become first Husband and Wife then Parents to children and with that Masters of servants which are all the Relations of a Family The principal care must be to chuse fit Materialls for the building which how well and how far it may be done is delivered in the Sermon hereto anneved to which I refer the Reader 2. For a Family already Constituted but corrupted and needing Reformation the same course must be taken as in Reforming a corrupted Church For as there Preaching and Catechising and all wayes of Instruction are first to be used by the Minister the chiefe Officer thereof and after that the practice of that knowledge wrought must be pressed by Admonition Reproofe Exhortation And lastly if these proceedings prove ineffectual the exercise of Discipline and Censures upon wilfull and stubborn offenders Just so it ought to be in a Family as it is also a little more largely directed in the Sermon following to which I refer But we are to speak now onely to the first of those three how the chiefe Housholder may lay that foundation of Reformation in his Family which is by Knowing and Teaching them under his charge the true knowledge of those Duties belonging to the several Relations of a Family as afore To which purpose I would commend if they have not better the reading and practicing in all good conscience and sincerity of the Sermon following as far as it concerns themselves in their single double or threefold Relation viz. as Husbands to Wives as Parents to chidren as Masters to servants And then to Teach the rest of the family their correlates wives children servants their particular duties according to their relations respectively But when their children or seroants are to be transplanted either for the constituting a new family as Husbands or Wives or for the furnishing of another family as servants then to aquaint them with and make them understand the duties of their new Relations before they come to practice them To which end the little short Catechisme's fitted for each Relation will much conduce if they be taught explained wisely by the chieife Housholder and impressed on them by his own Example in the performance of his duties in all his owne relations The Benefit of teaching and whetting on of these prineiples conscientiously will be exceeding great For 1. By this meanes Housholders themselves may come to see repent of and amend their own miscarriages not onely when they were children or servants but also their present neglects of their duties as Husbands Parents Masters which they must performe as they expect that their correlates should be good serviceable to them or Gods blessing upon both 2 By the knowledge they may get by teaching others they may not onely learn their own Duties in all their Relations but also be able to call upon their Inferiours to do their Duties and to exact them of them when they goe astray 3. This if they have any conscience or care to please God may serve to make them the more carefull to performe their own Duties in all their Relations because now their Inferiours will be able to discover their failings having learned their Duties in such Relations when God shall call them to them 4. This way they may fit and prepare their children and servants to be Materials of new Families as Husbands or Wives according to their Sexe to be Parents or Masters being already furnished with the knowledg of the Duties of those new Relations 5. And lastly make them Instrumentall and serviceable to the publick good as good Neighbours in Townes good Members of Churches good Subjects in the State and some of them good Officers in Church or State For that Rule of the Apostle here holds well He that cannot rule his own Family how shall he govern the Church or Common-wealth 1. Tim. 3.4 5. One thing more and I have done Because Duties will not easily goe down or be digested if they be not manifested to be imposed by Divine Authority I have following the Reverent Doctor herein backed the most of them by Texts of Scripture which held out either expresse Commands or eminent Examples of holy Saints the best comments upon commands or noted Extravagances of wicked men against the rule of the Word which in opening and explaining of the Answers are to be taken notice of and applied by the chief Housholder I need say no more to perswade the Governours of Families to set upon the exercise and practice of these Directions than what I have said in the Sermon I onely adde this short Ejaculation for them and theirs That the God of all grace would blesse and prosper them to the Glory of his Name the Honour of Religion the publick Good of Church and State and to the furthering of their comfort here and eternall Salvation and glory hereafter Amen