Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a lord_n people_n 4,203 5 4.5705 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A05371 The treasure of vowed chastity in secular persons. Also the widdowes glasse. VVritten by the RR. Fathers Leonard Lessius, and Fuluius Androtius, both of the Society of Iesus. Translated into English by I.W. P. Lessius, Leonardus, 1554-1623.; Androzzi, Fulvio, 1523-1575. aut; Wilson, John, ca. 1575-ca. 1645? 1621 (1621) STC 15524; ESTC S108506 57,293 362

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

take_v away_o any_o obligation_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n impair_v the_o assuredness_n &_o certainty_n of_o a_o estate_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v firm_a and_o immutable_a on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o be_v sufficient_o say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o life_n and_o settle_v himself_o firm_o therein_o so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o other_o upon_o he_o different_a unto_o this_o but_o must_v continue_v therein_o even_o unto_o death_n but_o he_o who_o embrace_v single_a life_n and_o bind_v himself_o by_o vow_n unto_o it_o choose_v to_o himself_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o life_n &_o so_o establish_v himself_o therein_o as_o he_o can_v pass_v out_o of_o it_o unto_o the_o contrary_n therefore_o he_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n you_o will_v ask_v perhaps_o whether_o this_o estate_n may_v be_v call_v a_o estate_n of_o perfection_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a estate_n of_o perfection_n but_o only_o in_o part_n because_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o perfection_n for_o some_o estate_n include_v more_o &_o other_o less_o a_o estate_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v entire_a and_o complete_a include_v also_o the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n and_o obedience_n both_o which_o a_o virgin_n vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n may_v also_o after_o her_o manner_n imitate_v and_o supply_v before_o god_n finis_fw-la the_o widow_n glass_n abridge_v out_o of_o the_o reverend_a father_n fuluius_n androtius_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n and_o other_o anno_fw-la m.dc.xxi_o the_o preface_n to_o all_o devout_a widow_n because_v thou_o have_v love_v chastity_n &_o remain_v a_o widow_n after_o thy_o husband_n therefore_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v strengthen_v thou_o &_o thou_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o ever_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o holy_a virtuous_a and_o renown_a widow_n judith_n who_o for_o her_o chaste_a widowhood_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o strengthen_v of_o our_o lord_n that_o she_o overcome_v and_o kill_v the_o great_a and_o cruel_a holofernes_n deliver_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o tribulation_n and_o death_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o former_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v she_o also_o deserve_v to_o be_v exalt_v to_o the_o heaven_n by_o joachim_n the_o high_a priest_n who_o withal_o the_o people_n bless_v she_o &_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o jerusalem_n thou_o the_o joy_n of_o israel_n thou_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o people_n because_o thou_o have_v do_v manful_o and_o thy_o hart_n be_v strengthen_v from_o above_o etc._n etc._n and_o beside_o all_o this_o for_o her_o chaste_a widowhood_n do_v she_o merit_v a_o everlasting_a blessing_n from_o our_o lord_n to_o wit_n abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n and_o perfect_a felicity_n in_o heaven_n in_o like_a manner_n all_o virtuous_a widow_n follow_v these_o her_o trace_n and_o footstep_n shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v comfort_v by_o our_o lord_n with_o spiritual_a grace_n virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v ever_o bless_v and_o happy_a if_o devout_o they_o persevere_v in_o their_o chaste_a widowhood_n &_o shall_v also_o deserve_v to_o overcome_v &_o trample_v the_o devil_n under_o foot_n signify_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a proud_a and_o cruel_a captain_n holofernes_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o constant_o and_o devout_o persevere_v in_o the_o holy_a estate_n of_o continency_n in_o their_o widowhood_n we_o will_v with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o as_o well_o out_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o ancient_a father_n and_o history_n the_o widow_n glass_n chap._n i._n who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_o widow_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o chastity_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o marriage_n that_o of_o widow_n &_o that_o of_o virgin_n all_o three_o signify_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n whereon_o the_o seed_n fall_v the_o first_o whereof_o yield_v fruit_n thirthy_a foul_v the_o second_o sixty_o fold_n and_o the_o last_o a_o hundred_o but_o they_o who_o can_v yield_v the_o hundred-fould_a fruit_n let_v they_o at_o least_o offer_v up_o sixty_o to_o show_v themselves_o more_o liberal_a towards_o our_o saviour_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o perfection_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v carnal_a and_o worldly_a thing_n &_o draw_v near_o and_o join_v himself_o unto_o god_n his_o creator_n love_v he_o fear_v he_o seek_v he_o think_v on_o he_o contemplate_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o action_n this_o can_v hardly_o be_v affect_v in_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n especial_o by_o woman_n who_o hunt_v after_o &_o daily_o follow_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v hinder_v thereby_o for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o tread_v the_o true_a path_n which_o lead_v direct_o thereunto_o but_o widow_n who_o be_v free_a