a large cock struts by smaller birds that are pecking at the ground   

THE GLORY OF MAN Consisting in The Excellency and perfection of Woman, Gathered out of Holy SCRIPTURES, and most Renowned Writers; as well Ancient, as Modern; Ecclesiastical, as Moral.  
Whereunto is annexed The duty of Husbands.  
ABERDENE, Printed by the Author, June 6, 1638.   

To the Right Honourable, and Jllustrious LADY, ANNA CAMBEL; LADY MARQVES of HUNTLEY, COUNTESS of AENZIE, BADINACH, LOCHABRE, STRADOWN, AND strabogy; LADY GORDON etc.  
MADAM,  
TO Vindicate, and deliver myself, from the imputation of Sarcastic, bitter, too lose, & liberal speeches, against the most Noble, Worthy, and Transcendent Sex of WOMEN, (which some, knowing their own imperfect weakness, may apprehend to be Calumnies, and detractive to the whole Sex) I here make humble Oblation; &, with all Reverence, present unto your Ladyship's Honourable Hands, this little TREATISE; as a part of my Study, in my wearisome Journey, this half year bypast, in forraygne countries'.  
Which, indeed, MADAM, I aimed for Your La: the last New-years-day; if distress of weather, and contrary winds, had not hindered.  
But, through the mercy of GOD, your La: Servant being safely arrived, I desire no more, but that this Abortive may shelter itself under the shadow of Your La: Honourable Affection. Then may I think myself happy, and the pains well bestowed.  
Not doubting, but that it shall so plead for me, that by a just judgement of all Your La: most Glorious, Noble, and Gracious Sex, I shall be pronounced guiltless, quite, and free, from all Aspersion, and Imputation, unjustly here to fore laid to my charge.  
How-so-ever, Madam, if either this Subject may any ways seem pleasing unto Your La: or myself serviceable; all my cited Authors never thought themselves half so GRACED; as I will continually confess MY FORTUNE'S HONOURED.  
And, thus, MOST NOBLE, AND GRACIOUS LADY,  
With humble Heart, true mind, and tempered Brain,  
NED vows, Your Sex poor PRINTER to remain.   

The Prologue.  
SOme Men are so uncharitable, saith Master Feltham, 
RESOLVE pag. 10● 100  as to think All Women bad: and others so credulous, as they believe, They are all good. But, surely, although every man speaketh, as he findeth; yet there is Reason, to direct our Opinion, without experience of the whole Sex: Which, in a strict Examination, maketh more for The Honour of Women, than most men, as yet, have acknowledged.  
At the first, She was created his Equal. Only the difference was in the Sex. Otherwise 
GEN. 5.  they both were Man.  
If any will argue from the Text, That Male and Female made Man; so the Man being put first, was therefore the worthiest: I answer; So the Evening and the Morning were the first day, saith the Scripture: putting ever the Night before the 
GEN. 1  Day: otherwise the Day was unperfect.  
And, although Peter Martyr, absurdly, would seem to affirm, That, before the Fall, Man had Priority: Yet saint Chrysostome, strongly, and truly, confuteth his Gross Opinion.  
Now, all must grant, Her Body to be more Amiable, Admirable, and Beautiful, than Mans. She is fuller of Curiosities, and Noble Nature's Wonders: both for Conception, and fostering the producted Birth.  
And, who, then, dare think, that GOD would put a worse Soul, into a better Body?  
It is certain, that Women are of colder Constitution, than boiling Man: and, so, more temperate.  
Heat itself transporteth Man to Immoderation, and Fury: and hurrieth him to a Savage, and Libidinous Violence. But Women are, naturally, more modest. And Modesty is, indeed, the very Seat, and Dwellingplace, of Virtue: And 
Fond Fortune's blasts cannot prevail,  
To overthrow Dame Virtue's Sail.   
Whence, I pray you, proceed the most abhorride Villainies, but from a Masculine unblushing Impudence? And what a deal of Sweetness do we find in a mild Disposition? For 

When Rage runs swiftly, step aside, and see,  
How hard th' Approaches of fierce Fury be.    
If a Woman groweth bold, and daring, we dislike her, and say, She is too like a Man. And yet, in ourselves, we magnify, what in her we condemn. Is not this great injustice?  
Every Man is so much the better, by how much the nearer he cometh unto GOD. And in nothing can Man be more like unto GOD, than in being Merciful. Yet Woman exceedeth Man very fare, in Mercy, Pity, Piety, Chartie, and Rueth.  
And, whereas we are still exhorted to love, I am assured, that Women are every where spoken of, for transcending in that Quality.  
Men, indeed, have ever holden Parliament, & been Judges in their own causes: enacting their own Wills, and not bearing the Women speak: whereby, very easily, they may be concluded guilty. But let Men know, that 
Who judgement gives, and will but one side hear,  
(Though he judge right) is no good justiciere.   
How-so-ever, for my part, I would gladly honour Virtue in every Sex. And, I think, in the General, I shall find it more in Women, than in Men; though weaker, and more infirmlie guarded.  
And, though Women be the Better, yet may they be wrought (by wicked Men) to be the worse.  
Neither shall the faults of many, make me uncharitable to all: nor the Goodness of some, make me credulous of the rest.  
Yet, hitherto, I confess, I have found more sweet, and constant, Goodness, in Women, than in Men: for, of such men as are constant in true Goodness, I have found no great Number.  
And thus I end my Prologue, which beginneth not with Apologies; neither do I end it with any entreaty of a kind censure, which might seem to disparage this Work, and beg partiality. But if in these weak Extractions, the Judicious and Godly Women, may be any ways pleased in their increasing affections still towards Godliness and Virtue, (all by-Respects put away) my Petitions shall ever be to the GOD of all Goodness, to perpetuate their Happiness; I ever remaining  
Their ImmutablE HonoureR. HAUD INFERIORA SEQUTUS.  sun shining on a plant   

The Authors, from whom this little Treatise hath its original; Beside the Holy Scriptures, and Chronicles of all Nations, and in all Languages.  

1 AMmianus Marcellius.  
2 Aristotle.  
3 Aulus Gellius.  
4 Boccace.  
5 Bohem.  
6 Carter.  
7 Cato.  
8 Cicero,  
9 Chrysostome.  
10 Curtius Solinus.  
11 Diodorus Siculus.  
12 Epigenes.  
13 Erasmus.  
14 Eusebius.  
15 Feltham.  
16 Giero.  
17 Gorgias Leotanus.  
18 Grantzio.  
19 Gybson.  
20 Herodote.  
21 Hieronymus.  
22 Hortantius.  
23 johan Marconville.  
24 justinus.  
25 Lactantius.  
26 Marcus Varro  
27 Mercurius Trismegistus.  
28 Munsterus.  
29 Origen.  
30 Orosius.  
31 Ovid.  
32 Petrus Cirnitus.  
33 Periander.  
34 Pindar.  
35 Plato.  
36 Plinius.  
37 Plutarch.  
38 Pompeïus.  
39 Pomponius Mela.  
40 Pythagoras.  
41 Siculus.  
42 Scotus Subtilus.  
43 Socrates.  
44 Solinus.  
45 Stesichoris.  
46 Symphrorian Champer.  
47 Tailor.  
48 Theophrastus.  
49 Thevet Angonozin.  
50 Thomasius.  
51 Trogus.  
52 Virgil.  
53 Xenocrates.   
And others.   

To the Author.  

IN representing to the whole World's view,  
The lively Portrait of the Worldes Admired:  
Yea, Nature's Darling, with Her Praises due:  
With lovely Grace, and Merits Rays attired:  
The Worth and Virtue of that Sacred Frame,  
Thy humble Service doth thy Press compel,  
To vindicate, and blaze abroad Her Fame.  
Each one must say, Thou hast deserved well.   
M. I. G.   

The glory of Man, Consisting in The Excellency and Perfection of WOMAN.  

CHAPTER I. Of the Creation of WOMAN, and Her Perfection.  
HOwbeit THUCYDIDES, 
THUCYDIDES.  the Philosopher, (out of an heathnicke humour) was of opinion; That as the Women ought to be good Housekeepers, and seldom seen abroad; neither should their good Name, Fame, nor Beauty, go farther than the threshold of their doors: Yet worthy Plutarch, 
PLUTARCH.  (a Man fare more excellent in Wit & Learning) treating of the Excellency of renowned Women, agreeth with the learned Gorgias Leontanus, and 
Gorgias ●eontanus  sayeth▪ That not only Her Beauty, but also Her rare Virtues, good Behaviour, comely Manners, and other angelical Perfections, should no ways be smothered: But, in the Orations of learned men, made known; even to the encowragement of Posterity; according to the Laws of the ancient Romans; who held it for great impiety, only to make the grossest half of Mankind renowned, and let the more excellent deeds, of the Nobler sort, be buried in oblivion.  
And, therefore, according to my slender Skill, and ability, I vow to do my best herein: though I presume nor to be called absolutely the Author hereof; but by way of gathering together, and truly translating, of learned men's just Trials, and sound judgments, in the praise of so rare, glorious, comely, wise, lovely, perfect, amiable, and precious a Creature, as is WOMAN, the Crown, and Glory, of MAN, even the Mother of all living Souls.  
Neither will I speak only of late times, since the days of Annacus, or 
Annac. Deucals  Deucalion; but even from the beginning, and first creation of WOMAN: whereby Her splendent Brightness may shine the clearer, dazzling the dusty deeds of slalow-witted Man.  
NOw, it is said in the first and second Chapters of Genesis, That the LORD created the first man [Adam] even of the dust and slime of the earth, breathing into his nostrils the breath of life: and so he became a living soul; being innocent, and perfectly holy, even according to the Image of GOD.  
Then, mark, That Man was made of a dead lump, and of the worst of the earth. And, when GOD had put His own Spirit therein, and made it a comely, fair, yea, holy, and divine Creature; then, out of the same purified substance, He made a more excellent Angelical Creature; even EVAH, the Woman, and Mother of us all.  
Here might justly be shown innumerable Testimonies, for the Honour and Praise of Women, from the very creation, until this day: 1. That every work of GOD exceedeth, excelleth, and outreacheth each other, in greatness, and goodness; and still the last, for to be best. 2. That Man was the cause of the Woman's fall; by neglecting her company. 3. That the Woman made denial, to eat of the forbidden Fruit; and was overcome, by great and subtle temptations: and, that Man, very impudently, and unadvysedlie, without any gaynsaying, at the first offer, took, and ate; and so very rashly broke the LORD'S Commandment. 4. That whereas the Scripture sayeth, that Wyves should be subject to their Husbands; is not meaned, That therefore, the Men are better than Women: but in respect of Her Fall. 5. That the fall of Evah, was greatly to the manifestation of the Glory and Power of GOD: yea, and a most happy Fall, to the Elected people of the LORD.  
These, I say, with thousand more, might here, truly, and plainly, be proven: but I omit the rest, until my second work of this quality: which, (if this be jangled against) shall shortly compeare, even to the utter shame of all the Fame-stayners of Women. And thus I proceed in Their due and just Praise.  
Now, it is said, (Genes. 3.) that the seed of the Woman, should bruise the head 
GENE SIS 3.  of the Serpent. And by this Seed, is meant our gracious Redeemer, JESUS, our Saviour: Blessed for ever: Amen.  
And, who so would rightly understand what Woman is unto Man; She is, in very deed, the first & chief essential Good, and Perfect Benefit of GOD, unto Man. For, without that goodly Creature, Man had never been perfected: but in more miserable state, on earth, than any beast: for each of them had his Maike, for his solace, recreation, and procreation.  
Thus, to conclude our first Chapter, let none deny, But that Woman is Man's Equal (and more) in every good point; and foremost parttaker of every Heavenly Gift and Grace from Above: Being, as said is, composed both of the more excellent Substance, and Qualities. And, in Her, as in a rare, sumptuous, costly, and precious Boothe, or Shop, (and from Her) do shine the beams of Beauty, Comelinehe, Constancy, Virtue, prudency, Piety, Charity, and practise in good manners: Fare exceeding gross Man: except, indeed, in strength, wherein he exceedeth Woman mightily, to commit all manner of Cruelty and Naughtiness: and She the weaker Vessel, both in body and mind, to commit any evil. And, though Man seem to brag of his strength, yet let him know, 

That what Man holds, hangs but by slender Twine.  
By sudden chance the strongest things decline.     