FAMILY REFORMATION Promoted Joshua 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. THere hath been of late all know much talke but God knowes more need of a general Reformation The foundations of Church State are out of course and unlesse God put under his hand very like to come to confusion The common mistake and mischief is that every man almost complains but few or none do help to amend what is amisse in themselves or others It were the readiest as first and chiefest way to reform all for every one to mend one that is himselfe For a Family being made up of single persons in several Relations Townes or Congregations of many Families and the whole Nation of Townes or Congregations if single persons were but as they should be and as in serious thoughts they acknowledge they ought to be that is Religiously good the whole body of Church or State must needs be so But it is not so easie a matter to reforme one man I meane to perswade him to reforme himselfe while some for ignorance cannot others for the Impetuousnesse of their lusts will not and others out of selfe-conceite think they need not Reforme unlesse there be some other Superiour and Superintendent power to do it we are not like in hast to see a Reformation There are therefore blessed be God some other means left us to effect this work First the Govornours of families Secondly Officers in the Church And thirdly Magistrates in the State If Governours of families would but reforme their own Relations the Church would have little use of her Discipline and the State lesse of Execution of Justice If on the other side Townes or Congregations be loose and profane the Nation consisting of them cannot be good or happy if Families be wicked and licentious Townes and Parishes consisting of them must needs be naught And if single persons be and in spight of houshold discipline will be vitious Families consisting of such must necessarily be bad and consequently all very bad The Reformation then of all should first begin with Single persons if they refuse the Housholder must undertake
Parents over them A fearing love and a loving fear Q. What are the duties of children to Parents A. Two Reverence and Obedience Q. Wherein consists their Reverence A. In their speech and gest re Q. How doth reverence appear in speech A. 1. In a modest forbearance to speak in their presence Job 22.9 10 21 till Parents give leave 2. In right framing their words when they do speak Q. How may they frame their words aright A. 1. Their words must be honourable to them or of them giving them their Titles of Father Lord Sir Mother Gen. 22.7 1 Kin. 2.20 2. They must bee few onely as occasion is offered 3. They must bee meek and humble as Jonathan to his Father 1 Sam. 19.4 4. They must observe fit opportunities 1 Sam. 19.9 and 20 30. when their Parents are not busie or in passion 5. A ready pleasing in their answers as 1 Sam. 3 4 6. Matth. 21.30 Q. How must they expresse Reverence in their gesture or carriage A. 1. In tendering obeysance Gen. 46 29. 1 Kin. 2.19 Gen. 46.12 uncovering the head standing up bowing the body or knee 2. In modesty and bashfulnesse in their countenances and carriage 3. in taking the lower place 4. In asking their blessing Gen. 27.19.34 Q. What obedience is due to Parents A. Both Passive and Active 1 Pet. 1.14 Q. Wherein must Passive obedience appear A. In forbearance to do any thing of moment without consent of Parents As In choice of a Calling Gen. 28.2 2. In marriage Deut. 7.3 1 Cor. 7 36 37. Gen. 24.67 and 29.18 Judg. 14.2 3. In disposing of their goods Gal 4.1 4. In ordering their apparel Gen. 37.3 2 Sam. 13.18 4. In vowing Num. 30.4 Q. Whereby must their Atctive obedience bee manifested A. 1 In obeying their commands to come or go or do any thing required Gen. 28.5 and 49.1 1 Sam. 17.19 20. 2. In hearkening to their instructions Prov. 1.8 9. and 4.1 3. 3. In patient bearing their reproofes Gen. 37.10 1 Sam. 20.30 with amendment Ezod 18.17 contra 1 Sam. 2.25 Pro. 13.1 4 In submission to their corrections Heb. 12 9. and reforming Prov. 29.7 5. In recompencing their care love and kindnesse if God makes them able 1 Tim. 5.4 by protection provision Joh. 19.17 support comfort c. 1 Sam. 22.3 4. Genes 37.35 and 47.8.47.12 Q. What more is required A. 1. In natural infirmities inward or outward they are to beare them patiently and cover them carefully from others Gen. 9 23. Luke 2.51 contra Pro. 30.17 2. In casual necessities upon their bodies or estates they are to their power to relieve them Q. Doe children owe any Duties to their deceased Parents A. 1. Yes A decent and honourabble burial as they are able Gen. 25.9 and 35.29 2. In paying their debts if the State will bear it 3. To suppresse evil reports of them 4. 