any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n these_o i_o do_v entreat_v by_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o they_o will_v no_o long_o employ_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v have_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o widow_n also_o who_o make_v a_o firm_a purpose_n and_o deliberation_n to_o conserve_v and_o keep_v their_o chastity_n &_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o their_o hart_n &_o of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n one_o who_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o child_n or_o other_o parent_n either_o for_o the_o charge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o or_o because_o they_o can_v so_o well_o live_v alone_o or_o for_o some_o necessity_n or_o charity_n in_o govern_v their_o family_n and_o these_o although_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o free_a from_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o take_v they_o do_v it_o principal_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o life_n everlasting_a these_o widow_n be_v not_o any_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o draw_v away_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n but_o be_v according_a to_o s._n paul_n great_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o other_o kind_n be_v those_o widow_n who_o desirous_a to_o serve_v god_n &_o may_v commodious_o separat_fw-la themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n friend_n or_o family_n and_o be_v more_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o prayer_n and_o other_o devout_a exercise_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o through_o a_o kind_n of_o pufill_v animity_n or_o little_a courage_n or_o else_o for_o compassion_n to_o their_o friend_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n neither_o be_v these_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o esteem_v in_o a_o second_o or_o three_o degree_n from_o the_o former_a the_o last_o sort_n of_o widow_n be_v the_o true_a &_o worthy_o so_o call_v widow_n who_o dispatch_v themselves_o of_o all_o worldly_a impediment_n do_v attend_v only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n contemplate_v he_o and_o meditate_v on_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o these_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o above_o name_v and_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o direct_a way_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o estate_n live_v that_o holy_a widow_n anne_n the_o prophetess_n record_v by_o s._n luke_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v serve_v god_n in_o fast_v &_o prayer_n remain_v night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o if_o such_o widow_n who_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v virtuous_o can_v match_v or_o come_v near_o to_o s._n anne_n yet_o let_v they_o come_v as_o near_o unto_o she_o as_o they_o can_v so_o as_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a widow_n be_v she_o who_o not_o only_o conserve_n her_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o whatsoever_o she_o do_v she_o do_v it_o pure_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o for_o that_o every_o widow_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o exercise_v herself_o in_o the_o true_o serve_v of_o god_n unless_o she_o know_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n thereof_o i_o purpose_v here_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o in_o what_o manner_n she_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o intention_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o true_a widow_n when_o a_o widow_n have_v well_o consider_v of_o her_o estate_n &_o firm_a purpose_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o first_o she_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o end_n &_o scope_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n that_o conformable_o thereto_o she_o may_v address_v all_o her_o work_n and_o action_n the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n than_o be_v that_o not_o only_a widow_n but_o every_o christian_a also_o ought_v to_o live_v well_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o she_o must_v love_v more_o than_o her_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o she_o must_v labour_v that_o by_o all_o her_o endeavour_n &_o action_n the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ever_o bless_v &_o praise_v christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n advance_v and_o honour_v this_o belong_v more_o to_o widow_n then_o to_o many_o other_o who_o consequent_o must_v be_v mortify_v and_o of_o a_o chaste_a and_o pure_a life_n for_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o carnal_a spouse_n they_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o but_o their_o spouse_n christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o a_o true_o devout_a widow_n ought_v so_o to_o inflame_v her_o hart_n with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n honour_n that_o she_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v then_o that_o by_o her_o mean_n her_o spouse_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n dishonour_v second_o she_o ought_v with_o as_o great_a zeal_n seek_v and_o procure_v she_o own_o salvation_n consider_v that_o she_o be_v not_o always_o to_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o then_o of_o necessity_n to_o go_v either_o to_o heave_v or_o to_o intolerable_a torment_n in_o hell_n or_o purgatory_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o forgo_v all_o the_o consolation_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n she_o must_v force_v herself_o to_o get_v &_o conserve_v those_o that_o be_v celestial_a and_o everlasting_a chap._n iii_o document_n for_o widow_n out_o of_o s._n paul_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n say_v honour_n widow_n he_o mean_v