CHAPTER II. Of the fair and goodly Privileges, granted and given unto Women, even from the Beginning.  
Although WOMEN had no farther Advantage of Men, than said is already; to wit, That She is made in fair Paradyse, and Man there-out: and, Of a good, purified, and lively substance; and he of a gross, heavy, and dead matter: This, I say, might be sufficient, to stop the injurious wicked mouths, of such calumniators, as are not worthy to be called The Sons (but The Shame) of Women. And yet there will remain a world full more of perfectious Excellencies, and virtuous Qualities, to be found in Women, fare excelling the gross, and churlish conditions of Men. The smallest part whereof, to collect together, and set down in Print, would be a Labyrinthiall, and Herculean Travel. Neither could all the Paper in the world contain Their Worthiness; nor the world contain the Books, which, rightly, might be written, In Their just Praise.  
And, therefore, I request you, at this time, to accept only of this my little Knot, drawn out of other men's great Gardens: No more but to signify unto the world, the pretence of my good Will, if possibly my Power could be amounted to the Sphere of my soaring Mind.  
Then, for Brevity's cause, harken well unto these few (yet notable) Remembrances, of Honourable Women, in times past; even to the encowragement of our gracious Matrons nowadays, yea, and to Succession hereafter: together with a strong Confutation of all graceless Vilependers of this renowned Sex of Women. Which sort of men, may fitly be compared with the worst sort of Serpents, or Vipers: which, after generation, having received life, in their mother's bellies, gnaw, and eat thorough their mother's side, and so come forth: whereby, of necessity, she loseth her life.  
Firstlie, then: There was never such a wicked, and  Deed, wrought, by all the Women that ever were, as was shown on our Saviour; flat, and directly contrary, to the will, counsel, and disposition of Women.  
Read, considerativelie, & behold, how the Women advertised, forewarned, yea, exhorted the Men, and expressly forbade them, To lay hands, or 
MATTH. 26. 19  have ado, with JESUS: proclaiming and avowing Him, To be righteous; even as the truth was indeed. Yet, unhappy men would give no credence to the Truth: but, most madly, wickedly, and impudently, even against all equity, justice, and reason, they furiously proceeded in their madness: and did not only Lay hands upon the Just, as it were, to hold Him: but, forsooth, they bond Him, buffeted Him, mocked Him, spitted upon Him; and, with all the spite the could, they crowned Him even with a Crown of sharp Thorns: Yea, and left not off, till, as shamefully, and with the greatest ignominy they could invent, They crucified the LORD of Glory; even betwixt two evil-doers, He Himself having done no evil at all: but was unjustly accused, by such false men as themselves, whom they had suborned to be false witnesses.  
Harken well, ye Monsters: because your sex rejected CHRIST, betake you to your brother Barrabas; who being guilty, ye saved, and condemned the innocent JESUS; who is the Brother of WOMEN. For they cried, Save Him, save Him: but ye cried, Crucify Him, crucify Him.  
Ye proud, faynt-hearted men! 
Matth. chap. 26. verse 69. 70 71. 72. 73. 74. Mark chap 14. verse 66. 67 68 69. 70. 71. Luke chap. 22. verse 56. 57 58. 59 60. john chap. 18. verse 17. 18 25. 26. 27.  what think ye? Was it a fit time for His Disciples to forsake Him in the Garden? And did not His most boasting Disciple, Peter, deny Him thrice in short time? yea, with cursing, and swearing, that he knew Him not.  
2. The Innocence of Women, and Guiltiness of Men, in this exceeding great Wickedness, is yet very probable, by these following Consequents. Because the men were found too light, and unworthy, therefore the LORD made choice of Women, to be the first proclaimers, and sounding Trumpets, of His Glorious Resurrection. The mean time His Men-disciples being too too forgetful of what CHRIST had said unto them many times before, concerning His Resurrection: yet were they saythlesslie forgetful, and believed not. But, on the contrary, His Women-Disciples had great saith, remembered well His words, waited earnestly for His rising again, and departed not from the Grave: when as 
Matth. 18. Mark 16. john 20.  the light-brayned, and shalow-witted men, thought all was done, and never to have heard any more of their Lord: Dispersing themselves, some to their former Trade of Fishing; others took 
john 21. verse 3.  their journey into the Country, and that upon the Sabbath Day. Yea, some 
Mark chap. 16. verse 12. 13  of them would not believe that the LORD was risen from the dead▪ when it was told them of the rest: no, not when they saw the LORD Himself; except they put their hands into His precious wounds: and so, if it had been 
john 20. verse 24. 25. 26. 27.  possible, to have holden the LORD still in agony.  
3. Behold still the fair Privileges of Women, by the example of Rachel, Leah, and many others; who were preferred before their husbands▪ & had the preeminence to name their children even as pleased themselves: the great Patriarch Jaakob himself, father of the twelve Tribes, and many other Worthies, being thereto silent.  
4. How can I worthily anough express the praise of Jaill, the wife of 
JAEL.  Heber the Kennite? who, with her own hands, and alone, slew Sisera, the Captain of the Canaanitish host: who, in 
JUDGES 4. 18.  deed, had made great spoil of the LORD'S People. Behold, I say That which many thousands of men could not achieve unto, it pleased th● LORD to perfect by a Woman, as another worthy Penthesilea.  
5. Gracious Deborah judged Israe● 
DEBOHAR.  at that time: bearing prerogative, an● commandment, over all Israel; as we● 
JUDGES 5.  Captains, and Priests, as commo● people. And the LORD blessed Israe● mightily in her days.  
6. Look how fare more excellently 
JUDGES 13. 1. SAM. 25.  the Mother of Samson behaved he● self, both towards GOD and Man● than did her churlish husband. And with her, let us also join Gracious Abigaill. 
ABIGAILL.   
7. See wise judeth, how cowragiouslie, 
JUDETH  and valiantly, she slew Olofernus: and, by that means, discomfited hundreth thousand of the Assyrians: while as the silly faynt-hearted men were howling, and lamenting, within the besieged City of Bethulia: not once daring to offer to come forth: no, not so much as once to look over ●he Wall. Silly Cowards.  
8. Harken, yet, unto the true Records, of the Royal Privileges of Women. Look to the Country of Campaigne; where that excellent order is yet, from ancient times; That if it please a Gentlewoman to marry with any mean man, by force of that marriage he is enacted a Gentleman. But if a Gentleman marry with a mean woman, it is nothing so.  
9 Also, worthy Plutarch reporteth, 
PLUTARCH.  That it is ordained in Gallia Celtica, (to the Honour of Women) in respect of a League, betwixt Hannibal & the Celts; That, when as a Celt, or Gall, should complain of any injury done unto them by a Carthaginian, the lords of Carthage were obliedged, to hear the cause, and make restitution for th● wrong. But, on the contrary, when Carthaginian had wronged a Gall, o● Celt, the Celtish women were judge therein, even according to their worthy Discretion. Thus were they ho●den in high and deserved Honour, an● most worthily preferred before th● men of that Country.  
10. Moreover: The Troglodytes of Aethiopia, though a barbarous people (as sayeth Bohem) yet, being governed 
BOHEM.  with Women, as well at home, as abroad in the Wars, are victorious rich, renowned, and feared of their neighbouring enemies, who are governed but with the vicious, faynt-hearted, effeminate, cowardly, and luxurious men.  
11. Here (to the praise of women) I cannot omit to rehearse what one truly speaketh of the most Happy Reign of our Sacred sovereign, ELIZABETH, Queen of England, France, and Ireland true Defender of the Faith, etc. Blessed Queen ELIZABETH (sayeth he) a Princess of Immortal Fame, the Admiration of Her Sex, the Helper of all Nations, the Pattern of Princes, the Delight of Her People, and Terror of Her Enemies: Born to wear a temporal crown on earth, and to be crowned with Eternal Glory in Heaven: Restored, 
john Taylor, the Water Poet.  and maintained, the true Religion constantly: Reposed Her only Trust in GOD confidently: Held the jesuits, all Papists, and other Hirelings, at the Staffs end steadfastly: Put Her Laws in Execution resolutely, (and yet without all cruelty:) reigned many years gloriously: Departed this life peaceably: And liveth in Heaven triumphantly.  

HER EPITAPH.  
The Griefs, the Fears, the Terroures, and the Toils:  
The Sleightes, Tricks, Snares, that for Her life were laid:  
Popes, Prisons, Poisons, Pistoles, bloody Broils:  
All these encompassed Her, poor harmless Maid.  
But She still trusting in Her Maker's Aid,  
Was aye defended, by His Power Divyne.  
Her Glory, and Her Greatness, were displayed, 
QUEEN ELIZABETH.   
As fare as Sun and Moon did ever shine.  
GOD'S mingled Service, She did re-refyne,  
From Romish Rubbish, and from Humane Dross.  
She yearly made the Pride of Spain decline:  
France and Belgia, She saved from Loss.  
She was Arts Pattern, t' Arms She was a Patron.  
She lived and died a Queen, a Maid, a Matron.    

CHAPTER III. Of the Excellency of WOMEN, whom GOD hath made the first Mothers of VIRTUE, and Instrumental Finders-out, of the most excellent, and needful things, in the world.  
MARCUS VARRO 
MARCUS VARRO:  testifieth, That Women were the first Instruments, and Finders-out, of the most excellent, and needful things, belonging unto Mankind: to wit;  
1. The Unity, and Fellowship, to dwell together, in Towns, Villages, Freedoms, and Congregations.  
2. That WOMEN were the first Inventors of LETTERS, and Art of Writing.  
3. That WOMEN are the first In-bringers and maintainers, of Laws, and Statutes; Politic, Civil, and Moral.  
4. That the comely Art of Barbarizing, Shearing, or Trimming of men's heads, and beards, first begun with Women, in Sicilia; and brought from thence, to Rome, by Tirinius; Rome having then been inhabited 554 years, without the seemliness of this Arte.  
5. That WOMEN are the first Inventors of Horologies, dials, and Clocks; which most comfortably measure unto us the Day and Night, into 24 parts, Winter and Summer.  
Then, next unto GOD, to the glory of Women be it said, That no more excellent, and worthy things, than these, can be in the world.  
What can be more precious unto us, than LETTERS; For, without Letters, the life of man, yea, and his whole pilgrimage on earth, would be but a continual death, and an oblivious burial. Because nothing can be done without Letters.  
Letters are the pillars of everlasting Memory.  
Letters keep fresh to our remembrance to day, what hath been done so many thousand years ago.  
Letters preserve all things done in our times, even unto our posterities posterity, for ever.  
Had it not been for Letters, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cato, Theophrastes, Virgil, Ovid, Cicero, with the rest of the goodly fellowship of Philosophers; yea, most holy and wise Fathers, had not so highly been in estimation with the world, nor the world have reaped such great beneficial knowledge, as it hath pleased GOD, (next unto His great Mercies) by their painful studies, (to our great ease) to bestow upon us.  
But what need I to speak of mortal men? and of late times? Are not the works of GOD, even from the beginning, and His miraculous Wonders, yet extant amongst us? yea, together with His revealed Word and Will; and all by the means of Immortal Letters? whereof it pleased GOD to make illustrious WOMEN the first 
CARMENTA.  Author; even Renowned Carmenta, (or, by some Writers, named, Nicostrata) the mother of Evander, king of Arcadia. For whose sake, all men are bound to love and honour Her Sex: giving GOD the praise, who hath lent unto Mankind such an excellent exceeding great Benefit, as are immortal Letters.  
If any would here allege, that 
PLINIUS.  Plinius, with the authority of Epigenes, would maintain Letters to have been from the beginning of the Creation; yet abundance of ancient Writers are of the contrary opinion: amongst whom is the worthy, & learned Theophrastus: who thinketh it no shame to 
THEOPHRASTUS-  confess, that the Lady Leontia, withstood him, in the face, in disputation, before an Assembly, and quite overthrew him: and that by reason, sayeth he, she had the knowledge, and practical use of Letters: which himself was ignorant of, at that tyme.  
And saint Hieronymus confesseth 
HIERONYMUS.  the like, of a woman, called Eustachius: to the glory of GOD, in His great Mercies towards Woman's Sex, be it said.  
And Aristotle sayeth, that as Man 
ARISTOTLE  cometh of the Woman; even so do all good things, and all excellency in knowledge of Sciences, Learning, and Virtue, proceed also from the Woman, unto Man; for his comfort. And therefore, Glory be to GOD for Her.  
To proceed, then, in the just praise of women. Women have not only been the first instrumental finders of such things as are indeed the Royal Ornaments of Mankynds inward understanding, (as were Letters aforesaid:) but also many other necessaries; without the which, man had yet lived, as in former times; that is, more like brute beasts, than reasonable creatures, had it not been for the witty help, and painful hand, of virtuous woman. For not only from the Creation, till Noah; but long after the Deludge, Man lived on Acorns, roots, barks of trees, and meal of such like things. Till, at the last, Dame Ceres 
CERES.  found out the precious grain of Corn; and, consequently, invented the making, and baking of bread, in the countries of Greece, Italy, and Sicily. And therefore was she called a Goddess; yea, and holden for the same of all our learned Poets, even till this day.  
Moreover, it is soothlie said of the same Dame Ceres, that she was the first maintainer of good Statutes, and maker of Civil Laws: without the which, no Kingdom, Commonwealth, Congregation, or Household, could stand. And yet all this cometh immediately from GOD, unto Woman; and GOD maketh her the Destributer thereof, unto man, her other half. And for my proof concerning Dame 
DIODERE. OVID. HERODITE. VIRGIL.  Ceres, I take to witness worthy Diodore, in his sixth Book; Ovid, in his fift Book of Metamorphoses; and Herodote, the father of all Historicians, in his sixth Book. And therefore Virgil, in his Book of Aeneids, calleth Her Legifera; that is, Lawgiver. And this also doth Plinius maintain, & avouch, 
PLINIUS.  in his seaventh Book of Natural History.  
Now, as the Corn, and Meal making, & Bread baking, was first found by a Woman, Dame Ceres, as said is, so 
CERES. ISIS.  is there another rare Dame, called Isis, who found out the way, how to manure, and blow the land. And, shortly after, other virtuous Women, in Gallia, have invented the Sieve; and some others, in spain, the Bolting-cloath: as sayeth Plinius, in his eyghteenth Book.  
Moreover, in the beginning Men lived most barbarously, Grosslie, and Brutishlie, having not wherewith to cover their nakedness, but the Shins of wild Beasts, and barks of Trees: until the time that the Women found out the making of Cloth. In which Art Dame Tannaquil, (or, as some 
TANNAQUIL.  call her, Caja) was extraordinary painful, and expert: and, therefore, is called the Goddess of good Housewyves. But the first that ever began to spin Wool, was a comely, fair, and virtuous Virgin, in the Country of Lydia, called Arachne: as testifieth Plinius, 
ARACHNE.  and Ovid, in his Metamorph.  
But I know not what would have become of silly Man, had not Dame Pallas found our Flax and Hemp, and 
PALLAS.  the invention of making of Linen Cloth. For, I am sure, that, without Linen, Men would be much fouler, and uncleaner than Beasts: so that his Habitation would be more odious, than the stall of Auria. And these enormities are all prevented, even by Women. Thus Men may understand, that all Heavenly Gifts, and Graces, show themselves fare more excellently in Women, than in Men.  
And, I need not to make much ado, to prove, that the Women are, in no degree, so greedy, and avaricious, as are unhappy Men. And thus I durst appeal to every honest Man's Conscience: yet, nevertheless, I can hardly pass by here, to tell you how Queen Semiramis approved this 
SEMIRAMIS. DARIUS.  on King Darius: for she caused build a costly, and Sumptuous Tomb, upon the which she caused write this Poesy.  
Who so desireth gold, & silver much, (such. Break down this Tomb, & he shall find all  
And, as King Darius happened to come that way, and beholding the Tomb, and reading the superscription, he caused open the same: and on the innerside of the same stone was written thus; 