1 Kin. 3.3 and 15 12 To imitate their good examples these are a part of that honour due to their Parents Q. What is the extent of their obedience A. The Text saith in all things that is in all lawful things in the Lord Eph. 6.1 In things indifferent bringing their wils to their Parents Q. What motives are there to enforce these duties upon children A. 1. This is well pleasing to the Lord and the cantrary displeasing 2. Parents are in Gods stead to them and in doing their duties to them they doe it unto God and contra 3 The promises made to their obedience of long life Eph. 6.1 2 3. and happinesse in this world in their persons estates posterity by their Parents blessings Deut. 5.16 and the contrary threatnings and curses to undutiful children Prov. 30.17 4 This Obedience to their parents on earth shall be a good evidence they are childen to God their Father in heaven Q. Are there not some besides natural Parents that children owe duty to A. Yes Such as are in the place of parents to them which may be three wayes 1. Fathers or mothers in Law by marriage 2. Guardiars the next of kin when Parents are dead 3. Tutors and School-masters intrusted with them Q. What duties do children owe to their fathers or mothers in Law A. The same for the most part that they owe to their natural Parents As 1. Reverence Exod 18.7 2. Subjection Luc. 2.51 3 Recompence as Ruth 1. and 2. chap. Q. Vpon what grounds are these due A. 1. The marriage bond maketh man and wife one flesh and so to be accounted by them 2. It is an honour to the natural Parent for children to respect the other party that is now one flesh with them Q. What duty owe they to Guardians and Tutors c. A. A subjection and reverence because they have the trust and charge of Parents to them as Esth 2.20 2 Kings 2.12 15. Gal. 4.2 Chapter 2. The Duties of parents to their children Ephes 6.4 And ye Fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Col. 3.21 Fathers provoke not your children to anger lest they be discouraged Q. WHat are the parts of those Texts A. Three 1. A prohibition provoke not your children to wrath 2. A reason thereof lest they be discouraged 3. A Precept but bring them up c. Q. What duties are here enjoyned A. 1. To nourish or breed them up with food apparel and other necessaries 2. To nurture them viz. with good discipline 3. To instruct them in the wayes of God in admonition of the Lord. Q. What is the foundation of Parents duties to their children A. Love as in other relations Tit. 2.4 by reason of the paine paines care and cost which nothing but Love will beare out Q. What vices are contrary to this love A. 1. Want of natural affection in the defect Rom. 1.30 Tit. 3.3 2. Doating on them and fondnesse in the excesse with too much indulgence 1 Sam. 2.29 Q. What are the general duties at all times to be done by Parents A. 1. Faithful and fervent prayers for them 1 Thes 5.17 from beginning to end 2. Upright walking with God before them Psal 112.2 Prov. 20.7 and 13.22 3. A provident care for their childrens good all their dayes both temporal and spiritual good Q. What is the duty of mothers to their children in their infancy A. 1 Before it is borne care for the safe carriage delivery of it 2 When it is borne 1. provision of necessaries for it Luke 2.7 2. Nursing it her selfe if God make her able Gen. 21.7 Sarah and Hannah 1 Sam. 1.22 Psal 22.9 3. Procuring of right Baptism which concerns also and chiefly the father as in circumcision Q. What duties concerne them in childhood A. A special care in bringing them up and in putting of them forth when fit Q. What must Parents aime at in bringing of them up A. 1. At their temporal good in first nourishing them well providing all needful things for life and
health Math. 7.9 19. Gen. 37.3 Zech. 8.5 Joh. 4.47 2. Nurturing them with good manners Prov. 22.6 Levit. 19.32 Prov. 25.6 Luk. 14.8 and in some honest Calling Gan. 4.2 and 37.12 Exod. 2.16 c. 2. At their spiritual good in admonition of the Lord Deut. 4.9 Gen. 18.19 Prov. 4.4 2 Tim. 1.5 In reading the word 2 Tim. 3.15 Catechising Deut. 6.7 and by an exemplary life Josh 22.15 Q. what are the meanes of Nurture A. 1. Frequent admonition to fasten their instructions Deut. 6.7 wheting them 2. Correction both in words of reproofe Prov. 6. 