the_o effigy_n here_o on_o which_o you_o look_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o this_o book_n it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n at_o the_o most_o no_o body_n sure_a much_o less_o a_o ghost_n the_o book_n peruse_v the_o fault_n pass_v by_o the_o rule_n observe_v most_o careful_o which_o if_o you_o do_v than_o you_o may_v find_v content_a in_o marriage_n to_o your_o mind_n conjugal_a counsel_n or_o seasonable_a advise_v both_o to_o unmarried_a and_o marry_a person_n direct_v the_o first_o how_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o marriage_n estate_n and_o the_o other_o how_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o christian_a discharge_n of_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o that_o estate_n of_o life_n bind_v they_o to_o that_o god_n may_v have_v glory_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o themselves_o and_o family_n present_a and_o future_a comfort_n tend_v much_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o a_o through_o reformation_n of_o all_o the_o enormity_n of_o these_o evil_a time_n by_o t._n h._n of_o sandwich_n in_o kent_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o eccles_n 4_o 9_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a in_o all_o and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v heb_fw-mi 13.4_o london_n print_v for_o john_n stafford_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o house_n at_o the_o george_n at_o fleet-bridge_n 1653._o imprimatur_fw-la john_n downam_fw-la to_o his_o high_o esteem_a and_o very_o choice_o belove_v child_n samuel_n mehetabel_n and_o anne_n hilder_n the_o yearning_n bowel_n and_o roll_v affection_n of_o your_o tender-hearted_a father_n wish_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o saving-grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n right_o dear_o belove_v child_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o and_o all_o perfection_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o bestow_v you_o on_o i_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o the_o quintessence_n of_o my_o strength_n but_o in_o my_o old_a age_n and_o when_o i_o be_v a_o dry_a stick_n he_o make_v i_o bud_n bloome_n blossom_n and_o bring_v forth_o such_o pleasant_a almond_n as_o indeed_o you_o be_v your_o body_n be_v very_o dear_a to_o i_o i_o desire_v your_o soul_n may_v be_v much_o more_o precious_a the_o preservation_n of_o your_o natural_a life_n be_v my_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n after_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o god_n but_o the_o seek_n of_o the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n as_o a_o instrument_n under_o god_n in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o glory_n and_o bliss_n hereafter_o be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o regard_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a and_o special_a manner_n my_o dear_a heart_n i_o desire_v natural_a affection_n may_v not_o so_o far_o carry_v i_o forth_o towards_o you_o as_o spiritual_a and_o ardent_a desire_n transport_v i_o with_o much_o enlargednesse_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o seek_v there_o all_o good_a both_o of_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n through_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v say_v israel_n love_v joseph_n more_o than_o all_o his_o child_n because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o his_o old_a age_n and_o he_o make_v he_o a_o coat_n of_o many_o colour_n gen._n 37.3_o now_o if_o because_o joseph_n be_v the_o son_n of_o his_o father_n old_a age_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o israel_n to_o love_v he_o with_o such_o a_o large_a love_n then_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v blame_v if_o i_o manifest_v my_o love_n to_o you_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o as_o before_o express_v true_a it_o be_v i_o can_v clothe_v you_o with_o garment_n of_o many_o colour_n i_o mean_v in_o a_o rich_a and_o costly_a manner_n yet_o i_o desire_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n that_o not_o one_o of_o you_o hitherto_o have_v know_v want_n ah_o my_o soul_n desire_v you_o may_v be_v like_o the_o king_n daughter_n psalm_n 15.13_o even_o all_o glorious_a within_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v beautify_v with_o save_v grace_n and_o clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o dear_a child_n i_o can_v out_o look_v upon_o you_o as_o poor_a fatherless_a babe_n for_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—lesse_v the_o time_n of_o my_o depart_n be_v at_o hand_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v think_v in_o all_o probabiliâ—â—_n for_o i_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n within_o i_o i_o find_v nature_n spend_v and_o waste_v peace_n and_o divers_a symptom_n of_o short_a life_n therefore_o as_o isaac_n desire_v to_o bless_v esau_n before_o his_o death_n so_o i_o desire_v yet_o not_o as_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o prediction_n as_o isaac_n have_v gen_n 27.4_o to_o bless_v you_o before_o i_o die_v viz._n to_o communicate_v some_o counsel_n to_o you_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o in_o follow_v the_o same_o may_v be_v both_o bless_v here_o and_o for_o ever_o now_o herein_o i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n for_o the_o general_a in_o a_o sententiall_a way_n desire_v you_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o meditation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v amplify_v and_o enlarge_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n my_o dear_o belove_v one_o let_v i_o in_o the_o first_o place_n lie_v to_o you_o and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o as_o david_n say_v to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o my_o child_n know_v you_o the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o willing_a mind_n this_o be_v your_o duty_n in_o general_n but_o to_o come_v to_o some_o particular_n yet_o in_o a_o abstractive_a way_n take_v they_o as_o follow_v that_o be_v labour_v to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o your_o love_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o your_o desire_n psal_n 73.15_o ibid._n 31.23_o mark_v 12_o 30._o seek_v to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n continual_o in_o your_o heart_n psalm_n 86.11_o psal_n 34_o 9_o but_o be_v careful_a that_o it_o be_v filial_a and_o childlike_a not_o servile_a and_o slavish_a remember_v your_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n eccl._n 12.1_o begin_v your_o spiritual_a race_n betimes_o psa_n 63.1_o prov._n 8.17_o and_o strive_v to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n 1_o cor._n 9.24_o mark_n 13.13_o mind_v your_o own_o mortality_n heb._n 9.27_o joh._n 9.4_o psal_n 6.5_o put_v not_o off_o work_v in_o god_n vineyard_n till_o the_o eleven_o hour_n mat._n 20.6_o your_o sun_n may_v set_v at_o noon_n as_o speak_v in_o another_o case_n amos_n 8.9_o improve_v all_o your_o talent_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n mat._n 25.20_o mind_v the_o account_n you_o must_v pass_v for_o you_o be_v but_o steward_n luk._n 16.2_o forget_v not_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n eccl._n 11.9_o chap._n 12._o ult_n mat._n 12.38_o be_v very_o strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n exod._n 28.10_o 11._o isa_n 56.2_o chap._n 58.13_o prize_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n psal_n 119_o 70_o 97._o frequent_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n hebrew_n 12.25_o but_o mistake_v not_o the_o sheepfold_n cant._n 1.28_o labour_v to_o live_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n against_o and_o above_o sense_n gal._n 2.10_o hab._n 2.4_o chap._n 3.17_o 18._o labour_n for_o a_o humble_a spirit_n micah_n 6.8_o james_n 4.6_o practise_v all_o know_a truth_n joh._n 13.17_o hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o your_o life_n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o keep_v your_o heart_n always_o wake_v cant._n 5.2_o for_o the_o time_n be_v evil_a eph._n 5.16_o labour_n for_o find_v principle_n tit._n 1.13_o and_o stability_n in_o they_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o