THE HUSBAND'S AUTHORITY UNVEILED; WHEREIN It is moderately discussed whether it be fit or lawful for a good Man, to beat his bad Wife. Some Mysteries of Iniquity are likewise unmasked, and a little unfolded. A Subject, to some, perhaps, as  as uncoth. 
(Art thou he that troubleth Israel?  1 King. 18.17. 
Art thou come to torment us, & c?  Matth. 8.29. 
Speak unto us smooth things, etc.  Isa. 30.10.)  
From an inner Cloister of the TEMPLE; BY MOSES à VAUTS a faithful Votary, and free Denizen of the Commonwealth of Israel.  
— Thy Desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee,  Gen. 3.16. 
But if ye believe not his Writings, how shall ye believe my Words?  Joh. 5.47. 
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, etc.  Psal. 25.14. Prov. 28.5. Dan. 12.10. Prov. 3.32. 1 Joh. 2.27. 
Behold ye Despisers— for I work a Work in your Days, a Work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you,  Acts 13.41. Jam tua res agitur, etc. 
London, Printed by T. N. for Robert Bostock at the sign of the Kings-head in Paul's Churchyard, 1650.   

TO THE READER.  
I Had long since learned to read or speak English, and that of the revealed-written Word of God; but could never yet attain (with some) an acceptable Idiom, utterance or pronouncing of it, how carefully or candidly soever I endeavoured it. It gained me so little Ear and Credence, that (by like) it was not current; so that I am (at length) constrained to put it upon the public Touch and Trial: and here thou hast an Essay or Taste of it.  
There falls but little for an Epistle or Preface, save a few Directions and Reasons to facilitate or further thy reading; all other Occurrents being comprised in the first or last Chapter of the Book. Of which (All) I can expect no fairer Construction from any, than the Conceptions and Expressions, appear gall-less, ingenuous, and guided by the Word and Reason.  
Briefly, for the Book itself: It will be found, rather a straight and compendious Paraphrase than a laxed Discourse. For, labouring that Conciseness, with Fullness and Plainness, which I do justly (as I think) affect in others; I have thronged both the Text and Comment as thou seest; which if it seem retardable to thy reading, let not that discourage or divert thee: For if thou proposest either Profit or pleasure to thyself therein, thou shalt nor be utterly unsatisfied. If thy Progress be flower, it will be so much the surer; thou shalt fasten the Scripture-Phrases in thy Memory, and find large and delightful matter of Meditation. For, indeed the Marginal Quotations, though least in show, are most in substance, solidity and sweetness (a fit Hieroglyphic of all spirituall-heavenly things) the Margin presenting thee the Meat, the Page but the Sauce, which (probably) cannot please all Palates Besides (for both our sakes) I could not have thee (Truant-like) to take any thing on trust; but (like the 
a Acts 17.11.  noble Bereans) lay it to the rule, search and try whether these things be so, and censure not before thou see I hope this may invite or occasion some (even out of curiosity) to become better acquainted with the Bible, and be caught in 
b Mat. 4.19. L. 5.10.  Christ's net before they be ware. And the honestly ingenious will easily judge it my main end, even throughout to drive or d●rect to the pure Fountain, and not to detain thee longer than needs, in the muddy Channels of these shallow lines. Howbeit I can well approve, that thou first read over the Tract by itself, to acquaint thee with the Scope (I am fain to lead thee the way, in another respect) and the second time (and thereafter) to take along with thee the Texts and Proofs: which are neither so many as to sundry Points, might have been produced; nor yet so few as to leave any needful Truth naked of (mostly) several Testimony; that so in the 
c Deu. 19.15. Mat. 18.16. Jo. 8.17. 2 Co. 13.1.  Mouths of (at least) two or three witnesses, every Word may be established. Where I had most plenty under my hand, and saw them swell the Margin, I expunged or dismissed a few, and was minded to do more. But finding all so precious; and none (as I conceived impertinent, I was (at last) loath to part with any of these; and so let all pass: the rather because some Proofs to one may seem less pregnant; to another, more: here is therefore choice and of the choicest (I hope) the scripture yields: As also that unto these, as to a Common Place, myself as well as others, may have recourse on such occasions.  
And let it not be nauseous to any, 
Isa. 28.10.13.  if he meet with one Text in several places (which yet is not frequent) since, we know, many such there be, whereof the same may serve to sundry good Proofs and purposes. Some Scripture-Phrases, falling compactly, are inter-woven with the discourse; the rest (of equal weight, though differing in words) are referred to the Margin.  
It is to be noted, That the names God or Christ, are mutually and indifferently used throughout in relation to the Church: The reasons whereof are plain to the pious, by Psal. 31.5. Isa. 9.6. and 54.5. Joh. 10.30. Rom. 5.8. Col. 2.9,10. and many like.  
I rather affect and use the word Scripture, (yea the Word itself) singularly for eminence sake, because it is now a 
a Rev. 22.18.19.  complete, perfect, individual Body; and was not exactly so, when the Lord Jesus, his Apostles and others in those Times, plurally termed it Scriptures.  
If any thing chance to be touched in several parts, (as, God's Eternity, etc.) the Proofs are referred to the first, and that expressly, for ease of the weaker sort, who will be loath to seek them too far.  
I have desired to draw as many Proofs and Confessions as I could, from Adversaries of God and Godliness, as tending to greater 
b Deu. 32.31. 1 K. 20.40.42. Mat. 12.27. L. 19.22. Jo. 5.45. Ro. 2.1. Jo. 8.54.  Conviction and Confirmation: therefore none needeth to stumble at them.  
The stile is nothing lofty, but low and professedly humble to all Men; not ambitious of equipage with any; yet assuming that familiar Decorum which (I hope) may beseem the Husband to the Wife, at whose information this chief aimeth.  
If any Term seem obscure to the common sort, let it be excused thus: 1. That, for ease of all, I laboured Brevity: Much Matter may sometime be couched in a Word. 2. That one Word is often suited to sundry Texts, and must bear the sense of them all. The best way for such therefore is, to examine the Texts, which will clearly interpret and explain it.  
But I have need (I confess) to beg the candid and christian Forbearance (or rather Furtherance) of All, in this Birth. It is, indeed, my Firstborn; 
Gen. 49.3.  but I cannot say of it, as Jacob of his son Reuben; for it is a mere Embryon and Abort, wanting many of its due Months; Insomuch as being unacquainted with the Press, I was fearful to offer it a Piece so unprepared.  