such_o widow_n who_o live_v virtuous_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o widowhood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o govern_v well_o their_o family_n not_o only_o their_o child_n or_o their_o kinsfolk_n but_o also_o their_o subject_n instruct_v they_o in_o good_a life_n manner_n and_o virtue_n and_o when_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o reprehend_v and_o correct_v they_o second_o he_o say_v that_o widow_n ought_v to_o hope_v in_o god_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n in_o he_o alone_o to_o seek_v for_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n have_v daily_o their_o mind_n elevate_v in_o god_n in_o all_o humility_n pray_v often_o and_o implore_v his_o divine_a aid_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a to_o forgive_v they_o and_o all_o sinner_n their_o sin_n to_o replenish_v they_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o last_o to_o guide_v they_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n three_o he_o say_v that_o a_o widow_n entertain_v worldly_a &_o carnal_a consolation_n &_o pass_v her_o day_n in_o mirth_n ioylity_n &_o vanity_n be_v account_v for_o dead_a for_o although_o she_o live_v according_a to_o the_o body_n yet_o be_v she_o dead_a according_a to_o the_o spirit_n nor_o can_v she_o once_o do_v any_o good_a or_o meritorious_a work_n worthy_a of_o heaven_n four_o he_o command_v widow_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v irreprehensible_a in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o all_o their_o action_n they_o give_v good_a example_n &_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o not_o only_o from_o commit_v of_o mortal_a crim_n but_o even_o from_o the_o least_o venial_a sin_n that_o may_v be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o live_v virtuous_o humble_o in_o fear_n and_o vigilancy_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o judith_n that_o most_o noble_a and_o devout_a widow_n that_o never_o be_v there_o find_v any_o man_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o she_o five_o he_o say_v that_o the_o widow_n ought_v to_o think_v upon_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v be_v holy_a &_o sanctify_v in_o body_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n chap._n four_o the_o praise_n of_o widowhood_n out_o of_o s._n hierome_n saint_n hierome_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o the_o last_o nor_o least_o that_o have_v praise_v widowhood_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v he_o have_v exalt_v the_o same_o above_o many_o if_o not_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o begin_v first_o with_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o furia_n a_o noble_a young_a lady_n and_o widow_n of_o rome_n thus_o he_o write_v unto_o she_o in_o commendation_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o widowhood_n you_o desire_v in_o your_o letter_n and_o humble_o entreat_v i_o that_o i_o will_v answer_v you_o or_o rather_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o what_o manner_n you_o may_v live_v &_o conserve_v the_o crown_n of_o widowhood_n without_o any_o blemish_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o good_a name_n my_o mind_n rejoice_v my_o bowel_n do_v dance_v my_o affection_n do_v leap_v because_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v such_o after_o your_o husband_n death_n as_o your_o mother_n titiana_n of_o holy_a memory_n be_v a_o long_a time_n her_o husband_n live_v her_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v hear_v she_o have_v obtain_v
the_o condition_n of_o man_n link_v unto_o a_o wife_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v but_o one_o neither_o to_o be_v so_o separate_v from_o that_o one_o that_o while_o she_o live_v he_o may_v take_v another_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v &_o incur_v such_o a_o servitude_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n reply_v approve_v that_o which_o they_o have_v say_v non_fw-la omnes_fw-la capiunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o apprehend_v not_o this_o speech_n but_o only_o such_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o eunuch_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o can_v understand_v this_o let_v he_o understand_v it_o here_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o single_a life_n in_o general_a commend_v the_o same_o also_o in_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n first_o when_o approve_v the_o answer_n of_o his_o aforesaid_a apostle_n who_o then_o think_v not_o of_o live_v in_o monasterye_n or_o be_v religious_a he_o say_v non_fw-la omnes_fw-la capiunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o apprehend_v not_o this_o word_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v you_o right_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o marry_v but_o few_o there_o be_v who_o understand_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a &_o high_a a_o mystery_n second_o when_o distinguish_v three_o sort_n of_o eunuch_n he_o show_v that_o those_o do_v great_o please_v he_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o eunuch_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o have_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o marriage_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o wit_n that_o be_v thereby_o make_v more_o free_a from_o the_o burden_n of_o such_o a_o clog_n they_o may_v run_v the_o fast_o unto_o it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o more_o safe_o and_o abundant_o three_o when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o can_v understand_v this_o mystery_n let_v he_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o constrain_v no_o man_n but_o exhort_v all_o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a benefit_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o he_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o