Thou Graceless Man, and full of Greediness,  
That Women do surpass thee, now confess.  
Hadst thou been other, but a caitiff Wretch.  
Thy Hands on dead men's Tombs thou wouldst not stretch.    
And so finding nothing within, but dust and clay, and seeing himself so fare deceived, this greedy Gluttonous Man departed, looking as angrielyke, as a March-Hare.  
Eusebius, in his Church Histories, 
EUSEBIUS.  writeth greatly to the just Praise of Women, by the example of the Mother of Origen: for, many Martyrs on 
ORIGEN  a day being condemned to be burnt, by the Enemies of the Gospel of CHRIST, this Origen was in the mind, voluntarily, and unaccused, to have suffered death with them, on the morrow. But his Mother, (happy Woman) being ware thereof, came quietly into his Chamber, the night before, & took away all his . So that when Origen rose in the morning, with full resolution, to sacrifice himself, with the other Martyrs, he had nothing to put on: and so was fain to tarry in his Chamber, a day or two, till GOD changed his mind: and lived many years after, and proved an excellent instrument in propagating the Gospel of GOD; as appeareth till this day, by his worthy, and holy Write.  
Yet, before I conclude this Chapter, I must rehearse unto you two worthy Women, who in excellency of learning, and Governament, were not behind any Men that ever we read of.  
The first of these was a Woman borne in England, of Heroic Parents, and herself of a lofty spirit, and subtle ingenious wit: and having passed the English Schools, at home, she departed from England, in Man's Clothing and came to Athens; which City at that time, flourished, above all others, in Learning, and Policy: in which she extraordinarily studied, and profited exceedingly, calling herself 
POPE JOHN.  john. And afterwards, coming to Rome, she taught, and disputed, openly, in the Schools, in the habit of a most grave Doctor: and was so well liked of, that they thought her the paragon of that Age. And after the death of Leo, the fourth of that name, Pope of Rome, about the year of our LORD 852. she was chosen Pope of Rome; and governed that Place, with great wisdom, in good Civility, and happy Peace, the space of three years, two months, and four days: and ended her life with great Renown.  
Another rare, wise, and excellent Woman, was Theodosia, Empress of Constantinople: who through the baseness of the Emperor, her Husband, who, seeing Disturbances likely to fall out, in his Empire, cowardly, left all, betook himself to a Closter, and became a Monk: and likewise her Brother Zoc being slain, she governed the Empire herself; and that so valiantly, and judiciouslie, that she was (out of measure) beloved of her Subjects, and feared of her Enemies, all the days of her life: and departed this life in peace, about the year of CHRIST 1050.  
And, to conclude this Chapter, I speak thus much, with pardon to the Women of these times, to follow the Virtue of these their aforesaid predecessors.  

To Virtue, and to Honour, once in Rome,  
Two stately Temples there erected was:  
Where none might unto Honour's Temple come,  
But first through Virtue's Temple they must pass.  
Which was an Emblem, and a Document,  
That we by Virtue must true Honour win;  
And that, that Honour shall be● permanent,  
Which only did from Virtue first begin.  
Then sith these Women have tru● Virtue won,  
See ye with them the paths of Virtue run.    

CHAPTER iv Of the Valiantness, Boldness, and courage of Women; and of their Victorious Battles; fare surpassing the engine, or courage of Man.  
SUch Striplings as take pleasure, as fare as they may, to impeach the Honour and Credit of Women, and to deny their rare perfection in every excellent thing, even above Man; let such stand aback, I say, and withdraw themselves, unto these learned Authors, who prefer the Valour, courage, and bold-heartinesse of Women, to all the Men that ever were: and, for this purpose, let them, with great reverence, read Ammianus Marcellinus, Trogus Pompeius, Justinus, Orosius, Diodorus Siculus, Plinius, Herodotus, Curtius, Solinus Pomponius, Mela, and many others, in the renowned Histories of the Amazons; where it is clearly shown, that the just praise of Women, in Martial affairs also, fare above Men, hath sounded through the World.  
Now, these Amazons dwelled in Scythia; this Scythia lying in North - Asia; the which, nowadays, is called Tartary; whereby it is known from that Scythia which lieth in Europe. And the Amozones having no King, but a Queen, called Orithie, together with 
ORITHIE.  a valiant Lady, whom the Queen made her Vicegerent, called Antiope. These two Women governed the Amazons so wisely, and valiantly, that they were feared of all their neighbours: So that Euristeus the Athenian King, was compelled to entreat Great Hercules himself, to put on his Armour, and to help him against two Women, forsooth, who then so wisely governed the Amazons, that his bowls quaked for fear of them.  
Now, this Hercules, being pricked with Ambition, jealous of Honour, & greedy for preferment, (as, commonly, Men have ever been) he assemall the forces that he might: and taking with him Theseus, and other mighty Friends, and assistants, they embarked themselves to sail towards Scythia, against the Queen of the Amazons: and after great Skaithe of their own people, are returned without victory; not daring to bide bargain, when the Queen in proper person came to give them Battle: but destroyed some of the Country with fire, and so fled away, like Men. But soon after that, the Queen, and her Forces, followed over, into Europe, to be avenged on the Gricks, and on Euristeus; where they made such havoc, on the Borders, and Frontures, of the Athenians, that their King was fain to compone with the Queen, and to buy her out of his Country; Great Hercules being slain: In token whereof, the Athenians hold him for their Patron till this day.  
And a long time, thereafter, the Grecians going into Asia, against the trojans, and Penthesilea, then being successive 
PENTHESILEA.  Queen to Orithie, Queen of the Amazons, she levied a gallant Army, more Women, than Men, and came over, and assisted the trojans; in such sort, that through her stratagems, and feats of Arms, she so defeated the Grecians, that they were almost utterly undone; had it not been for Achilles, who subtly deceived that valiant Queen Penthesilea, and she 
PENTHESILEA.  was slain in Battle: wherethrough the rest returned home; to their own Country of Amazon, choosing another Queen, called Thalistris. And this Thalistris governed, and reigned, 
THALISTRIS.  in great Wealth, and prosperity, over the Amazons, even in the days of Alexander the Great, when as he had Wars against the Hircanites.  
And, whether for fear, or love, I know not, yet Alexander never molested the Amazons; but held their Queen in great estimation, and reverence.  
But, after her decease, when Men, forsooth, came to govern the Amazons, all things went backwards against them: so that their Enemies prevailed: and, within short time, that Kingdom was brought to nothing.  
Again, the Emperor, Claudius the second, having Wars against the Goths: and on a day, being victorious over them in Battle, himself in proper person perceaved some valiant fight Souldioures amongst the Goths, exceeding many others, in courage: which he caused take alive, as prisoners; but only ten in number. And when their Armour was laid off, these ten were perceaved to be Women. Whereat the Emperor stood greatly amazed, and gave them great praise, and rich Gifts, judging them to have been descended of the valiant Amazons.  
And, likewise, the Country of Francia Antartica, is extraordinarily well governed, and defended, even by Women, till this day: as writeth Thevet 
THEVET ANGOMOZIN.  Angomozin, in his Diversity of Histories.  
Harken yet unto Lactantius, who famously commendeth the women of Lacedemonia; who issued forth of their City, when their Enemies had most strongly besieged them: and behaved themselves so victoriously, that few of their Enemies escaped. In testification whereof, those worthy Lacedimonian Women, even of the Golden Treasure of their Enemies, they made a large Image of Venus, in complete Armour, in token of their Victory; to an everlasting remembrance, and encowragement, to all succeeding Ages.  
Neither ought we to pass by the Valiantness, and courage, of the Women of Cimber; who, although their men were slain, to the number of one hundreth forty thousands, by Catulus, and Marius of Rome; yet the Women proved more valiant, and avenged the death of their Husbands; choosing, rather, with them, to die, than to be deflored of their Enemies. And this came to pass more than 90. years before the coming of Christ.  
Yet to proceed, in the just praise of Women: Petrus Cirnitus, writing of 
PETRUS CIRNITUS. ZENOBIA.  Worthy Discipline, in his 26. Book, and 14. Chapter, sayeth, that Zenobia, Queen of Palmyren, fought a cruel Battle, against the Emperor Aurelian, and obtained great victory. Yet, because he thought her but a Woman, he made no great matter of it; but wrote unto her, and bade her yield. But, she, having received his letter, with a smiling Countenance, & Cowragious mind, answered him thus; It must not be with Messives, but with might of Arms, if thou shalt obtain aniething at my hands: For, let thy gross understanding be assured, that Cleopatra had rather want life, than 
CLEOPATRA. AENEAS SILVIUS.  Honour.  
And Aeneas Silvius, who afterwards was Pope, and great Bishop of the holy City of Rome, called Pius the second, declareth at length, that the land of Bealme was long time happily governed by Women.  
But, because all Histories, both Spiritual, and Temporal, as well old, as new, make so much mention, of the Valiantness, & courage of Women, I need not to tarry any longer hereupon; but to go forwards, in the due praise of Women; declaring to the World, their other rare perfections, also; even to the astonishment and bashfulness, of all their Gainsayers whatsoever: And so I conclude this Chapter, proceeding to another, with this great encowragement, to the Women now of our times, and hereafter for ever.  

Let their Example be a Spur to you,  
That ye their worthy Virtues may pursue.  
Women they were, and you are even as much:  
They were Victorious, you may even be such.  
They had great courage, guarded with good Skill:  
Which Skill and courage, Fortune, Grace, and Will,  
I do implore th' Almighty to bestow,  
On each of you, the High, and eke the low.    