james_n 5.8_o 2_o pet._n 1.12_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v your_o own_o business_n 1_o thes_n 4.12_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o your_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 7.24_o labour_v to_o be_v approve_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o ult_n pass_v not_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o yet_o beware_v of_o give_v just_a offence_n to_o any_o mat._n 18.7_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o shun_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_v prov._n 5.8_o gal._n 5.13_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thes_n 5.22_o do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v be_v too_o strict_a in_o a_o holy_a life_n eph._n 5.15_o but_o always_o walk_v by_o a_o just_a rule_n gal._n 6.16_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n hate_v hypocrisy_n ps_n 26.1_o 2._o joh._n 1.47_o follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a exod._n 23.2_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v yourselves_o puâ—e_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o beware_v of_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o divers_a doctrine_n heb._n 13.9_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o rom._n 16._o cha._n 17.18_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o
beforesaid_a and_o if_o so_o then_o judge_v you_o what_o singular_a care_n shall_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o head_n when_o you_o mind_n marriage_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n conducible_a for_o that_o end_n dear_a heart_n i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v you_o concern_v this_o poor_a piece_n ensue_v which_o be_v denominate_v conjugal_a counsel_n that_o the_o original_a copy_n of_o it_o be_v compile_v six_o and_o twenty_o year_n since_o which_o be_v then_o bring_v into_o a_o compendious_a way_n and_o true_o it_o be_v little_o more_o now_o i_o do_v present_v it_o not_o only_o to_o very_o intelligible_a private_a christian_n but_o to_o three_o very_a orthodox_n divine_v for_o their_o approbation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o in_o my_o intention_n to_o make_v it_o public_a which_o approbation_n of_o they_o i_o have_v and_o counsel_n from_o one_o of_o they_o to_o print_v the_o book_n who_o do_v also_o put_v i_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o and_o it_o have_v be_v extant_a but_o that_o those_o time_n do_v obstruct_v it_o since_o which_o time_n it_o have_v lie_v even_o as_o dead_a and_o bury_v but_o my_o choice_o belove_v one_o now_o god_n have_v in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n bestow_v you_o on_o i_o who_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o i_o as_o my_o own_o soul_n what_o can_v i_o do_v less_o than_o seek_v your_o complete_a happiness_n and_o i_o apprehend_v this_o poor_a work_n may_v contribut_n a_o small_a mite_n thereto_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n i_o can_v not_o be_v so_o unjust_a to_o detain_v it_o from_o you_o true_o next_o the_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o have_v chief_o for_o your_o sake_n make_v it_o obvious_a to_o public_a view_n i_o must_v confess_v the_o good_a of_o all_o poor_a soul_n i_o desire_v to_o prize_v and_o if_o any_o receive_v benefit_n by_o this_o my_o poor_a pain_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v it_o as_o a_o very_a large_a engagement_n to_o my_o poor_a soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o grace_n herein_o further_o i_o must_v acquaint_v you_o that_o i_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n alter_v this_o from_o the_o first_o copy_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o worst_a but_o for_o the_o better_a and_o now_o my_o poor_a heart_n on_o who_o can_v i_o so_o proper_o bestow_v it_o as_o on_o you_o who_o be_v bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n i_o have_v two_o special_a reason_n among_o many_o to_o write_v this_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o you_o first_o to_o manifest_v my_o cordial_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n second_o that_o hereby_o i_o may_v oblige_v you_o to_o endear_v it_o the_o more_o and_o to_o make_v it_o your_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o now_o if_o either_o you_o or_o any_o other_o shall_v marvel_n i_o shall_v make_v myself_o so_o pupiller_n as_o to_o make_v use_n of_o your_o name_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o my_o own_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o second_o that_o i_o shall_v affix_v my_o effigy_n at_o the_o front_n of_o this_o book_n to_o both_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o candid_a answer_n but_o first_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o gain_v popular_a applause_n for_o first_o i_o know_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o can_v advance_v so_o course_n a_o end_n second_o i_o do_v profess_v i_o desire_v with_o my_o soul_n to_o abominate_a all_o popularity_n i_o can_v with_o much_o comfort_n aver_v that_o my_o sincere_a design_n be_v to_o avoid_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o my_o mind_n than_o to_o set_v so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o foot_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n but_o to_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a but_o real_a positive_a answer_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v take_v the_o deep_a and_o more_o kindly_a impression_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o you_o my_o poor_a child_n that_o you_o may_v look_v on_o all_o contain_v both_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o treatise_n as_o the_o counsel_n of_o your_o own_o dear_a father_n that_o you_o may_v say_v this_o counsel_n these_o direction_n these_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n be_v direct_v to_o we_o from_o our_o father_n and_o they_o be_v all_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o we_o plain_o see_v he_o love_v our_o poor_a soul_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v be_v to_o you_o as_o a_o spur_n to_o quicken_v you_o to_o practise_v all_o but_o for_o my_o effigy_n i_o have_v desire_v that_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n beforesaid_a to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o myself_o always_o fresh_a upon_o your_o heart_n who_o be_v my_o child_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v if_o it_o be_v before_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o desire_v my_o child_n in_o year_n to_o come_v if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a may_v be_v able_a to_o take_v notice_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n their_o father_n be_v even_o in_o person_n i_o care_v not_o who_o bury_v i_o in_o oblivion_n so_o my_o child_n do_v not_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v only_a circumstantial_o let_v they_o pass_v without_o more_o say_v to_o they_o now_o if_o you_o my_o dear_a child_n or_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o uncouth_a method_n of_o the_o follow_a direction_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n each_o to_o other_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n not_o only_o of_o the_o way_n of_o all_o elaborate_v writer_n on_o such_o a_o subject_a but_o also_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lay_v down_o the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o of_o inferior_n i_o desire_v to_o pass_v this_o account_n for_o it_o you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v my_o chief_a aim_n in_o the_o foresay_a discourse_n true_o it_o be_v to_o provoke_v such_o as_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o marriage_n estate_n not_o only_o to_o mind_v their_o call_n unto_o the_o same_o and_o to_o inform_v they_o in_o the_o way_n they_o must_v walk_v in_o and_o the_o mean_n they_o must_v use_v tend_v to_o achieve_v their_o desire_n but_o also_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o their_o conscience_n will_v then_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o now_o it_o be_v clear_o necessary_a that_o every_o christian_a man_n shall_v first_o learn_v what_o his_o own_o duty_n