courage_n that_o he_o hope_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v &_o embrace_v so_o great_a a_o good_a let_v he_o not_o neglect_v it_o wherefore_o since_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o commend_v this_o state_n in_o general_a but_o also_o in_o particular_a according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n understand_v he_o &_o which_o may_v have_v be_v practise_v at_o that_o time_n it_o follow_v manifest_o that_o the_o same_o be_v commendable_a and_o most_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n be_v practise_v also_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n but_o only_o of_o the_o simple_a purpose_n and_o use_v thereof_o for_o to_o be_v make_v a_o eunuch_n be_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n but_o also_o to_o bereave_v one_o self_n of_o all_o ability_n thereof_o and_o of_o all_o other_o carnal_a pleasure_n which_o be_v do_v in_o effect_n also_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n for_o even_o as_o the_o corporal_a make_n one_o a_o eunuch_n cut_v off_o all_o sufficiency_n of_o carnal_a act_n or_o delight_n so_o likewise_o the_o spiritual_a make_n one_o a_o eunuch_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n disinable_v all_o moral_a faculty_n so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v not_o use_v any_o such_o delight_n lawful_o make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v incompatible_a with_o justice_n to_o do_v it_o for_o what_o we_o can_v lawful_o do_v may_v be_v absolute_o say_v that_o we_o can_v do_v and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v just_o impossible_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o holy_a father_n usual_o out_o of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n prove_v the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n because_o a_o spiritual_a make_n one_o a_o eunuch_n can_v be_v otherwise_o effect_v then_o by_o vow_n see_v s._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o holy_a virginity_n cap._n 30._o s._n hierom_n in_o his_o book_n against_o jovinian_a and_o upon_o this_o place_n of_o s._n matthew_n cap._n 19_o the_o same_o be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o corinth_n 7._o where_o he_o great_o praise_v singleness_n of_o life_n profess_v in_o diverse_a manner_n of_o estate_n and_o observe_v also_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o private_a house_n for_o as_o then_o monasterye_n be_v not_o yet_o begin_v dico_fw-la innuptis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o speak_v both_o to_o the_o unmarried_a &_o to_o widow_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o remain_v in_o that_o estate_n as_o i_o have_v also_o do_v and_o again_o i_o will_v have_v all_o be_v as_o i_o myself_o that_o be_v i_o desire_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v continent_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v out_o of_o that_o which_o follow_v de_fw-fr virginibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v virgin_n i_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n to_o they_o from_o our_o lord_n but_o i_o give_v they_o counsel_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o remain_v in_o their_o virginity_n as_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v faithful_a etc._n etc._n and_o again_o si_fw-mi nupserit_fw-la virgo_fw-la &c_n &c_n if_o a_o virgin_n marry_v she_o sin_v not_o but_o such_o notwithstanding_o shall_v have_v the_o tribulation_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o troubl_n care_n and_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n again_o igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o which_o give_v a_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v well_o but_o he_o which_o do_v it_o not_o do_v better_a also_o beatior_fw-la erit_fw-la etc._n etc._n she_o shall_v be_v more_o happy_a if_o she_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o wit_n unmarried_a according_a unto_o my_o advice_n for_o i_o think_v that_o even_o i_o myself_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o place_n the_o apostle_n commend_n the_o love_n of_o chastity_n and_o virginity_n even_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o private_a house_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v at_o that_o tyme._n for_o in_o ancient_a time_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v most_o devout_a many_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o have_v then_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o many_o have_v sell_v their_o good_n &_o bestow_v the_o money_n in_o common_a embrace_a poverty_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o those_o who_o embrace_v chastity_n than_o other_o both_o because_o that_o virtue_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o profitable_a and_o also_o because_o there_o may_v be_v many_o poor_a folk_n which_o have_v not_o good_n and_o possession_n to_o sell_v or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o perhaps_o can_v not_o sell_v they_o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o may_v profess_v chastity_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o many_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o vow_n thereunto_o since_o they_o embrace_v it_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o perfection_n and_o zeal_n to_o please_v almighty_a god_n and_o it_o be_v more_o perfect_a a_o great_a deal_n to_o keep_v it_o with_o a_o entire_a resolution_n then_o only_o with_o a_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a purpose_n final_o also_o because_o they_o embrace_v it_o out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n and_o commendation_n thereof_o and_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n commend_v be_v the_o voluntary_a make_n of_o themselves_o eunuch_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o vow_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o same_o