And, truly, how curt and compendious soever this Treatise may seem, I found it so vast and copious in the contrival, that I had some reluctance in myself about the Proceeding. And (it's no dissembling before the searcher of Hearts) could I have foreseen the length or difficulty of the (seeming little) Way; or had I not in the way felt a stronger Impulse and better Faculties than my own, to direct and drive me forward; I had fainted and fallen off; yea, laid me down quite discouraged in the sense of my Imbecility. But my good Shepherd, 
Jo. 10.14.  who best knows how to deal with Lambs; 
Isa. 40.11.  and those that are with Young, was both so wise as to conceal it from me, and so gracious as to lead me on along with some Ease and Alacrity. While thus sensible of Divine Assistance, I stirred up myself to a little more Elaboration; and feeling a daily confluence of new-fresh Forces and Supplies, I grew ashamed to think of Lagging or Lassitude; and (at length somewhat confirmed as I conceived) was loath to leave Place, either for just Objection, or future Exercise of my own in the Point here disputed. And now, although (the Lord knoweth) I am confcious of but little knowledge in myself, (less than the least of Saints) yet somewhat more it is then Satan wisheth me, or would persuade me that I have; as You'll hear anon.  
This slender Piece then, being in such Manner as God pleaseth, accomplished; I have no cause of doubt, but some ground of Hope, that (in Point of Knowledge, at least) it will further some, confirm others, and offend none that fear God, nor be slighted of any as unconcerned; since not (married) Man dares profess but that he ought to know thus much and much more.  
In short. Mayest thou enjoy the Profit, Pleasure and Comfort, of that which I have collected, not without some Pains and Perplexity. The Body may be enthralled, the Mind and thoughts cannot; 
2 Tim. 2.9.  much less can the Word of God be bound.  
Thine Husband, Brother, or Friend, in the Lord M. à V.   

If any weak Reader be troubled at the Marginal Contractions (which were only to gain room) make your recourse hither.  

Gen. Genesis.  
Ex. Exodus.  
Leu. Leviticus.  
Num. Numbers.  
Deu. Deuteronomy.  
Jos. Joshua.  
Jud. Judges.  
Ru. Ruth.  
1. 2. S. Samuel.  
1. 2. K. Kings.  
1. 2. Ch. Chronicles.  
Ezr. Ezra.  
Neh. Nehemiah.  
Est. Esther.  
Job.  
Ps. Psalm.  
Pr. Proverbs.  
Eccl. Ecclesiastes.  
Cant. Canticles.  
Isa. Isaiah.  
Jer. Jeremiah.  
Lam. Lamentations.  
Ez. Ezekiel.  
Dan. Daniel.  
Hos. Hosea.  
joel.  
Am. Amos.  
Ob. Obadiah.  
Jon. jonah.  
Mic. Micah.  
Nah. Nahum.  
Hab. Habakkuk.  
Zep. Zephaniah.  
Hag. Haggai.  
Zec. Zechariah.  
Mal. Malachi.  
Mat. Matthew.  
M. Mark  
L. Luke.  
Io. john.  
Act. Acts.  
Ro. Romans.  
1. 2. Co. Corinthians.  
Gal. Galatians.  
Eph. Ephesians.  
Ph. Philippians.  
Col. Colossians.  
1. 2. Th. Thessalonians.  
1. 2. T. Timothy.  
Tit. Titus.  
Phil. Philemon.  
Heb. Hebrews.  
ja. james.  
1. 2. P. Peter.  
1, 2, 3. Io. john.  
jude.  
Rev. Revelation.   
Some of these Abbreviations are usual and plain enough; yet it's no great harm to let all go together.   

The Chapters speak thus.  

1. AN Introduction touching the Occasion of this Discourse.  
2. The Certainty, Truth, Authority, Consent, and other peculiar Excellencies of the Sacred Scripture.  
3. Of divine Knowledge: The Fountain, streams, Force and Effects of it.  
4. Practical Knowledge relating to the Husband's Power. Sharpest Correction consistent with choicest Affection: First in Christ.  
5. The Symbol betwixt Christ and the Husband in the Point and Power of practical Knowledge.  
6. Whether a good Man must or may correct or beat his bad Wife: Objections answered.  
7. Conjectures at the Causes and Measure of Correction.  
8. additionals coincident with the Occasion of the Discourse.  
9 The Conclusion.    


CHAP. I. AN Introduction, touching the Occasion of this Discourse.  
IT hath been as little suspected by myself, as expected by any other the Natives of this Nation, that I should undergo the Press; especially on so sudden and sad Occasion. And I have even trembled to think, that the mighty Creator of the world, who is 
a Deu. 4.24. and 9.3. Heb. 12.29.  a consuming fire, who rendeth, shaketh, and throweth down the 
b Nah. 1.6.  Rocks, 
c 1 K. 19.11.  Mountains, yea the 
d Ps. 18.7. Isa. 13 13. Joel 3.16. Hag. 2.6.  whole Earth & Heavens, and 
e Ezr. 38.20.  what not? should 
f Isa. 41.2.  call to his foot, a despicable poor worm, and not crush him in pieces, rather than set him on work: Or that the living & dreadful God, should look upon 
g 2 S. 9.8.  a dead dog without utter distaste and abhorrence. But when I consider what he saith, who 
h Num. 23 19 1 S. 15.29. Tit. 1.2.  cannot lie; That as he is the 
i Isa. 57.15. Job 36.5. Ps. 113.5,6. and 138.6.  high and lofty one inhabiting Eternity, so he dwelleth with him also that is of an humble and contrite spirit, that 
k Ro. 4.17.  quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not, as though they were: that 
l 1 Co. 1.27,28. Mat. 11.25.  hath chosen the foolish, weak, base, despised things of the World, to confound the wise and mighty, that 
m Ps. 8.2. Mat. 21.16.  out of the mouths of babes, and sucklings, yea 
n L 19.40.  from stones, can extract and perfect his praise, it being the glory of his highest Power to shine forth in the 
o 2 Co. 12.9.  lowest weakness, and his good pleasure (I hope) not only to 
p Ps. 103.14. Heb. 2.16.17.  pity and 
q Deu. 32.73. Isa. 26.12. and 40.11.  support my frailty, but to wink at my filthiness, and 
r Isa. 4.4. & 6.5,6 7. Ez. 16.6,8,9. Jo. 13.8.  wash me from it.  