be_v that_o he_o may_v discharge_v they_o and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o that_o within_o his_o place_n and_o call_v he_o must_v teach_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o thou_o that_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o rom._n 2.21_o he_o that_o reprove_v another_o have_v need_n to_o be_v unreprovable_a our_o saviour_n teach_v as_o much_o mat._n 7_o 3._o much_o endear_v child_n you_o can_v but_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v acquaint_v you_o that_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v my_o abode_n here_o with_o you_o be_v short_a and_o i_o may_v true_o say_v my_o desire_n be_v to_o depart_v this_o life_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o for_o i_o be_v best_o of_o all_o yet_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o profitable_a for_o you_o phil._n 1.23_o 24._o but_o however_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o i_o hope_v your_o mother_n will_v discharge_v her_o duty_n towards_o you_o both_o for_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o you_o in_o good_a example_n and_o that_o may_v prove_v to_o you_o all_o matter_n of_o joy_n and_o singular_a comfort_n but_o you_o my_o dear_a son_n i_o must_v here_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o tell_v you_o and_o i_o can_v do_v less_o that_o you_o be_v descend_v from_o the_o loin_n of_o a_o most_o choice_a and_o precious_a mother_n who_o by_o divine_a providence_n lose_v her_o natural_a life_n in_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v you_o forth_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n true_o i_o may_v here_o dip_v a_o golden_a pen_n in_o odoriferous_a oil_n and_o therewith_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o she_o both_o of_o her_o life_n and_o of_o her_o death_n she_o be_v indeed_o a_o margaret_n by_o name_n and_o much_o more_o by_o sweetness_n of_o nature_n but_o above_o all_o by_o the_o super-abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o she_o and_o in_o she_o she_o be_v of_o a_o most_o transcendent_a exemplary_a and_o holy_a life_n she_o do_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n walk_v sweet_o with_o her_o saviour_n in_o all_o pious_a way_n she_o do_v high_o prize_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n she_o do_v real_o hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o a_o unblameable_a
self_n yet_o god_n can_v make_v this_o foresay_a babe_n a_o fruitful_a mother_n of_o many_o child_n in_o this_o our_o israel_n who_o may_v both_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o and_o for_o yourself_o worthy_a madam_n for_o accept_v and_o to_o your_o power_n patronise_a the_o same_o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v thus_o pray_v he_o who_o be_v madam_n your_o ladyship_n humble_a most_o affectionate_a and_o much_o more_o oblige_a servant_n till_o death_n thomas_n hilder_n to_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n christian_n friend_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o almighty_a god_n have_v create_v in_o this_o nethermost_a world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o deal_v most_o liberal_o with_o man_n for_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v he_o a_o be_v as_o he_o have_v to_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o also_o have_v provide_v all_o thing_n to_o sweeten_v and_o make_v his_o be_v here_o very_o comfortable_a and_o among_o variety_n of_o choice_a enjoyment_n he_o have_v create_v for_o man_n a_o meet_a helper_n which_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a piece_n of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o quintiscence_n cream_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o blessing_n god_n have_v unite_v to_o man_n and_o make_v one_o with_o he_o by_o matrimonial_a conjunction_n and_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_a mean_n for_o his_o enter_v into_o and_o enjoy_v of_o this_o happy_a and_o also_o honourable_a estate_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o pravity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o do_v by_o indirect_a way_n and_o mean_n seek_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o happiness_n yet_o fall_v not_o only_o short_a of_o it_o but_o implunge_v himself_o into_o a_o dead_a sea_n and_o gulf_n of_o all_o cross_n discomfort_n trouble_n vexation_n turbulent_a care_n distraction_n and_o grief_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o pass_v through_o this_o his_o pilgrimage_n with_o plenty_n of_o tear_n sigh_n sob_n and_o extreme_a dolorous_a complaint_n with_o wear_n wasting_n and_o pine_n away_o find_v life_n itself_o a_o burden_n until_o he_o come_v to_o be_v dissolve_v into_o the_o dust_n of_o death_n now_o dear_a christian_n the_o mean_n before_o hint_v at_o to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n first_o mention_v and_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n last_o express_v these_o poor_a weak_a and_o perhaps_o contemptible_a lines_n ensue_v will_v point_v out_o though_o with_o a_o palsy_n hand_n but_o thou_o must_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zach._n 4.10_o the_o less_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o of_o god_n god_n strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o our_o weakness_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o excellency_n of_o power_n be_v still_o in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o we_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o this_o treatise_n be_v at_o first_o intend_v next_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n whole_o for_o the_o general_a good_a but_o now_o in_o my_o promulgate_a of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n reflect_v upon_o my_o child_n they_o be_v in_o their_o nonage_n but_o they_o must_v not_o nor_o can_v they_o monopolise_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v present_v itself_o to_o thy_o view_n and_o tender_a some_o service_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o please_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o courteous_a reader_n i_o can_v easy_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v divers_a circumstantial_a if_o not_o some_o substantial_a errata_n in_o it_o and_o some_o person_n of_o dainty_a palate_n will_v seek_v to_o multiply_v they_o be_v they_o more_o or_o less_o i_o know_v where_o the_o prick_a thorn_n put_v out_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v pull_v in_o for_o it_o will_v disturb_v none_o but_o the_o gaul_v conscience_n true_o i_o can_v aver_v and_o god_n do_v know_v it_o true_a that_o during_o almost_o all_o the_o time_n i_o be_v write_v this_o out_o from_o a_o former_a copy_n i_o can_v neither_o stand_v sit_z or_o lie_v but_o in_o very_o great_a pain_n which_o cause_v much_o distraction_n of_o mind_n but_o gentle_a reader_n my_o request_n to_o thou_o be_v that_o what_o thou_o find_v good_a in_o these_o line_n follow_v bless_v the_o lord_n for_o second_o live_v up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o it_o in_o thy_o practice_n but_o what_o resemble_v thy_o worthless_a author_n and_o speak_v he_o indigent_a not_o only_o in_o the_o concrete_a but_o almost_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o yet_o no_o hyperbole_n that_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o make_v as_o candid_a a_o construction_n of_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o mantle_n of_o thy_o love_n upon_o it_o and_o censure_v not_o but_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o any_o benefit_n that_o may_v accrue_v unto_o thou_o by_o these_o ensue_a line_n farewell_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thomas_n hilder_n if_o thou_o desire_v good_a day_n to_o see_v here_o in_o this_o life_n of_o sear_v then_o seek_v a_o wife_n that_o do_v with_o thou_o the_o lord_n desire_v to_o fear_v for_o she_o will_v endeavour_v all_o her_o day_n that_o here_o she_o do_v remain_v to_o quicken_v thou_o in_o holy_a way_n that_o heaven_n thou_o may_v attain_v and_o she_o will_v still_o ambitious_a be_v that_o thou_o may_v comfort_v find_v and_o in_o this_o life_n good_a day_n may_v see_v according_a to_o thy_o mind_n but_o such_o a_o wife_n as_o will_v regard_v thy_o