from_o such_o care_n and_o trouble_n and_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n may_v with_o great_a case_n and_o facility_n perform_v the_o same_o to_o their_o great_a comfort_n now_o there_o be_v diverse_a sort_n of_o widow_n some_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o husband_n be_v dead_a purpose_v so_o marry_v again_o for_o some_o temporal_a comfort_n and_o consolation_n not_o have_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o serve_v god_n almighty_a in_o that_o estate_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o offend_v he_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o widow_n s._n paul_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v that_o the_o young_a widow_n do_v marry_v again_o &_o become_v mother_n of_o family_n not_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o ill_o but_o approve_v of_o all_o but_o when_o a_o widow_n will_v marry_v again_o for_o any_o disordinate_a appetit_fw-la or_o because_o she_o be_v very_o rich_a or_o fair_a or_o soght_v after_o by_o some_o one_o that_o be_v place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n or_o state_n or_o for_o any_o other_o vicious_a occasion_n or_o ill_a end_n without_o doubt_n this_o her_o desire_n be_v naught_o nor_o be_v she_o to_o be_v reckon_v or_o worthy_o call_v a_o widow_n as_o long_o as_o she_o remain_v with_o this_o desire_n although_o she_o do_v not_o actual_o marry_v again_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o widow_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o marry_v again_o at_o all_o either_o for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o dowry_n or_o for_o fear_n lest_o they_o happen_v upon_o a_o ill_a husband_n or_o for_o some_o other_o secret_a or_o manifest_a respect_n yet_o be_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n not_o like_o indeed_o unto_o widow_n for_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v gad_v abroad_o tattle_a &_o gossip_v even_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o repute_v of_o the_o best_a edification_n and_o these_o forsooth_o will_v be_v fine_o apparel_v and_o though_o they_o have_v veil_n yet_o will_v they_o scarce_o cover_v their_o head_n with_o they_o their_o eye_n must_v be_v roll_v up_o and_o down_o they_o must_v go_v to_o banquet_n wedding_n and_o play_n they_o must_v tell_v tale_n hear_v &_o tell_v news_n &_o carry_v themselves_o even_o as_o mere_a secular_a ordinary_a and_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n these_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o shun_v by_o all_o true_a widow_n and_o these_o be_v those_o of_o who_o s._n paul_n speak_v in_o another_o place_n say_v take_v heed_n of_o such_o young_a widow_n for_o after_o that_o they_o have_v live_v riotous_o and_o licentious_o in_o christ_n they_o will_v marry_v carry_v with_o they_o their_o damnation_n for_o that_o they_o have_v break_v and_o make_v void_a their_o first_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o these_o it_o be_v better_a that_o they_o do_v marry_v again_o then_o live_v as_o they_o do_v another_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o never_o intend_v nor_o do_v indeed_o marry_v again_o but_o live_v chaste_o &_o virtuous_o both_o in_o act_n and_o desire_v but_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o for_o some_o human_a respect_n as_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o child_n their_o good_n or_o the_o like_a and_o although_o according_a to_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n they_o live_v honest_o and_o be_v repute_v for_o venerable_a mother_n and_o matron_n yet_o be_v they_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n &_o have_v little_a feel_n or_o gust_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o do_v but_o seldom_o frequent_a the_o sacrament_n or_o sermon_n fast_o only_o but_o when_o the_o church_n command_v they_o or_o do_v employ_v themselves_o in_o
of_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o monasterye_n be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o complexion_n of_o every_o one_o yea_o a_o great_a many_o either_o be_v not_o apt_a for_o this_o state_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o body_n or_o for_o other_o cause_n or_o oftentimes_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o easy_o win_v to_o it_o and_o that_o most_o common_o for_o diverse_a sufficient_a reason_n which_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o reveal_v and_o who_o now_o shall_v constrain_v such_o to_o marry_v or_o to_o enter_v into_o monasterye_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o keep_v their_o virginity_n in_o the_o world_n &_o to_o vow_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v it_o either_o because_o they_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o they_o must_v be_v therefore_o constrain_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o low_a &_o may_v not_o keep_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o both_o no_o man_n will_v think_v so_o except_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o joviuian_n the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o so_o necessare_o unite_v one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o that_o one_o may_v be_v follow_v without_o another_o and_o by_o themselves_o in_o diverse_a degree_n wherefore_o as_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o observe_v the_o state_n of_o poverty_n be_v not_o bind_v unto_o chastity_n so_o also_o those_o which_o embrace_v chastity_n must_v not_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n keep_v poverty_n or_o obedience_n or_o shut_v themselves_o up_o in_o monasterye_n chap._n v._o the_o same_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o commodity_n which_o this_o state_n of_o life_n be_v process_v both_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o religion_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o the_o cause_n why_o this_o state_n of_o life_n be_v so_o commend_v by_o holy_a father_n as_o