I have, (in these respects) taken the humble and bashful boldness, (as under the 
s Ps. 61.4.  Covert & 
t Ps. 36.7.  shadow of his Wings, imploring the constant Presidence and direction of 
u Neh. 9.20.  his good spirit) to present what is promised. In pursuance whereof, I may profess, as in his Presence, to whose eyes, 
w 1 Ch. 28.9. and 29.17. Job. 42.2. Ps. 2.7.9. and 44.21. Pro. 17.2. Jer. 17.10. Ro. 8.27. 1 Th. 2.4. Rev. 2,23.  all hearts 
x Heb. 4.13.  all Things are naked and opened. That what I shall here express, is principally to show forth his sacred Authority and mine Integrity under it. And if the deviations or obliquities of others must needs light in my way, I shall touch as tenderly on them as is possible, with some few Inferences for pious and public use and caution.  
This first Chapterand the last may be termed a Prooemium and Appendix to this Discourse. And if any demand why These? or why Thus? and not together ward, either before or after. I answer, 1. I am confident they will be found fit and needful. 2. It may suffice to know, that they appear in such Order, as they were suggested or occurred to me.  
I entreat that none expect a terse, polite or methodical Piece; but take All. 1. As a few brief, and confused Notions, prompted for present satisfaction, defence and comfort, amidst Obloquy, Oppression and Distraction; wherein it concerned me now and then, to cast an eye at the waking Malice and Rage of 
a 2 Th. 3.2.  unreasonable Men; and therefore where any Pleonasms appear, be pleased to pass over them with Patience. 2. As a crosse-unwelcome Parenthesis, (to a more pleasing, not profane Employment) whereon I confess, I tarry all the while as on thorns, which will permit no long nor easy Pausure: howbeit the ingenious may easily spell the Meaning at spare times. I am assured of the candid Construction of good Christians; and for my petulant-censorious Adversaries, if (in their opinions) I bewray either Lunacy or Levity, I must accuse those erraticas Stellas, or Ignes fatuos, for leading me out of my Way. Nevertheless, (upon the main) if the revealed Word of God be sure, I am not far excentric. However, if I shall be convinced, (either by any reader's Judgement or my own) of aught amiss, I promise Amendment, as God affords intelligence and opportunity.  
No question, but I am concluded a married man, and to have tasted some sour, not all the sweet of Wedlock; and not far amiss. 
b Ps. 55.12,13,14.  For it was not an enemy that reproached me, than could I have born it, neither was it he that hated me, that magnified himself against me, than I would have hid myself from him. But it was thou, a man, mine Equal, my Guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the House of God in company. Nay, not only so, neither, but it was Thou, mine own Flesh, that hast insulted; whose rage hath not rested here, but hath 
c Isa 37.28.  reached up to heaven, and 
d 1 S 17.26.36. 1 Th. 4.8.  defithe 
e Mat. 26.53.  Armies and 
f Ps. 11.6. & 120.4, & 7,12,13. Deu. 32.23.  Artillery of the 
g Deu. 5.26. 1 S. 17.26. Ps. 84.2 Isa. 37.4. Jer. 23.36. Dan. 6.26. Mat 26.63. Acts. 14.15 1 T. 6.17. Heb. 10 31.  living God.  
I trust there's none of the 
h Eph. 2.19. & 3.15.  genuine-true Family, that expecteth so much as a summary representation of all the sad Occuraences or 
i Ez. 4.2.  Engines of Assault and Sleight, in a ten-years siege; much less, a ruthful complaint or bemoaning of a laesa or victa patientia, (which hardly holds Plea in Foro Christi though mutually passable among fellow-Christians, conscious of common frailty, and) which is no further conquered or won upon then thou seest. My meaning and hope is, That none looks for an 
k Gen. 9.22,23.  Ham-like, (or more horrid) discovery of conjugal Deformities or Infirmities, but will rather be ready with Shem and Japhet to cover and conceal them. There are 
l 2 S. 1.20.24.  Daughters of the Philistines, as well as of Israel, there are also 
m Isa 28.1.  Drunkards of Ephraim. And if the best men, and things, be spoken or acted against by some that (should) sit in the 
n Ps 69.12.  Gate; how shall the Meaner and less worthy escape the song of the Drunkards? it is enough and too much to publish, that the last Decade of my life hath been extremely embittered (not with hard Bondage or Servitude; I needed not endure it, but) with constantly tempestuous-windy Wether; save for some lucida Intervalla, wherein mortals must needs 
o Quod caret alterna requie, etc.  rest (for none but Devils themselves are 
p Job 1.7. 1 P. 5.8.  restless) or when I enjoyed the Calm of another Climate. I returned, 
q Jer. 14.19.  I looked and waited for Peace, and there was no good for the time of Healing, and behold Trouble.  
One instance may serve instar omnium. The 
r Rev. 12.10 Job 2. 3r.  Accuser of the Brethren (for him alone do I criminate) that 
s Gen. 3.1. Job 41 1,34. Isa. 27.1 2 Co. 11.3. Rev. 12.9. and 20.2.  old serpent hath laid at lurch a long time under the ground or 
t latet anguis, etc.  grass; and at length, having (it seemeth) perfected his Artifice, rusheth out like a roaring Lion, and proclaims me Madman. And thus was the matter. Within two or three of twenty years ago, it pleased 
u Isa. 54.5.  our Husband Christ, to afflict me with an hot and horrid Fever, for a long season, which brought me to death's door Being much of that time under the torrid zone, no marvel if I learned a little of the Natives Language, (Barbarism, 
a Neh. 13.24.  half Ashdod) and that my Actions were answerable (yet if I be not flattered, they were far short of the high strains, I have heard related of others in like Case) I never had in my life, much less was it like I should then have any great judgement or mind of Phlebotomy or Incision; and because in the Heat of my Sickness, I would not yield (forsooth, to be blooded without binding my Arms, my said grand Accuser then (my too diligent Attendant) lays it in my Dish, and will needs have me bound to be a Madman whilst I live. 
b 1 K. 18.27.  Risum teneatis?  