CHAPTER V Of sundry good Women, who wittily, and valiantly, have cleansed whole Countries, and Congregations, of cruel Tyrants, and Heretics.  
ANd if men have obtained any praise and glory on earth, by maintaining their Kingdoms, Countries, Towns, and other things of this world, by the loss of limbs and lyves; then, I am assured, that our worthy women have deserved fare more happy fame, praise, and renown, who have not spared their uttermost endeavours, painful travels, their goods, children, limbs, nor life, in the defence of things Above, as GOD'S true Religion, and the holy Gospel of JESUS CHRIST.  
It is said in the Book of Judeth, that when the pride of Nabuchodonozor was puffed up even to the Heavens, giving commandment unto Olofernes (chief captain of his army) to bring the whole world under his subjection. Where was ever heard tell of such like pride in Women? But what followed? Forsooth, the LORD sent holy Judeth, into the camp of the Assyrians, (lying before Bethulia) and took off the head of the tyrant Olofernes, even with his own sword: whereby she discomfited the huge army of the enemies of GOD'S People, and preserved her city. But, because I have said somewhat hereof, and of Deborah, & Jael, before, in my second Chapter; therefore I go forwards, to others more; whose number is so infinite, that this little volume can not contain the hundreth part: only I shall recite a few, and so proceed to another subject, even in the just praise of Women be it said.  
Abimelech, that Arch-tyrant, murdered his threescore and ten Brethren, destroyed the City of Sechem, burned 
JUDGES 8. 35. and 9 1. 2. 3 4. etc.  the Counsel-house, and sowed the City with salt. And, not content with this, he presently besieged the City of Thebes: and having chased the people into a strong Tower, he came to the door thereof, of purpose to set it on fire, with his own cruel hands. 
JUDGES 9 56. 7 53. 54. 2. SAM. 11. 21.  But a certain woman, saith the Scripture, threw down a piece of a Millstone upon Abimelech's head; so that his brain pan was broken. Then caused he a young man to thrust his sword thorough him: and so he died shamefully.  
In this same manner died also King Pyrrhus: who lying in siege before the Town of Argoes, a woman threw a stone upon his head. And being blinded with blood, a woman caused a Soldier, called Zopyrus, to run him thorough with a Spear.  
And Plutarch, in his book of famous Women, speaketh very laudably of Aretaphilia; who marvelouslie, and 
ARETAPHILIA  very periculouslie, delivered her own Country, from the tyranny of Nicocrates, and Leander: both which she put to death, and caused Calniam to be burnt, being the occasion of their tyranny.  
Stand yet aback, ye Despisers of WOMEN, and take example by Cyrus the Emperor: who (as long as his Empress lived) being a good and merciful Prince, afterwards became a cruel & unmerciful Tyrant. But what followed? The History sayeth, that Thomyris, Queen of Scythia, waged Battle 
THOMYRIS.  against him: whom she took, and caused cut off his head. And, for a reward of his bloody cruelty, she put his head into a vessel full of men's blood; saying, Satisfy now thyself with blood; which, heretofore, thou couldst never get anough.  
Moreover: Amongst the rest of worthy Women, let us speak somewhat of jeane of Orleans, or of Ark, 
JEANE of ORLEANS.  (for whom the Frenchmen have great cause to praise GOD:) for by her godly Skill, and willing forwardness, the kingdom of France was fred from conquering Englishmen: who had imperiously possessed that kingdom above forty years together.  
But yet, as the Englishmen were always valorous Conquerors: so also have they ever been known to be very merciful Enemies, and friendly Foes. For, though they had conquered all; yet, of their courtesy, they suffered the King of France to possess Bourdeaux, with some other adjacent little Towns, for his maintenance: whereby he might spend every day a Sheep, (at the least) and two Capons, besides Leeks, Salats, etc. as sayeth john Marconville, in his book of the Praise of Women, chap. 7.  
Now, I will not lose my time, for the prseut, to argue the matter, (with William Bellay of Lange, in his learned Book Deremilitari) concerning the aforesaid jeane, (named from Vacolours, and called The Maid of France, or The Maid of Help) whether thorough the hand of GOD, or by Witchcraft, she brought such great things to pass. How-so-ever, true it was, that France, by her means, was set free at that time, all, except Cales, which the Englishmen kept still, from the days of Philip of Valois, till the Reign of Heurie the second: which was two hundreth, and eleven years.  
But at last, the English Army lying in siege before the city of Campaigne, and Jeane making herself thitherwardes, to relieve the Frenchmen, she was betrayed by John of Luxemburgh, and delivered unto the English; who burned her to powder at Rowane, in the month of May, 1340.  

To testify She had done good,  
Her deeds were sealed with her blood.   
And therefore,  

Let FORTUNE smile, or frown, be still content:  
In all Essays bear still an Heart true bent.    

CHAPTER VI Of the wonderful goodness of GOD, towards Man, whicth He hath wrought by Religious Women : And how by a Woman, Britain first received the Christian Faith.  
IT is manifest unto all men, who are not bereft of their wits, and altogether void of Understanding, That the greatest Benefit under the Sun, is THE GIFT OF FAITH, and TRUE BELIEF; whereby we come near unto GOD, frame ourselves to love and fear Him; and so attain to the knowledge of His just judgements, and tender Mercies. And this great and excellent Gift of GOD, is manifested unto Mankind, (next unto His Sacred Word) even by chosen & holy Women; whom it pleased GOD to make the first Heralds of Christ's Glorious Resurrection, as said is before, in our second Chapter. And also many worthy Ecclesiastical Writers testify, That Marie Magdalene, Martha, etc. did first publish the Gospel, and preached CHRIST Crucified, and His Resurrection, and Ascension, in the Country of Illyrica, which is now called Slavonia, and also in the Land of Provence: where they converted the people, and brought them to the true Faith.  
We read of Apollo's, a learned Jew of Alexandria, an eloquent Man, and mighty in the Scriptures: And although he was already well instructed in the way of the LORD; yet Aquila, by the 
ACTS 18. 24. 25. 26.  help of Priscilla,, his wife, expounded unto him the way of GOD more perfectly, than ever he knew of before.  
And, the great King Agrippa was 
ACTS 26. 27. 28. 29.  but almost persuaded by Paul, to be a Christian.  
But, to the contrary, GOD had mercy on good Lydia, opened her 
ACTS 16. 14. 15  heart: and not almost, but altogether made her His chosen Vessel.  
Read the Chronicle of fair England, and you shall understand, that in the days of King Egilbert, the whole Realm was infected with the damnable Heresy of Pelagius. And saint Augustine coming thither, to preach the Christian Religion; by mediation of the Queen, after great, and serious pains, and loving entreaty, the King gave ear, and was converted, together with his People. See, thus did England, first receive the true Faith, by the means of a Woman; sayeth Gaguinus.  
Hermigidus, King of Goths, being 
GAGUINUS.  infected with the Heresy of Arrius, is also converted, and brought to the true acknowledgement of CHRIST crucified, even by his Wife, Nigegond; as sayeth the same Gaguinus, in his second Book.  
Also, thorough the earnest travel, of Clotildis Queen of Perthan, the King Clowis, her Husband, was baptised, and greatly rejoiced, with thanksgiving unto GOD, who had brought him from Darkness, to Light, and that by the means of a Woman, sayeth John Marconville.  
Amongst abundance of other worthy Authors, it is manifest by Plutarch, Boccace, and Symphorian Champer, That many men, both mighty and wise, have gotten their best Education even by Women; and received from Them, next unto GOD, their best and most wholesome Benefits: as well concerning the good of the Soul, as the profit of the body. And this was more than manifest on Flavius Clemens, in the days of Domician the Emperor. But now I will not tarry upon such an extraordinary Subject, lest our peevish Disgracers of Women, should run mad, and altogether despare of their Pardon, for their misbehaviour in chatting against Women. 
MERCURIUS TRISMEGISTUS.   
Mercurius Trismegistus, duly considering the wonderful Goodness of GOD towards Man, in Women, saith, That such a Man, as in all manner of ways, showed not his full endeavour in the Honour, yea, service of Women, let him be accursed. And, that such a Man, as avoideth the Company of Woman, let him be buried quick.  
But, foolish, senseless, and irregular Man, who will not be persuaded neither by Reason, nor Truth, to shun his objections, That they are but Men, and dead long ago, whom I cite for my Warrandize, in the just praise of Women; let him hearken then, what GOD sayeth unto Righteous Abraham, In all that Sarah sayeth unto thee, 
GEN. 21. 12.  harken unto her voice, sayeth the Lord. Then, thou that wilt not hearken unto the voice of thy Gracious Wife, I deny thee to be a son of Abraham, but rather of Satan, the Enemy of all Love, Concord, and good Counsel.  
Thus do we find, that Women, in all things, Health, happiness, unto the man still brings: And yet envious unbelieving Man, His hardened heart, he never settle can, For to implore the Heavens, to be so kind, To keep her state, according to her mind,   

CHAPTER VII. Of the Wisdom, Learning, Discipline, and good Manners; wherein Women have proven fare more excellent, and perfect, than Man.  
THE great Study, Care, & Pains, which silly man hath bestowed, to attain unto Wisdone, Knowledge, Learning, and Good Manners; whereby their Names and Honours, might be immortalised; is nowayes to be compared with the wise, curious, zealous, upright, pious, and religious industry of Women.  
For, indeed, Women have excelled and exceeded, not only the Men of late times, and our recent Doctors; but also the eldest, and wisest Fathers, and Philosophers; the which, to the just praise of Women, I dare take in hand to prove, as thus:  
And, because the Sibyls are of the most Renowned Remembrance, from ancient Time's, therefore, I think it not amiss, for the present, to give them here, the first place, and that very shortly, since Lactantius, Eusebius, Hieronymus, 
LACTANTIUS. EUSEBIUS, etc.  Orasius, and others have more worthily set down their praise, than it is possible for me to imagine.  
Now, the word Sibylla, is not the name of any particular Woman; but doth signify, Prophetess, or Soothsayer, or, as Thomasius sayeth, a Woman 
THOMASIUS.  which hath the spirit of prophecy.  
And of these Sybillaes' were ten in number; the first was called Persica, 2. 
TEN SIBYLS.  Lybia, 3. Delphica, 4. Cumaea, 5. Erythraea, 6. Samia, 7. Cumana, 8. Hellespontia. 9 Phrygia, and the 10. Tyburtina. And all these, even long before the coming of our blessed MESSIAH did prophesy no less, than was set down by the holy Prophets, in the old Testament, concerning the Hebrew Child, even CHRIST, our Redeemer.  
But, amongst these Sibyls, there were two fare more renowned than the other, to wit, Cumana, and Erythrea. 
CUMENA ERYTHREA.  These two were in the days of our Ancient Fathers, and excelled all the Men of those days, in perfection, Knowledge, Learning, and Divination, as can testify their goodly books, decored with golden Sentences, extant till this day; telling, of the end of the World, of the day of judgement, of Empires, and Kingdoms, of Commonwealths, Congregations, and Politic Governament, and many other worthy things, even in the Book of Revolution; whereunto the wise and ancient Romans, had ever their recourse, and took counsel thereat, as witnesseth Cicero, in his second Book of Divination; 
CICERO  saying, that the Sentences of the Sibyls, in those days, had as much authority, as nowadays the holy Scripture.  
Aulus Gellius speaketh of an old 
AULUS GELLIUS  Woman, which came to the proud King Tarquin, and brought with her 
TARQUIN.  nine Books, ask him, if he would buy them? Tarquin ask the price of the Books; she said 300 Ducats. And whiles he Skoffed at her, she took three of the Books, and burned them in the fire. Then she asked, if he would give 300 Ducats for the other six? But seeing he regarded her not yet, she burned other three. Then he began to repent, and said, Woman, thou hast burnt six Books; what wilt thou have for the other three? No less, said she, than the price of the whole nine; taking the hindmost three up, to throw them into the fire. But he stayed her, and gave her the money for them. And when he perused, and considered the Books, he was almost besides himself, for want of the other six. Yet, thorough those three Books, he became a better man than of before.  
Besides these Sibyls, we ought to keep in remembrance the worthy Queen of Sheba, which some call Nicaula, and others Mangueda; who 
MANGUEDA.  bore such a love to Wisdom, and Virtue, that she came from the uttermost parts of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon; as you may read in 
SALOMON. 1. KINGS 10.  the first book of Kings: and is greatly commended in the Gospel, even by CHRIST Himself; who sharply reproved those wicked Men, Scribes and Pharisees: and, (even in the just praise of Women be it said) He sayeth, That that one Woman, should 
MATTH.  rise up in judgement, and condemn that whole male generation.  
Now, this Queen of Sheba, (or of the South) put the wise Solomon to his uttermost shifts in disputation: for she reasoned with him, from the Hyssop branch, unto the Cedar trees: that is, concerning the virtue and quality of the smallest Herbs, to the tallest trees in Lebanus.  
And yet I proceed in this subject, to the just praise of Women, thus.  
The learned writings of Pythagoras 
PYTHAGORAS. DAMA.  had never come to light, if his daughter Dama, had not been of learned Skill, to interpret the same, after the decease of her father. 
ARETA. ARISTIPPUS. METRODIDACTUS.   
Queen Areta was so wonderfully well learned, that her son Aristippus, had no other to teach him, but herself: and therefore was he called Metrodidactus; that is to say, Taught of his Mother.  
Hortensia, the daughter of the renowned Orator Hortensius, made such a learned Oration publicly in the City of Rome, and with such a comely gesture, and excellent modest behaviour, that she is registrated in the imperial Annals of statelic Rome; even to the example of all ensuing Ages, Thus may we know, That  

Good Women, then, were never yet combined;  
But evermore have borne as brave a mind,  
As did the men in Ages whatsoever.  
Their courage, Skill, and Will, was conquered never.  
Therefore I'll forwardly, in our Mother's praise,  
Of whom, next unto GOD, we hold our life and days.    