well_o in_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o it_o bring_v therewith_o for_o in_o both_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o angelical_a life_n in_o both_o it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o our_o body_n as_o it_o be_v a_o burnt-offering_a to_o almighty_a god_n in_o both_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o spouse_n in_o both_o it_o free_v from_o the_o irksome_a slavery_n of_o marriage_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o both_o it_o deliver_v the_o mind_n from_o infinite_a care_n &_o trouble_n final_o in_o both_o it_o make_v it_o free_a and_o at_o liberty_n to_o apply_v itself_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o dwell_v as_o it_o be_v mental_o and_o spiritual_o with_o the_o bless_a in_o community_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o angelical_a life_n as_o holy_a father_n every_o where_o do_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o lord_n matt._n 22._o because_o as_o angel_n marry_v not_o nor_o be_v trouble_v with_o carnal_a concupiscence_n but_o be_v ever_o attent_a to_o divine_a matter_n &_o entertain_v themselves_o always_o in_o they_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n virgin_n be_v say_v to_o anticipate_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o resurrection_n because_o marriage_n after_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v cease_v virginity_n be_v a_o burnt-offering_a for_o as_o in_o a_o burn_a offering_n the_o thing_n sacrifice_v be_v kill_v and_o afterward_o all_o of_o it_o consume_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o no_o part_n thereof_o remain_v for_o human_a use_n so_o likewise_o a_o virgin_n must_v first_o kill_v all_o carnal_a affection_n in_o herself_o &_o afterwards_o offer_v up_o her_o body_n mortify_v after_o this_o sort_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o charity_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o reserve_v no_o part_n thereof_o to_o any_o human_a or_o carnal_a use_n she_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n because_o by_o vow_n she_o be_v bind_v unto_o god_n as_o to_o her_o husband_n for_o as_o the_o band_n of_o carnal_a marriage_n be_v not_o to_o be_v loose_v neither_o also_o be_v that_o of_o spiritual_a yea_o that_o of_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v much_o more_o indissoluble_a for_o it_o can_v be_v loose_v by_o death_n itself_o but_o continue_v in_o all_o eternity_n again_o as_o carnal_a marriage_n be_v effect_v for_o the_o mutual_a enjoy_n and_o comfort_n of_o both_o person_n and_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o child_n so_o this_o marriage_n be_v make_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v please_v god_n the_o better_a and_o receive_v help_n &_o comfort_v back_o again_o from_o he_o and_o that_o it_o may_v converse_v more_o familiar_o and_o with_o the_o great_a delight_n with_o almighty_a god_n as_o with_o its_o spouse_n and_o final_o to_o the_o end_n that_o have_v receive_v seed_n of_o divine_a grace_n from_o he_o a_o immortal_a and_o glorious_a issue_n may_v be_v beget_v to_o inherit_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v wherein_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o carnal_a for_o the_o late_a be_v to_o the_o end_n that_o of_o impure_a and_o corruptible_a seed_n another_o man_n may_v be_v beget_v and_o that_o but_o to_o enjoy_v a_o mortal_a life_n and_o thereby_o subject_a to_o infinite_a misery_n but_o the_o other_o be_v to_o the_o end_n that_o out_o of_o divin_v seed_n a_o mortal_a man_n shall_v beget_v not_o another_o mortal_a man_n but_o himself_o to_o a_o immortal_a and_o happy_a life_n therefore_o he_o persuade_v himself_o first_o unto_o this_o marriage_n and_o afterward_o by_o word_n &_o example_n profit_v other_o to_o this_o may_v be_v likewise_o add_v that_o as_o in_o carnal_a marriage_n title_n and_o dignity_n and_o all_o the_o good_n of_o either_o be_v communicate_v to_o both_o so_o likewise_o in_o spiritual_a the_o good_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o espouse_a belong_v also_o to_o the_o spouse_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o wife_n be_v that_o she_o may_v have_v a_o husband_n who_o be_v fair_a noble_a rich_a powerful_a and_o courteous_a and_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o she_o get_v such_o a_o one_o she_o think_v herself_o happy_a but_o how_o much_o more_o happy_a be_v a_o virgin_n who_o husband_n be_v the_o most_o fair_a most_o noble_a most_o rich_a most_o powerful_a most_o gentle_a and_o immortal_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n of_o angel_n also_o and_o of_o man_n see_v more_o of_o this_o in_o s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o virgin_n for_o as_o much_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o holy_a virginity_n they_o be_v general_o three_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o free_v the_o mind_n from_o innumerable_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n unto_o which_o the_o state_n of_o matrimony_n either_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o wife_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o child_n be_v subject_a unto_o which_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v 1._o cor._n 1._o when_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o those_o which_o be_v marry_v tribulationem_fw-la carnis_fw-la habebunt_fw-la huiusmodi_fw-la such_o shall_v have_v the_o tribulation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o first_o of_o all_o be_v the_o servitude_n of_o the_o wife_n by_o reason_n that_o she_o have_v not_o power_n of_o she_o own_o body_n &_o be_v make_v subject_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o her_o husband_n must_v endure_v his_o forwardness_n his_o insolence_n his_o banquet_n drunkenness_n jealousy_n suspicion_n incontinency_n adultery_n taunt_n &_o blow_n also_o she_o must_v follow_v he_o stick_v always_o to_o he_o obey_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o