be_v collect_v also_o out_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o tim._n 5._o adolescentiores_fw-la viduas_fw-la etc._n etc._n take_v none_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n of_o widow_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o function_n or_o ministry_n of_o diaconiss_n or_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o alumnae_fw-la or_o pupil_n of_o the_o church_n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o that_o say_v s._n paul_n after_o they_o have_v live_v licentious_o in_o christ_n at_o last_o also_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o marry_v frustrate_v their_o former_a faith_n that_o be_v they_o will_v break_v the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n which_o they_o have_v make_v before_o for_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o promise_n or_o obligation_n dew_n by_o promise_n as_o for_o example_n to_o give_v one_o faith_n be_v to_o give_v one_o promise_n to_o keep_v faith_n be_v to_o keep_v promise_n to_o frustrate_v say_v give_v before_o be_v to_o break_v promise_n and_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n be_v a_o vow_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o widow_n also_o to_o vow_v chastity_n so_o that_o without_o a_o mortal_a sin_n &_o be_v guilty_a
thing_n that_o be_v make_v useless_a to_o the_o sex_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hitherto_o s._n cyprian_n s._n basill_n in_o his_o book_n of_o true_a virginity_n say_v virginity_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o make_v a_o man_n incorruptible_a like_o unto_o god_n himself_o but_o it_o pass_v not_o from_o our_o body_n into_o our_o soul_n yet_o be_v the_o propriety_n of_o a_o incorporeal_a nature_n keep_v also_o our_o body_n incorrupt_a with_o a_o precious_a integrity_n etc._n etc._n virgin_n have_v before_o hand_n endue_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o by_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v perfect_v in_o we_o at_o the_o resurrection_n for_o live_v here_o like_a unto_o angel_n they_o neither_o marry_v nor_o be_v marry_v but_o be_v both_o in_o virtue_n of_o mind_n &_o integrity_n of_o body_n equal_a unto_o angel_n the_o same_o father_n explicate_v also_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 56._o of_o eunuch_n he_o write_v in_o this_o manner_n pro_fw-la humano_fw-la nomine_fw-la etc._n etc._n instead_o of_o a_o humane_a name_n say_v our_o lord_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o name_n of_o angel_n which_o be_v immortal_a that_o they_o may_v have_v heaven_n and_o the_o fair_a part_n thereof_o to_o remain_v in_o and_o that_o dwell_n in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a seat_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o my_o house_n within_o the_o inclosur_n thereof_o they_o may_v receive_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o perpetual_a succession_n be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o continue_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o their_o kind_n in_o themselves_o for_o life_n everlasting_a but_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o principal_a place_n among_o angel_n and_o a_o name_n indelible_a which_o for_o the_o great_a splendour_n in_o their_o beauty_n shall_v never_o decay_v etc._n etc._n s._n gregory_n nazianzen_n in_o his_o verse_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o virginity_n sing_v thus_o salue_fw-la virginitas_fw-la etc._n etc._n haile_o chastity_n the_o gift_n of_o only_a heaven_n parent_n of_o a_o purelise_n by_o who_o be_v give_v our_o great_a good_n part_v even_o of_o christ_n and_o one_o that_o be_v to_o celestial_a spirit_n companion_n nor_o ever_o know_v of_o unchaste_a bed_n the_o touch_n for_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o fair_a choir_n be_v such_o s._n john_n chrysostome_n in_o his_o book_n of_o virginity_n the_o cap._n 2._o say_v virginity_n so_o much_o excel_v marriage_n by_o how_o much_o heaven_n do_v earth_n and_o angel_n mortal_a man_n and_o again_o in_o the_o 12._o chap._n humanity_n since_o it_o be_v inferior_a to_o those_o happy_a spirit_n the_o angel_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v able_a strive_v to_o attain_v unto_o their_o perfection_n and_o how_o angel_n marry_v not_o nor_o take_v to_o they_o wife_n no_o more_o do_v a_o virgin_n angel_n wait_v always_o about_o the_o throne_n of_o almighty_a god_n do_v serne_v he_o so_o do_v a_o virgin_n wherefore_o s._n paul_n call_v they_o away_o from_o all_o care_n that_o they_o may_v continual_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n without_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o be_v distract_v again_o chap._n 37._o dare_v any_o one_o after_o all_o this_o compare_n marriage_n with_o virginity_n or_o but_o once_o bring_v the_o one_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o other_o s._n paul_n suffer_v not_o this_o who_o interpose_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o these_o two_o where_o he_o say_v the_o one_o think_v on_o matter_n belong_v unto_o god_n the_o other_o on_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o world_n s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o virgin_n say_v nec_fw-la immerito_fw-la etc._n etc._n deserue_o have_v virginity_n derive_v from_o heaven_n the_o manner_n of_o her_o life_n since_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o her_o spouse_n have_v his_o dwell_a place_n this_o cloud_n pass_v through_o the_o air_n sky_n &_o quire_n of_o angel_n themselves_o have_v find_v out_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o have_v fill_v its_o bowel_n therewith_o for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v find_v so_o great_a a_o good_a will_v leave_v it_o for_o thy_o name_n be_v a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o wherefore_o young_a virgin_n and_o maid_n have_v love_v thou_o and_o take_v thou_o unto_o they_o final_o that_o be_v not_o