CHAPTER VIII. Of Women, who not only surpassed Men in Poesy: but also overthrew the learned Doctors, and Philosophers, in Disputation.  

CORINNA.  AMongst other worthy learned Poëticall Women, Corinna is said to have surpassed the Poet Pindar, very fare, in compiling of lyric verse. 
PINDAR   

THEANO  Also Heroic Theano bore away the praise from all the poëticall Men in her days; which were not a few, neither unexpert.  

SOCRATES.  The Renowned Socrates thought it no shame to confess, that he had gotten great Knowledge in Poesy, by the instruction of the famous Lady Aspasia. 
ASPASIA LEANTIA. THEOPHRASTUS.   
And Lady Leantia overcame that great Philosopher Theophrastus, in Disputation.  
Now, because Plato saw, that Wisdom, Learning, and Knowledge, grew to such an height in Women, he envied their aspiring estate; and procured a Law, and Ordinance; That no Womankind should frequent the Schools, or be brought up in learning. But, silly man, that he was! the means that he made to hinder women of learning, proved but a Motive, to stir them forwards thereunto. For then, more eager than before, many worthy Virgins, (such as Lascenia, Ariota, and others) neglected 
LASCENIA. ARIOTA  not carnestlie to haunt the School of Plato himself, in man's clothing; and profited greatly.  
Cornelia, the wife of Scipio, was so 
CORNELIA.  excellent well learned, that she hath left behind her, even to the due praise of Women, many excellent and learned verses, called Cornificia; which 
CORNIFICIA.  being justly interpreted, signifieth as much, as she was a shining, and glancing Light, or Lamp, yielding Light, in Learning, to the darkened men of her age.  
Caria and Afrania, being but poor 
CARIA. AFRANIA.  Women, yet grew so expert in the Laws, that the Magistrates compelled them to lay away their Distafs, and spindle's: and they so discussed the hardest matters, which came before the Counsel, that they were holden in great Reverence, and honoured of all: and gained more love, and benefit, than all the Men-lawyers in that land.  
Diodore of Sicilia had five Children, 
DIODORE.  and all were daughters: and each of them so exceeded other, in Learning, Behaviour, and good Manners, that certain good Laws of their making, are yet in full effect in that Country.  
But, to shun the objections of the Calumniatours of Women, who may seem to say, that I produce too many examples of Heathen Women: and the Heathen set their only Felicity, and Summum Bonum, in the attaining to the perfection and knowledge of things of this life: therefore, I turn again, to the worthy testimonies of our Ecclesiastical Writers, and good examples of Christian Women.  
The worthy Eusebius witnesseth, in 
EUSEBIUS. JEMNA.  his Church Histories, that Memna, mother of the Emperor Alexander Severus, had such an earnest zeal to Godliness, Learning, and Virtue, that she sent to Antioch, desiring holy Origen 
ORIGEN  to come unto her, even to instruct her yet farther in the way of Salvation: of whose coming she rejoiced greatly, heard his doctrine, and proved a worthy Matron in true Religion, and mightily instructed others.  
Tecla, a Mayde-Disciple to saint 
TECLA.  Paul, excelled many of his Man-Disciples, in Wisdom, Learning, and Godliness, sayeth the same Eusebius.  
saint Katherine, a Virgin of Alexandria, 
SAINT KATHERINE.  overthrew fifty learned Philosophers, in weighty matters of disputation.  
Amia, and the four daughters of 
AMIA.  saint Philip, were prophetesses of the new Testament, in the Churches of Philadelph.  
In the days of saint Jerome, were abundance of learned, wise, and religious 
GERONTIA. FABIOLA. & C.  Women, such as Gerontia, Fabiola, Furia, Marcelia, Demetridis, Salvia, and many others: unto whom saint Jerome wrote many learned Epistles; and they to him again.  
Hear may Dumea Angia, a Virgin, 
DUMEA ANGIA.  Lady of Honour to the Queen of Portugal, of 22 years old, take place; who wrote unto Pope Paulus, (the third of that name, Bishop of Rome) in five languages; to wit, in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Chaldaicke, and Arabic. So that that Pope seeing her to be such an excellent Scholar, indeed, was fain to use the help of interpreters: otherwise, it had been impossible for him to have sent her any goodly Answers. This happened about the year of GOD 1548.  
And in those days dwelled a Spanish woman in Rome, called Isobell Rosier; 
ISOBEL ROSIER. SCOTUS SUBTILUS.  who in public audience constructed, and interpreted the books of Scotus Subtilus: who in those days was holden for the subtlest Fellow in the world.  
Also we read of many Noble Women, yea, and of Queens, who have so highly excelled in Learning, and so skilful in sundry Languages, that they themselves answered the Ambassadors sent from any Nation whatsoever. Which their blockheaded Husbands could not do: and therefore must hold themselves as mute, as do the Mice in presence of the Cat.  
And thus, in the just praise of Women, I conclude this Subject, hastening towards another: for Their excellent Perfections are so many, great and wonderful, that I must needs confess,  

The more I gaze against the Sun's clear light,  
The more am I distracted of my sight.    

CHAPTER IX. Of the Chastity, Modesty, and Temperancie in WOMEN, both Wyves and Maids: to the example of luxurious, vicious, and libidinous Men.  
AS amongst the innumerable Imperfections of men, there be some more gross and shameful, than others: Even so amongst the beautifying perfectious Graces in WOMEN, there are some more laudable, and of greater estimation.  
And as Lechery is a capital Imperfection in Man, and ruleth in him as a Prince of all other Vices: Even so CHASTITY in WOMAN, is the greatest point of Her Perfection, and ruleth in Her, as the Princess of all other Virtues.  
Xenocrates sayeth, that although a 
XENOCRATES HELENA  Woman had the fairness of Queen Helen, the wisdom of the queen of the South, and the riches of Croesus; yet if she want Chastity, and purity of body, she is of no value, but like the blasted slowre, and withered grass, which is trodden under feet.  
Yea, Chastity is a Woman's own element, without the which she cannot be substantial, no more than the fowls without air, and the fishes without water. For as long as a Woman hath Chastity, (sayeth an Ancient Father) she hath all good things, and is all things: but wanting That, she hath no good thing, nor is nothing.  
And, this is almost the saying of chaste Lucretia, that in Woman all virtues 
LUCRETIA.  were fled away, when she was once defiled.  
And, it is true, that Lucretia spoke not this in an unadvysed manner, or lightly, in a spleen, or that she said the thing she thought not: no, no; for she sealed her words, even with her own Blood, GOD wots, after that 
TARQUIN.  proud Tarquin had violently defiled her.  
But, our Christian Women have no fairer example of cleanly Chastity, than in Susanna; who choosed rather 
SUSANNA  to lose her life, than to commit such unclean wickedness. 
THE chaste Countess of SALISBURY.   
Also, it is steadfastly affirmed in the Chronicles of England, that one of their Kings, at the sight of the fair Countess of Salisbury, desired her, to his lustful appetite, her Husband being in France. But, that good Woman, being readier to end her life, with a Dagger, than to satisfy his filthy desire, the King stayed her hand. Then she besought the King, that she might first slay her Husband; and then she would be ready to pleasure him in any thing. Thy Husband, said the King, is in France. Nay, quoth she, he is lodged here in mine Heart; therefore let me kill him, that he bewray us not. Which words, and chaste behaviour of the Countess, put the King in astonishment; so that he feared GOD, left off his Devilish purpose, and held that Lady in Honour all his days.  
The Tyrant Maxentinus, (sayeth 
EUSEBIUS.  Eusebius, in his eight Book, Chap. 17) sent his servants for a comely Virgin, in Rome, named Sophrania, to deflore 
SOPHRANIA.  her of her Virginity. And when the Servantes had told her their message, she desired them to stay, till she attired herself in her best array, that their Lord might the better accept of her. And going to her Chamber, she fell down on her Face, and cried to the GOD of Heaven, to delyver her from any such filthy action. And whiles the wicked Sergeants would not stay, but beat upon her Chamber door, to take her speedily forth, by violence; she lifted up her Eyes, Heart, and Mind, towards Heaven; and with penknyfe, bereft herself of life: choosing, fare rather, to offer her cleanly Soul to GOD, and undefiled Corpse to the Grave, by Death, than to live, and abide the wicked Pollution of filthy lecherous Man.  
Yea, the same holy Eusebius, writeth 
EUSEBIUS.  of an infinite number of other Women, who wisely, and valiantly, have preserved the cleanness of Body: & have not only ventured, (but also lost) their lyves therefore.  
And not only is this probable of Christian Women: but also amongst the very Heathen, and Pagans, are registrated abundance of Women, who did, fare rather, lose all the World, yea, life, and all, before they would lose their Honour.  
Saint Hieronymus, writing against 
HIERONYMUS.  Joyinian, telleth of very many Women, who were of such cleanly Condition, Disposition, and Quality, that neither Goods, Life, nor Death, was in regard with them, to their undefiled Honesty. 
A THEBAN MAID.   
And a Maid of Theban, being ravished, by a Macedonian, corbed her heavy passions, for a day or two, till she got occasion to slay him: which she valorously performed with her own hands. Then, rejoicing greatly, that GOD had given her strength to be avenged on such a Villain, she withdrew herself to the Wilderness, where she lived solitarily all her days.  
Chiomara, the wife of Ortiagent, was 
CHIOMARA.  taken in battle, by a Captain who violently abused her. But shortly after her ransom was sent, and she was to departed homewards. Now she requested this Captain, to convoy her a little piece of her journey: which he did very willingly. And, she having conspired his death with her servants, she drew him a little from the way, (whereof this Lecher grew very amorous, thinking to take his lustful leave of that fair Lady) where four of her servantes lay privily, who held him fast, while she took off his head, which she carried to her husband, and threw it at his feet. Whereat he being amazed, said, Thou wicked woman, wherefore hast thou committed this treason? Truth and fidelity ought to be kept with our very enemies. Yes, quoth she, you say true: but it is neither Truth nor Honesty for me, to let any man live that hath lain with me, except mine own Husband. Then her Lord understanding the matter rightly, he loved her the more entirely; and he, together with the whole Country, hold her in great honour, all her days.  
A Lacedaemonian Wife being straitly pursued by a lecherous Lubber, answered him, that she could not give that which was never her own: For, quoth she, while I was a Damsel, my Virginity pertained to my Parents, and now it is mine own Husbands. So this lecherous Loggerhead left off his suit, and took his Leave without Farewell, looking as though his nose had been bleeding.  
Read, I pray you, Munsterus, in 
MUNSTERUS. GRANTZIO.  his Description of the World, and also worthy Grantzio, in the Chronicles of Germany: where men shall find such plenty of the praise of Women concerning Chastity; and such loathsomeness in men concerning their detestable filthy viciousness; that if there be any spunke either of Grace or Shame left in them, let them bow to women, and cry Pecaavi; and let all such as unhappily are fallen into that damnable fact of Blasphemy, or railing, or scoffing against Women, either in word or writ; let all such, I say, blush, and be ashamed: and, without speedy and public repentance, not only confuted, but confounded for ever. And thus, in the just praise of Women, we proceed to another Subject. For, though I should ask ungrateful man,  

Wherein have Women not surpassed Men,  
In Good? They'll answer me I know not when.    