as_o his_o slave_n so_o that_o many_o slave_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o more_o tolerable_a bondage_n than_o some_o wife_n unhappy_o marry_v whilst_o he_o spend_v her_o wealth_n and_o substance_n at_o dice_n at_o play_n in_o drink_v banquet_a prodigal_a give_v improfitable_a bargain_n improvident_a contention_n and_o diverse_a other_o way_n which_o his_o wife_n be_v not_o able_a to_o remedy_n moreover_o he_o leave_v the_o charge_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o whole_a househould_a to_o she_o and_o yet_o allow_v not_o where_o withal_o sufficient_o to_o do_v it_o and_o bring_v she_o oftentimes_o even_o into_o that_o extremity_n that_o she_o grow_v half_o desperate_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v oppress_v and_o overcome_v with_o too_o much_o impatience_n she_o often_o curse_v her_o husband_n and_o wish_v all_o ill_a hap_n to_o befall_v he_o and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o his_o death_n neither_o be_v these_o thing_n rare_a and_o seldom_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v full_a of_o they_o now_o if_o we_o shall_v add_v unto_o all_o this_o the_o trouble_n that_o come_v continual_o by_o mean_n of_o child_n there_o will_v arise_v even_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o misery_n &_o affliction_n and_o although_o in_o the_o carnal_a act_n of_o marriage_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v now_o &_o then_o a_o little_a pleasure_n yet_o of_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v both_o unclean_a as_o a_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v not_o from_o a_o beast_n and_o also_o full_a of_o
shame_n and_o immodesty_n &_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v past_a and_o afterward_o reward_v with_o innumerable_a discommodity_n for_o present_o after_o conception_n there_o follow_v a_o kind_n of_o irksomeness_n idle_a dream_n giddiness_n unsetlednes_n of_o the_o head_n melancholy_a convulsion_n of_o the_o hartstringe_n absurd_a long_n after_o meat_n and_o a_o general_a perturbation_n of_o nature_n then_o follow_v the_o pain_n of_o childbearing_n which_o be_v both_o violent_a to_o the_o sense_n &_o oftentimes_o endure_v long_o and_o to_o many_o bring_v death_n also_o and_o then_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o what_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n must_v it_o be_v bring_v up_o until_o it_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o nature_n how_o many_o time_n a_o day_n must_v it_o be_v make_v clean_o feed_v make_v up_o apparel_v lay_v to_o sleep_n rock_v in_o the_o cradle_n take_v out_o again_o to_o give_v it_o suck_v and_o be_v hold_v out_o how_o many_o time_n must_v it_o be_v flatter_v and_o entreat_v with_o fair_a speech_n &_o with_o a_o thousand_o pretty_a hypocrisy_n and_o flatter_n to_o make_v it_o leave_v cry_v or_o to_o sleep_v these_o be_v the_o contynuall_a exercise_n of_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n and_o in_o such_o they_o be_v employ_v not_o on_o lie_v all_o day_n long_o but_o also_o most_o part_n of_o the_o night_n so_o that_o they_o can_v scarce_o take_v any_o rest_n but_o with_o often_o interruption_n i_o omit_v the_o sluttishnes_n the_o ill_a savour_n the_o weep_a crying_z &_o brawl_a which_o they_o be_v constrain_v daily_o to_o suffer_v i_o omit_v also_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n which_o they_o have_v when_o their_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v big_a &_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o diverse_a chance_n of_o the_o world_n what_o great_a grief_n they_o have_v if_o it_o chance_v they_o shall_v miscarry_v and_o die_v if_o by_o evil_a company_n they_o shall_v be_v allure_v to_o villainy_n and_o dishonesty_n if_o they_o shall_v prove_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a against_o their_o parent_n if_o they_o shall_v spend_v &_o waste_v their_o parent_n good_n at_o play_n drink_v or_o at_o any_o other_o unlawful_a game_n if_o without_o their_o parent_n consent_v they_o shall_v marry_v to_o these_o affliction_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n be_v always_o subject_a for_o albeit_o the_o parent_n be_v very_o devout_a and_o religious_a yet_o it_o happen_v oftentimes_o that_o the_o child_n be_v wicked_a and_o lewd_a and_o with_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o ill_a live_n torment_v their_o parent_n as_o we_o have_v example_n in_o adam_n and_o cain_n in_o noë_n and_o cham_n in_o abraham_n and_o ishmael_n in_o isaac_n and_o esau_n in_o jacob_n and_o many_o of_o his_o son_n in_o david_n amon_n and_o absolom_n with_o infinite_a other_o therefore_o since_o sacred_a virginity_n deliver_v from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v deserve_o to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o be_v another_o commodity_n of_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v that_o it_o free_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o care_n of_o govern_v a_o family_n of_o increase_v the_o stock_n and_o wealth_n of_o their_o estate_n of_o marry_v their_o child_n &_o of_o leave_v they_o ample_a patrimony_n for_o of_o these_o four_o thing_n all_o parent_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n most_o careful_a &_o solicitous_a yea_o common_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o whole_o addict_v and_o give_v to_o such_o business_n as_o they_o can_v scarce_o ever_o think_v serious_o on_o god_n or_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n these_o thing_n they_o keep_v always_o in_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o spend_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n these_o thing_n so_o waste_v and_o wear_v out_o all_o the_o ability_n &_o power_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o have_v no_o strength_n leave_v to_o consider_v or_o think_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a great_o therefore_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o be_v pity_v