23. and 15.32 and in stripes if needful Prov. 22.15 and 23.13 14. Q. What duties do Parents owe to children at riper age past childhood A. 1. Provision of fit callings as afore 2. Provision of fit matches in marriage as Abraham and Isacc did for theirs both which require preparation of a Stock and Portion Q. What are the duties of Parents at the time of their death A. 1. Good counsel precepts directions as Isaac and Jacob did 2. Faithful prayers and blessings of them commending them into the hands of God 3. Commending them to some faithful friend to oversee them and supply their losse Esth 2.15 4. To settle their estate by Will to prevent divisions amongst children Isa 38.1 Q. Are there not some besides natural Parents that owe duty to children A. Yes those that are in stead of Parents which are as afore fathers or mothers in Law guardians and tutors or scoolmasters Q. What duties do fathers and mothers in Law owe to children A. The same for the most part that natural Parents owe to them Luk. 2.48 Exod. 18.1 Ruth 3.1 Q. What reason is there for this A. 1. Marriage making man and wife one flesh they ought to love each others children as part of themselves 2. It 's a signe of entire love to each other Love me and love my childe c. 3. It 's a special means to preserve love betwixt them Q. What duties do Guardians owe to the children entrusted with them A. The same some few excepted that natural Parents owe them Esth 2 7 11 20 22. and 4.13 1 Tim. 5.8 Q. What are the special duties A. 1. To look carefully to their education 2. To preserve their patrimony c. Q. What is the duty of Tutors c A. 1. To instruct them well in Piety or Religion 2. In learning 3. In good manners Chapter 3. The Duties of Servants to their Masters Eph. 6.5 Col. 3.22 Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh not with eye-service c Q. WHat are the particulars of these Texts A. Four 1. The kindes of their duties 2. The manner 3. The extent 4. the motives Q. What are the kindes of servants duties A. Two Inward and outward Q. What are the inward A. 1. In judgement to he perswaded of their Masters Superiority over them 2. In a special affâ—ction of feare not a slavish but reverential feare counting them worthy of all honour Mal. 1.6 Eph. 6.5 1 Pet. 2.18 Q. What are their outward duties A. Two Reverence and Obedience Q. Wherein appeares their Reverence A. 1. In speech 2. In their carriage Q. How in their speech A. 1. In forbearing to speak in their presence attending to what they say 2. In ordering their speech aright when they do speak where their words must be 1. Reverent giving their titles Lord Master c. 2. Few 3. Meek and humble 4. Seasonable Mark 4.10 5 Ready to answer Job 19.16 6 True without lying 7. Good of them in absence as contrarily Ziba of his Master 2 Sam. 16.3 Q How in their carriage A. 1. By obeysance 2. Standing before them 3. Heads uncovered 4. Sober and modest countenance 5. Modesty of apparel sutable to their estate and place Q. What are the parts of their obedience A. 1. Negative or passive to forbear what is forbidden or denied them as 1. Not to goe when and whether they list 2. Nor doe their own but their Masters businesse 3. Nor dispose of their goods without leave Prov. 31.15 Exod. 21.4 4. Nor marry without their consent 5. Nor goe away before their time expired 2. Affirmative or Active and that expressed 1. In doing their commands Luke 17.7 8. 2. In hearkning to their instructions both Religious and Civil 3 By patient bearing their reproofes or corrections 1 Pet. 2.18 though unjust Tit. 2.9 with speedy amendment Prov 27.22 Q. In what manner must all their duties be performed A. 1. In singlenesse of heart Col. 3.22 and heartily v. 23. or from the heart not with eye-service or as men-pleasers as Geheri c. 2. In conscience as fearing God as unto Christ as serving the Lord Christ Eph. 6. 3. With good will which implyes four things 1. Cheerfulnesse 2. Quicknesse or readinesse 3. Diligence and activenesse in it 4. Faithfulnesse 1 Cor. 4.1 Tit. 2.10 In respect of 1. Their Masters goods both in keeping them as Jacob and increasing them as they that had the Tallents contra Tit. 2.20 2. Their businesses dispatching them well as Gen. 24.2 12 26 33.56 3. Their secrets especially their infirmities by concealing them Jerem. 38.27 4. Good example to their fellowes to make them faithful diligent c. contra Math. 24.48 49. 5. Loving and careful of their children to procure their good of soul and body Q. What is the extent of their obedience A. In all things that is in all lawful things in the Lord to bring their judgement to their Masters in all indifferent things For which end let them chuse to serve Religious Masters Q. What are the motives used to perswade servants to doe their duties A. 1. The place of a Master he stands in Christs stead and so Christ is served or neglected in him 2. The honour of their own place and condition they are Christs servants and freemen 1. Cor. 7.22 3. The Recompence of their service from God Col. 3.24 Q. What is that Recompence A. Reward or punishment Q. What reward is promised to them A. 1. Temporal many blessings First from their Masters as Joseph Mordecai c. 2. From strangers that behold their good service 3. He will bless their labours when they come to deal for themselves Gen. 43.23 as he did Jacob. 