By like (Satan) no drop of my Blood fell to thy share, nor ever shall. Where thou 
c Jo. 13.27,28,30 Act. 5.3.9.  winnest upon any, thou art not wont to prate so much, there's nothing but 
d Isa. 28.15. Jer. 6.14. Pro. 7.13. to 23.  Peace and Pleasure: thy rooms are all and always, as ready swept and garnished for such Guests, as 
e Mat. 12.44.  theirs for thee. Let me expostulate with thee a little: was not 
f Hos. 7.1. etc.  Ephraim more dangerously diseased then with a Fever, yet he kicked against his Cure, and 
g Hos. 11.3.  was healed he knew not by whom or how. Wilt thou not (yet thou must) allow God's dearest Children a little reluctance against the rod. Our sweet Saviour, thy severe Judge, and master, 
h Job 24.12. and 42.7,8. Ja. 5.11.  winks at it; witness that holy Innocent whom thine 
i Job. 1.12. etc. 2.7.  hellish malice tormented. Because thou art 
k Judas. 6.  reserved in everlasting Chains under darkness, to the Judgement of the great Day, for 
l 2 Th. 1.8.  flaming Fire; cannot I or my Brethren, by the power of our Redeemer, 
m Isa. 43.2.  pass through the waters, and not be overflown? walk through the Fire (hotter than a Fever) and not be burnt? neither the flame kindle on us? But I bore, and 
n Mic. 7.9. Job 19.5,6. Ps. 39.9. Isa. 30.15.1 S. 3.18.  will bear his indignation, because I have sinned against him, have repent and am pardened: 
o Mat. 25.41. Rev. 20.10.  thou shalt abide eternal Fire, for thy fore passed, fatal, and final Defection, and canst neither repent,- nor rid thyself; that is 
p Ps. 49.8  ceased from thee for ever.  
But my memory, though then sore shaken and enseebled, is yet (it seems) more faithful than thine. Thou mightest have charged more and grosser Absurdities in that Sickness, than this, upon me. As that in the Waning and Languor or my spirit, I forgot and refused to know my best Friends; yea, once mistook my Physician (whom God made an Instrument of my Recovery) for thee, beside many other Feats, the effects of Sickness. But this (belike) was thy best and last Project, [thy Masterpiece] to talk of my Binding, that I might be taken and kept bound [for so thou threatnedst] from binding thee: But it needed not; My 
a Mat. 8.16. & 10.1. & 28.18. M. 6.7. L. 4.36. Jo. 3.35.  powerful Redeemer, by 
b Ps. 16.8. Jo. 15.5 Eph. 6.10. Ph. 4.13 Juce 9  whose strength alone I 
c 1. S. 2.9. Ro. 14.4 Eph. 6.13  stand,. and 
d Ps. 18.29. & 118.10,11,12. Isa. ●1. 10,11,12.13. Zec. 3.2. Eph. 6.11. Ja. 4.7. 1 P. 5.9.  strive against thee, 
e Col. 1.13. &, 2.15. Heb. 2.14. 1 Jo. 3.8. Rev. 12.10.  hath done it already. He hath once and 
f Rev. 12.8,9,10.  for ever, baffled and bound thee [though not to good Behaviour, yet] to be at his Beck and 
g Mat. 4.10.11. & 16.23. M. 8.33.  Bidding and will 
h Ro. 16.20. Rev. 12.12.  shortly bruise thee under mine, and my Fellow-sufferers feet. Thou thirstest my 
i 1 S. 20.3. Ps. 54.3 and 36.6 & 71.10 11.  Blood, and huntest my Life, as a 
k 1 S. 26.20.  Partridge to the 
l Ez. 39.4. Ps. 11.1  Mountains of Israel; where, yet, thou seest 
m Ps. 57.6. & 124.6,7. & 18.48. and 27.6.  I survive, and from whence I dare face and affront thee. Thy 
n Isa. 54.17.  Weapons and Engines [it appears) were not fitly form, they have not, as yet, prospered. It hath been showed me (indeed) that I shall be 
o 2 Co. 4.9.  persecuted and cast down (by thee) but not forsaken, not destroyed; I have found my God 
p Num. 23.19. 2 Co. 1.20. Ps. 30.1. & 41.11,12.  as good as his word, and 
q Pro. 18.10.  the name of the Lord a strong tower against thee. I am not the 
r Job. 1.9, etc. 1 Changed 21.1. Zec. 3.1. Mat. 4.3 etc. 1 Th. 2.18.  first nor best thou hast been busy withal, nor the last by many Myriads; that shall defy and put thee to flight. Thou findest thyself daily foiled at thine own Weapons, yet thou must be stickling still. The 
s Job 5.12.13.  crafty and cruel ones also, who march under thy Colours, are often caught in their own Wiliness and Wrath, 
t Ps. 9.16. & 7.15 and 57,6. & 41.11. & 64.5,7.  and snared in the work of their own hands; yet are they (poor souls) content to be still 
u 2 T. 2.26.  taken and carried Captive by thee at thy Will. On these (for their part) I am avidous of no greater Revenge or Honour then this, that they may 
w 1 S. 6.20. Ps. 40 3. Dan. 6.26. Ps. 37 6. & 109.27.  see and fear, 
x Ps 21.8,9. etc. Rev. 11.13.  not feel the Lords hand (which if 
y Ps. 32.4. and 38.2. and 39.10.  heavy upon his dearest Children how 
z Deu. 32.22. Ps. 76.7. Nah. 1: 6.  insupportable will it be to them?) that they may 
a Deu. 32.31. Ps. 126.2: Dan. 3.29. and 6.27.  know and remember, he is a 
b Gen. 15.1 Deu. 33,29. Ps. 18.2. and 84.11. and 91.4. and 115.9. Pro. 2.7. and 30.5.  Buckler and 
c Deu. 32.4. 1 S. 2. 2. 2 S 23. 3. Ps. 18.2,31. and 34.7. and 40.2 and 61 3. and 71 3. & 125.2. Pro. 18.10. Isa. 26.4. and 33.16. Jer. 16.19. Nah. 1.7. Zec. 9.12.  Munition to all them that 
d 1 S. 30.6. 2 K 18.5,7. 1 Changed 5.20 Job 35.14. Ps. 22.45. and 27.13. and 28.7. and 33.21. and 37.5,40. and 78.21,22. and 125. 1. Pro. 3.5.6. and 30.5. Isa. 26.3. and 31.1. and 57.13. Jer. 13.25. and 17.5. and 39 18. Dan. 3.28. 2 Co. 1.10. 2 T. 4.16,17,18.  trust in him, and may not in vetitum niti, 
e Job 9.4. Ro. 13.2. 1 Co. 10.22.  nor strive against the stream.  