good_a still_o as_o she_o ought_v for_o to_o be_v find_v be_v very_o hard_a and_o seldom_o be_v she_o seek_v will_v thou_o this_o jewel_n then_o obtain_v worth_n more_o than_o worldly_a treasure_n and_o it_o enjoy_v as_o thy_o great_a gain_n and_o therein_o take_v much_o pleasure_n then_o unto_o god_n pray_v thou_o alone_o who_o good_a wife_n do_v bestow_v desire_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o one_o that_o do_v he_o true_o know_v for_o therein_o comfort_n thou_o may_v have_v in_o midst_n of_o many_o loss_n as_o thou_o go_v march_v to_o thy_o grave_n load_v with_o outward_a cross_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n this_o gift_n thou_o give_v then_o high_o prize_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o one_o day_n do_v live_v and_o ever_o praise_v his_o name_n conjugal_a counsel_n or_o seasonable_a advice_n both_o to_o unmarried_a and_o marry_a person_n direct_v the_o first_o how_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o marriage_n estate_n and_o the_o other_o how_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o christian_a discharge_n of_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o that_o estate_n of_o life_n bind_v they_o to_o that_o god_n may_v have_v glory_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o themselves_o and_o family_n present_a and_o future_a comfort_n when_o the_o omnipotent_a immense_a all-powerfull_a and_o all-glorious_a jehovah_n have_v make_v and_o perfect_v that_o supper_n eminent_a structure_n of_o the_o celestial_a and_o terrestrial_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n in_o general_a contain_v in_o they_o man_z only_o except_v the_o lord_n do_v then_o consult_v with_o himself_o as_o we_o may_v say_v about_o make_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n gen._n 1.26_o which_o he_o according_o do_v and_o therein_o stand_v the_o complete_a felicity_n of_o man_n in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n man_n be_v make_v glorious_a though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o much_o subordination_n to_o his_o foresay_a felicity_n in_o that_o god_n make_v he_o to_o be_v a_o microcosmus_n viz._n a_o little_a world_n or_o a_o lively_a emblem_n of_o what_o be_v before_o create_v his_o body_n be_v terrestrial_a and_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a part_n celestial_a oh_o happy_a man_n have_v he_o continue_v in_o his_o original_a perfection_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o singular_a benevolence_n and_o beneficence_n of_o god_n to_o man_n but_o though_o these_o be_v transcendent_a degree_n of_o man_n happiness_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o god_n provide_v a_o place_n for_o man_n residence_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o fertile_a of_o the_o whole_a creation_n here_o below_o and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v call_v paradise_n whereinto_o god_n put_v the_o man_n not_o only_o to_o dress_v the_o garden_n but_o to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o only_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n except_v gen._n 2.15_o 16.17_o but_o to_o consummate_a and_o complete_a man_n outward_a full_a and_o sweet_a enjoyment_n the_o lord_n god_n resolve_v to_o make_v man_n a_o meet_a help_n because_o he_o see_v it_o not_o good_a for_o
let_v they_o out_o at_o to_o thy_o danger_n or_o disgrace_n she_o will_v apply_v herself_o and_o imply_v her_o part_n of_o grace_n to_o help_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a cordial_n in_o time_n of_o spiritual_a desertion_n she_o will_v labour_v to_o further_o thou_o in_o the_o religious_a and_o civil_a government_n of_o thy_o family_n both_o of_o child_n and_o servant_n she_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o draw_v with_o thou_o as_o a_o true_a yokefellow_n in_o the_o plough_n of_o thy_o call_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o her_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n with_o all_o dexterity_n she_o will_v with_o much_o frugality_n manage_v thy_o family-expence_n she_o will_v labour_v to_o help_v thou_o against_o thy_o infirmity_n to_o prevent_v they_o if_o possible_a however_o to_o conceal_v they_o she_o will_v labour_v to_o comfort_v thou_o in_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o loss_n isaac_n lose_v a_o dear_a precious_a and_o tender-hearted_a mother_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o his_o loss_n and_o lay_v it_o sad_o to_o heart_n yet_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o wife_n who_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a gracious_a woman_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v comfort_v after_o his_o mother_n death_n gen._n 24.67_o last_o she_o will_v put_v forth_o herself_o to_o she_o utter_v most_o power_n with_o much_o pain_n of_o body_n and_o with_o much_o and_o enlarge_v dear_a and_o tender_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o help_v thou_o in_o time_n of_o loss_n oâ—_n health_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v conflict_v with_o grievous_a pain_n and_o burdensome_a and_o perhaps_o loathsome_a disease_n i_o have_v read_v in_o reverend_a mr_n bolton_n his_o general_a direction_n forâ—_n comfortable_a walk_v with_o god_n a_o treatise_n worth_a the_o weight_n of_o it_o in_o gold_n in_o page_n 252_o a_o narrative_a which_o be_v borrow_v from_o vives_z of_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o which_o i_o desire_v to_o refer_v thou_o which_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o be_o confident_a can_v producâ—_n any_o that_o ever_o do_v out-go_v she_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n belove_a in_o christ_n i_o be_o so_o takeâ—_n up_o in_o my_o affection_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o gardeâ—_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v iâ—_n paradise_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o leave_v iâ—_n and_o that_o for_o thy_o sake_n until_o i_o have_v gathereâ—_n more_o flower_n to_o bind_v together_o to_o present_a theâ—_n with_o to_o enamour_v thou_o to_o labour_n to_o gain_v a_o parâ—_n therein_o yet_o because_o when_o thou_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o wife_n do_v owe_v to_o thâ—_n husband_n which_o so_o far_o as_o she_o be_v a_o meet_a helpeâ—_n she_o will_v endeavour_v to_o discharge_v i_o presume_v thou_o will_v be_v able_a to_o add_v to_o this_o nosegay_n and_o â—_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v persuasive_a argument_n to_o carry_v thy_o affection_n in_o seasonablâ—_n time_n that_o way_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n makâ—_n thou_o speak_v with_o much_o reverence_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v here_o have_v â—easonable_a occasion_n note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o â—rom_o this_o last_o particular_a viz._n that_o comfortable_a society_n be_v one_o end_v that_o person_n may_v aim_v at_o in_o marriage_n do_v appear_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o â—ustifie_v the_o marriage_n of_o ancient_a person_n and_o â—uch_o as_o have_v over-lived_n the_o year_n for_o generaâ—ion_n though_o they_o can_v in_o some_o way_n be_v mean_n of_o increase_a the_o church_n yet_o they_o may_v use_v â—ny_a mean_n to_o live_v comfortable_o in_o the_o church_n if_o you_o shall_v demand_v the_o question_n of_o ancient_a marry_a person_n whether_o they_o find_v the_o marriage_n estate_n comfortable_a to_o they_o in_o their_o old_a age_n or_o not_o they_o will_v ready_o return_v you_o a_o affirmative_a answer_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v â—ake_v away_o either_o of_o they_o that_o the_o survivor_n can_v not_o live_v with_o comfort_n when_o god_n take_v away_o old_a sarah_n by_o death_n from_o old_a abraham_n 23.2_o gen._n 23.2_o â—he_v mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o part_v with_o she_o which_o do_v imply_v he_o have_v comfort_n in_o she_o though_o he_o can_v have_v no_o child_n by_o she_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a unnecessary_a nicety_n we_o shall_v â—pend_v no_o more_o word_n about_o it_o and_o shall_v also_o â—desist_v from_o further_a prosecute_a the_o end_n to_o be_v â—imed_v at_o in_o marriage_n which_o you_o may_v perceive_v to_o be_v