CHAPTER X. Of the great and wonderful Wisdom in WOMEN: to the high Glory of GOD, and great Benefit of Man.  
ANd if our wicked, wayward, and witless Vilependers of Woman's Sex, could yet at last begin to consider, and look to the Right hand; casting off that blind-board wherewith Satan, the fat her of Envy, hath so long over-syled & blindfolded the eyes of their Understanding; then might they happily, even to their own credit and advantage, clearly behold and confess the singular Grace of GOD, in every degree, and in greater measure, proceeding more from WOMEN, than from Men. And so being come to themselves, and acknowledging their heinous transgression against this Angelical Sex of Women, they would not fail to imitate the Poet Stesichoris, who unadvysedlie 
STESICHORIS.  in his verses had railed against fair Helen of Greece: but when he 
JELEN.  rightly understood himself, he recalled all what he had either said or written before: and wrote excellently in her praise and commendation. Then why may not men of such quality (with Stesichoris) turn both Notes & Coats, since nowadays so many even of other qualities also willingly adjoin their Forces with them?  
Now, amongst all other gracious Ornaments, and ornamental Heavenly Graces, wherewith Women are accompanied, is WISDOM, and wherewith even from the Cradle they are still decored and clothed, as is most manifest as well by the sacred Scriptures, as all other true Histories, both Ecclesiastical and Civil.  
And the railing of men against women, showeth them to be the sons of cursed cursing Shimei, who railed on blessed blessing David. And as David's Blessing returned to himself, even so did Shimei's Cursing return unto himself also. And so be it unto all those cursed men, who implore not the Heavens, that All Blessing be upon WOMAN, that MAN may get part.  
Look to the wisdom of Rebecca, 
GENES 27.  who procured her Husband Isaac his blessing unto jaakob her youngest son, whereas Isaac himself was purposed (that same very day) to have bestowed it on Esau his eldest son. For, silly man, as he was blind of body, so also in mind, and known not that it was the LORD'S doing, as Rebecca knew, that the elder must serve the younger.  
Now, the men may stay their boasting against Women, (even by this example of jaakob and Esau) in pleading 
MATTH 26  of Antiquity; well remembering that the elder must serve the younger. For they sold their birthright, for thirty pieces of Silver, and so became portioners with Barrabas, that laudable seditious Murderer.  
Again, if Antiquity of men may bear any sway against women, I am assured the Devil is more ancient than men, being before them. And, as much as man can think himself better than woman, because he was first, I think the Devil may as well think such like, because He was before man. I will say nothing here of the Antiquity of the Pope, and Popish Religion, till these misty muggie unwholesome vapours of Idolatry which infect my brain, be somewhat disabled by the reflex of Titan from his highest Sphere.  
But let us go on to our Purpose, in showing this great Gift of Wisdom in Women.  
Wyse Abigaill is highly to be commended, and her churlish husband Naball greatly to be condemned, for his uncharitable dealing with David in his great necessity. Whereby he had almost brought Destruction to himself, and all his Family, yea, and a horrible sin 
1. SAM. 25.  upon David, had not wise Abigaill prevented the same in tyme.  
There was a wise woman in the besieged City of Abel of Bethmaachah, sayeth the Scripture, who delivered 
2. SAM. 20.  the distressed City, even by the confusion of one wicked man, who had almost been the destruction of the whole City, named Sheba, the son of Bichri.  
The Emperor Theodosius, called the Youngest, was so foolish, that he would put his Seal and subscription unadvysedlie to any Writing that were brought unto him, without either reading or hearing the same. Which his Sister Plucheria wisely considering what great evil might ensue thereby, she bethought her, how she might happily prevent all occasion of offence which might happen thorough her brother's simplicity, and to ingraff in him more deep and solid understanding.  
So this Plucheria caused a fair writer 
PLUCHERIA  to frame a goodly Commission to look unto, the contents whereof was, That EUBOCE, (which was his own Empress, & whom he beloved most deadly) should be disherited of all her Dowry, and stripped of all fair Clothing; and being wrapped in sacking, should lie in a dark Dungeon seven years. And if she lived that long, then was she ordained, to work naked amongst the chained slaves, all the rest of her days. This Decree the Emperor too rashly subscribed, which was presently delivered unto his Sister, who came speedily therewith un-him, desiring him that her name might also be incert in that Decree, for company; for she vowed to take a part of all things with the Empress, as well evil as good, woe as weal, yea, and to live and die with her.  
The Emperor being amazed to hear his sister speak thus, said, My loving Sister, what mean you? I mean, quoth she, to live and die with thy Wife, whom thou hast cruelly condemned, without knowing or ask the cause why. And, as one in a great fury, throwing the writing at him, said moreover, Have there thine own hand and Seal: it can not now be mended: but write down my name also, and we will go to prison together: for nothing but Death shall be able to part us.  
And when he saw, and understood the matter considerativelie, he cried with a loud voice, desiring GOD & Man to forgive him, sent for the Empress, and on his knees, (she falling about his neck half dead) he besought her to forgive him: which she willingly granted. And giving them both great thanks, he never did so again.  
The Duke of Castilia being imprisoned 
THE Duchess of CASTILIA.  for treason against his brother the king, his wife got leave to visit him in Prison: where she changed  with him, putting his upon her, and hers upon him, and sent him out of the Prison, and tarried therein herself; willing to suffer any Torments, yea, to die for him, if it had so fallen out. But when the jailor perceaved the matter, he told the king, how that because his Majesty had given access to the Duchess of Castilia to come to her husband in Prison, she had beguiled them, and sent him away in her , and remained in the Prison with his  upon herself, and was very willing to suffer whatsoever could be laid to her husband's charge. Which when the king understood, he sent privately for her, and caused his Queen give her of her own rich Attire: and sending his great Seal for her husband, forgave him freely, upon good conditions: and sent them home with great Honour.  
Plutarch maketh mention of Pythius 
PLUTARCH.  in Lydia, who would have nothing done but making of Gold, with all his people; neglecting all manner of Husbandry, Huswyverie, and all other Occupations: So that the whole land was overgone with Rubbish, Briers, and Thorns. Which his wise Wife well remarking and considering, on a day her husband, with the whole people, being away to the making of Gold, and she at home, with her maids making ready their Dinner, she prepared the similitude of all manner of meat, roast and sodden, every thing in its own form and colour, and all of pure gold, and nothing else. Now her husband coming home hungry from the Ours, with his great company, sat down to Meat, with well-prepared stomaches. And drawing out their sharp Thittles, he to a dish, and he to a dish: but could not cut, for all was Gold▪ Whereat they took great delight for a short space: but their bellies persuaded their eyes to somewhat else. Then Pythius 
THE wife of PYTHIUS.  desired his wife to take that mea● away, and give them others. So she brought other kinds of Bread and Meat, also of pure Gold, still so long that he was almost mad for hunger and began to chafe most horribly Whereupon she replied, that she could give him no other than his Country afforded, and such as he brought unto her: For, said she, you have forsaken Husbandry, our land lieth waste, corns have we none, our beasts run wild upon the mountains, & traffic with other Nations have we none: wherewithal then would ye have me to satisfy your hunger, or clothe your nakedness? Gold only is the fruit of your hands: eat it, and be filled; put it on, and be clothed therewith; for I have nought else to give you. And while they gazed one upon another, she ran, and brought some other meat, both gross, and not much of it, wherewith they were fain to be contented for that tyme.  
But afterwards Pythius took ever his wifes counsel about him, employed his people in Husbandry, and all manner of Virtue, made Gold also, were Traffiquers with other Nations, and so became a most flourishing Country. And all by the wisdom and foresight of his worthy WYFE.  

Thus Gold, and All, good Women can subdue,  
And prove at all times to their Husband's true.    

CHAPTER XI. Of the constant steadfastness in Women, not only suffering cruel Torments, but also horrid Death, for the Testimony of JESUS CHRIST.  
THe almighty, our GOD, who is the beginner of every good work doth often times make choice of weak Instruments, and such as unwise men count fools; ever to manifest His great Power, and make His Glory known to all the world; By abasing the worldly wise, and turning their wisdom into folly; By putting down the mighty from their seat, and exalting the humble and meek; By sending the rich empty away, & filling the hungry with good things, etc. Which is more than manifest by an innumerable number of women: who although by nature they be but weak vessels; yet thorough influence from Above, many of them have proven more strong and steadfast in the worthiest and greatest Matters, than any men that ever were: and especially in maintaining & defending of the true and Christian Faith: yea, and suffered for the same, not only tyrannical torments, but also cruel Death itself, notwithstanding of the womanly tenderness of their most comely proportionable featurall personages.  
A Christian Maid in France, named Blandine, in the great Persecution of 
BLANDINE.  CHRIST'S Members there, under the Emperor Severus, about the year of our LORD 178, was taken, and bound to a Stake, with strong threatenings to burn her, or else to renounce the Christian Faith. But she continued rejoycinglie steadfast. Then brought they wild beasts, to feed upon her flesh, and began to let them bite her tender corpse. Yet nevertheless she shrunk not a jot: but the faster that the Serpents did bite her, the louder she cried, I am a Christian, I am a Christian: looking up, and calling earnestly to the GOD of Heaven, to give her strength and patience, that she might be worthy to finish her life to the Glory of His Name. Now, her torments lasted so long, and she endured so steadfast, that the very Executioner stood amazed, and cut off her head. The spectators bewailed her with many tears: and many at that same hour believed, and were casten inte deep Dungeons.  
Another Virgin called Maxima, 
MAXIMA  being so horribly tormented by Sason prince of Vandals, and yet could not be urged to forsake CHRIST, he let her go free. But many others which were in Prison, he banished into the Isle of Capsur, under the king of Moors: where they preached the Gospel: and afterwards were eaten with wild people.  
Maximine was a cruel Persecuter of the Christians: and took his chief pleasure in devysing new tormenting Instruments, to perplex them with a languishing death. But he was not busier to invent their Sorrow, than they were earnestly ready to suffer all that he could imagine. But especially the Women: Amongst whom were Dorothea 
SO PHRONIA. DOROTHEA.  and Sophronia; who chose fare rather to drink out the very dreggs of the Cup of Death, than any ways to shrink a whit from the Confession of the true Faith.  
And the same GOD which strengthened these Women in all kind of Martyrdom, (yea, and in the pangs of Death) for His Names sake, wrought also in the heart of this Tyrant, that he was overcome with the constant steadfastness in the Religion of these Women: In so much, that he caused publish an Edict, and proclaimed through all his Empire, That none should molest them in any thing, upon poene of Death.  
Thus we clearly behold the extraordinary great loving Mercies of our GOD towards Woman Sex: who hath still so mightily assisted them even with His Divine Strength, to suffer all whatsoever could be laid upon them, without shrinking, unto the last period of Breath: no, not in Death itself. And thus we proceed.  
The Church history maketh mention of an ancient Virgin of Alexandria, whom the persecutioner took, and drew out all her teeth, and then 
A VIRGIN MARTYR  her tongue also; and brought her to the fire, to be burnt quick. And when they entreated her, yet to forsake CHRIST, she resolutely leapt into the fire, and was burnt to powder, about the year of our LORD 251.  
About which time also was a religious Woman, called Coïnth, unnaturally, 
COÏNTH  and filthily drawn, at a horse tail, thorough all the nooks of the City of Alexandria. And yet continuing steadfast, they rend her in pieces, with ugly disguised persons, like Devils, and Death himself.  
Socrates telleth, that a Temple was 
SOCRATES' LIB. 6. CAP. 33.  erected in the town of Edesse, in Mesopotamia, to the honour of GOD, and the Apostle Saint Thomas; in the which the Christians used to assemble, and offer their sacrifices, of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, unto the GOD of Heaven. Which when the Emperor Valens understood, who was an Archenemie to the servants of the true God, and an accursed persuer of all such as professed the Name of JESUS, he was wrathful towards Modestus the chief Captain; sent for him, and reproved him very sharply, for suffering the Christians, contrary his will, and commandment: And gave him charge, on pain of Death, and his whole posterity, that the next time that the Christians coveaned in saint Thomas Church, he should murder them all, both young, and old. Now this Modestus, 
MODESTUS.  the chief Captain, was a good Man, and sent private advertisement to the Christians, that upon their next awonted day of assembly in Saint Thomas Church, none should be found there, who loved his life. Nevertheless, upon their usual day, they came to the Church in great numbers, to say their Prayers: and Modestus, making a show to satisfy the Emperor's evil purpose, was marching thitherwards, with a band of armed soldiers: and seeing a Christian Woman, with a child in her arms, running towards the Church, he called her, saying; Unhappy Woman that thou art, whither art thou going? She answered, To the Temple of saint Thomas. Hast thou not heard tell, quoth he, that the Emperor hath commanded me to slay all that are in the Temple to day? Yes, she said, and therefore I haste me thitherwards, with my child, that we may die with the rest of our Brethren, and Sisters.  
This chief Captain seeing the Woman so resolutely bend, with her little one, to suffer for the Name of CHRIST, returned with his soldiers, to the Emperor, told him what the Woman had said, and desired, rather to suffer Martyrdom himself with the Christians, than to work any thing against them. Whereby the Emperor was put from his hellish purpose.  
The Archbishop of Saleucia had a Sister, called Tharbua; who because she 
THARBUA.  would not renounce the faith of JESUS, was bound to a post, and her Maid to another, and were cut in twain, in the middle, with a Saw, and never shrunk for the matter.  
And under the Reign of Emperor Adrian, there was an holy, & wise Matron, called Sophia, who had three daughters, 
SOPHI●  which she saw cruelly executed, for the Name of JESUS; she standing by, and giving them courage, to the last gasp. And being dead, she buried them, with her own hands, without the City of Rome; giving great praise unto GOD, glory, and thanks, who had made her so happy a Woman, that the fruit of her Womb was so respected of the LORD, as to account them worthy, to be of the number of those that suffered for the Name, and Glory of the LORD JESUS.  
But, seeing it is not possible for me, nor none else to registrate all the steadfast & constant Women, in Godliness, Virtue, Wisdom, Learning, Knowledge, courage, Chastity, and many other excellent perfections: (for, indeed, such a task would fill the world full of Books, and yet never be ended) Therefore, at this time, I think to conclude this my little Essay, (to the Honour of GOD, and good Women,) with the ecclesiastical History of the Maccabees.  
We read, that two Women were brought in, and accused, for not observing the manners of the Gentiles; because, according to the Law of GOD, they had circumcised their little ones; which, hanging on their Mother's breasts, they hurried them, shamefully, round about the City; and then, both Women, and Infants, were thrown headlongs down from the Wall.  
Again, a Mother, with her seven Sons, were cruelly, and unhumanelie, tortured, and also put to Death, because they would not forsake the Law of GOD, and their fathers. And this part of Scripture testifieth, That the Woman was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory, for when she saw her seven Sons slain, within one days space, she bore it with a good courage, because of the hope which she had in the LORD.  
But, to understand this History the better, I pray you read the seaventh Chapter of the second Book of Maccabees, where it is already most excellently set down, even by the Spirit of GOD: unto whom I consecrate myself for ever, & recommend all good Women; unto whom, next unto God, I dedicate my mind, since my might is not able to perform what my Muse would fain amount unto: And to excuse my brevity, I must conclude with Master Taylor, That  

The shortest Writ, the greatest Wit affords:  
And greatest Wit, consists in fewest words.     