my_o say_n because_o those_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v marry_v shall_v be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n let_v none_o therefore_o marvel_v say_v s._n ambrose_n further_n that_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n who_o be_v link_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o god_n of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o compare_v therefore_o the_o content_n of_o marry_a woman_n with_o the_o low_a and_o least_o happiness_n of_o virgin_n admit_v say_v he_o further_o that_o some_o great_a woman_n shall_v boast_v of_o her_o fertility_n &_o the_o fruit_n which_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o by_o how_o many_o the_o more_o child_n she_o have_v be_v deliver_v of_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a have_v be_v the_o pang_n &_o pain_n which_o she_o endure_v let_v she_o reckon_v the_o joy_n which_o she_o have_v of_o her_o child_n and_o withal_o she_o may_v count_v likewise_o the_o trouble_n which_o they_o have_v cause_v she_o she_o marry_v and_o weep_v &_o what_o wise_a vow_n be_v these_o which_o so_o sudden_o must_v be_v repent_v etc._n etc._n again_o you_o have_v hear_v all_o you_o that_o be_v mother_n in_o what_o virtue_n in_o what_o order_n and_o discipline_n you_o ought_v to_o bring_v up_o your_o child_n that_o you_o may_v have_v some_o of_o your_o own_o by_o who_o merit_n your_o own_o sin_n &_o offence_n may_v be_v forgive_v a_o virgin_n be_v one_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v she_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o she_o be_v his_o gift_n she_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o her_o parent_n etc._n etc._n a_o virgin_n be_v the_o oblation_n of_o her_o mother_n by_o who_o daily_a sacrifice_n god_n divine_a power_n be_v appease_v s._n hierome_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o jovinian_a cap._n 1._o ideoplus_fw-la amat_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n love_v virgin_n the_o more_o because_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v not_o exact_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o great_a grace_n to_o offer_v that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a then_o to_o give_v that_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v unto_o and_o afterward_o grandis_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a faith_n and_o much_o virtue_n when_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v most_o pure_a to_o offer_v it_o entire_o as_o a_o burnt-sacrifice_n unto_o our_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v holy_a aswell_o in_o body_n as_o in_o spirit_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o holy_a virginity_n cap._n 13._o say_v virginal_a integrity_n be_v a_o angelical_a portion_n and_o a_o perpetual_a meditation_n of_o incorruptibility_n in_o a_o corruptible_a body_n let_v all_o fertility_n of_o body_n give_v place_n unto_o this_o and_o all_o continency_n of_o marry_a person_n yield_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o former_a be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n the_o late_a live_v not_o in_o eternity_n the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n extend_v not_o unto_o bodily_a fruitfulness_n matrimonial_a chastity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o heaven_n they_o certain_o shall_v have_v some_o reward_n above_o all_o other_o in_o that_o general_a immortality_n who_o have_v already_o grow_v in_o their_o flesh_n somewhat_o that_o be_v not_o fleshly_a wherefore_o they_o be_v much_o oversee_v who_o think_v the_o good_a &_o commodity_n of_o this_o conntinency_n not_o to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o only_o for_o the_o present_a world_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o which_o last_o word_n he_o convince_v jovinian_a &_o the_o heretic_n of_o our_o time_n who_o with_o he_o teach_v that_o virginity_n be_v only_o convenient_a to_o avoid_v worldly_a trouble_n s._n fulgentius_n in_o his_o 2._o epistle_n to_o proba_n cap._n 9_o dicimus_fw-la à _fw-la sanctis_fw-la nuptijs_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o affirm_v whereas_o those_o marry_v who_o can_v live_v continent_n that_o holy_a virginity_n as_o far_o excel_v holy_a matrimony_n as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o excel_v that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o with_o be_v high_a excel_v that_o which_o be_v low_a that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a excel_v earthly_a that_o which_o be_v holy_a more_o holy_a mortal_a marriage_n marriage_n immortal_a the_o flesh_n the_o spirit_n weakness_n strength_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o transitory_a issue_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o branch_n everlasting_a tribulation_n security_n unsetlednes_n of_o mind_n tranquillity_n a_o good_a which_o be_v momentary_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n excel_v that_o which_o be_v better_o and_o
be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o passion_n of_o lust_n to_o a_o virtuous_a virgin_n every_o time_n that_o she_o expose_v herself_o to_o public_a view_n to_o wit_n because_o that_o thereby_o she_o with_o her_o face_n open_a cast_v her_o eye_n free_o about_o to_o see_v &_o to_o be_v see_v be_v easy_o corrupt_v in_o spirit_n &_o that_o the_o very_o gaze_v itself_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o unchaste_a mind_n and_o again_o afterward_o the_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v be_v not_o a_o chaste_a desire_n but_o admit_v somewhat_o that_o belong_v not_o unto_o a_o virgin_n as_o also_o the_o desire_n to_o delight_v other_o inbehold_v she_o for_o true_a entire_a and_o pure_a virginity_n fear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o it_o own_o self_n yea_o it_o endure_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o woman_n that_o delight_v in_o gaze_v since_o the_o eye_n