three_o first_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o propagate_a his_o church_n second_o the_o subdue_a our_o corruption_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n last_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o comfortable_a society_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o consider_v some_o thing_n of_o the_o mean_n we_o be_v to_o use_v to_o obtain_v a_o meet_a helper_n wife_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o obtain_v a_o good_a wife_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o drive_v on_o so_o precious_a a_o design_n by_o as_o the_o gain_v a_o meet_a helper_n be_v prayer_n the_o lord_n take_v it_o as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o bestower_n of_o good_a wife_n house_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o father_n but_o a_o virtuous_a wife_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n pro._n 19.14_o belove_a in_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o gift_n the_o lord_n bestow_v but_o be_v rich_o worth_a ask_n and_o how_o can_v we_o ask_v but_o by_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o god_n will_v let_v we_o know_v where_o a_o mercy_n be_v lodge_v now_o this_o mercy_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v lodge_v in_o heaven_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a give_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o faithful_a prayer_n have_v a_o long_a arm_n it_o can_v reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n labour_v then_o to_o improve_v prayer_n aright_o for_o the_o obtain_v this_o blessing_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o doubt_v not_o of_o good_a speed_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o these_o mercy_n be_v full_a of_o juice_n that_o be_v give_v we_o from_o heaven_n as_o in_o answer_n to_o faithful_a prayer_n how_o full_a of_o splendour_n will_v thy_o wife_n be_v in_o thy_o eye_n when_o thou_o look_v on_o she_o as_o give_v from_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o add_v that_o happy_a be_v those_o wife_n that_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o faithful_a prayer_n of_o their_o husband_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v best_o belove_v and_o most_o prize_v because_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o their_o husband_n as_o a_o love-token_n send_v they_o from_o heaven_n the_o servant_n of_o abraham_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mean_n to_o gain_v a_o good_a wife_n for_o his_o master_n son_n ask_v some_o how_o they_o come_v by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o get_v it_o with_o a_o silver_n hook_n and_o such_o a_o hook_n they_o have_v that_o will_v bring_v they_o any_o thing_n in_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o but_o this_o godly_a servant_n be_v furnish_v with_o silver_n and_o gold_n enough_o to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o hook_n or_o hook_n to_o have_v drive_v on_o his_o design_n by_o but_o he_o be_v better_o furnish_v than_o so_o son_n he_o have_v the_o gracious_a hook_n of_o prayer_n and_o with_o that_o he_o penetrate_v heaven_n and_o there_o lie_v he_o tug_v till_o he_o have_v obtain_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o good_a wife_n and_o meet_v helper_n for_o his_o young_a master_n the_o same_o course_n must_v thou_o take_v for_o to_o obtain_v this_o mercy_n for_o thyself_o and_o thou_o may_v receive_v encouragement_n to_o walk_v first_o in_o this_o way_n of_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n before_o any_o other_o mean_n be_v use_v if_o thou_o will_v but_o take_v a_o survey_n diligent_o of_o the_o bless_a event_n the_o servant_n of_o abraham_n have_v of_o his_o go_v to_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n and_o so_o a_o blessing_n on_o his_o journey_n as_o he_o that_o take_v a_o wife_n without_o consent_n of_o parent_n can_v look_v for_o no_o portion_n with_o she_o so_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o that_o take_v a_o wife_n without_o the_o lord_n consent_n as_o he_o do_v in_o a_o sense_n that_o beg_v she_o not_o of_o he_o by_o prayer_n can_v look_v for_o no_o comfort_n and_o comfort_n be_v the_o portion_n which_o god_n give_v with_o his_o daughter_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o a_o man_n may_v expect_v discomfort_n instead_o of_o comfort_n and_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n god_n know_v how_o to_o meet_v with_o thou_o and_o to_o cause_v all_o thy_o gourd_n of_o comfort_n to_o wither_v make_v thyself_o certain_a of_o
to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n she_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v thou_o in_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o so_o a_o mean_n of_o thy_o happiness_n hereafter_o here_o be_v more_o flower_n to_o add_v to_o thy_o begun-nosegay_n in_o the_o last_o end_n of_o marriage_n bound_v they_o together_o and_o they_o will_v be_v very_o odoriferous_a to_o please_v thy_o sense_n three_o thou_o have_v need_v to_o make_v grace_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o choose_v a_o wife_n as_o thou_o desire_v thy_o love_n shall_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n for_o if_o thou_o make_v riches_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n they_o may_v be_v lose_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o casualty_n riches_n have_v wing_n like_o a_o eagle_n and_o may_v fly_v away_o prov._n 23.5_o and_o when_o they_o be_v go_v thy_o love_n will_v fly_v after_o if_o thou_o make_v beauty_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n that_o may_v vanish_v away_o for_o favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vanity_n prov._n 31.30_o beauty_n may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o sickness_n or_o by_o some_o accidental_a blow_n in_o the_o face_n by_o loss_n of_o a_o eye_n by_o a_o canker_n in_o the_o nose_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n and_o if_o once_o go_v love_n will_v go_v too_o if_o thou_o make_v person_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n that_o may_v suffer_v much_o detriment_n crookedness_n may_v grow_v in_o a_o body_n former_o straight_o such_o a_o comely_a body_n may_v come_v to_o want_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n which_o will_v be_v a_o blemish_n to_o it_o now_o person_n be_v defective_a love_n will_v be_v the_o same_o if_o thou_o make_v hope_n of_o honour_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n thy_o wife_n great_a kindred_n may_v fail_v of_o power_n to_o advance_v thou_o nay_o of_o power_n to_o hold_v up_o themselves_o we_o want_v not_o plentiful_a experience_n of_o this_o or_o they_o may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o thou_o and_o frustrate_v thy_o expectation_n and_o make_v thou_o see_v too_o late_o that_o thou_o have_v but_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o so_o all_o hope_n that_o way_n be_v lose_v thy_o love_n will_v be_v lose_v too_o now_o when_o thy_o love_n have_v fetch_v its_o last_o gasp_n it_o may_v be_v happy_a be_v it_o for_o thou_o in_o some_o sense_n if_o thou_o and_o thy_o love_n may_v be_v bury_v both_o in_o one_o grave_n for_o after_o love_n be_v once_o depart_v what_o will_v or_o can_v thy_o life_n be_v but_o a_o condition_n of_o grief_n and_o heart-sorrow_n and_o great_a discontentment_n that_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o wife_n who_o thou_o can_v take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o and_o will_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n part_n with_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o shall_v not_o part_v with_o she_o until_o death_n cut_v thou_o off_o first_o but_o if_o thou_o make_v grace_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o withal_o be_v no_o whit_n mistake_v but_o thou_o find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o wife_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n then_o as_o grace_n do_v increase_v so_o thy_o love_n will_v abound_v but_o grace_n can_v but_o increase_v continual_o therefore_o love_n will_v multiply_v in_o thy_o heart_n exceed_o now_o as_o thou_o desire_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o as_o thou_o desire_v to_o be_v help_v forward_o in_o