4. And give them such good servants as they have been 2. Eternal of the Lord receive the reward of inheritance with their Masters verse 24. Q. What punishment is threatned A. The contrary to the Reward Temporal sending them hard Masters or bad servants when they are Masters or curse their labours And eternal v. 25. He that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong he hath done Q. Are there any other motives A. Yes 1. If their Masters reward them not God will if they wrong them God will right them upon their Masters He that doth wrong though a Master shall receive for the wrong he hath done No respect of persons with God 2. By being good servants they shall
FAMILY REFORMATION PROMOTED IN A SERMON on Joshua Chap. 24. ver 15. AND By short Catechismes fitted for the Three-fold Relations in a Family Of 1. Children and Parents 2. Servants and Masters 3. Husband and Wife By D Cawdreys Preacher of the Word at Billing Magn. in Northmptonshire Gen. 18.19 I know Abraham that he will command his Children and his houshold after hm and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any provide not for his own and specially those of his own House he hath denyed the Faith and is worse then an Infidel LONDON Printed by T. C. For John Wright at the Kings Head in the Old Baily 1656. The Preface to the Reader Christian Reader FOr the better understanding and easier practice of the following Treatise be pleased to take notice of these three things 1. The reason of my undertaking this work 2. The end or design I had in it 3. The use of it with the directions tending thereunto 1. For my undertaking this work I desire noâ— to assume or arrogate to my selfe any thing more than is mine own the Method and ordering of the several Questions Answers in the little Catechismes professing ingenuously the Materials thereof to be none of mine they were lent me first by my ever honoured Father Master Robert Cawdrey long since gone to his rest and glory in a Tract first written and published by him called A Godly Form of Houshold Government which found good acceptance and successe among the people of God But since his decease perused and augmented by those two pious famous Divines in this generation Master Dod and Mr. Cleaver In whom I have nothing to complain of in their publication of it but that they raised up seed to themselves and not to their deceased brother I meane for putting to their Booke their own Names concealing or at least obscuring the Name of the first Father of it onely putting the two first letters of his names R. C. which signifies nothing to a strange Reader But I shall as much commend them for their learned Additions and pious Augmentations to make that Discourse more full and compleat From that Book I say I borrowed the Materialls and after them from that Reverend Iudicious and godly Divine whose works and labours are famous in all the Churches and his Reward now with his God Dr. Gouge in his Tract of Domestical Duties Wherein they are more elaborately and largely handled but perhaps two largely for young ones to learne or remember and the Book too dear for many yea most poor housholders to buy I once during our sitting together in the assembly motioned the businesse to himselfe That hee would be pleased to extract that his larger discourse into some shorter questions and answers fitted both to the Capacity of younger people in a Family and to the Purses of the poorer sort who have most need of such Instructions His answer as I remembred was that he liked the motion well but wanted time and leasure to do it and withall not onely gave me leave but desired me to do what I thought to be most useful therein I had some thoughts divers years sence to have done it in his life time to have had his judgement and directions in it But other troubles and businesse hitherto diverted the execution of it I onely drew out some particulars for the use of my own people and family and some private friends Which being now perfected and methodized I present to the publick view together with a short Sermon of the Duty and Necessity of Family Reformation to perswade if possible the blessing of God accompanying it all Housholders to put the same in practice I doubt not but if all the aforesaid Authors were now living they would approve of this my undertaking as others yet alive have done That for the first 2. For the end or designe in it it was in general nothing but the Glory of God and the Good of Soules Families Townes Churches and the whole Nation in all these To the advancing whereof not onely my Holy Calling