A false ECHO, truly answered.  

The first Summons,  
Come ECHO, I do thee summon,  
Tell me truly, What is a Woman?  

ECHO.  
If worn, she is a Feather:  
If wooed, she's frosty weather.  
If won, the wind's not slighter:  
If vexed, the moon's not lighter:  
If lain withal, she's Apish:  
If lain with none, she's snappish.   

The ECHO thus replied,  
But yet me thought it lied.    

The second Summons.  

Come ECHO, I thee Summon,  
Tell me once more, What's a Woman?   

ECHO.  
If fair, she's coy in courting:  
If witty, lose in sporting:  
If ready, she is loathing:  
If naked, she is nothing:  
If well beloved, she scorns thee:  
If not beloved, she horns thee:    

The Answer.  

And, for all good women's sake,  
This Reply now do I make;   

If worn, she's a jewel:  
If wooed, she is not cruel:  
If won; the Rock's not surer:  
If weighed, the Golde's not purer:  
If lain withal, Delicious:  
If lain with none, not vicious.   

False ECHO, go, you lie,  
For this is a Woman truly.  
And for your second Summon,  
I answer for a Woman.   

If fair, she's heavenly Treasure:  
If witty, she's all Pleasure:  
If ready, fare from Vaynties:  
If naked, she is dainties:  
If well beloved, she fears not:  
If not beloved, she cares not:   

False ECHO, go, you lie,  
For this is a Woman truly.    

The Conclusion.  
Blessed be the Heavenly Powers, which brought to light  
This precious gem called WOMAN, Man's Delight:  
This Freeborn Princess, Casket full of Treasure:  
This solid Author of Man's wished Pleasure.  
This harmless spotless saint, not knowing evil,  
A Goddess, though proud man would prove a Devil.  
Why? she's a Work so purely wrought, that Nature  
Knew not whether 'twas more adorned with Feature,  
Or with chaste Honesty. And this was She,  
Fruit of whose womb fred Man from Misery.  
For which she's blessed, that Her Sex Faults shall fall.  
From small, to less; from less, to none at all.  
And therefore thus we may define a WOMAN;  
she's lovely, faithful, harmless, false to no man.  
Although that Man, as an incarnate Devil,  
Of Her whom GOD made good, would fain make evil.  
And if sweet women's love do not Men cherish,  
Those that contemn their Sex, with shame shall perish.    

Epilogue.  
THus to avoid the imputation of Ingratitude, which was holden for so heinous an Offence even amongst the Heathen, that Periander of Corinth made a Law, that whosoever was found unthankful, having received any Gift, should be put to death: Therefore,  
With lowly Heart, and eke with thankful Mind,  
I send my Labours to Good Womankind.  
Indeed, what the loftiness of the Argument requireth, I confess, I have not attained unto: Yet have I bestowed such willing pains, as I was able to undergo: but nowayes herein can I satisfy myself to do them Good. Nevertheless, I shall hold myself recompensed to the full, if by any willingness I may reserve the Memory of Honourable Women, in relating the Truth in Honesty and Wisdom: Desiring no more, but to find a place, for a time, amongst the petty Writers of great matters: thinking my pains ever well bestowed, if once well accepted: no ways taking upon me to Instruct; but only to Remember.  
Surely, if the poor Persians water in a potsherd, was acceptable to the Emperor; and, an apple, from a poor Peasant, was received by Artaxerxes; a great 
ARTAXERXES. ALEXANDER.  Prince: if Alexander took water courteously from a common Soldiers Helmet; and our Saviour crowned the Widow, with everlasting praise, for two mites casten into the Treasury: Then am I assured, that your generous dispositions will sparingly censure, and courteously receive these my poor Endeavours. Which howsoever they be, they be yours, & so am I: Ever wishing, To buy the ABATEMENT of mine own HONOUR, with the rich price of WOMAN'S TRUE GLORY: Concluding with Master GIBSON, That  

It is no BOUNTY which doth flow from STORE.  
Who gives his Heart, what Gift can he give moRe?    

THE Duty of Husbands: Drawn out of MASTER CARTER his Book of Christian Commonwealth.  
EPHES. 5. 33.  
Let every one of you so love his Wife, even as himself.  
PROV. 31. 11. 12.  
The Heart of Her Husband doth safely trust in Her: For She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of his life.   

TO All Good Husbands.  
Good Husbands all, receive in thankful part,  
This Sacrifice, (which may my Will approve:)  
Upon the Altar of a faithful Heart,  
Consumed in the Flames of Zeal an● Love..  
Let Honourable Woman live for ever,  
In all that Art, that Time, that Fame can give hER.   

The Introduction.  
Patiented JOB saying, that the whole life of Man was nothing else, but a time of Temptations, spoke most fearfully, and yet most truly: for we are tempted in our old Age; and in our Cradle we are not free. If any evil be set before us, we are easily provoked unto it. If we abound with Adam, in Paradise, there may be Death in that: And, if we want, with our Saviour, in the Wilderness, there are Temptations in that also: So subtle is Satan, and so envious is our Enemy, to serve himself, even upon all occasions.  
In the former age of the World, he wrought, and prevailed with Men, by bringing in Errors of Mind, and Doctrines of Devils, to seduce the Church: But now the clear light of the Gospel being come in, and Knowledge abounding, he laboureth to bring in Error of life, and depravitie of Conversation; for that, notwithstanding men know their Masters will, yet they perform it not, that all means possible ought to be used, for the Reformation of these so notorious and known Evils: yea, every man to put a hand to this work: amongst the number of which, I have brought forth this my poor Talon, to the fartherance thereof: that we married Men may strive yet with our Archenemie; and, through the assistance of GOD'S Spirit, give him the foil; even by showing our upright duty towards our Wyves, and our wives towards us, in the true love and fear of GOD.  
As for these contentious objectours, and barkers against the Moon, I weigh not. Shepherd's, Cowheardes, and Clowns, have written good things, yea, Divyne matters; Why, then, may not I show my good will? desiring no other Reward, nor Thanks for my pains, but only good acceptance: And so I go forwardly to thE Work.   

The Duty of Husbands.  

THE FIRST CHAPTER.  
THis Duty of Husbands, is said to be the first Degree which GOD gave unto Man after his creation: for, when GOD had made Man the Ruler of the whole Earth, and gave him dominion over all the creatures therein; yet, until He gave unto him a Wife, he had no true contentment in all the rest. For every creature had solace, in their kind except Man: but so was it not with Man, till he had a Wife. But then finding her a fit Companion to associate himself withal, with her he settled his Content.  
And this did GOD for Man in the time of his innocence; giving us thereby this instruction, That we also ought to live so uprightly, holily, lovely, & purely in the state of Wedlock, that we sinne not against GOD, nor against one another.  
Now, here is one special thing to be noted; That GOD gave unto Man but one Wife; and not two, or three, or many; although He could have given him more, if he had known it meet so to be. But the Prophet Malachi 
MALAC. 2.  telleth us why GOD gave him but one: Because, (sayeth he) He sought a Godly Seed.  
See, then, GOD rejecteth the seed of Bastardy, begotten in filthy lustful fornication, and abominable Adultery. He chooseth none of these: it is the seed of lawful Wedlock, whereof He maketh His choice, to inherit His Kingdom, and reign in Glory, with His beloved Son.  
And whence proceeded this breach, of GOD'S commandment at the first? Came it not from that wicked blood of Cain? Was not Lamech, that murderer, like his father, the first author thereof? Yea, he was so, For we see plainly, that at the first GOD ordained it not so to be: and what He first ordained, He still confirmeth. For when he drowned the whole 
GEN. 4.  World, yet He preserved unto Noah but one Woman, and that his own wife: thereby teaching unto Man, That he ought to keep himself unto his own wife only. And when the LORD gave His Laws, unto His own chosen People, written even with His own Hand, He than sayeth; Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours' 
EXOD. 20.  Wife, speaking in the singular number: so that by Him we find no nomination of a plural.  
But if any will object, and say, That the saints and Servantes of GOD, as Abraham, Jaacob, David, Solomon, and others, have not observed this rule; but have had dyverse wives; and being the beloved and chosen of GOD, therefore they could not err in these things.  
To this I answer; It pleased GOD to permit his Servants to do many things, which He commanded not: He suffered Abraham to say, that Sarah, his wife, was his sister, Joseph to 
GEN. 11. GEN. 44. ●. SAM. 11  swear by the life of Pharaoh, David to commit Adultery, and Murder, and many other the like: and yet, we know, that all these things were directly contrary to the will of God. And Solomon had many wives, indeed, 
1. KINGS 11.  but they drew him to Idolatry.  
We read, that Moses suffered the People of Israel, to give their Wyves 
DEUT. 24.  a bill of Divorcement, and so to put them away. But our blessed Saviour telleth the Jews, That it was for the hardness of their hearts; And, to prevent farther evils, that Moses permitted it to be so: and, That from the beginning 
MATTH. 10.  it was not so.  
But, to come to our matter again; let us see from whence this wife came, which GOD hath given unto Man; that so of him she may accordingly be regarded, as indeed she should.  
We find it to be most true, That of Man's own self, GOD made him this Companion and Wife: And that not from the hand of Man neither, lest she should claim to rule, where her power consisteth not; nor of the foot, lest she should be disdained, & despised, of her Husband: but from the very body is she taken. Nay, it is not anough for thee to spare of thine own flesh, for to make thee a wife of; but thou must spare a bone also, if thou wilt have a fit Companion for thee.  
Then, O Man, be thankful for so rich a jewel; rich, and dear, indeed, being so near unto thee, and that from the only Hand of the Great and Almighty GOD. Surely it must needs be exceeding good which He maketh, and of a great value which he vouchsafeth to give. We have an old Proverb, That it is a sweet Collop, that is cut out of the own flesh. Then, it must needs be both sweet and dear, which is both of thine own flesh and bone. Therefore, let us be wise in using this jewel as we ought; lest we be found unworthy of her, by Him that gave her unto us, and then too late we lament our incomparable loss.  
Then, who so would keep a good Wife, let him keep her in the place from whence she came; that is, from near thine heart, O Man: therefore lay her there again: let her not stray from thence: yea, lock her in there, with the Key of good Discretion: and so shalt thou be sure, to find a comfortable Treasure of Her in thy need.  
But if any would say, Where is the Wife that deserveth such a place? For there are many such lewd and froward 
ECCLUS. 26.  wives, that their husbands are happiest when they are farthest from them. I answer such (to their own shame) with these words of SALOMON, That a virtuous and good woman shall be given unto him that feareth the LORD: and a wicked woman is given as a reward unto a wicked man.  
And therefore, he that would have a good wife, let him earnestly strive to fear the LORD, that he may be a good husband; and so (of the free mercy of GOD) obtain such a Blessing as is a good wise: whose commendations wise Solomon himself could no ways sufficiently express: and fare less silly Raban: but let her own works give her her due praise.   

