verse 15.

Feare the Lord with all thy soule , and honour thine elders . Eccl. 7 , verse 29.

Pride is hatefull before God and man , and by both doth one commit iniquitie . Why art thou proud , O earth and ashes ? Why is earth and ashes proud , séeing when a man or woman dieth , she is the heire of serpents , beasts and woormes ? The beginning of all pride is to fall awaie from God , and to turne away thine hart from thy maker . Pride was not created in men , neither wrath in the generation of women . Pride is the originall of sinne , and she that hath it shall powre out abhominations so long , till at last she be ouerthrowne . For the Lord destroieth the memoriall of the proud , and plucketh them vp by the roots : but loueth the remembrance of the humble , and planteth the lowlie with glorie among them . Eccles. 10 , 7 , &c.

Dishonour not a man or woman in their old age . For they were as thou , which art not old . Eccles. 8 , 6.

Despise not the exhortation of the elders that be wise : but acquaint thy selfe with their wise sentences and graue maners , so shalt thou bée able to serue euen great men without complaint . Eccles. 8 , 8.

Doo no euill , so shall no harme come vnto thée : depart from the thing that is wicked , and sinne shall turne awaie from thée . Sowe not vpon the ●urrowes of vnrighteousnesse : least thou reape them seuen fold . Eccles. 7 , 1,2 , &c.

Make not manie words when thou art among thine elders , neither vse to make anie maner of lie . For the custome thereof is not good . Eccles. 7 , 14,13 .

Stand thou in thy state , and exercise thy selfe therein , and remaine in thy worke vnto thine age . Eccles. 11 , 20.

Get thy selfe praise by modestie , méekenesse , and chastitie , & estéeme thy selfe least of all other . Who will count hir iust that sinneth against hir selfe ? Or honour hir that dishonoreth hir owne soule ? Eccles. 10 , verse 29.

Followe not thy lusts : but turne thée from thine owne app●tites . For if thou giuest thy soule hir desires , it shall make thine enimies that enuie thée , to laugh thée to scorne . Take not thy pleasure in great voluptuousnesse , and intangle not thy selfe with such lewd riotous companie . Eccles. 18 , 30 , &c.

Shée that companieth adulterers and riotous companie shall béecome impudent , rottennesse and woorms shall haue hir to heritage : and she that is too bold and impudent shall be taken awaie , and be made a publike example . Eccles. 19 , 3.

Who so reioiceth in wickednesse shall be punished : but she that resisteth pleasures crowneth hir owne soule . Eccles. 19 , 5.

A maidens garment , hir looks , hir countenance , hir excessiue laughter , and going , and pride , declare what maner of person she is . Ec. 19 , ●erse 28. and 26,9 .

A maid that communeth with all men , is a scourge of the tongue , and a plague to hir soule . Eccles. 26 , 7.

There be thrée things hid from me ( saith Salomon , ) yea foure that I knowe not . The waie of an Egle in the aire : the waie of a serpent vpon a stone : the waie of a ship in the midst of the sea : and the waie of a maid or yoong woman with a man . Prou. 30 , 18.

An vntamed horse will be stubborne : and a wanton wench will be wilfull . Eccles. 30 , 8.

Thou maiden that art yoong , speake if néede be , and yet scarse when thou art twise asked : and when thine elder speaketh , babble not much : but giue eare and be still : and for thy good and modest behauiour thou shalt be loued and commended .

Before thunder goeth lightening : and before a shamefast maiden goeth fauour and grace . Eccles. 32 , 8.

To auoid fornication let euerie woman haue hir owne husband . 1. Cor. 7 , 2. For it is better to marie than to burne in lust .

I will ( saith S. Paule ) that the yoonger women marie and beare children , and gouerne the house , and giue no occasion to the aduersarie to speake euill , as some doo that are turned back after Sathan . 1. Tim. 5 , verse 14.

I will powre out my spirit ( saith God ) vpon all flesh , & your sonnes & your daughters shall prophesie , your old men shall dreame dreames , and your yoong men shall sée visions : and also vpon the seruants and vpon the maids in those daies will I powre my spirit . Ioël . 2,28,29 .

Then shall the virgin reioice in the dense , and the yoong men and the old men togither . For I will turne their mourning to ioie , and will comfort them , and giue them ioie for their sorowe . Ierem. 31 , 13.

Can a maid forget hir ornament ? Or a bride hir attire ? Yet my people haue forgotten me daies without number . Ierem. 2 , 32.

How streightlie virgins were kept in from men in the old time , yea among the heathen that knew not God , so that it was a verie hard thing for a man to come vnto them without leaue of their kéeper , it doth appeare by the storie of Hester . 2. & of Thamar . 2. Sam. 13 , 2.