however now despised by ungodly men but my Resolutions of a long time have obliged me having devoted my selfe while I live which cannot now be long to the publick good which I believe may be much promoted by a conscientious use of the directions herein given for it is obvious to every observation that Families are the Seminaries of Towns Churches Countries and Nations and are as it were the Hives out of which do swarm the materials of greater assemblies if therefore they be not wel Principled therein all their Relations the rest must needs miscarry And here I observed was the true Original of all our Miscarriages and mischiefes abroad that when young people went out thence to constitute new families either as servante or by marriage they knew not the particular duties of their New Relations as Husbands and Wives as Parents and Children as Masters and Servants because for the most part they were never taught them in the Families from whence they were transplanted Remove a Crab-stock from a barren to a fruitfull soile it will still be a Crabstock without change of nature It is a certain Truth a thousand times exemplified That without speciall converting grace he or she shall never be good parents to their children that were not good children to their parents Nor they good Governours of servants that were not good servants to their Governours nor they good Husband or Wife in their own families that were not good in their former family Relations as children or servants Nor lastly will those who are naught in their Family Relations be good Neighbours in a Town good Members of a Church or good Subjects or Magistrates in the State A good man is the proper subject of the the goodnesse of all other Relations And he onely is a good man that is good in his first Relations The Spring then of all Reformation in Townes Churches Nations next to personal Reformation where every one mends one that is himselfe is that which is found in Families If they were but either well constituted or well ordered and reformed the whole work were done And that 's the Design of this Discourse and the second thing propounded to consideration 3. The third and last now onely remaines which is the Use and Directions how to improve this Treatise to the ends for which it was designed For the expediting whereof I shall have a respect First to the Constitution of a new Family and secondly to a Family already Constituted For as it is in Churches and the House is or should be a little Church they are considered either in their first Constitution or as already Constituted So it is in Families some Rules will fit the first Constitution of it and others the ordering of it when corrupted 1. If a Family be to be newly Constituted as commonly by the Marriage of single persons it is then they
may make their Families religious with themselves 1. Begin at home 1. Begin at home and make themselves examples to their Families as Joshua here observes the right order I first and then my house shall serve the Lord Inferiours look more at what Superiours doe then what they say The wickednesse of the Heathens was from the lewdnesse of their gods and goddesses as the Poets described them Jupâ—ter adulterous Venus a wanton Bacchus a revelling drunkard c. Who will care to be better then his God what servant will be more religious than his Master or maid than her Lady or Mistresse Nay it is a shame to a Parent or Master to have his children or servants better then himself And this is the reason why dissolute and wicked Masters will not endure religious servants because their life is a real reproof Solomons experience tells us When a Ruler of House or Town or Nation hearkens to lyes all his servants are wicked Pro 29.12 It 's true in other vices of Superiours when they are Drunkards Vnchast Profane their servants are so too or will quickly be made such If you would have your families in all Relations religious and holy be you holy in all manner of conversation if you be wicked it s in vain to offer to make them good It will be said Physitian heal thy self Nothing either silences or duls the edg of instructions reproofs corrections more then to hear Thou that teachest another teachest thou not thy selfe Thou that sayest thy Wife Childe Servant should not commit Adultery be drunk be a profaner of the Sabbath lye swear c. dost thou do all or any of these things As one candle cannot light another if it selfe be out so nor shall an housholder inform or inflame his family with the love of God and godliness if himselfe want it or reforme those that walk disorderly if himselfe need Reformation Reformation never sticks but as they say in fleying of a beast at the Head When one told Sigismund the Emperour Let