Now when 
a M. 9.18. L. 4.35. and 9.42. Act. 10.38. 1. Pet. 5.8. Rev. 12.4,7,12,15.  forcible Assaults fail, thou fallest to 
b 2 Co. 2.11. Eph. 6 11. 1 T. 3.7. Rev. 12.9. and 20 10.  fallacy and sleight (For thou art 
c 2 Co. 11.14. Rev. 2.24.  profoundly subtle, yet are we not 
d 2. Cor. 2.11.  ignorant of thy Methods, nor altogether unarmed against thy Devices). Of later time, when (likely) I was not employed to thy liking, thou hast laboured opprobriously to persuade me that the Devil (thy self) was at my elbow. Which may not be denied, unless thou be not 
e Job 1.7. and 2.2 2 Co. 2.11. and 11.14. Eph 2.2. 1 P. 5.8.  an Vbiquetary, or be 
f Gen. 3.15. L. 22.31. 1 Co. 5.5. 2 Co. 12.7. 1 T. 1.20. Rev. 2.10, and 20.8.  out of Office, (not yet to be hoped or believed) But it is as a base 
g Job 1.6. and 2.1 Zec. 3.1. Mat. 4.3.  insinuating 
h Job 1.9.11. and 2.5.  Accuser, no Counsellor nor Commander. Well, mayst thou sneak behind at my Elbow, but my hand or fingers thou canst neither reach nor rule, which (I trust) thou shalt find and feel. Thou remember'st, also, That when I have cited and urged the sacred Scripture for Edification or good Ends (which thou art not wont to do) thou hast slily retorted it saying, the Devil could allege Scripture. It's true thou canst; but never affect, observe or obey it. I allow also, that thou; 
i L. 4.41. M. 1.24. Ja. 2.19.  believest, but withal thou tremblest. In short, as thou art designed for a temporary Accuser and Adversary, so art thou doomed for the eternal Object of God's fiery Indignation, and to Court thee in thine own Compliment, Thou hearest me well enough.  
I should here address a Word or two to my Physician whom I have not seen these many years. Howbeit he hath already some intimation, that I have laid a-bleeding under his helpless hand, and I thought to salute him a little more largely, but this (perchance) may save that labour. He hath a deep share in this Occasion, he knows what he hath done, and what he hath to do: for he is a pretending Physician as well for soul as body, and so I leave him 
k L. 4.23.  not to heal himself, but to be healed by that 
l Jer. 8.22.  Balm of Gilead, our blessed and common Physician and Saviour, hoping he's not so Flinty, but even something here may take impression with him.  

Beel-Zebub Insectorum pestiferorum Dominus.  It is much about twelve months, that this 
m Isa. 7.18.  Assyrian Bee, hath blown upon me, since which time no expression of mine, if sounding and savouring (especially) of pious and serious Reproof, but (by some in the World) was blasted and branded with Madness, and I bindable for it, both with Cords, and (lest they should prove too weak) with Papers. Alas for him say they) that he'll meddle or make ado, he 
a This should be a sign of soundness.  knows, his Brain is cracked or crazed. I Confess, (and am confident, it will fall out the more to illustrate the glory of my Maker) that I ever conceived myself as far inferior in Gifts of Mind, as I am of Fortune to most in the World; and that my memory 
It's rather (indeed) Reminiscentia then Memoria.  (especially) was feeble and frail à cunabulis (let none trust it more than I commend it) and therefore it is not likely my Elocution should be so compact and trim as theirs, who have a strong-innated memory, from which they may still draw forth as from a constant ready Magazine or Treasury. But (I bless the Lord, who is 
b Ps. 27.1. Isa: 10.17. and 60.19.20. Mic. 7.8.  my light, 
c Deu. 30.20: Ps. 27.1. and 42.8.  mylife, and the length of my days) my Fever left me no worse than it found me; and so fare was my Sense from being impaired by it, that by (
d Ps. 127.1.2. 1 Co. 3.6.  Gods blessing on my Industry) it hath ever since improved. However had I been of that dull or distempered Metal these would make me, either before or since, I had surely been utterly unfit for that Employment and Trust, (private or public, as they will) wherein some of them have seen me conversant. No man living can show me more Infirmities and Failings in me, than myself do see, feel, and bewail: But rather than yield up my Intellect quite adled for two or three wild flings of a fever, (though God might have justly suffered it) and so belie and slander his Goodness and Bounty expressed on me, let me die right out. Yea before I forgo the 
e Jos. 1.9. Isa. 50.7,8. Jer. 1.8. 1 Co. 7.23,24. 2 T. 2.3. Neh. 6.11.  station wherein my General hath set me, or be stopped in any just and honourable design for him; let me make as hard and scrambling shift, as did 
f 1 S. 14.64,8,10,13.  Jonathan and his Armour bearer, to hazard a linger Death.  
But 
g 1 Co. 4.7.  who maketh thee. (what ever thou art) to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Why scornest thou thy scanted Brother? 
h Ex. 4.11.  Who made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? 
i Isa. 50.4.  Who gives the Tongue of the Learned, or 
k Isa. 32.4.  makes the Tongue of the stammerer speak plainly? Is it not the Lord? And 
l Ro. 9.20. Eccl. 7.13. Isa. 29.16.  shall the thing form say to him that form it, Why hast thou made me thus? Yet stay but a little: Doth the wisest or most accomplished man, always accost his Wife in Querpo (but it is more than time to begin) in Print or set speeches, as if he were declaiming in Public, or upon a definitive Sentence? If he miss it a little in language, is he forthwith a Madman? or are all passionate Men habitually mad or proud and fit for binding? God forbidden. There would then be too much work for the 
a Zeph. 2.3.  Meek of the Earth, they would have too little leisure to seek the Lord, as they should, and (beside) many of God's dearest Children would light under the Lash. With the desinition of Madness. I am not fit to meddle, I refer it to him, who is undoubtedly mi●is & compositae mentis. But my Detractors (who I hope, are not all Men) will surely, allow me to sit down with this Mite of Comfort, that I am not the 
b 1 S. 1.13,14. M. 3.21. Jo. 10.20. Act. 12.15. and 26 24,25. 1 Co. 14.22,23. Mr. H P.  First, the Best, nor Wisest, that have been thus traduced or 
c 1 S. 21.14,15.  deemed, and that hitherto I have been but coram non Judice.  