How perilous a thing it is for maidens and virgins to vse the common méetings at bridalls , faires , dansing schooles , and plaies , it may well be séene by the storie of Dinah . Iudg. 21 , 19. and of the daughters of Silo , who therby lost their virginitie & chastitie , and by Iobs daughters , who dansing and banketing , lost their liues by sudden death . Iob. 1 , 13.

It was counted a great shame in Israel , in the olde time , for a virgin to die vnmaried and without children : and therfore the maids reioiced to be maried .

Yea the Prophet Dauid reckoneth it among the great plagues of God , for a maiden to die in hir virginitie , or vnmaried : wher he saith : The fire consumed their yoong men , and their maidens were not giuen to mariage : [ or had no mariage songs . ] Psal. 78,63 .

Therefore , if you will sée how the maidens customablie lamented & bewailed the virginitie ( the space of a moneth together in the mountaines ) of hir that died a virgin , you may read the storie of Iepthas daughter . Iudg , 11 , 37.

Yoong men and maids , old men and babes , praise yée the name of the Lord. Psal. 148 , 12.

I am gelous ouer you with godlie gelousie , for I haue prepared you for one husband , to present you as a pure virgin to Christ . Beware therfore , least as the serpent beguiled Eue through his subtilty , so your minds be not corrupted from the [ puritie , holinesse , perfection and ] simplicitie that is in Christ . 2. Corinth. 2,3 .

O how faire is a chaste generation with vertue ! The memoriall therof is immortall . For it is knowne with God , and with men . When it is present , men take example at it : and if it go awaie , yet they desire it : it is crowned , and euer triumpheth : when it hath wonne the reward of the vndefiled battels . Wisdom . 4,1,2 .

These are they , which were not defiled with women : for they are virgins . These are they which followe the lambe , whithersoeuer he goeth : these were redéemed from men , being the first fruits vnto God , and to the lambe . Reuel. 14,4 .

The dutie of husbands towards their wiues .

These are the ordinances , which the Lord hath commanded betweene a man and his wife . The first institution of matrimonie in paradise .

WHen the Lord GOD formed all the creatures of heauen and earth , he brought them to man , that bée might giue them names : who accordinglie gaue names to euerie creature . But for Adam found hée not an helpe or mate méete for him , among all the creatures vnder heauen : therefore the Lord said : It is not good that the man should be himselfe alone , I will make an helpe or companion méet for him . So the Lord caused an heauie sléepe to fall vpon the man , and whilest he slept , he tooke one of his ribs , and closed vp the flesh in stéed thereof : and of that rib , which the Lord God had taken from the man , made he a woman , and brought hir to the man to be his mate or wife . [ Signifieng thereby , that mankind was now perfect , when the woman was created , which before was like an vnperfect building . And as this first institution of matrimonie in paradise was by God : so all lawfull mariages are now also made by the same God , and therefore to be highlie had in honour . ] Then the man said : This now is bone of my bones , and flesh of my flesh , she shall be called woman , bicause she was taken out of man . Therefore shall man leaue his father and his mother , and shall cleaue to his wife , and they shall be one flesh . [ Whereby we may sée , that mariage requireth a greater dutie of men towards their wiues , than otherwise they are bound to shew to their parents . ] Gen. 2 , 18 , &c.

And thus in the daie that God created Adam in his owne likenesse , he created them male and female , and blessed them , and called their name ( Adam ) in the daie that they were created . [ So that the husband and the wife are now as one man , or one person , flesh or bodie . For by giuing them both one name , he noteth the inseparable coniuction of man and wife . ] Gen. 5 , 2.

Of pluralitie of wiues .

BUT this lawfull institution of mariage by God , which is , that two should be one flesh : was first corrupted and violated in the house of Cain , by Lamech that cruell tyrant , who tooke vnto him two wiues at once : the one called Adah , the other Zillah , who greatlie feared his crueltie , as appeareth in their stories . Gen. 4 , 19.

Afterward also Abraham , Elkana , Dauid , and diuers other of the holie Patriarchs and fathers had two wiues at once : but this priuiledge of hauing two wiues , came in at the first with the promise of multiplication of séed to replenish the world , as well with the heires of promise , as of the flesh . But this promise being now performed and ended in Christ , the priuiledge ceaseth , and Gods first lawe taketh place againe , which ioineth two in one flesh , and no more , as before is said , and will not haue vs breake wedlocke by pluralitie of wiues . Re●d 1. Sam. 1 , 2.