all_o christian_a counsel_n and_o good_a way_n and_o as_o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o keep_v life_n in_o thy_o love_n and_o to_o increase_v therein_o to_o thy_o own_o comfort_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o wife_n so_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o care_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o look_v to_o thy_o own_o heart_n that_o it_o deceive_v thou_o not_o but_o that_o thou_o do_v indeed_o make_v grace_n the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o thy_o wife_n then_o thou_o may_v certain_o expect_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n much_o comfort_n in_o such_o a_o yokefellow_n in_o all_o thy_o want_n of_o wealth_n or_o health_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n and_o may_v while_o thou_o enjoy_v she_o begin_v to_o write_v encomium_n of_o she_o and_o when_o she_o be_v dead_a 20._o gen_n 35.19_o 20._o then_o with_o jacob_n set_v up_o a_o pillar_n upon_o her_o grave_a and_o perhaps_o may_v true_o say_v many_o daughter_n have_v do_v virtuous_o but_o thou_o excelle_v they_o all_o for_o favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vain_a but_o a_o woman_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n she_o shall_v be_v praise_v give_v she_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o her_o hand_n and_o let_v she_o own_o work_n praise_v she_o in_o the_o gate_n here_o we_o shall_v turn_v in_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_o in_o the_o amplification_n of_o the_o first_o inward_a qualification_n of_o a_o good_a wife_n wife_n the_o second_o qualification_n of_o a_o good_a wife_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o chief_a qualification_n of_o a_o good_a wife_n next_o save_v grace_n be_v sweet_a disposition_n of_o nature_n that_o she_o be_v of_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v bewail_v that_o in_o divers_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n but_o that_o they_o be_v very_o gracious_a and_o desire_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o all_o way_n of_o holiness_n yet_o be_v of_o bad_a nature_n and_o themselves_o can_v but_o see_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o desire_v to_o bewail_v it_o before_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o yet_o can_v attain_v to_o have_v their_o corruption_n in_o this_o kind_n mortify_v in_o any_o comfortable_a way_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o many_o time_n comfortable_a consort_n and_o therefore_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o wife_n have_v cause_n enough_o to_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v lay_v a_o conjugal_a tie_n upon_o thyself_o to_o live_v and_o die_v with_o such_o a_o woman_n though_o otherwise_o one_o of_o good_a part_n if_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o churlish_a nature_n &_o of_o cross_a dispositon_n in_o the_o abstract_n she_o will_v cast_v such_o a_o cool_a damp_n on_o her_o husband_n love_n as_o may_v not_o only_o chill_a but_o kill_v it_o whereby_o though_o she_o may_v be_v a_o sad_a sufferer_n herself_o she_o will_v abundant_o prejudice_v her_o husband_n in_o his_o comfort_n and_o may_v shorten_v his_o day_n for_o a_o man_n can_v live_v that_o can_v love_v the_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n give_v contentment_n to_o the_o mind_n to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o a_o cross_n and_o tart_n nature_n in_o a_o wife_n un-wifes_n her_n as_o i_o may_v say_v for_o she_o that_o be_v not_o a_o meet_a helper_n be_v either_o not_o a_o wife_n or_o else_o a_o very_a imperfect_a one_o for_o how_o can_v she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o wife_n that_o be_v not_o a_o meet_a helper_n who_o be_v unfit_a for_o comfortable_a society_n but_o such_o a_o wife_n be_v as_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a touchy_a and_o tangue_n by_o nature_n will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sociable_a love_a kind_a and_o amiable_a in_o her_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o do_v it_o not_o concern_v thou_o to_o avoid_v she_o in_o thy_o choice_n of_o a_o wife_n for_o such_o a_o woman_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o make_v a_o good_a wife_n nor_o good_a mother_n nor_o good_a dame_n or_o mistress_n she_o will_v not_o be_v good_a in_o any_o relation_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n where_o a_o untoward_a nature_n be_v predominant_a in_o a_o woman_n solomon_n say_v it_o be_v be_v better_a to_o dwell_v in_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o house_n top_n than_o with_o a_o brawl_a woman_n in_o a_o wide_a house_n prov._n 21.9_o he_o also_o say_v the_o contention_n of_o a_o wife_n be_v a_o continual_a drop_n pro._n 19.13_o a_o continual_a drop_n will_v wear_v waist_n and_o consume_v stone_n as_o observation_n will_v prove_v and_o true_o this_o drop_n from_o a_o contentious_a wife_n will_v wear_v waste_n and_o consume_v not_o only_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o her_o husband_n otherwise_o may_v have_v in_o she_o but_o his_o skin_n flesh_n bone_n marrow_n and_o vital_a spirit_n and_o all_o in_o time_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n in_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o great_a price_n with_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3.4_o and_o so_o it_o be_v doubtless_o with_o every_o rational_a man_n therefore_o as_o thou_o will_v avoid_v many_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o marriage_n estate_n and_o wear_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o a_o crown_n of_o all_o temporal_a felicity_n so_o labour_v to_o gain_v a_o woman_n of_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n of_o a_o very_a amiable_a and_o
affable_a carriage_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n the_o happiness_n whereof_o will_v be_v permanent_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v proceed_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o some_o outward_a yet_o very_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o thou_o to_o pitch_v thy_o thought_n on_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o obtain_v that_o so_o thou_o may_v lay_v a_o good_a groundwork_n to_o prevent_v too_o late_a repentance_n in_o thou_o for_o thy_o rashness_n qualification_n the_o three_o qualification_n in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o make_v a_o addition_n to_o thy_o comfort_n in_o the_o marriage_n estate_n be_v very_o careful_a in_o thy_o choice_n to_o satisfy_v thy_o eye_n both_o in_o the_o person_n and_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o will_v enjoy_v for_o thy_o consort_n both_o in_o bed_n and_o at_o board_n as_o we_o say_v and_o in_o this_o thou_o must_v be_v somewhat_o curious_a belove_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a curiosity_n first_o there_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a curiosity_n thou_o may_v be_v nice_a and_o this_o be_v fleshly_a and_o carnal_a and_o may_v come_v within_o just_a suspicion_n of_o that_o sin_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13.14_o second_o there_o be_v a_o prudentiall_a curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n lay_v a_o groundwork_n of_o contentation_n beforehand_o yet_o therein_o observe_v a_o mediocrity_n too_o for_o the_o future_a three_o there_o be_v a_o conscientious_a curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a labour_n to_o prevent_v temptation_n and_o so_o to_o circumvent_v his_o spiritual_a adversary_n now_o the_o first_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a curiosity_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v but_o the_o other_o two_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o they_o provide_v for_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o also_o for_o perpetuate_a love_n and_o sweet_a society_n first_o it_o provide_v for_o purity_n etc._n etc._n and_o prevent_v the_o contrary_a for_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o he_o who_o wife_n be_v not_o to_o he_o as_o a_o love_a hind_n and_o pleasant_a roe_n will_v be_v ravish_v with_o a_o strange_a woman_n and_o embrace_v the_o bosom_n of_o a_o stranger_n prov._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o