of_o itself_o be_v far_o different_a from_o such_o it_o fly_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o her_o head_n as_o to_o a_o helmet_n &_o as_o to_o a_o buckler_n which_o defend_v she_o it_o be_v a_o protection_n against_o the_o blow_n of_o temptation_n against_o the_o dart_n of_o scandal_n against_o suspicion_n &_o whisper_v and_o emulation_n yea_o and_o against_o envy_n itself_o after_o this_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o bashfulness_n entrench_v thyself_o within_o the_o bull_n work_n of_o modesty_n build_v up_o a_o wall_n for_o thy_o sex_n which_o keep_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o let_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o to_o enter_v thou_o have_v marry_v christ_n and_o deliver_v thy_o body_n to_o he_o thou_o have_v espouse_v the_o maturity_n of_o thy_o year_n to_o he_o go_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o bid_v those_o who_o be_v marry_v to_o other_o to_o veil_n themselves_o much_o more_o those_o which_o be_v espouse_v unto_o he_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o woman_n attire_n of_o brabant_n be_v very_o fit_a which_o be_v call_v by_o they_o hueke_v which_o the_o very_o noble_a matron_n of_o that_o country_n use_v when_o they_o will_v not_o be_v know_v in_o any_o public_a assembly_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o exercise_n which_o holy_a father_n prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v by_o virgin_n these_o be_v fast_v prayer_n read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n and_o handiwork_n in_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o variety_n whereof_o they_o may_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n most_o profitable_o fast_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o by_o this_o the_o root_n of_o many_o temptation_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o many_o vice_n be_v cut_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o converse_v daily_o with_o almighty_a god_n with_o great_a comfort_n &_o fruit_n from_o who_o it_o conceive_v all_o its_o good_a from_o whence_o all_o saint_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v derive_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n by_o fast_v i_o mean_v not_o such_o fast_a as_o shall_v weaken_v or_o impair_v nature_n but_o such_o whereby_o the_o body_n become_v more_o healthful_a the_o mind_n more_o quick_a and_o the_o concupiscence_n more_o subject_a s._n hierome_n commend_v great_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o 8._o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n de_fw-fr custodia_fw-la virginit_fw-la after_o say_v he_o diligent_o take_v heed_n of_o impure_a thought_n you_o must_v put_v on_o the_o ornament_n of_o fast_v and_o sing_v with_o david_n i_o have_v humble_v my_o soul_n in_o fast_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o afterwards_o fast_v be_v not_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o and_o be_v both_o sanctification_n &_o chastity_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n it_o affoard_v stair_n to_o such_o as_o will_v ascend_v to_o the_o top_n &_o yet_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o crown_v a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o fast_v be_v term_v by_o s._n hierome_n sanctification_n and_o chastity_n of_o other_o virtue_n it_o be_v call_v sanctification_n because_o it_o make_v other_o virtue_n flourish_v and_o work_v their_o effect_n the_o better_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o sanctify_v it_o be_v call_v chastity_n becanse_o it_o procure_v cleanesse_n of_o body_n and_o hart_n wherein_o consist_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o that_o this_o fast_v must_v be_v moderate_a &_o such_o as_o may_v not_o weaken_v the_o body_n but_o refresh_v &_o quicken_v the_o mind_n s._n jerome_n warn_v we_o in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v neither_o do_v i_o prescribe_v to_o you_o immoderate_a fast_v or_o such_o abstinence_n as_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o meat_n by_o which_o body_n that_o be_v tender_a and_o delicate_a may_v be_v quick_o bring_v out_o of_o health_n and_o grow_v sick_a before_o they_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o holy_a conversation_n s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o virgin_n say_v that_o the_o spare_v of_o meat_n and_o abstinence_n from_o drink_n make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o vice_n for_o it_o make_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v rather_o a_o fast_o of_o sobriety_n they_o affliction_n prayer_n also_o under_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v principal_o necessary_a first_o because_o by_o this_o we_o must_v obtain_v daily_a supply_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o resist_v temptation_n and_o fulfil_v god_n divine_a commandment_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n wherefore_o our_o lord_n warn_v we_o that_o we_o always_o pray_v to_o wit_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o frailty_n and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n will_v permit_v we_o for_o our_o perseverance_n and_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v on_o prayer_n second_o by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n we_o list_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o almighty_a god_n we_o place_v ourselves_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o presence_n we_o consider_v his_o majesty_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n &_o his_o providence_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n we_o adore_v he_o and_o praise_v he_o we_o give_v he_o thanks_n and_o bless_v he_o there_o we_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o call_v to_o mind_n all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v both_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o us._n for_o this_o cause_n