Againe , King Salomon had seauen hundred wiues that were Queenes , and thrée hundred Concubines : for euerie daie thrée in the yéere . We read also that Rehoboam Salomons sonne had eightéene wiues , and thrée score Concubines . 2. Chron. 11 , 21. And that Abiiah his sonne had fourtéene wiues . 2. Chron. 13 , 21. [ Wherby note , that God tollerated in his people , the Israelites , in those daies pluralitie of wiues : as well for the increase of his people , as also for a mysterier that he would include and hide therein . For Hagar and Sara , Abrahams two wiues : as also Leah and Rahel , Iacobs two wiues , were figures of the synagogue , and of the true Church : of the children of reprobation , and the children of election . But Christ hath now in the time of the Gospell called vs to the first institution , as it was made of God in paradise , saieng : They shall be two of one flesh . 1. King . 11 , 3. Matt. 16. Iudges 2. ]

And did not he make one ; that is , did not God make man and woman as one flesh , and not maine ● Yet had he abundance of spirit , and by his power and vertue he could haue made manie women for one man . And wherfore one flesh ? Surelie bicause he sought a godlie séede , euen such as should be borne in lawfull and moderate mariage , wherin is no excesse of lusts . Therefore kéepe your selues in your spirit , that is , conteine your selues within your bounds , and be sober in mind , and bridle your affections , & let none trespasse against the wife of his youth , saith the Lord by his Prophet . Malac. 2 , 15.

A man ought to be the husband but of one wife . For to haue more than one at once is a signe of incontinencie , especiallie in a bishop or minister , as appeareth by S. Paule . 1. Tim. 3 , 2.

The commendation of wedded life , and godlie mariages ,

THE Apostle S. Paule ( bicause mariage , through mans corruption , and not by Gods institution , bringeth cares and troubles to the flesh , and not so much to bind mens consciences to single life , as to answere certaine questions of the Iewes ) saith : It were good for a man not to touch a woman ; neuerthelesse , to auoid fornication , let euerie man ( in generall ) haue his owne wife , and euerie woman hir owne husband .

Art thou bound vnto a wife ? Séeke not to be loosed . Art thou loosed from a wife ? Séeke not a wife : but if thou takest a wife , thou sinnest not .

The vnmaried careth for the things of the Lord , how he may please the Lord : but he that is maried , careth for the things of the world , how he may please his wife .

And hereafter they that haue wiues , shall be as though they had none . For the fashion of this world goeth awaie , &c. Read more in virginitie . 1. Cor. 7 , 2 , &c.

Where no hedge is , there the possession is spoiled : and he that hath no wife wandereth to and fro mourning . Eccles. 36 , 25.

Two are better than one alone . For if they fall , the one will lift vp the other : but wo vnto him that is alone . For he falleth , and there is not a companion to lift him vp . Also , if two sléepe togither , then shall they haue heate : but to one how should there be heate ? And a thréefold or twofold cord is not easilie broken . [ Where note by this prouerbe , how necessarie it is for a man to liue in matrimonie , and mutuall societie , to the intent they may be profitable one to another , and that their things may increase : and contrariwise , how pernicious and hurtfull a thing it is be solitarie and alone , without an helper and fellowe conforter . ] Eccles. 4,9,10 .

The blessings of God vpon godlie mariages , and his curses vpon the vngodlie espousals .

BLessed are they that feare the Lord , and walke in his waies . For thou shalt eate the labours of thine hands : O well is thée , and happie shalt thou be . Thy wife shall be as the fruitfull vine vpon the wals of thine house . Thy children like the Oliue branches round about thy table . Lo , thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord , &c. Psal. 128.

He that findeth a wife , [ or , he that is ioined with a vertuous woman in mariage ] findeth a good thing , and receiueth fauour [ or is blessed ] of the Lord. Prou. 18 , 22.

House and riches may a man haue by the heritage of his elders : ●ut a discréet woman and prudent wife commeth of the Lord , and is his onlie gift . Read more in the praise of women . Prou. 19 , 14.

Well is him that dwelleth with an huswife of vnderstanding : it is one of the ten things that Salomon iudgeth to be happie . Eccles. 25 , 8.

He that hath gotten a vertuous woman , hath a goodlie possession : she is vnto him an helpe and piller , wherevpon he resteth . Eccles. 36 , verse 24.

Contrariwise , who so despiseth wisedome and discipline , is miserable , and their works vnprofitable ; their wiues are vndiscréet , and their children wicked , and their offspring accursed . [ Marke well this sentence , O ye husbands that contemne the word of GOD , and neglect the diligent reading and hearing of the same , and repent in time , and imbrace the Gospell , that these curses may be auoided , and Gods blessings acquired to your saluation . ]

It is a thing verie dangerous both to bodie and soule , to match in mariage with an idolatrous and superstitious woman , as appeareth by manie notable examples in Scripture , especiallie in Salomon , Achab , and others , whose wicked idolatrous wiues brought them to vnspeakable mischiefs and dangers , euen to their destruction and wrath of God . Read the storie of Iezabel , and such like . 1. Kings . 11 , verses 16 , 21. 2. Chron. 8 , &c.