rebecca_n be_v beautiful_a and_o fair_a gen._n 26.7_o and_o her_o husband_n be_v take_v therewith_o for_o he_o can_v not_o forbear_v dalliance_n with_o she_o when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o his_o life_n ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o which_o strength_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o her_o be_v so_o abundant_o satisfy_v with_o her_o beauty_n divine_n render_v as_o a_o reason_n that_o he_o only_o of_o all_o the_o patriarch_n be_v preserve_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o polygamy_n strength_n of_o affection_n between_o marry_a person_n be_v a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o how_o can_v strength_n of_o affection_n be_v expect_v where_o there_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o person_n but_o where_o there_o be_v there_o temporal_a mercy_n become_v spiritual_a advantage_n then_o judge_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o under_o this_o main_a consideration_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n to_o mind_n meet_v with_o both_o person_n and_o favour_n in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o desire_v to_o wed_v but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o former_a this_o satisfaction_n before_o speak_v of_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetuate_a love_n between_o thou_o and_o thy_o please_a consort_n jacob_n have_v two_o wife_n leah_n and_o rachel_n now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_n no_o deformity_n in_o leah_n but_o that_o she_o be_v tender-eyed_n but_o rachel_n say_v the_o text_n be_v beautiful_a and_o fair_a or_o well-favoured_a gen._n 19.17_o then_o in_o ver_fw-la 18._o the_o text_n say_v and_o jacob_n love_v rachel_n and_o say_v to_o her_o father_n i_o will_v serve_v thou_o seven_o year_n for_o rachel_n thy_o young_a daughter_n he_o be_v so_o take_v with_o her_o beauty_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o serve_v even_o a_o seven_o year_n apprenticeship_n as_o we_o may_v say_v for_o she_o and_o verse_n 30._o it_o be_v say_v he_o love_v rachel_n more_o than_o leah_n but_o some_o may_v say_v hot_a love_n be_v soon_o cold_a do_v this_o love_n hold_v out_o i_o answer_v 35.19_o gen_n 35.19_o yea_o long_o than_o life_n for_o after_o god_n take_v rachel_n away_o by_o death_n who_o die_v in_o child-bearing_a her_o husband_n take_v care_n two_o way_n to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o she_o first_o he_o call_v her_o son_n who_o she_o die_v of_o benjamin_n the_o son_n of_o my_o right_a hand_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o benjamin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o my_o wife_n rachel_n who_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o i_o as_o my_o right_a hand_n his_o mother_n have_v call_v he_o benoni_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o son_n of_o my_o sorrow_n but_o that_o name_n must_v not_o pass_v because_o it_o will_v not_o hold_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o jacob_n affection_n to_o rachel_n second_o rachel_n must_v have_v a_o pillar_n erect_v on_o her_o grave_n as_o we_o note_v before_o on_o another_o occasion_n for_o a_o honourable_a remembrance_n of_o she_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o pillar_n of_o rachel_n grave_n say_v the_o text_n gen._n 35.20_o yet_o further_o mark_v the_o expression_n of_o jacob_n concern_v rachel_n many_o year_n after_o her_o death_n as_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o be_v make_v by_o judah_n and_o thy_o servant_n my_o father_n say_v unto_o we_o you_o know_v that_o my_o wife_n bear_v i_o two_o son_n gen._n 44.27_o my_o wife_n which_o as_o it_o be_v here_o use_v be_v a_o emphatical_a expression_n he_o do_v not_o say_v one_o of_o my_o wife_n nor_o yet_o my_o wife_n rachel_n but_o my_o wife_n he_o seem_v to_o forget_v that_o leah_n be_v his_o wife_n or_o as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o wife_n lie_v in_o his_o bosom_n but_o only_a rachel_n i_o say_v a_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o his_o wife_n person_n and_o favour_n his_o love_n be_v perpetuate_v it_o prevent_v many_o sad_a eruption_n heart-breaking_n and_o unkindness_n it_o sweeten_v society_n it_o help_v to_o a_o comfortable_a bear_n of_o affliction_n it_o ease_v care_n do_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o trivial_a thing_n to_o labour_n to_o receive_v full_a content_n in_o the_o person_n of_o thy_o wife_n i_o be_o able_a to_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o i_o know_v a_o gentleman_n who_o be_v very_o godly_a that_o be_v to_o look_v out_o for_o a_o wife_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v a_o second_o wife_n he_o take_v special_a care_n to_o meet_v with_o one_o true_o gracious_a and_o of_o a_o sweet_a love_a and_o meek_a nature_n and_o i_o be_o able_a with_o much_o confidence_n to_o aver_v he_o be_v not_o frustrate_v therein_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v deny_v himself_o about_o her_o person_n for_o he_o be_v so_o take_v with_o the_o other_o two_o that_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o person_n crooked_a and_o of_o hard_a favour_n but_o within_o short_a time_n sad_o be_v it_o to_o tell_v he_o take_v her_o defect_n into_o consideration_n and_o by_o degree_n fall_v to_o slight_v his_o wife_n and_o then_o to_o hate_v she_o and_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o society_n with_o she_o who_o be_v once_o in_o special_a in_o a_o great_a passion_n and_o rage_n against_o she_o in_o the_o time_n of_o family_n prayer_n do_v in_o she_o own_o hear_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o child_n grow_v up_o to_o some_o discretion_n and_o also_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o servant_n earnest_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o discover_v unto_o he_o that_o great_a sin_n of_o his_o that_o do_v provoke_v he_o to_o give_v he_o a_o crooked_a wife_n true_o it_o be_v a_o crooked_a prayer_n and_o do_v mighty_o disturb_v and_o not_o without_o cause_n this_o precious_a wife_n it_o be_v true_a that_o favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vanity_n as_o have_v be_v consider_v already_o but_o that_o have_v be_v only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o make_v it_o the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n for_o so_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o sinful_a yet_o it_o have_v its_o use_n and_o some_o eye_n must_v have_v many_o grain_n of_o it_o too_o to_o make_v a_o well_o accomplish_a wife_n for_o they_o here_o by_o the_o way_n how_o much_o than_o be_v those_o parent_n to_o blame_v that_o strain_n their_o power_n over_o their_o child_n beyond_o due_a limit_n in_o lay_v engagement_n and_o command_n on_o they_o to_o like_v of_o such_o person_n for_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v most_o meet_a which_o if_o they_o will_v not_o because_o many_o time_n they_o can_v by_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o close_v in_o