especial_o a_o virgin_n must_v abandon_v marriage_n and_o secularity_n &_o embrace_v the_o state_n of_o holy_a virginity_n according_a to_o the_o apostole_fw-la to_o wit_n that_o she_o may_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o lord_n that_o she_o may_v be_v holy_a in_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o she_o may_v behave_v herself_o worthy_o in_o the_o presence_n &_o conversation_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o she_o may_v stick_v so_o close_o unto_o he_o that_o she_o may_v never_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o our_o interpreter_n translate_v it_o that_o she_o may_v have_v free_a leave_n to_o beseech_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o hindrance_n here_o be_v delight_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o this_o consist_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o these_o thing_n our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o angel_n without_o these_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v be_v dry_a &_o barren_a for_o all_o comfort_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n proceed_v from_o the_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o divine_a matter_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o those_o who_o apply_v not_o themselves_o with_o great_a love_n and_o desire_n to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n they_o must_v needs_o remain_v dry_a or_o at_o leastwise_o they_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o most_o excellent_a delight_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n the_o mind_n be_v exercyse_v and_o grow_v zealous_a in_o the_o function_n &_o habit_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o abundant_o obtain_v by_o it_o whereby_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n be_v make_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a hence_o the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v viam_fw-la mandatorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v run_v the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n whilst_o thou_o dilate_v my_o hartwith_o joy_n and_o why_o because_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o worth_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o charity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o come_v be_v show_v thereby_o unto_o us._n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o must_v needs_o great_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o office_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o own_o
who_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a number_n of_o their_o year_n can_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v old_a who_o with_o other_o folk_n hair_n set_v forth_o their_o head_n and_o paint_v out_o in_o age_a wrinkle_n their_o youth_n forspend_v who_o final_o in_o presence_n of_o many_o nephew_n be_v trim_v like_o tremble_a girl_n let_v the_o christian_a woman_n blush_v if_o she_o force_v the_o comeliness_n of_o nature_n if_o she_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n unto_o concupiscence_n in_o which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n whosoever_o be_v delight_v can_v please_v god_n our_o widow_n before_o be_v very_o careful_o dress_v and_o all_o the_o day_n at_o the_o glass_n she_o study_v what_o may_v be_v amiss_o now_o she_o confident_o say_v but_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o face_n reveal_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n as_o of_o our_o lord_n spirit_n then_o the_o maid_n do_v platte_a her_o hair_n and_o the_o harmless_a head_n be_v wringed_a with_o frizeled_a top_n but_o now_o the_o untrimmed_a head_n know_v this_o to_o suffice_v that_o it_o be_v cover_v then_o do_v the_o very_a softness_n of_o feather_n seem_v hard_a and_o she_o can_v scarce_o lay_v in_o the_o raise_v bed_n now_o she_o rise_v betimes_o for_o to_o pray_v and_o with_o her_o shrill_a voice_n prevent_v the_o other_o in_o sing_v alleluia_n she_o be_v the_o first_o which_o begin_v to_o praise_v her_o lord_n she_o kneel_v upon_o the_o bare_a ground_n and_o with_o often_o tear_v that_o face_n be_v purge_v which_o before_o be_v defile_v with_o paint_v after_o prayer_n there_o be_v sing_v psalm_n &_o the_o feeble_a neck_n and_o weary_a knee_n &_o sleepy_a eye_n for_o the_o earnest_a fervour_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v scant_o obtain_v any_o rest_n the_o mourn_a gown_n be_v least_o foul_v when_o she_o lie_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o course_n pantoffle_n affoard_v the_o price_n of_o gild_a shoe_n unto_o the_o poor_a the_o girdle_n be_v not_o beset_v with_o gold_n &_o precious_a stone_n but_o of_o woollen_a and_o most_o pure_a because_o of_o the_o simplicity_n &_o such_o as_o may_v rather_o straiten_v the_o garment_n then_o adorn_v they_o if_o the_o scorpion_n enuy_v so_o good_a a_o purpose_n and_o with_o flatter_a speech_n persuade_v again_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n instead_o of_o a_o shoe_n let_v he_o be_v crush_v with_o a_o curse_n &_o while_o he_o die_v in_o his_o poison_n let_v he_o have_v this_o answer_n go_v after_o i_o satan_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o adversary_n for_o he_o be_v the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o antichrist_n whosoever_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o precept_n of_o christ._n i_o pray_v you_o what_o have_v we_o do_v like_a unto_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v so_o offend_v they_o forsake_v their_o age_a father_n with_o their_o ship_n and_o net_n the_o publican_n rise_v from_o the_o customhouse_n &_o follow_v our_o saviour_n the_o disciple_n which_o desire_v to_o return_v home_o and_o bid_v friend_n farewell_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o master_n voice_n the_o burial_n of_o a_o father_n be_v not_o allow_v &_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o piety_n