Also how perilous a thing it is for the husbands to permit their wiues anie thing , whereof they be not assured by Gods word . For therby they take an occasion to iustifie their dooings , and their husbands shall giue an account thereof before God . Ye may read in the storie of the idolatrous women of Ierusalem . Esai . 3,25 , &c. where GOD plagued the husbands for suffering their wiues to commit idolatrie . The like also for permitting their wiues to prance in pride , and weare apparell past their degrée , and to liue dissolutelie , nicelie , and vainlie attired , to the tempting , alluring , corrupting , and vndooing of other men . Read Esaie 3.

Therefore saith God , If thy wife that lieth in thy bosome entise thée to commit idolatrie , and to forsake thy God ; thou shalt cause hir to be stoned to death ; yea thine owne hand shall cast the first stone at hir . So greatlie doth God detest idolatrie and superstition , and the mainteiners thereof , be they neuer so néere or déere vnto vs . Deut. 13 , 6.

The prerogatiue of mariage .

A New maried man , by the old lawe of arms hath this priuiledge and prerogatiue by matrimonie : that he shall not go a warfare , neither shall be charged with anie businesse in the Common-wealth : but shall be frée at home one yéere , and reioice with his wife that he hath taken . Which was permitted them , that they might learne to knowe one anothers conditions , and so afterward liue togither in godlie puritie : as ye may read , Deut. 20,7 . and 24,5 .

The first dutie of new maried folks .

NEw or yoong maried folks ought not licentious●ie to go togither , before they haue first vpon their knées , secretlie in their chamber , commended themselues vnto God by praier , after the good example of Tobie and Sara , whose praier for this purpose you may read afore in the fift Lampe of Uirginitie . Tob. 7,17 , and 8 , verse 4.

The husband ought to praie vnto God diligentlie and often for his wife and children , that they may liue godlie and agrée togither . So did Isaac for his wife Rebecca , bicause she was barren , and the Lord was intreated of him , and she conceiued and bare him a sonne . Gen. 25. So did Tobie for Sara , &c.

The husband ought to instruct and teach his wife the feare of God : so did Iacob his two heathen wiues , as appeareth , Gen. 31,13 .

Of consenting to the wiues lawfull or vnlawfull acts , &c.

HUsbands must beware how they consent or obeie their wiues in vnlawfull things prohibited by Gods lawe . For Adam not so much to please his wife , as mooued by ambition at hir persuasion , did eate of the forbidden trée in paradise , and it turned to his sore punishment . For therefore God said thus vnto him . Bicause thou hast obeied the voice of thy wife , and hast eaten of the trée whereof I commanded thée , saieng : Thou shalt not ●ate of it : cursed is the earth for thy sake . Gen. 3 , 6 , 11 , &c.

And when they are reprooued for following their wiues follies , they must not wickedlie and hypocriticallie vpbraid God , and burden him with the fault , bicause he hath giuen them such an euill wife , as Adam did , when he said : The woman , which thou gauest me to be with me , she gaue me of the trée , and I did eate . Gen. 3 , 11 , &c.

But in Gods matters : and in all things touching vertue and honestie it shall not be amisse , if the husband beare his wife patientlie , and be ruled by hir aduise , as Abraham was at the counsell of Sara , in putting awaie Hagar and hir child . For true faith must renounce all naturall affection to obeie Gods commandements : though pronounced by the mouth of the weaker vessell . Gen. 21.

Husbands ought not by vnlawfull meanes , shifts , and silence , to put their wiues in danger to saue their owne liues : as Abraham & Isaac often did , by dissembling with Pharao & Abimelech , and calling their wiues Sara and Rebecca , Sisters , for feare of killing , which turned their wiues to great danger of deflouring , and themselues to great rebuke , among the heathen . Gen. 12 , 16,26 .

Of the husbands headship , power or souereigntie ouer the wife .

BUT the husband ought to be the head , vaile , and defence of his wife , to preserue and keepe hir from all dangers .

For as Christ is the head and Sauiour of his bodie the Church : so the husband is the head of his wife , and ought to nourish , gouerne , and defend his wife from all perils and dangers , as he would himselfe . Ephes. 5 , 24.

Giue not the power of thy life vnto a woman , least she ouercome thy strength , and so thou be confounded : that is , let not thy wife haue rule ouer thée . For if she once get the maisterie , then will she be contrarie vnto thée , take awaie thine hart and strength , and bring thée to confusion among thine enimies , [ as did Eua to Adam : Dalila to Samson : Iezabel to Achab : Herodias to Herod , &c. ] Eccles. 9.