In the Duel or Conflict with Satan, discovery is Conquest: And I find his Quarrel is not that I am beside myself, but 
d 2 Co. 5.13.  beside Him. Now because there can be no Peace or compliance with such a Tyrant, but on Terms dishonourable to God, disadvantageous & uncomfortable to myself, I am resolved still to keep him at the staffs end and to stand 
e See p. 5. b c d  on my best bottoms.  
This recited Passage was not the sole & pro●er (though most specious) Ground of Quarrel: there are divers other known & no less impious Pretences, but it was the fairest and largest Livery Cloak mine Accuser had to colour & cover the rest; it was (it may be, causa sine qua non.) In brief, take all together thus: That for a moderate use of the Power and Liberty which the Laws of God and man have entrusted to me to procure (if it might be) a godly economical Quiet, I have been treated (I lap it in my cleanest linen) as a Perturber of the public Peace. Wherein I have no reason to complain of Hardship at the Hands of men: For besides that the causes of my sufferings, are grown of a wider Notion than I could wish; God hath also bountifully restored and distilled his Refreshments into my Bosom. I do gladly therefore draw the Curtain, as well before Court- as Chamber-proceeding.  
Only, because my 
f Job 27.5,6, and 31.6. Ps. 25.21. & 26.11.  Innocence and Integrity, are held under 
g Job 13.4. and 19 3,4. Ps. 31.11. and 42,10. and 69.20. and 109.25. Act. 28.3,4.  censure or 
h Job 1●…  suspense (at least of some) and (especially) for that my Judgement and Conscience are unsettled in the main Point of (a much talked of, but little known) marital Knowledge; I have 
1 Job 17.8. & 21.3.  andventured on a little, to 
2 Job 13.6,18,19. & 16.4. Ps. 41.12. 2 Co. 7.11.  clear the One, and 
3 Pro. 3.5. & 4.5,7. & 18.1,15. & 22.20,21. & 23.12.  inquire of the Other. The former I could more easily have passed over, but mine Incentive lay in the later, and was chief This; That, since I began to heed or listen to Scripture Language, I could hear Many, (but mostly Women) occasionally to allege, That 
4 1 P. 3.7.  Men ought to dwell with their Wives according to Knowledge: that is, (I presume, I much mistake not) pleasingly or patiently: Good Properties both. And, (which came a little nearer me) when of late I addressed myself (not unbidden) before Authority, and thought to make some Christian Advantage of one of their Chaplains, my quondam Acquaintance; He abstained from owning (in any degree acceptable) so gross an Offender, either in or out of that 
5 Ro. 13.4.  dreadful Presence. His Reasons, if not expressed by himself, may be imagined by others. He had only the Leisure and Patience to school me (as above) with The Husband must dwell, etc. (his meaning was not very hard to apprehend) And (not remembering belike, that 
a Mal. 2.7. Deu. 17.9,10,11.  the Priests lips are as well to communicate as to keep Knowledge) was, and is, content to leave me as ignorant as he found me; although I have since, also, saluted and solicited him by Letter (whereof I am informed, he made more than a Pastoral use) humbly offering either to satisfy or submit unto the Church. And it may be added, (not altogether unfitly) That I, likewise, submisly proposed something in this kind, to them of Power, Wisdom, and Experience; whose Reply was short and suitable to their Place, 
b Job 32.9.  but nothing satisfactory to my Doubt or Quaere.  
The Confluence (I say) of these, and other like Motives, caused me first 
c Ps. 4.4.  to examine mine own Heart, and then stirred me up to study the Point for my fuller Information; the Pursuance whereof hath forcibly produced these public Expresses both of my Quality and Conceptions; which, with all humbleness, I submit to judicious, christian and charitable Censure. And I come now within view of our expected Port of Knowledge: But ere I arrive at it, somewhat would be premised, touching the Scripture, the 
d Gen. 1.26,27. Jo. 5.39. 1 T. 3.16 Isa. 7.14.  sacred History of God and Man.   

CHAP. II. The Certainty, Truth, Authority, Consent, and other peculiar Excellencies of the sacred Scripture.  
BEcause our Husband's Authority is grounded on the Word of God, and that we are to deal, especially, with divine Texts and Truths; It were first to be wished, That all sorts of People were satisfied of the Truth and Authority of the Scripture; for to some, even the plain written Word of God is no prevailing Proof; wherein, 'tis doubtful, consisteth a great part of the Weakness of some of the weaker Vessels. Very needful therefore, it is, that such were convinced of This; That the 
e Deu. 8.3. Ps. 119 89. Mat. 4.4. L. 4.4. Heb. 1.3. 1 Jo. 5.7. Rev. 19.13.  eternal Word, the 
f Jo. 1.1,2,3. & 10.35,36. Heb. 1.3,5. & 11.3. 2 P. 3.5. Rev. 2.18. 1 Jo. 5.20.  Son of God, the 
g Jo. 1.1,2. 1 Jo. 5.7.  second Person in Trinity, and 
h Jo. 1.4. & 6.63. 1 Jo. 1.1,2. & 5. 11: 12,20.  spirit and life itself, hath expressly declared and 
i Ro. 1.16,17,18. Deut. 4.13.  revealed himself in Writing: to wit, first, 
k Ex. 24.12. & 31.18. & 32.16,32,33. Deu. 4.13. & 5.22. & 9.10. & 10.2,4. 2 K. 17.37. I Ch. 28.19. Job 13.26. Ps. 40.7. & 69.28. & 87.6. & 139.16. Isa. 4.3. & 65.6. Ez. 2.9,10. Dan. 12.1. Mal. 3.16. Ph. 4.3. Col. 2.14. Heb. 12.23. Re. 2.17. & 3.5. & 5.1. & 13.8. & 17.8. & 20.12,15. & 21.12,27.  by his own finger, and then 
l 2 Ch. 36.22. Am. 3.8. 2 T. 3.16. 2 P. 1.21.  by inspiring and sanctifying the Hearts, Hands, and Pens of his Servants, the Sons of men, and 
m Ex. 17.14. & 34.27: Deu. 6.9. & 17.18. & 27.8. & 31.19. Isa. 8.1. & 30.8. Jer. 30.2. & 36.2. Ezek. 24.2. & 43.11. Hab. 2.2. Rev. 1.11. & 14.13. & 19.9. & 21.5.  setting them on Work to write and copy out his Will, which they having 
n Ex. 24.4. Eccl. 12.10. Jer. 36.4. L. 1.1,2,3. Jo: 21.24. Acts 20.27. 2 P. 3.15,16. Rev: 21.5. Deu: 31.9,22,24. 1 S. 10.25. Jos: 8.32.  faithfully performed, He accordingly 
o Jer: 26.45. & 29.19. & 44.4. Ez: 38.17. Hos: 8.12. Zec: 1.6. Rev: 10.7.  owneth and approveth. These Writings from their first Penning and Promulgation, were and shall be by his divine Power, his merciful and miraculous Providence, (
p Isa. 55.11.  maugre the malice of Men or Devils) 
q 2 K. 22.8. & 23.2.  preserved, and 
r Ex. 12.26. Deut. 4.9. & 6.7. & 29.29. & 31.12,13,21. & 32.46. 1 K. 9.6. Ps. 78.5,6.7. Jer. 32.39. Joel 1.3. Ro. 16: 26.  transmitted to Posterity to the World's end.  