for_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o hurtful_a a_o great_a deal_n then_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o good_a thought_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o money_n the_o three_o commodity_n of_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v that_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n of_o marriage_n more_o fit_a &_o prepare_v to_o serve_v almighty_a god_n and_o procure_v its_o own_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a good_a of_o this_o life_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o be_v commend_v special_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o 1._o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o say_v mulier_fw-la innupta_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o woman_n unmarried_a and_o a_o virgin_n think_v on_o what_o belong_v unto_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v holy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o better_a nor_o more_o healthful_a unto_o our_o soul_n they_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o obtain_v of_o our_o soul_n welfare_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v we_o make_v &_o adorn_v with_o these_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n memory_n and_o will._n we_o have_v not_o receive_v these_o to_o employ_v they_o about_o transitory_a and_o servile_a matter_n without_o any_o fruit_n at_o all_o but_o to_o address_v they_o to_o eternal_a and_o celestial_a thing_n for_o our_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v to_o base_a &_o contemptible_a for_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v above_o all_o visible_a thing_n to_o fix_v and_o exercise_v itself_o there_o about_o the_o shortness_n itself_o of_o our_o life_n together_o with_o the_o uncertinty_a &_o necessity_n of_o die_v may_v just_o recall_v we_o from_o the_o care_n of_o temporal_a matter_n &_o address_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o solicitude_n of_o thing_n eternal_a whereupon_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 7._o say_v tempus_fw-la breve_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n time_n be_v short_a it_o remain_v that_o such_o as_o have_v wife_n be_v as_o those_o who_o have_v they_o not_o and_o those_o who_o mourn_n like_o those_o who_o mourn_v not_o &_o those_o who_o rejoice_v like_o those_o who_o rejoice_v not_o and_o those_o who_o buy_v like_o those_o who_o possess_v not_o and_o those_o who_o use_v this_o world_n like_o those_o who_o use_v it_o not_o for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o word_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o affect_v and_o addict_v to_o transitory_a thing_n then_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o us._n we_o ought_v to_o have_v care_n of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a punishment_n and_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a joy_n for_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o all_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a of_o this_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o no_o account_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o madness_n practise_v in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v the_o great_a to_o neglect_v the_o high_a and_o everlasting_a thing_n &_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v base_a and_o transitory_a with_o so_o great_a hazard_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n therefore_o as_o that_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v miserable_a and_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n which_o entangle_v the_o mind_n with_o care_n of_o base_a &_o earthly_a thing_n howsoever_o glorious_a and_o honourable_a they_o seem_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v that_o state_n happy_a &_o most_o desirous_o to_o be_v embrace_v which_o free_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o these_o care_n &_o trouble_n and_o affoard_v it_o commodity_n to_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o its_o own_o welfare_n and_o such_o be_v single_a life_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v neither_o in_o woman_n only_o but_o also_o in_o man_n single_a life_n have_v all_o these_o effect_n for_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o of_o woman_n have_v place_n also_o in_o man_n yet_o man_n in_o marriage_n be_v most_o common_o expose_v to_o more_o discommodity_n and_o inconvenience_n than_o woman_n because_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o maintain_v the_o household_n and_o of_o the_o great_a business_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o infinite_a disdain_n of_o the_o wife_n offence_n jealousy_n suspicion_n complaint_n and_o forwardness_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v as_o s._n hierome_n prosecute_v it_o very_o elegant_o out_o of_o theophrastus_n the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o jovinianus_n who_o word_n it_o seem_v here_o good_a to_o set_v down_o fertur_fw-la inquit_fw-la aureolus_n etc._n etc._n heer_n be_v bring_v quoth_v he_o a_o little_a golden_a book_n of_o theophrastus_n write_v concern_v marriage_n in_o which_o he_o ask_v this_o question_n whether_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v marry_v a_o wife_n or_o no_o and_o