Giue the water no passage , no not a little : neither giue a wicked woman libertie to haue hir will , or to go out of dores . For if she walke not in thine obedience , she shall confound thée in the sight of thine aduersaries : cut hir off from thy flesh , &c. Eccles. 25 , 27.

Giue not thy wife power ouer thée as long as thou liuest , and hast breath . Eccles. 33 , 18.

Be not ashamed to set a good locke where an euill wife is , and to locke vp things where manie hands are . Eccles. 42 , 6.

Kéepe the doores of thy mouth from hir that lieth in thy bosome . Mich. 7 , 5. [ That is , be not hastie to reueale secrets vnto thy wife : least others plowing with thy heifer ( as the Philistines did with Dalila Samsons wife , vnto whom at hir dissembling teares and impudent importunacie he disclosed his riddle ) reape the fruits of thy wished haruest , and so turne thée to wrath and displeasure , as it did him . ] Read , Iudg. 14.

The husband hath power by Gods lawe to approoue or disapprooue , breake or disalow of euerie oth , bond , promise , contract , or vow that his wife shall make , during couerture , yea though it be a vow betwéene God and hir : of mortification , by abstinence to humble hir soule , or of anie other bodilie exercises : much more anie promise , bond , or contract made betwéene hir and others , and that bicause she is in subiection vnto hir husband , and can performe nothing without his consent . Neuerthelesse , if the husband , hearing of his wiues vows and bonds , hold his peace , and saie nothing against it , nor warne not his wife the selfe same daie that he hath first notice of hir vowes so made : then his silence shall establish all hir vowes and bonds , which she hath made , and confirme them to be good both against himselfe and his wife . But if at any time after , the husband speake against it , and breake that vow by shewing himselfe altogither vnwilling , and vnpleased therewith , then shall it be void , and of none effect , and he shall beare hir iniquitie , and the sinne and offence for the breach thereof , shall be imputed to the husband , and not to the wife . Numb. 30.

Of anger and frowardnesse .

GOdlie and zealous anger in the husband towards the wife is lawfull , and ought not to be counted frowardnesse in him , especiallie when it is to prefer the glorie and worship of God . For that is to be angrie and sinne not : so was Iacob angrie with Rahel , and reprooued hir follie , as you may read , Gen. 30. in the storie of Rahel . So also was Dauid with Michol , as you may sée in hir storie . 2. Sam. 6. and diuers others .

But godlinesse doth require , that the husband ought not for euerie light occasion , or by anie vngodlie meanes to trouble , disquiet , or vexe his wife , nor to take anie mo wiues beside hir . For that was a thing hatefull and detestable euen among the heathen : as you may read in Labans couenant with Iacob , concerning the good vsing and intreating of his two daughters . Gen. 31. And Ednas exhortation to Tobie . 10 , 12.

For he that troubleth his owne flesh [ or dealeth frowardlie with his wife ] is to be reputed a cruell man , saith Salomon . Prou. 17 , 11.

He that vpbraideth his wife , or déere friend [ especiallie in the presence of other ] breaketh friendship , and the bond of amitie . Eccles. 22 , verse 20.

That man is said to abound in sinne , whose angrie mind towards his wife is hot as fire that cannot be quenched , till it be consumed : as you may read afterward . Eccles. 23 , 16.

Loue thy wife as thy selfe . For if ye bite and deuoure one another , take héed least ye be consumed one of another . Gal. 5 , 14.

Beare ye one anothers burden , and that with the spirit of méekenesse , considering thy selfe , least thou also be tempted . Gal. 6 , 1.

Husbands , loue your wiues , & be not bitter vnto them . Col. 3 , 19.

Ye husbands , dwell with your wiues as men of knowledge , by neither kéeping them too straight , nor giuing them too much libertie : but giuing honour vnto them , as vnto the weaker vessels : [ in taking care and prouiding for their necessities ] and in liuing quietlie one with an other , euen as they that are heires togither of the grace of life , that your praiers be not interrupted . For you can not praie well as yée ought , when ye are at strife and dissention one with the other . 1. Pet. 3 , verse 7.

Use thy selfe to liue ioifullie and quietlie with thy wife , which God hath giuen thée vnder the sunne , and whom thou louest all the daies of thy life , which is but vanitie . For this is thy portion in this life of all thy labour . Eccles. 9 , 8.

Thrée things reioice me , saith God , and by them am I beautified before God and men : that is to saie , the vnitie of brethren : the loue of neighbours , and a man and his wife that agrée well togither . Eccl. 25.

Such husbands as were frowardlie and vnreuerentlie handeled and intreated by their wiues were these : Abraham of Sara : Iacob of Rebecca : Moses of Zipporah : Samson of Dalila : Tobie of Anna : Achab of Iezabel : Nabal of Abigael , &c. As you may read in their seuerall stories . Gen. 16 , 30 , 18. Iudg. 14 , &c.