And here (before we pass further) it's not unfit to be noed, that (albeit there happen, now and then a distinction or restraint in some 
s Gen. 45.12. Num. 12.8. Jer. 32.4. Acts 15.27. Rom. 10.9,10. Ja. 3.10.  special Cases, yet) the Phrases of holy Scripture referring to former Times and Prophecies, and running on this wise, viz. As 
t L. 1.70. Acts 3.18. & 4.25. Heb. 4.4.  he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets, as it 
u Mat. 2.23. & 3.3. & 21.4. M. 13.14 L. 24.25. Acts 13.40. 2 P. 3.2.  was spoken by the Prophets, and the like, are indifferently to be understood, as well of the Word written, as spoken. This is easily apparent, by comparing 
x 2 Co. 10.11. 2 P. 1.20,21. 2 Th. 2.15.  the sacred Writ with itself, which ascribeth speaking of Scripture, sometime to 
y Acts 1.16. & 28.25.  the holy Ghost, sometime to 
z Gal. 1.9. Heb. 11.32.2. P. 3.16. and more at t, u:  the Writer, sometime to 
a Jo. 7.38. & 19 37. Ro. 4.3. & 11. 2. Gal. 4.30. 1 T. 5.18. ja. 4.5.  the Scripture itself (Examples of this sort are so many and obvious, that a few may serve here) And our own common Practice (if need were) confirms it also; these Words being usual with us in Writing, viz. As I said before, or As aforesaid, etc. while we (plainly) hear no Word spoken, but see it only Written. And we cannot otherwise conceive of the Scripture, unless (which were horrible to think) the Words of our blessed Saviour (who never 
b Mat. 7.29. M. 1. 22. Jo. 5.30. & 7.46. & 8.16.  spoke, 
c Jo. 11.42  prayed,. nor 
d Mat. 12.18. M. 1.11. L. 3.22. Jo. 15.16. & 16.23,24. & 17.24.  interposed in vain) were inconsistent, Where he saith, 
e Mat. 28.19,20. Jo. 14.18.  Go, teach all nations, etc. and Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the World: and again, 
f Jo. 17.20.  I Pray not for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their Word. For He knew better than Any, and 
g Mat. 24.9. & 23.34. L. 12.4. Jo. 21.19. 2 P. 1.14  foretold to his Apostles, that They (
h Gen. 18.27. & 25.8. & 35.29. & 49.33. & 50.26. Num. 20.28. Deu. 34.5. Jos. 24 29. 1 S. 25.1. 2 S. 23,1. 1 K. 2.10. & 11.43. Zec. 1.5. Jos: 23.14. 1 K. 2.2. Ps. S 9.48. Acts 2.29.  as all the Patriarches and Prophets before them, being mere 
i Gen. 32.10. Job 7.20. Ps. 38.4 & 41.4 & 51.5. 1 Jo. 1.8. Ps. 40.12.  sinful, mortal Men (which 
l L. 5.8. Acts 3.12. & 10.26.  Peter and 
m Acts 14.15. 2 Co. 5.1. Eph. 2.1.5. 1 T. 1.15  Paul confess for all) after they had 
n Acts 13.36. 1 K. 2.10.  served their Generation, must fall asleep, and could not possibly accomplish so vast a Peragration and Task, as (viva voce) to teach all Nations. Nor meant he, therefore, any longer to accompany them carnally or corrorally here on Earth (for they were, even then, 
o Ph. 1.23. 2 T. 4.6,7. 2 P. 1.13,14.  taking leave to departed for Heaven their 
p Eccl. 12.5.  long home, where they 
q 1 Th. 4.17. 2 T. 4.8. Rev. 18.20. & 21.14.  remain most happy with him) but to continue his Spiritual Presence and Power with them in their written Word, and with their faithful Posterity the 
r Jo. 10.16. & 4.18.  Pastonrs, the Teachers thereof, while the World endures. Now, had their Word rested in, and expired with their vive or vocal Expression (the Article of their natural Breath) how should any People or Persons far distant, or future, who were never like to see or hear them) either believe, or benefit ought thereby? And to clear this unto us, We see the Lord Jesus expressly sets on Work his beloved Apostle John (as doubtless he did implicitly and virtually the rest) bidding him 
s Rev. 1.11,19. see 2 P. 3.1,2.  Writ what he sees, hath seen, and shall be hereafter in a Book. I say, therefore, we are to conclude, all such Phrases to signify and intent as well the written as vocal Word of God. And that all the Writings of these holy Men before mentioned, being (by divine Providence, and faithful Hands) collected into One just Volume, are the same which we have in common (not so careful or conscionable) Use, and in way of Eminency, do call 
t Ro. 1.2. 2 T. 3.15.  The holy Scriptures, and might as justly term them, 
u Ps. 119.142,160 Pro. 22.20,21. Eccl. 12.10. Dan. 10.21. Jo. 10.41. & 21.24. 2 Co. 6.7. Eph. 1.13. Col. 1.5. 2 T. 2.15. Ja. 1.18. Rev. 19.9. & 21.5.  The Word and Scripture of Truth.  