apostle_n say_v that_o covetousness_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a our_o saviour_n also_o in_o the_o gospel_n tell_v us._n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o those_o that_o be_v rich_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o camel_n shall_v enter_v more_o easy_o through_o a_o needle_n than_o a_o richman_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o riches_n be_v understand_v all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o good_n disordinate_o affect_v or_o seek_v after_o when_o a_o widow_n have_v do_v her_o devotion_n let_v she_o never_o be_v idle_a let_v she_o take_v in_o her_o hand_n either_o wool_n or_o flax_n let_v her_o card_n let_v she_o spin_v let_v she_o wind_v the_o yarn_n that_o other_o have_v spon_o let_v she_o twist_v it_o let_v she_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o work_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o let_v she_o mend_v it_o &_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a be_v thus_o continual_o occupy_v the_o long_a day_n will_v seem_v very_o short_a &_o pleasant_a for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v idle_a be_v full_a of_o bad_a desire_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n insinuate_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o labour_n of_o she_o own_o hand_n let_v a_o widow_n take_v heed_n of_o adorn_v or_o attyre_v her_o head_n with_o pearl_n jewel_n or_o precious_a carcanet_n nor_o use_v frizele_v hair_n for_o these_o be_v the_o true_a sign_n of_o hellfire_n but_o let_v she_o seek_v another_o sort_n of_o precious_a stone_n and_o wear_v they_o to_o wit_n humility_n fear_v of_o god_n and_o other_o virtue_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v buy_v therewith_o that_o inestimable_a pearl_n &_o margarite_n christ_n jesus_n the_o spouse_n of_o the_o soul_n final_o let_v a_o widow_n use_v discretion_n maturity_n &_o prudence_n in_o all_o her_o action_n let_v she_o consider_v who_o she_o be_v &_o who_o he_o be_v to_o who_o she_o have_v consecrate_v her_o widowhood_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v obtain_v his_o earthly_a benediction_n for_o herself_o and_o her_o child_n in_o this_o world_n &_o life_n eternal_a in_o the_o next_o chap._n vii_o diverse_a memorable_a example_n of_o true_a widowhood_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o famous_a and_o glorious_a widow_n judith_n and_o anne_n the_o prophetess_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o now_o set_v down_o some_o other_o example_n and_o first_o of_o all_o occur_v that_o most_o noble_a and_o illustrious_a roman_a widow_n paula_n of_o who_o s._n hierome_n writeh_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o her_o husband_n be_v dead_a contemn_v the_o pomp_n &_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o riches_n choose_v the_o state_n of_o perpetual_a continency_n in_o widowhood_n blesilla_n likewise_o renown_v for_o her_o beauty_n wealth_n and_o honour_n her_o husband_n desceasing_a &_o she_o be_v leave_v a_o young_a and_o noble_a lady_n choose_v the_o holy_a state_n of_o widowhood_n by_o which_o she_o become_v renown_v to_o all_o posterity_n melania_n be_v no_o less_o praiseworthy_a who_o when_o her_o husband_n be_v dead_a &_o not_o as_o yet_o bury_v she_o cause_v the_o body_n of_o two_o of_o her_o son_n of_o very_o great_a hope_n and_o expectation_n a_o little_a before_o also_o desceased_a to_o be_v bring_v unto_o her_o husband_n body_n where_o after_o extreme_a weep_v sigh_a &_o drowninge_v of_o herself_o almost_o in_o tear_n and_o even_o loathe_v as_o it_o be_v marriage_n for_o the_o care_n trouble_n &_o torment_n that_o it_o bring_v without_o any_o long_a deliberation_n consecrate_v herself_o unto_o god_n by_o vow_v perpetual_a widowhood_n eufrasia_n likewise_o a_o roman_a lady_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o above_o name_v who_o husband_n die_v she_o be_v in_o her_o young_a &_o flourish_a age_n fair_a noble_a rich_a contemn_v a_o second_o marriage_n whereunto_o she_o be_v as_o solicit_v by_o the_o emperor_n himself_o and_o so_o dimiss_v her_o servant_n and_o retinue_n retire_v herself_o into_o thebais_n where_o she_o live_v most_o saintly_o in_o perpetual_a widowhood_n the_o same_o do_v elizabeth_n daughter_n to_o the_o king_n of_o hungary_n who_o be_v deprive_v of_o her_o lord_n and_o husband_n present_o contemn_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o court_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n give_v herself_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o poor_a sick_a &_o needy_a people_n not_o endure_v that_o any_o man_n beside_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v call_v her_o spouse_n which_o she_o true_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o poor_a the_o noble_a and_o most_o worthy_a example_n of_o constantia_n daughter_n to_o constantine_n the_o great_a emperor_n be_v admirable_a who_o while_o her_o husband_n be_v yet_o live_v deserve_v to_o receive_v the_o crown_n and_o merit_n of_o continency_n for_o that_o her_o father_n the_o emperor_n marry_v she_o to_o halicarnus_n captain_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n she_o first_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n afterward_o to_o give_v over_o the_o war_n to_o lay_v aside_o his_o purple_a and_o final_o for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o vow_v perpetual_a chastity_n the_o same_o do_v chunegundis_n wife_n to_o henry_n the_o emperor_n who_o persuade_v he_o also_o to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a chastity_n as_o she_o have_v vow_v to_o do_v whereby_o they_o both_o become_v saint_n of_o god_n church_n renown_v to_o all_o posterity_n neither_o must_v we_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o most_o worthy_a and_o noble_a example_n of_o galla_n daughter_n to_o simmachus_n a_o consul_n of_o rome_n who_o husband_n decease_a and_o she_o leave_v a_o young_a and_o beautiful_a widow_n be_v so_o assail_v with_o infirmity_n that_o her_o body_n become_v full_a of_o botch_n and_o sore_n she_o consult_v with_o her_o doctor_n who_o all_o agree_v that_o if_o she_o will_v be_v cure_v she_o must_v marry_v again_o who_o counsel_n she_o so_o much_o dislike_v that_o she_o say_v she_o will_v rather_o endure_v the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o her_o life_n yea_o death_n itself_o then_o marry_v again_o which_o purpose_n she_o true_o observe_v most_o saintly_o in_o holy_a widowhood_n to_o her_o dying-day_n ania_n also_o another_o roman_a lady_n and_o widow_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o nobility_n young_a &_o fair_a her_o husband_n be_v dead_a which_o he_o have_v enjoy_v but_o a_o small_a while_n be_v earnest_o