Of gelousie .

THis is the lawe of gelousie , when a wife turneth from hir husband , and is defiled by another man : or when a man is mooued with a gelous mind , and is gelous ouer his wife : then shall he bring his wife before the Lord vnto the priest , and the priest shall doo to hir according to the lawe of gelousie : and the man shall be frée from sinne , but his wife shall beare hir iniquitie , [ which prooueth that by Gods lawe the man might accuse his wife of incontinencie , and not be reprooued therfore , although it be not true . ] Read more in wiues dutie . Numb. 5 , 11 , &c. Deut. 22.

Gelousie is the rage of a man , therefore he will not spare in the daie of vengeance . Prou. 33 , 34.

Be not gelous ouer the wife of thy bosome , that she shew not some shrewd point , and least thou teach hir an euill lesson against thy selfe . Eccles. 9 , 1.

Aske no counsell of thy wife touching hir , of whom she is gelous . Eccles. 37 , 11.

Of loue and hate .

ALthough children be a great cause of mutuall loue betwéene the husband and the wife , bicause they are the gift of God , and fruits of mariage : yet the husband ought not to despise his wife , though she be barren : but alwaies to loue , cherish , and comfort hir with swéet words , and doo hir all the good he can , after the example of these godlie men , Abraham , Isaac , Iacob , Elcana , Dauid , Iob , &c. Who most intirelie loued their wiues whether they were barren or fruitfull , and when they perceiued them to be at anie time troubled or disquieted , deale by gentle spéeches with them , and godlie intreatie louinglie comfort and reléeue them , patientlie enduring all troubles , praieng vnto God hartilie for them to quiet them , and to make them fruitfull : as you may read in the seuerall stories of Sara , Rebecca , &c. Gen. 24,6 . 33,2 . 1. Sam. 1,8 .

We read of Palthiel that he so intirelie loued Milcha , that he went after hir wéeping like a child , for griefe that she was caried awaie to hir husband Dauid . 2. Sam. 3 , 16.

A man loueth his owne father , which hath nourished him , and his owne countrie , and is ioined with his wife , and for the woman he ieopardeth his life , and neither remembreth father nor mother , nor countrie . He laboureth , and trauelleth , and giueth , and bringeth all home to his wife : wherefore a man loueth his owne wife more than father or mother . 1. Esdras 20 , 21,25 .

A man ought to loue his wife for thrée causes especiall : first , bicause they lead their liues togither in mutuall societie : secondlie , for that she is the weaker vessell , and therefore to be cherished and borne with ; but chieflie and lastlie , bicause that God hath made them as it were fellowe-heires togither of life euerlasting : as you may read before in the 1. Pet. 3.

Husbands , loue your wiues , euen as Christ loued the Church or congregation , and gaue himselfe for it , that he might sanctifie it , and cleanse it by the washing of water through the word , that hée might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church , not hauing spot nor wrinkle , or anie such thing ; but that it should be holie , and without blame : euen so ought men to loue their wiues , as their owne bodies . He that loueth his wife , loueth himselfe . For no man euer yet hated his owne flesh ; but nourisheth and cherisheth it , euen as the Lord dooth the Church . For we are members of his bodie , and of his flesh , and of his bones . For this cause shall a man leaue father and mother , and shall cleaue vnto his wife , and they twaine shall be one flesh . For this is a great mysterie ; but I speake concerning Christ , and concerning the Church , saith S. Paule . Therefore euerie one of you husbands , doo ye euen so ; let euerie one loue his wife , euen as himselfe . Ephes. 5 , 25.

Neuerthelesse , by the parable of the great supper , where one refused to come therto being called , alledging it for a lawful excuse , bicause he had maried a wife , it doth appéere that we ought not to loue our wiues more than God . For there Christ saith , If anie man come to me , and hate not father and mother , wife and children , brethren and sisters , yea and his owne life also , he can not be my disciple . Matth. 14. Againe he saith ; Whosoeuer shall forsake house and land , wife and child for my name sake , he shall receiue an hundred fold more , and inherit euerlasting life . Matth. 19,29 . [ Where we learne to cast off all naturall affection and desires , euen to our déerest friends , which drawe vs from comming to Christ , and to folowe and obey his will before all things . ]

When to abstaine or forbeare to accompanie our wiues .

BE readie on the third daie , and come not at your wiues : [ but sanctifie your bodies , and giue your selues to praieer and abstinence , that you may at this time of the publishing of the lawe and Sacraments be holie , and attend onelie vpon the Lord and his seruice ] said Moses to the people . Exo. 19,15 .