the Reformation begin from the Minorites a kind of Fryars No sayes he if ever it be done it must begin at the Majorites We heard afore when the chief Housholder was converted believâ—d all his house believed also 2. Look to the constitution of the Family 2. Look well to the constitution of your Families as some say of Churches the house being to be a lesser Church that they be at least visible Saints that is apparently religious though perhaps secret hypocrites That is look well when you first set up a family whom you admit into that society Especially for a wife servants for Children cannot be chosen but given as a gift from God If in choice of a Wife men look either onely or chiefly at Beauty Parentage Portion it matters not for Râ—ligion if they be vexed with an ill piece of Housholdstuffe they may thank themselves and make the Reformation of the Family very difficult if not impossible When the Husband shall call to prayers and the Wife to playing Carding Dice what hope of Reformation or Religion there When Mical shall scâ—ffe at Davids devotion what can be expected that 's good Woe be to him that hath a Philistine in his bosome as Sampson had So if in choice of a servant men shall look onely at their own service for such an imployment never care for the Religion or godlinesse of that servant the lesse of that the better is it any wonder they complaine of ill servants and bad services can you look they should be faithfull to you when they and you are unfaithful to God Mark and imitate Davids choice Psalm 101.4 I will not know a wicked person v. 6. Mine eyes shall bee upon the faithful that they may dwell with me c. 3. Set up Religion in earnest 3. Set up and keep up Family Religion in earnest and not in formality only Instruction Catechising Reading of the word praying sanctification of the Sabbath c. in your selves and yours And resolve to exercise and execute Family-discipline upon those that are incorrigible If admonition reproofe correction will not amend them proceed to the censure of houshold Excomunication the house being a lesser Church So David resolved Psal 10.4 5 7. A froward heart shall depart from me He that privily slandereth his neighbour him will I cut off He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight in my house Let no Swearer Drunkard Vnclean person c. dwel or tarry in your houses Tell them As for me and my house we will serve the Lord if you will not serve the Lord with me you shall not serve me 4. Keep out as much as you can all wicked Companions from your houses 4. Keep out It s not possible to keep Religion up in your Families in power and purity when Swearers Drunkards c Atheists and Scorners of godlinesse may have entertainment and countenance therein These will corrupt your children and servants and well if not your wives These will scoffe you out of your Religion or coole and quench your devotion Prayers and Reading c must bee sometimes intermitted to gratifie them Sabbaths must be profaned for their sakes Say then you Masters of houses Away from me ye wicked I will keep the commandements of my God even Strangers of old were to be kept from profaning of the Sabbath as in the fourth Commandement the stranger that is within thy gates or if not to be turned out of doores out of the gates Nehem. 13.17 21. If they will not observe the religious services of the house nor goe with you to Gods house let them not lodge in your houses Say then peremptorily say and hold it As for you doe as you think good be wicked profane c. it is like you But as for me and my house we wâ—ll serve the Lord. Lastly to conclude all Here might have been added a short exhortation to all sorts of Inferiours in the Family relations Inferiors to submit to this way as wives children servants to submit to this Religious Ordering or Reformation by the Governour of the house If he must necessarily command they ought conscientiously to obey that so the family Town Church State may be happily reformed and blessed Chapter 1. The Duties of Children to their Parents Col. 3.20 Children obey your Parents in all things for that is well pleasing to the Lord. Q. WHat are the parts of this Text A. Three 1. A duty Obey your parents 2. The extent of it in all things 3. The reason or motive For this is well pleasing to the Lord. Q. What is meant by children and Parents A. By children are especially meant such as proceed by natural generation by Parents natural Parents both father and mother Q. What are the grounds of childrens duties to Parents contra 2 Tim. 3.3 A. A mixture of love and fear love from the affections of Parents to them and fear from the authority of