solicit_v by_o her_o friend_n to_o a_o second_o marriage_n which_o she_o utter_o refuse_v be_v by_o they_o demand_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o say_v if_o quoth_v she_o i_o shall_v marry_v again_o &_o find_v a_o good_a huband_n like_o to_o my_o former_a i_o shall_v live_v continual_o in_o fear_n to_o loose_v he_o by_o death_n and_o lest_o i_o shall_v chance_v to_o light_v upon_o a_o bad_a husband_n i_o will_v not_o adventure_v upon_o such_o a_o disgrace_n a_o act_n and_o purpose_n sure_o wise_a and_o grave_n worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v attentive_o by_o widow_n that_o desire_n to_o live_v out_o of_o danger_n as_o noble_o and_o prudent_o do_v olimpia_n of_o constantinople_n disciple_n of_o s._n john_n chrysostome_n and_o the_o widow_n of_o nebridius_fw-la perfect_a of_o the_o army_n a_o man_n of_o most_o noble_a renown_n who_o have_v be_v marry_v but_o twenty_o month_n only_o be_v exhort_v by_o theodosius_n the_o emperor_n to_o marry_v again_o since_o she_o be_v both_o young_a fair_a noble_a rich_a learned_a and_o hold_v of_o ever_o one_o for_o a_o virgin_n she_o make_v this_o answer_n if_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n quoth_v she_o will_v have_v i_o to_o marry_v again_o why_o do_v he_o so_o soon_o deprive_v i_o of_o my_o husband_n for_o he_o be_v slay_v in_o the_o emperor_n war_n who_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o my_o nature_n and_o i_o to_o his_o but_o because_o his_o highness_n know_v i_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o a_o marry_a estate_n it_o seem_v he_o have_v quick_o deliver_v i_o from_o that_o servitude_n and_o make_v i_o print_v in_o my_o hart_n the_o delight_n of_o continency_n in_o widowhood_n and_o let_v no_o man_n marvel_v that_o the_o continency_n of_o widowhood_n be_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o christian_a woman_n see_v that_o among_o the_o gentill_n special_o the_o old_a roman_n the_o same_o be_v so_o great_o honour_v that_o when_o a_o widow_n die_v her_o head_n be_v adorn_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o continency_n and_o to_o carry_v in_o solemn_a triumph_n to_o her_o grave_n the_o say_v roman_n do_v also_o attribute_v another_o honour_n to_o the_o continency_n of_o widowhood_n which_o be_v that_o on_o the_o wedding_n day_n there_o be_v no_o woman_n suffer_v to_o come_v near_o much_o less_o to_o touch_v the_o bride_n but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o wife_n of_o one_o husband_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o have_v be_v
but_o once_o marry_v command_v all_o that_o have_v be_v twice_o marry_v yea_o though_o they_o be_v widow_n to_o keep_v aloof_o of_o as_o profane_v impure_a and_o fortel_v of_o a_o evil_a fortune_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o marriage_n they_o do_v moreover_o account_v it_o a_o sign_n of_o great_a intemperance_n in_o any_o woman_n to_o marry_v more_o than_o once_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n one_o portia_n a_o noble_a lady_n be_v in_o company_n of_o other_o matron_n and_o dame_n upon_o a_o time_n &_o understand_v that_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v twice_o marry_v say_v unto_o she_o madam_n the_o happy_a and_o chaste_a woman_n never_o marry_v but_o once_o a_o say_v worthy_a of_o a_o most_o prudent_a and_o wise_a lady_n and_o conform_v to_o this_o be_v that_o most_o laudable_a fact_n of_o cornelia_n daughter_n to_o africanus_n &_o wife_n to_o tiberius_n gracchus_n who_o when_o her_o husband_n be_v desseased_a refuse_v a_o second_o marriage_n with_o king_n ptolomey_n account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o too_o great_a intemperance_n so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o no_o less_o praise_n &_o commendation_n be_v continency_n in_o widowhood_n hold_v among_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n whereof_o before_o we_o have_v set_v down_o the_o example_n of_o judith_n &_o anne_n the_o prophetess_n and_o so_o needless_a to_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v the_o chaste_a continency_n also_o of_o that_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a widow_n of_o sarepta_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o who_o meal_n &_o oil_n never_o want_v during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a famine_n till_o by_o god_n commandment_n it_o rain_v again_o upon_o the_o dry_a and_o wither_a earth_n whereby_o the_o same_o become_v so_o moist_a and_o fertile_a as_o it_o fill_v the_o country_n round_o about_o with_o all_o abundance_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n devotion_n courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o widow_n and_o of_o the_o mantle_n and_o the_o ring_n among_o many_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o nor_o last_v pious_a consideration_n that_o in_o all_o country_n of_o christendom_n the_o noble_a work_n and_o monument_n of_o widow_n be_v yet_o extant_a nor_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o this_o time_n to_o travail_v out_o of_o our_o own_o island_n of_o england_n to_o view_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o city_n town_n yea_o or_o borrough_n thoughout_v all_o england_n without_o some_o monument_n or_o other_o of_o pious_a widow_n for_o how_o many_o goodly_a hospital_n almshouse_n free-schoole_n yea_o some_o famous_a church_n also_o have_v you_o see_v build_v and_o endow_v with_o sufficient_a rent_n &_o revenue_n by_o widow_n how_o many_o highway_n bridge_n well_n cross_n have_v be_v make_v and_o exect_v by_o pious_a widow_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n what_o prayer_n i_o pray_v you_o what_o mortification_n temperance_n night-watchinges_a give_v of_o alm_n have_v the_o devout_a widow_n of_o our_o country_n in_o former_a time_n and_o now_o a_o day_n very_o many_o also_o but_o yet_o not_o comparable_a to_o the_o former_a exercise_v for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n take_v a_o true_a delight_n therein_o in_o their_o most_o chaste_a