Thou shalt not go vnto a woman to vncouer hir shame , as long as she is put a part for hir disease , [ or whilest she hath hir flowers . ] Leuit. 18 , 19. Sée more Cap. 20,18.12,2 . and 15,24 . [ Where we sée that the husband might not for that time , that his wife was either in child-bed , or put apart for hir vncleannesse , by the old lawe resort vnto hir to lie with hir . ]

Abimelech the priest would not giue of the halowed shew-bread of the temple vnto Dauid and his seruants , at the first asking : but said ; If the yoong men haue kept themselues at least from women , and haue not companied with their wiues : and when Dauid answered , saieng : Certeinlie women haue béene separate from vs these two or thrée daies , and the vessels or bodies of the yoong men are holie , though the waie were prophane : and how much more then shall euerie one bée sanctified this daie in his vessell , or shall be more carefull to kéepe his vessell holie , when he shall haue eaten of this holie food ? With this answere of Dauid , I saie , Abimelech being pleased , gaue vnto Dauid and his men of the shew-bread to eate : as you may read , 1. Sam. 21,4,5 .

There is a time to loue , and a time to hate : a time to imbrace , and a time to be far from imbracing . Eccles. 8 , 5.

Let the husband giue vnto the wife due beneuolence , that is , all duties pertaining to mariage . The wife hath not the power of hir owne bodie , but the husband : and likewise also the husband hath not the power of his owne bodie , but the wife . Defraud not one another ( therefore by long abstinence ) except it be with consent for a time , that yée may the better giue your selues to fasting and praier : and againe come togither that Sathan tempt you not , for your incontinencie : but I speake this by permission , not by commandement , saith the Apostle Paule . 1. Cor. 7 , 5.

When and wherefore the husband may lawfullie put awaie his wife , and where not , see in title diuorce .

MOses as it may séeme , sent his wife Zeppora backe againe vnto hir fathers house , for hir impatiencie by the waie , [ or in the iournie that they went , least she should be a let to his vocation , which then was so dangerous : ] read , Exo. 18,2 . As the Apostles also , who though it were lawfull for them to lead about a wife being a sister , that is , a faithfull Christian woman , as the brethren of the Lord : yet it may séeme that in time of persecution and planting of the Gospell , they forsooke their wiues , and left them with their friends , as Moses did , 1. Chron. 9 , 5.

It was lawfull for the Israelites that had maried strange wiues to put them awaie euerie man his wife : bicause it was to auoid Gods plagues , that therefore were hanging ouer their heads , bicause they contrarie to his commandements had maried strange idolatrous heathen women : as you may read in 1. Esdr. 9. Neh. 9.

He that putteth awaie a good woman , putteth awaie a good thing : but he that kéepeth an harlot is a foole and vnwise . Prou. 18 , 22.

Depart not from a wise , discréet , and godlie woman that is fallen vnto thée for thy portion in the feare of the Lord . For hir grace , and gift of hir honestie is aboue gold .

If thou haue a wife after thy mind , forsake hir not : but commit not thy selfe to the hatefull woman . Eccles. 7 , 19,26 .

Giue the water no passage , nor a wicked woman hir will : and if she walke not in thine obedience , cut hir off then from thy flesh . Giue hir a bill of diuorcement , and forsake hir , that she doo not alwaie abuse thée . For it is better to dwell with a lion and a dragon , than to kéepe house with a wicked wife . Eccles. 25. So did Ashuerus put awaie Uasti his wife , bicause she was disobedient to his commandement , as appeareth in the storie of Quéene Hester 1.

If thou hate thy wife , put hir awaie , saith the Lord God of Israel , [ not that he doth alow diuorcement : but of the two faults he sheweth which is the lesse ] as you may read more at large described . Mal. 2 , 16.

Ioseph being a wise man , and one that feared God , when he perceiued his espoused wife the virgin Marie great with child , before they came togither , he suspected that she had committed fornication before she was betrothed : and therefore partlie bicause he would not reteine hir , which by the lawe ( if it had béene true ) should haue béene maried to another : and partlie , for that by accusing hir , he was loth to put hir to open shame for hir fact , or to make hir a publike example to the world : therefore he was minded to haue put the blessed virgin awaie secretlie , vntill it pleased God to reueale the truth vnto him , and to command him to take hir home vnto himselfe : who did so , and was verie louing , tender , and carefull ouer hir continuallie , both for hir preseruation , and hir blessed babes , to the glorie of God , and both his and our euerlasting ioie : as you may read at large in the storie of the virgin Marie . Matth. 1 , &c.

Art thou bound to a wife ? Séeke not to be loosed . 1. Cor. 7.