her honour 2. Equity as agreeable to the Law of God of Nature and to the Gospel Q. What meanes those words In the Lord A. It implyes 1. A limitation 2. A direction And 3. A motive Q. What is the limitation A. A Wife must submit and obey but in the Lord that is in lawful things Q. What is the Direction A. To do all her duties to her Husband with an eye to the Lord as unto Christ Eph. 5.22 Q. How is it a Motive A. 1. In doing her duty to her husband she does it to Christ and he takes it so 2. In refusing or neglecting it to him she does the same to Christ Chapter 7. The Duties of Husbands to their Wives Col. 3.19 Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them Q. WHat are the parts of this Text A. Two 1. The Duty of an husband To love his wife 2. The manner of performance with mildnesse expressed by forbidding the contrary and be not bitter to them Q. Why doth the Apostle comprehend the whole duty of the husband in love Eph. 5.25 28 33. A. 1. Otherwise no duty can be well performed from one to another 1 Cor. 16.14 2 The Wife is the chiefest object of love above friends châ—â—de parents must leave all for her as she all for him therefore must love her most Deut. 13.6 wife or his bosome 3 Least his Superiority and Authority over her should degenerate into Tyranny 4 She the weaker Sexe and apt to offend but love will cover all 5 To provoke her to love him because he first loves her as Christ the Church Q. What particular duties of the Husband do proceed from Love 1 Pet. 3.7 According to knowledge A. Two 1. A wife maintaining of his Authority 2. A right managing of the same Q. Why must an Husband maintaine his Authority A. 1. This maintaines Gods and Christs Authority who entrust him with it 2. This most promotes the good of his wife and the whole family Q. How may he maintaine his authority A. By being an example to them in Love Gravity Piety Honesty which cause a reverent respect in Wife and Family 1 Tim. 4.2 Q. How is this authority to be managed A. 1. By a tender respect of her 2. By a provident care for her Q. What is that tender respect of her A. It is either inward or outward Q. Wherein consists his inward respect A. 1. In regard of his Opinion of her 2. In regard of his affection to her Q. What opinion must he have of her A. 1. In regard of her place 1 Pet. 3.7 Giving honour to her he must esteeme her not as a servant but as his yoke-fellow and companion a little lower then himselfe as neerest to equality 2. In regard of her person so he must esteeme his own wife fittest and best for him as provided by God Prov. 19.14 and 18.22 Q. What affection must he bear to her A. It must be with the greatest delight in her as the delight of his eyes as Ezek. 24.19 ravisht modestly with her love Prov. 5.18 19. Q. Wherein appears his outward respect A. 1. In avoiding offences to her 2. In wisely ordering her offences to him Q. How may he avoid offences to her A. 1. In taking her duty tendered to him 2. In tendering his own to her Q. What is to be done in taking hers A. 1. A kind acceptation of it as Abraham did Sarahs Gen. 21.8 1 Sam. 1.23 2. Commending and rewarding her for it as Prov. 31.28 31. Esth 5.3 1 Kin. 1.28 c. Q. How must he tender his duty to her to avoid offences A. In mildnesse a special fruit of love which the Apostle intends in these words Be not bitter to them which is expressed 1 In his speeches whether giving her Titles as Wife Love c. or instrutions commands or reproofes all with meeknesse Gal. 6.1 Prov. 25.15 2 In his countenance which must be amiable and pleasing 3 In his gestures with a kind of modest familiarity as Isaac to Rebecca Gen. 26.8 4 In his Actions by favours and gifts as 1 Sam. 1.4 5. Elkanah did to his Q. What is required in ordering her offences to him A. To passâ— them by with meekenesse and patiently to bear with her weaknesse Pâ—ov 19.11 1 Pet. 3 7. Q. Wherein appears his provident care for her A. 1. In providing things needful for her as her Head 1 Sam. 1.3 4 7. and 2.19 both for her soul in privaâ—e and publick meanes of her edification and also for her body both in health and sicknesse especially in the time of child-bearing and this not onely in his life time but after death 1 Kin. 1.21 setling a comfortable and suitable maintenance on her 2. In protecting her from danger in her person and name 1 Sam. 27.3 and 30.18 Q. What motives have Husbands to love their Wives and do all these duties to them A. Beside the command of God these two 1. The example of Christ in loving his Church and therein themselves if godly Eph. 5.25 Now Christ loveth first 1 Joh. 4.19 Indeed and in truth giving himselfe for it Eph. 5.26 Freely Deut. 7.7 8. Purely to sanctifie it v. 27. Constantly Joh. 13.1 Hos 2.19 so may they 2. The example of ones selfe Eph. 5.28 29 A wife is himselfe they are one flesh FINIS