of_o thy_o future_a tranquillity_n glory_n and_o bliss_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o thy_o dear_a saviour_n in_o heaven_n to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o in_o the_o six_o place_n wife_n the_o six_o duty_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n to_o bear_v with_o her_o infirmity_n we_o that_o be_v strong_a ought_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a rom._n 15.1_o and_o peter_n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.7_o say_v the_o woman_n be_v the_o weak_a vessel_n ergo_fw-la a_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o wife_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o fault_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v infirmity_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o in_o any_o in_o general_a and_o in_o the_o woman_n in_o particular_a i_o answer_v these_o and_o such_o like_a as_o forgetfulness_n of_o some_o material_a business_n some_o unusual_a neglect_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o husband_n child_n or_o servant_n some_o waste_a and_o spoil_v of_o the_o creature_n contrary_a to_o custom_n former_o or_o purpose_n then_o or_o some_o not_o ordinary_a break_v his_o forth_o into_o extravagant_a and_o exorbitant_a passion_n heat_n and_o choler_n of_o the_o last_o kind_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o very_a sad_a precedent_n from_o two_o gracious_a woman_n and_o of_o two_o pattern_n of_o admirable_a patience_n in_o their_o husband_n the_o first_o be_v the_o extreme_a but_o groundless_a passion_n of_o sarah_n former_o sarai_n raise_v against_o her_o husband_n abraham_n 6._o gen._n 16_o 2_o 3.4_o 5_o 6._o we_o shall_v abbreviate_v the_o divine_a history_n sarai_n be_v barren_a and_o age_a she_o despair_n of_o be_v natural_a mother_n to_o any_o child_n who_o do_v therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o repute_a mother_n of_o child_n she_o make_v a_o motion_n such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o her_o husband_n to_o go_v in_o to_o her_o maid_n hagar_n abraham_n hearken_v to_o her_o voice_n and_o do_v it_o hagar_n conceive_v then_o be_v elevate_v in_o herself_o and_o cast_v off_o due_a honour_n from_o her_o mistress_n which_o she_o discern_v be_v present_o full_a of_o passion_n and_o vent_v it_o very_o uncivil_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o her_o husband_n and_o speak_v thus_o that_o be_v my_o wrong_n be_v upon_o thou_o i_o give_v thou_o my_o maid_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o when_o she_o see_v that_o she_o have_v conceive_v i_o be_v despise_v in_o her_o eye_n thâ—_n lord_n judge_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o well_o saraâ—_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n here_o be_v a_o great_a complaint_n out_o who_o have_v do_v thou_o the_o wrong_n what_o abram_n no_o he_o poor_a man_n be_v innocent_a in_o comparison_n of_o thyself_o what_o a_o false_a charge_n iâ—_n here_o draw_v up_o against_o abram_n what_o clamour_n upon_o it_o what_o appeal_v to_o god_n about_o it_o but_o how_o do_v abram_n demean_v himself_o in_o the_o condition_n true_o singular_o well_o he_o beat_v wiâ—_n this_o infirmity_n in_o his_o wife_n he_o know_v this_o wâ—_n not_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o her_o spirit_n anâ—_n therefore_o answer_v very_o mild_o and_o say_v to_o be_v behold_v thy_o maid_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n do_v to_o she_o at_o please_v thou_o the_o second_o sad_a precedent_n as_o beforesaid_a be_v that_o of_o the_o carraige_a of_o zipporah_n to_o her_o husband_n moses_n ex._n 4.19_o 20_o 21_o 25_o 26_o moses_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o leave_v the_o land_n of_o midian_a and_o to_o return_v into_o egypt_n about_o the_o deliver_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o bondage_n he_o take_v his_o wife_n and_o son_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o begin_v his_o journey_n but_o be_v have_v neglect_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o special_a ordinance_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o circumcise_n of_o his_o son_n god_n say_v the_o text_n meet_v he_o in_o the_o inn_n and_o seek_v to_o kill_v he_o where_o note_n by_o the_o way_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v a_o journey_n though_o upon_o as_o lawful_a a_o occasion_n as_o can_v be_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o duty_n or_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o moses_n you_o see_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o death_n and_o his_o wife_n know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o take_v a_o sharp_a stone_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o foreskin_n of_o her_o son_n and_o throw_v it_o at_o his_o foot_n with_o these_o word_n sure_o a_o bloody_a husband_n be_v thou_o unto_o i_o which_o be_v a_o very_a contemptible_a contumelious_a uncivil_a and_o unmannerly_a behaviour_n in_o she_o yet_o he_o be_v silent_a bear_v with_o her_o infirmity_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v consider_v there_o lay_v a_o sad_a temptation_n on_o her_o spirit_n and_o withal_o be_v conscientious_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o sweet_o pass_v by_o his_o wife_n weakness_n now_o these_o infirmity_n which_o a_o husband_n out_o of_o duty_n to_o his_o wife_n must_v bear_v with_o must_v not_o be_v public_a nor_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o other_o nay_o whatever_o they_o be_v he_o must_v take_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o give_v she_o a_o sweet_a reproof_n for_o such_o a_o husband_n as_o be_v in_o a_o passion_n for_o his_o wife_n infirmity_n will_v make_v such_o a_o smoke_n in_o his_o house_n as_o shall_v disturb_v all_o in_o or_o near_o it_o the_o discretion_n of_o a_o man_n defer_v his_o anger_n and_o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o transgression_n prov._n 19.11_o wife_n the_o seven_o duty_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n the_o seven_o duty_n the_o husband_n do_v owe_v unto_o his_o wife_n be_v due_a maintenance_n in_o all_o thing_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a for_o her_o comfortable_a bodily_a subsistence_n here_o both_o in_o life_n and_o livelihood_n for_o supportation_n of_o health_n while_o it_o be_v enjoy_v and_o for_o restoration_n of_o it_o when_o decay_a and_o this_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o as_o much_o dearness_n of_o affection_n and_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o himself_o which_o duty_n the_o apostle_n clear_o require_v husband_n to_o perform_v to_o their_o wife_n eph_n 5.28_o 29._o so_o ought_v man_n to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n be_v that_o love_v his_o wife_n love_v himself_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n but_o cherish_v and_o nourish_v it_o even_o as_o christ_n do_v his_o church_n now_o we_o know_v all_o man_n will_v nourish_v their_o own_o body_n with_o such_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o physic_n with_o such_o preservative_n and_o restorative_n of_o health_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o they_o will_v cherish_v their_o own_o body_n with_o such_o apparel_n as_o may_v not_o only_o keep_v they_o warm_v in_o their_o body_n but_o be_v some_o delight_n unto_o their_o mind_n the_o same_o for_o kind_n and_o measure_n for_o quality_n and_o quantity_n they_o must_v allow_v unto_o their_o wife_n if_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n or_o necessary_a for_o they_o which_o i_o dare_v presume_v it_o be_v almost_o always_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o maintain_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n either_o for_o food_n or_o raiment_n above_o his_o ability_n or_o unbecoming_a his_o place_n and_o call_v neither_o must_v he_o allow_v it_o his_o wife_n and_o doubtless_o no_o discreet_a wife_n will_v desire_v the_o same_o belove_a you_o have_v hear_v at_o large_a that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n to_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o her_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o good_a of_o her_o body_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v true_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o any_o to_o conceit_v any_o such_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n to_o be_v muzzle_v when_o he_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n 25.4_o deut._n 25.4_o and_o will_v he_o have_v the_o mouth_n of_o she_o muzzle_v that_o do_v draw_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o same_o yoke_n sure_o no_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o do_v not_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o family_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o now_o if_o the_o whole_a family_n must_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o none_o dare_v deny_v then_o much_o more_o she_o who_o in_o thy_o absence_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n and_o in_o thy_o own_o presence_n thy_o right-hand_a mate_n what_o encouragement_n can_v thy_o wife_n have_v to_o seek_v thy_o good_a when_o thou_o shall_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n neglect_v she_o beside_o when_o thou_o shall_v especial_o with_o cheerfulness_n allow_v thy_o wife_n all_o due_a and_o necessary_a maintenance_n for_o her_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n in_o this_o life_n if_o she_o