Yea God , to the end we should doo our best to conuert our wiues , and cleaue inseparablie vnto them , though they fall into follie and vncleannesse vpon hope of amendment : sheweth by his prophet Hosea , that he loueth his Church though it erre or fall into idolatrie , which is spirituall whooredome , and doth not withdrawe his loue from vs , for all our sinnes , if we abuse not his lenitie and patience too much , but repent in time , and beléeue his Gospell . Hos. 3,1 . Ezech. 24,16 . See more in diuorcement .

Of Gods heauie iudgements against wedlocke breakers .

THou shalt not commit adulterie : thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife : but be pure in hart , word , and déed . Exo. 20 , 14 , 17.

Thou husband drinke the water of thine owne well , and the riuers that run of thine owne spring , [ that is , content thy selfe with thine owne wife ] so shall thy fountaine [ that is , thy children , which shall come of thée in great abundance ] be blessed . For God blesseth mariage , and curseth whooredome .

Reioice , I saie , and be glad with the wife of thy youth , which thou didst marie of a virgin , or when you were yoong : let hir be as the louing Hind and pleasant Roe : let hir brests alwaie satisfie thée , and hold thée euer content with hir , and delight thou in hir continuallie . For why shouldest thou delight , my sonne , in a strange woman , or imbrace the bosome of an harlot ? And knowe this , that euerie mans waies are open in the sight of the Lord , and he pondereth all their paths : yea , the wicked shall be taken in their owne iniquitie , to their vtter confusion . [ Thus we sée , that except a man ioine to his wife both in hart , and in outward conuersation , that he shal not escape the iudgments of God . ] Prou. 5 , 15.

He that breaketh wedlocke , and committeth adulterie , shall find a wound and dishonour , and his reproch shall neuer be put awaie . For gelousie is the rage of a man , therefore he will not spare in the daie of vengeance . He can not beare the sight of anie ransome , neither will he consent , though thou augment the gift . [ Whereby the holie Ghost sheweth , that man by nature séeketh his owne death , that hath abused his wife , and God will vndoubtedlie punish him therefore . ] Pro. 6,32 .

Take héed , O thou husband , that the Lord be not witnesse betwéene thée , and the wife of thy youth , against whom thou hast transgressed . For she is thy companion , or as the one halfe of thy selfe , and the wife of thy couenant , which was ioined to thée by a solemne promise , and by the inuocation of Gods name before the congregation . Therfore kéepe your selues in your spirit , & conteine your selues within your bounds , and be sober in mind , and bridle your affections , and let none trespasse against the wife of his youth . And if for hir faults thou hate hir , yet hée that is godlie , couereth the iniurie vnder his garment , and thinketh it expedient for his owne honestie to kéepe his wife still , and so as it were couereth hir fault , saith the Lord by his Prophet . Malac. 2 , 14 , &c.

There is two sorts of men that abound in sinne , and the third bringeth wrath and destruction . A mind hot as fire that can not be quenched till it be consumed : an adulterous man that giueth his bodie no rest , till he haue haue kindeled a fire to lust , and a man that breaketh wedlocke , and thinketh thus in his hart : Tush , who séeth me ? I am compassed about with darknesse , the wals couer me , no bodie séeth me , whom néed I to feare ? The most high will not remember my sinnes . Such a man onelie feareth the eies of men , and knoweth not that the eies of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the Sunne , beholding all the waies of men , and the ground of the déepe , and looking euen to mens harts , in the most secret places . The same man shall be openlie punished in the stréets of the citie , and shall be chased abroad like a yoong horse fole , and when he thinketh least of it , he shall be taken , and openlie punished . Thus shall the adulterous man that breaketh wedlocke be put to shame of euerie man , bicause he would not vnderstand the feare of the Lord . And thus shall it go also with euerie wife that leaueth hir husband , and getteth inheritance by a strange mariage . Eccles. 23.

Flie fornication and adulterie . For doo ye not knowe , that he which coupleth himselfe with an harlot is one bodie . For two shall be one flesh . 1. Cor. 6,16 .

Mariage is honourable among all men , and the bed vndefiled : but whooremoongers and adulterers God will iudge . Heb. 13 , 4.

If mine hart , said holie Iob , hath béene deceiued by a woman , or if I haue laid wait at the doore of my neighbour : then let my wife grind vnto another man , and be made a slaue , and let other men bow downe vpon hir . For this is wickednesse and iniquitie to be condemned : yea this is a fire that shall deuoure to destruction , and which shall roote out all mine increase . Iob. 31 , 9.

Finallie we haue manie notable examples , how greatlie the breach of mariage displeaseth God , and how in all ages men were persuaded , that Gods vengeance should light vpon wedlock-breakers , as it may appeare euen in the heathen kings , Herod and Abimelech , who tooke Sara and Rebecca the wiues of Abraham & Isaac , to be their wiues , and had almost lien with them : for which GOD plagued them with great plagues , as appeareth , Gen. 12 , 20,26 , &c.