for_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v void_a of_o pity_n we_o because_o we_o go_v not_o in_o silk_n be_v esteem_v monk_n because_o we_o be_v not_o drink_v neither_o open_v our_o mouth_n unto_o dissolute_a laughter_n we_o be_v cal-called_n grave_a and_o melancholy_a if_o our_o coat_n be_v not_o gorgeous_a we_o straight_o hear_v that_o common_a proverb_n he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o deceive_a grecian_n let_v they_o use_v even_o yet_o more_o rude_a scoff_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o man_n stuff_v with_o fat_a paunch_n our_o blesilla_n will_v laugh_v and_o not_o disdain_v to_o hear_v the_o reproach_n of_o croak_a frog_n whereas_o her_o lord_n &_o master_n be_v call_v beelzebub_n hitherto_o s._n hierome_n and_o there_o may_v be_v here_o set_v down_o many_o of_o his_o epistl_n of_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o merit_n of_o widowhood_n if_o this_o little_a treatise_n be_v capable_a thereof_o or_o that_o it_o be_v our_o intention_n to_o make_v hereof_o a_o great_a volume_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v content_v ourselves_o at_o this_o time_n with_o some_o brief_a advertisement_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o same_o subject_n chap._n v._o advertisement_n to_o widow_n out_o of_o the_o same_o s._n hierome_n many_o be_v the_o instruction_n &_o document_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v set_v down_o for_o virtuous_a &_o devout_a widow_n and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o will_v produce_v what_o we_o find_v write_v by_o s._n hierome_n aforesaid_a in_o diverse_a place_n of_o his_o work_n in_o the_o brief_a manner_n we_o can_v not_o to_o overweary_a the_o widdow-reader_n as_o those_o widow_n say_v s._n hierome_n who_o when_o they_o be_v marry_v do_v only_o study_v to_o please_v their_o husband_n so_o let_v those_o who_o be_v now_o free_v from_o carnal_a marriage_n seek_v and_o study_v only_a to_o please_v god_n who_o they_o have_v choose_v for_o their_o spouse_n in_o place_n of_o their_o former_a husband_n as_o widow_n while_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o world_n do_v use_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o let_v they_o now_o be_v join_v to_o god_n banish_v from_o their_o heart_n all_o vanity_n as_o widow_n while_o they_o be_v marry_v in_o the_o world_n study_v how_o to_o nourish_v and_o pamper_v their_o body_n for_o the_o bear_n of_o child_n &_o support_v the_o burden_n of_o marriage_n so_o now_o let_v they_o keep_v sobriety_n and_o bring_v their_o body_n into_o servitude_n and_o subject_a the_o same_o to_o the_o spirit_n thereby_o to_o be_v able_a to_o serve_v their_o second_o spouse_n christ_n jesus_n in_o their_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a marriage_n let_v a_o widow_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o a_o lover_n of_o chastity_n by_o how_o much_o all_o her_o action_n word_n and_o work_n may_v savour_n of_o purity_n let_v she_o never_o be_v alone_o as_o near_o as_o possible_a with_o any_o man_n that_o she_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a whensoever_o she_o be_v see_v to_o converse_v with_o another_o let_v she_o always_o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o vain_a idle_a and_o sensual_a person_n especial_o of_o widow_n that_o shall_v be_v so_o give_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o permit_v any_o such_o to_o come_v near_o unto_o she_o let_v she_o take_v great_a heed_n never_o to_o detract_v or_o murmur_n or_o speak_v evil_a of_o any_o man_n let_v she_o also_o avoid_v those_o who_o use_v to_o murmur_v and_o permit_v they_o not_o upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o any_o person_n in_o her_o presence_n to_o the_o end_n that_o those_o who_o visit_v she_o may_v be_v edifyed_a by_o her_o virtuous_a comportment_n she_o must_v also_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o her_o honesty_n and_o reputation_n of_o which_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o so_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a that_o her_o speech_n her_o face_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o her_o body_n yea_o her_o very_a garment_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o other_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v the_o contrary_a of_o she_o by_o how_o much_o more_o young_a she_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o ought_v she_o to_o be_v grave_n and_o venerable_a in_o all_o her_o action_n let_v she_o not_o take_v too_o much_o pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o sing_v especial_o of_o song_n but_o let_v she_o recreate_v herself_o honest_o with_o those_o of_o she_o own_o house_n and_o family_n let_v she_o always_o have_v at_o hand_n some_o book_n of_o devotion_n &_o let_v she_o have_v often_o recourse_n unto_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o drive_v away_o all_o vain_a and_o evil_a thought_n which_o the_o enemy_n may_v put_v into_o her_o mind_n and_o for_o that_o the_o flesh_n have_v continual_o combat_v with_o the_o spirit_n let_v she_o use_v abstinence_n and_o other_o mortification_n to_o subdue_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o her_o prudent_a ghostly_a father_n as_o anger_n and_o choler_n be_v natural_a oftentimes_o to_o a_o man_n so_o never_o to_o be_v overcome_v therewith_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o a_o christian._n let_v the_o widow_n therefore_o take_v great_a heed_n thereof_o let_v she_o always_o have_v before_o her_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o indith_n and_o anne_n the_o prophetess_n widow_n who_o continual_o night_n and_o day_n employ_v their_o time_n in_o prayer_n fast_v and_o virtuous_a exercise_n for_o which_o god_n give_v to_o one_o of_o they_o so_o much_o grace_n and_o valour_n as_o to_o overcome_v and_o cut_v off_o the_o devil_n head_n figure_v in_o that_o of_o holofernes_n and_o to_o the_o other_o