THE SECOND CHAPTER.  
NOw, since Man hath received so precious a jewel, and dear Companion, as is WOMAN, let us justly consider the Duties which he is bound unto, first to wards GOD, for such an incomparable Blessing, and then towards Her.  
And if in this case we search the whole Book of GOD thorough, we shall find the effect and end thereof, to be wholly and only Love.. saint Paul teacheth, That men ought to love their wives, as their own bodies. And he showeth the reason why: For, saith he, no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but 
EPHES. 5●  nowrisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ doth His Church.  
And thus did the saints and Servantes of GOD love their wives in times past: Abraham loved Sara entirely, 
GEN. 23 and 26.  and so did Isaac love Rebecca.  
This hath that great Prophet and Servant of GOD, Moses, worthily expressed, thereby to show unto men, That it is not anough for them to live peaceably and quietly with their Wyves; but they must live lovingly with them also.  
Thus did Jaakob love his wife, making service unto his uncle Laban, not only seven years, but fourteen: to the 
GEN. 28.  end he might enjoy her thereafter.  
And Helkana loved Hanna his wife 
●. SAM. 1. ●UD. 14. TOB. 6.  most dearly: and so did Samson, and both old and young Tobias, with many others.  
And, as we have said before, this Love must not be ordinary, but extraordinary, towards our wives: and must imitate that Great Love which CHRIST showed unto His Church, who gave Himself for it. Yet this is a great mystery. For we are not commanded to follow CHRIST punctually & perfectly, but in imitation, as fare as it shall please Him to enable us thereunto: That is, We must protect our Wyves, and defend them in all perils & dangers: we must govern them in wisdom, according to the Rule of GOD'S Word, both by continual Instructions from thence, & by our own lovely, wise, and gentle behaviour towards them: and we must be laborious & careful in our Callings, in the fear of GOD; so that we may provided all things necessary for their maintenance. For so doth CHRIST for His Church: He is still defending and providing for her. For this cause (saith He, blessed for ever) shall a man leave father and mother, and clean unto his wife; and 
MATTH 19 5.  they twain shall be one flesh.  
saint Peter, being himself a married Man, giveth many notable instructions like these: who speaking by the Spirit of GOD, and in the knowledge he had of Marriage, imposeth this duty unto Men; Ye Husbands, (sayeth he) dwell with your Wyves, as men of Knowledge; giving honour unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel; even as 
1. PET. 3  they which are heirs together of the grace of life; that your Prayers be not interrupted. And the wise man giveth this counsel, Not to departed from a discreet and good Woman, which is fallen unto thee for thy portion in the fear of the LORD. Use thyself to live joyfully with thy wife, all the days of thy life; for that is thy Portion in this life of all thy labour 
ECCLES 7.  and travel that thou takest under the Sun.  
And, our blessed Saviour CHRIST Himself, confirming on earth, what His Father had done in Paradise, vouchsafed to grace a nuptial feast, with His blessed presence. And to manifest His Love the more which He bore to the holy Union then there knit betwixt the Man and his Wife, He expressed His Glory and Power, in showing His first miracle at this marriage, and that of joy; by turning water into wine, even to comfort and 
JOHN 2.  glad their hearts withal.  
But now seeing we have proven, out of GOD'S word, that the principal duty of Husbands towards their Wyves, is Love, let us look into the glass of our times, and see how the duty of Love is performed. But I fear, that amongst an hundreth we shall scarcely find one that stryveth to perform this duty of Love as he ought. For see we not daily rather the contrary by many? Men consume the estates which they have gotten by their wives, thorough their own vicious lyves; some by slothful idleness, some by gayming, some by drunkenness, some by whoring, and many other sorts of damnable living. And thus are good Women brought to Beggary, by lewd, shameless, and godless Husbands, who have altogether forsaken the LORD, showing neither Love nor Duty to their Wyves, who are their own very flesh, blood, and bones.  
Other Husbands again, to show their authority, forsooth, will hold their wives in such subjection, and servitude, that no servand nor slave could abide the like; being even a very Naball unto them, in churlishness of speech, and crabbedness of Conditions. Where is wisdom in such Husbands, who are commanded to govern their Wyves in love, and according to Knowledge?  
Other fellow-impudents with these, will not labour, nor care for nothing; but put the poor woman to shift for all. Or, if perhaps he get something abroad, yet she is sure not to be the better thereof: it must be spent before he come home, or else hidden from her presence. What shall we say of such veth GOD, and yet loveth not his wife, I say he is a liar in grain.  
But, when I have all done, and said what I can, yet I must leave men to the consideration of what is written, and wish, and entreat them, to be wise, and submit themselves unto the governament of the Word of GOD: that so they may live quietly, and lovingly with their Wyves: and not only so, but joyfully also, (as the wise man sayeth) for, surely, he hath obtained a good portion, who hath a wife that he can live joyfully with. For, what if a Man do abound in wealth, so that he can give unto himself as much pleasure as Solomon possessed, even what his heart can desire? yet, if he live not peaceably at home, and in love with his wife, all is but an heavy and sorrowful burden unto him. But the poor man, having little, and yet living friendly, lovingly, and joyfully, with his wife, hath ten thousand times more than the rich contentious wretch; his heart being filled with contentment in the LORD, and the other his heart full of wretchedness, and the sting of an evil conscience.  
We have an old Proverb, That in Love is no lack. For, where Love is united with the fear of GOD, in the hearts of Man and Wife, they will, like yoak-fellowes, draw together the right way, like the two milke-kyne, which brought the Ark of GOD, in the new Cart, from the land of the Philistimes: Yea, they will blow together, and sow together: and there is no doubt, but through the blessing of Him who governeth them, they shall receive a plentiful harvest together.  
Thus, we have found, that the principal duty of the Husband towards his Wife, is Love: which duty is nowadays neglected, contemned, and even despised of many, who have turned aside, and forsaken the way of the LORD, as appeareth by the evils and mischiefs which daily arise betwixt Man and Wife. And, therefore, having descried a main defect in Husbands, the which we may not pass over, because it is the greatest breach of Love that may be, we shall speak something thereof 〈◊〉 the next Chapter, GOD permmitting us.   

THE FOURTH CHAPTER.  
THis duty of the Husband unto the Wife, being wholly included in the Bands of Love, it streatcheth itself farther, into many branches. For we find also by the Word of GOD, that the Husband must dwell with his Wife, according to Knowledge. So we see here, that it is not lawful for the Husband to forsake his Wife: but, howsoever, whether it be in weal or woe, in riches or poverty, yet he must abide, and dwell with her still, except it be only for the fact of Adultery; and for no other cause may a Man forsake his Wife, nor a Wife her Husband.  
Indeed the wise man sayeth, Give me any plague, but the plague of the tongue. And, it may be, some wives have this imperfection; but, consider rightly, if thou thyself be not the urgent cause thereof. Howsoever, it is not a cause sufficient to forsake her, as testifieth our Saviour, who utterly 
MATTH. 19  forbiddeth to separate those whom GOD hath joined together, Adultery only being accepted.  
But the very fyrebrandes of Hell, even the wicked, and abominable Adulterers, of our time, neither respecting the Word of GOD, nor yielding any obedience to His commandments, or fearing the justice of His vengeance, to come for their stiffneckednesse, will, notwithstanding, like the Swine possessed by the Devil, run, violently, to their Destruction. But saint Paul telleth plainly, that neither Fornicators, Adulterers, Wantoness, or such 
1. COR. 6  like, shall inherit the Kingdom of GOD. Whither they shall go, then, let every good Christian tremble to think of. For these men, not regarding any thing, will have a Wife here, and another there; one in this Country, and another elsewhere: or if they be no Travellers, will think no shame to keep a whore under his wifes nose: and she dare not find fault with it, but may know, and dare not know. Yea, many not yet contented herewith, but proceed farther: for all these damnable abuses seem sweet to a whoremonger, sayeth the wise man: neither will he leave off, till he perish. But 
ECCLES. 23  harken what he sayeth farther; to wit, that such a man shall be put to shame, because he would not understand the ways of the LORD.  
What need we cite petty Authors for this Adulterous generation? Let the mouth of GOD take chief place, and condemn them, where He expressly saith, Thou shalt not commit Adultery, 
EXOD. 20.  thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife, etc. And the LORD commanded stricklie, That there should be no whorekeepers amongst His people 
DEUT. 23.  Israel. But if all such should be swept out of Britain, the land would be thinlie inhabited. It is counted amongst young men, A trick of youth; and amongst other of middle age, A venial sin: yea, the very aged themselves▪ with their Hoary and Snow-lyke head and beard, their furrowed and wrinkled brows, and their carrion face; like a dead corpse, though their ability of body be spent, and consumed, in abominable and damnable filthiness; yet they will speak now more filthily, than before they lived lasciviouslie. Behold, of all Monsters, Lust is the worst, and that especially in old age, testifieth that worthy Clerk Erasmus of Rotterdam, in his Book of Christian 
ERASMUS.  Warrefare, Capitulo 32. Where he very pithily exhorteth all such men, to turn back from such great wickedness: saying, That if it be possible for them to get true repentance, it is also possible for them to be saved.  

But who so here repenteth never,  
A Reprobate shall die for ever.   
So great abominations were not committed in Sodom and Gomorrah, lo! as now reign amongst us, (who were consumed with fire and brimstone long ago) and can we then think to escape? Alas, no, except we repent in tyme. And therefore let us be warned by the holy PSALMIST, who sayeth thus: Oh, consider this, ye that forget GOD, lest that He tear you in 
PSAL. 50. 22.  pieces, and there be none to deliver.  
Hear yet what saint Paul sayeth; Whore-mongers, and Adulterers, sayeth 
HEB. 13.  he, GOD will judge.  
And it is said in the Revelation, that they shall have their part in the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone: which is 
REVEL. 24.  the second death.  
And thus sayeth the LORD by His Prophet JEREMIAH: They assemble 
IEREM. 5.  themselves, by companies, in the harlot's houses; and rise up in the morning, like fed horses, every man neyghing after his neighbours wife. And now mark what followeth: And shall I not visit for these things, sayeth the LORD? Shall not My Soul be avenged on such a nation as this?  
And thus shortly have we proceeded in opening the breach of Sacred Wedlock; to the end, that every one may clearly see, into what dangers those men do daily run, who live not lovingly and faithfully, yea, and joyfully with their own Wyves, even as the Word of GOD enjoineth them to do. And such a man the wise SALOMON proveth to be the most foolish of all the fools under the Sun, saying; That such a man destroyeth his own soul: yea, he shall find a wound, sayeth 
PROV. 22.  he, and dishonour: and his reproach shall never be put away. And into such a pit shall that man fall, with whom the LORD is angry.   

THE FIFT CHAPTER.  
BY our former Chapters we have shown how fare many Husbands come too short of those Duties, which by the Word of GOD they are enjoined to perform unto their only own Wyves: and the whole cause, and chief ground whereof, we see to be, The want of Love; or rather, of True Love.. For if in Husbands were that True Love, which the fear of GOD worketh in the heart of true Christians, it would surely lead them to that Knowledge, wherewith saint Peter exhorteth them to be 
1. PET. 3  furnished: and the which point we must needs handle a little broader before we end this Treatise.  
Now, as we have shown before, it is not anough for Husbands to abide and dwell with their Wyves: but they must dwell with them as men of knowledge and understanding, well experienced in the Word of GOD, yielding wholly to the Rule thereof, and obeying His holy Will and Commandments.  
Hereby cometh that Knowledge, which will bring Husbands to perform that Duty which saint Paul teacheth them towards their Wyves; to wit, To love them, even as CHRIST 
EPHES. 5  loved His Congregation: that is, with an holy, hearty, unfeygned, and constant love: Which we can no other ways attain unto, but by the aforesaid Godly Knowledge; which must be gathered from the Word of GOD, even as a Bee gathereth her honey from the sweetest flowers, and that by continual exercise: or else be ye sure, you shall never receive true Comfort in your Marriages.  
When Samuel had anointed saul 
1. SAM. 10.  to be King of Israel, the LORD gave unto saul another heart than he had before; even a heart according to his Calling. So no doubt but those men, whom the LORD calleth unto that Honourable Estate of Marriage, He will (and doth) furnish them with Gifts according to their places. For indeed it is no small matter, but very weighty, of a Novice, to become the Father of a Family, the governor of a Wife, Children, and Servantes, etc. Such a man hath need of another heart than he had before: even an heart to pray unto the LORD with Solomon, That He would vouchsafe to give him wisdom, to go in and out, and govern that Charge with Godly Knowledge, which the GOD of all Wisdom and Knowledge hath committed unto him.  
Yet, before we conclude, let us also consider the Duty of FORBEARANCE, which Husbands own unto their Wyves, as being the weaker Vessels: and saint PAUL teacheth us the reason plainly why: Because, sayeth he, they (meaning the Wyves) are Heirs with you of the Grace of Life: Elected by the favour of GOD, in CHRIST JESUS, to that fellowship of saints, wherein yourselves hope to be numbered: And, as dearly beloved of GOD, as yourselves, are bought out of the power of Satan, by the precious Blood of His dear Son, as well as you: and Heirs also of that Eternal Life which you yourselves hope to enjoy. And therefore, if you yourselves think to live as saints in Heaven hereafter, you must first live together as saints here on Earth.  
Let these thnges, then, be as a Loadstone, to draw Husbands unto the performance of all their Duties towards their Wyves. For this same Apostle yields yet a farther reason of the Duties of LOVE, AMITY, and FORBEARANCE of Husbands: to wit, That your Prayers (sayeth he) be not hindered. That is: If you would have GOD to hear you, when you pray unto Him, and to grant you the things you desire of Him together, why then, in the Name of GOD, let us agree together, live together, love together, and pray together. That so our praying together, may receive comfort together;  
And, That THE GOD OF LOVE may bless our Loves togethER. AMEN.