widowhood_n to_o serve_v their_o spouse_n christ_n jesus_n who_o they_o have_v choose_v instead_o of_o their_o decease_a husband_n how_o many_o of_o prime_a nobility_n have_v we_o have_v in_o our_o country_n that_o have_v contemn_v second_o marriage_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v recount_v all_o we_o shall_v perhaps_o surpass_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n basides_fw-la in_o that_o kind_n some_o enter_v into_o religion_n and_o become_a nun_n yea_o great_a saint_n also_o &_o other_o exercise_v work_n of_o mercy_n at_o home_n among_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o to_o begin_v with_o queen_n how_o many_o i_o pray_v you_o have_v we_o have_v in_o our_o little_a island_n that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n have_v set_v aside_o all_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n utter_o refuse_v a_o second_o marriage_n and_o have_v either_o voluntary_o shut_v themselves_o up_o in_o cloister_n there_o to_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n with_o god_n or_o else_o have_v retire_v to_o some_o private_a place_n continual_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n before_o the_o conquest_n our_o island_n be_v more_o fertile_a in_o this_o kind_n as_o be_v near_o to_o their_o primitive_a fervour_n &_o that_o in_o few_o age_n them_z it_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o for_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o 500_o year_n there_o have_v be_v above_o thirty_o queen_n that_o our_o history_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o to_o have_v make_v themselves_o either_o nun_n in_o monastery_n as_o be_v above_o say_v or_o else_o have_v live_v private_o at_o home_n continue_v in_o their_o chaste_a widowhood_n to_o their_o die_a day_n of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o other_o noble_a family_n the_o number_n be_v far_o great_a neither_o will_v it_o be_v to_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n to_o recount_v they_o all_o only_o this_o i_o note_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o foresaid_a queen_n beside_o other_o of_o noble_a family_n be_v many_o age_n ago_o account_v saint_n &_o for_o such_o acknowledge_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o many_o church_n altar_n and_o monument_n of_o sanctity_n erect_v in_o their_o honour_n and_o their_o very_a name_n famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o to_o omit_v s._n helen_n the_o empress_n a_o british_a widow_n and_o mother_n to_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n we_o have_v s._n ermenild_a &_o s._n ermenburge_n queen_n of_o mercia_n or_o middle_a englishman_n s._n algive_v mother_n and_o s._n wilfride_n wife_n to_o king_n edgar_n the_o first_o monarch_n of_o england_n s._n edilburge_n &_o s._n ethelwide_a queen_n of_o the_o westsaxon_n s._n eadgith_n s._n ethelburge_n s._n chineburge_n s._n ealflede_n s._n audery_n queen_n of_o northumberland_n s._n osith_v queen_n of_o the_o eastsaxon_n s._n sexburg_n queen_n of_o kent_n s._n hereswide_a q._n of_o the_o eastangle_n s._n agatha_n widow_n of_o prince_n edward_n surname_v the_o outlaw_n s._n margaret_n queen_n of_o scolland_n maude_n the_o empress_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o and_o very_o many_o other_o be_v most_o eniment_n in_o piety_n &_o devotion_n both_o in_o their_o widowhood_n and_o continency_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o vow_a chastity_n their_o lord_n and_o husband_n yet_o live_v as_o s._n edilburge_n queen_n of_o the_o westsaxon_n &_o s._n audery_n queen_n of_o northunberland_n at_o who_o body_n and_o relic_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o show_v wondrous_a sign_n and_o work_v many_o miracle_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o whereby_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o and_o still_o be_v honour_v for_o saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n in_o our_o island_n and_o the_o same_o continue_v in_o some_o part_n of_o germany_n until_o this_o day_n that_o in_o time_n of_o war_n plague_n famine_n or_o of_o any_o public_a necessity_n there_o be_v in_o many_o city_n and_o town_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o widow_n ordain_v to_o watch_n &_o pray_v continual_o night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o turn_n or_o course_n one_o or_o more_o together_o because_o it_o be_v hold_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n and_o power_n with_o almighty_a god_n to_o assuage_v his_o wrath_n than_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o common_a people_n as_o person_n dedicate_v whole_o to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o continency_n in_o their_o chaste_a and_o holy_a widowhood_n neither_o be_v the_o true_a valour_n and_o constancy_n of_o devout_a widow_n in_o our_o country_n less_a to_o be_v praise_v and_o admire_v since_o in_o that_o kind_n also_o we_o have_v go_v beyond_o many_o other_o nation_n especial_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o as_o their_o noble_a and_o heriocall_a example_n hereof_o have_v make_v they_o famous_a to_o posterity_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o courage_n &_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v both_o loss_n of_o good_n &_o imprisonment_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o glorious_a confessor_n or_o else_o the_o shee_n of_o their_o blood_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o as_o triumphant_a martyr_n for_o upon_o some_o of_o these_o widow_n have_v god_n bestow_v a_o invincible_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n join_v with_o a_o admirable_a patience_n in_o suffer_v for_o the_o catholic_a cause_n not_o only_a imprisonment_n of_o their_o body_n but_o loss_n also_o of_o good_n and_o fortune_n to_o their_o whole_o undo_v in_o their_o temporal_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o more_o plentiful_a reward_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o world_n to_o