It may be hoped, there are not many incredulous in this Point; yet such as be are earnestly recommended to those Orthodox Divines and Writers who have fully cleared it: for the recital would take up too much room in this narrow Treatise. But we take and use it (as indeed it is) for that undoubted Rule of Verity by which with influence of the Spirit of God alone, we are to be 
x Isa. 8.20. Mat. 22.29. Ex. 15.26. Leu. 18.5. Numb. 15.22,23,24. Deu. 5.32. & 6.17.25. & 11.1. & 17.9,20. & 28.14. & 31.12. Jos. 1.7,8. & 22.5. & 23.6. 2 K. 17.13,37. & 22.13. Ps. 105.45. & 119.9 Pro. 3.1. & 6.22,23. Eccl. 12.13. Isa. 30.21. & 42.4 Jer. 9.13. & 26.4. Ez. 20.19. & 37.24. Mat. 19.17,18 & 28.20. L. 10.26 Jo. 5.39. Ro. 1.16,17,18. & 4.3. & 15.4. 1 Co. 4.6. & 10.11. 2 T. 3.16. 2 P. 1.19. & 2.21. 1 Jo. 2.3,4.  directed here, and 
y Mal. 3.16,18. Jo. 12.48. Rev. 14.12  everlastingly doomed hereafter. Nevertheless, because those Tracts are not ready at hand to All, these brief Considerations (for the present) may something sway the Mind of the Doubtful, and convince the Truth hereof, as  
1. It's on all hands gladly granted, (by those that bear the name of Christians) That eternal Life and Felicity is to be looked after, and is only attainable by the Knowledge of God in Jesus Christ. This cannot surely be through brain-fancies and airy Notions, and therefore some direct and regular 
z Job 23.11.  Way must needs lead thereunto. 
a To confirm this (if Scripture can do it,) compare Jo. 5.39. with Jo. 17.3.  None can know or learn the way to God, but by God teaching the Truth; This Truth cannot be known to Any without Christ, nor Christ without his revealed Word and Will; and What can be so probable and fair a Manifest hereof as these holy Scriptures; which, for 
b All this is obvious to any seeing and single eye.  Purity and Perduration, Impartiality and Majesty, Profundity and (yet) perspicuous and pleasing Facility, do excel and eclipse all other Writings in the World.  
2. Christ bids us 
c 1 Jo. 4.1, etc.  try the Spirits: and if He did not, Equity and Reason would evince it: For we know, that One Spirit may be as erroneous as another, and some so deeply and dangerously, that they shall 
d Mat 24.24. M. 13.22. 1 T. 4.1. Rev. 16.14.  go near to deceive the very Elect; if every Spirit may be his own Moderator and Judge; and therefore no doubt but 
e Ez. 34.17. Ro. 16.2.  the Lord Paramount, 
f Num. 16.22. & 27.16.  the God, and 
g Heb. 12.9.  Father of Spirits, intended and appointed some determinative Rule of Trial, in case of 
h 1 K. 22.20. L. 9.55.  dissent or difference 'twixt Spirit and Spirit: and what may we imagine (under the Sun) a truer Touchstone herein then the Scripture we treat of?  
3. Although by God's absolute unrevealed Will all things were made, yet are they not preserved, ruled, or directed, without his conditionate and revealed Will. For if there be not such a supreme, directive, restrictive Providence, Why doth not each One live as they list? (which the most desperate Wretch dares not profess to do) Why is not every 
i Jud. 7.22. 1 S. 14 20. 2 S. 2.16.  Man's sword in his fellows side? Certainly, then, he ordained a Vice-gerence and subordinate Government here on Earth, and to this End, is that Expression (if we believe Scripture) 
l Den. 30.11, etc. Joh. 6.45,46.  This Commandment is not hidden from thee; neither is it far off, etc. It would be judged an absurd Presumption to trouble a supreme earthly Magistrate with every trifling Trespass or breach of Peace, (in this he would easily incline to imitate 
m Ex. 18.21,22.  Jethroes Counsel to Moses, yea to desire God's Indulgence 
n Num. 11.14,15,17.  as Moses did) and shall we dare to think God either less 
o Ex. 19.12,13,23 & 20.18,19. & 24.17. & 33.20,23. Deu. 4,24,33. & 5.5. Job 37.22 Ps. 68.8. Jer. 10.7 Heb. 12.20,21.  dreadful to be approached, or less 
p 1 Ch. 29.11,12. 2 Ch. 20.6. Ps. 62.11. & 66.7. & 103.19. & 115.3. Dan. 4.26,37.  powerful, and 
q Gen. 1.16. Ex. 18.22. Num. 11.17. Job 32.13. & 33.13. Ps. 8.6. & 36.6 & 136.8,9. Pro. 8.15,16. Hos. 8.4.  provident in managing his Affairs then Man?  
This may seem to satisfy the most. Yet now we may not conceive this divine Word resteth (though revealed and evident) in the dull, 
r 2 Co. 3.6. Ro. 2.29.  dead and kill Letter we look on, (however illustrious and eminent, as above) For how can a dead Thing be 
s Gal. 3.8.  prophetic, or 
t Gal. 3.22.  judicative, 
u 1 Co. 10.11  monitory,. or 
x Ro. 15.4. Jer. 15.16.  consolatory? Yea 
y Heb. 4.12. Psal. 147.15. & 119.50 Jer. 20.9. & 23.29 Hos. 6.5. L. 24.32 2 Co. 10.10. Eph. 6.17. Rev. 1.16. Hab. 3.9.  powerful, quick and keen, searching, 
z Ps. 119.161. Isa. 66.2.  awing, 
a Jo. 12.48. Ro. 2.12,17,18,27.  censuring, 
b Ps. 105.19. 2 T. 2.9.  clearing the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart? (strong and strange Operations! and all This affirmed of the Word) It must needs be then by 
c Eph. 6.17.  some spriteful Influence, more than appears on the bare and naked Letter, which 
d Acts 9.5.  Paul himself found and felt, when he kicked against the Pricks. And what Spirit can this be, but the same which at the first 
e Gen. 1.2. Job 33 4. Ps. 104.30. Isa. 42.5.  moving upon the face of the Waters, gave light and life to the world, bestows or restores Breath, strength and Agility to 
f 1 K. 17.18,22,23 2 K. 4.32,34,35. & 8.5. Ps. 104.29 30. Jo. 11.39,43,45. Acts 20.9,10,12. Ro. 4.19. & 8.11. Heb. 11.19,35. 1 P. 3.18. Rev. 11.9,11.  dead Bodies, 
g Ez. 37.1, to 10.  dry (very dry) Bones, or 
h Mat. 3.9. L. 3.8  Stones; who still and ever 
i Ro. 4.17. & 8.11. Eph. 2.1,5.  qnickneth, at least, the spiritually dead; and by a secret, yet a certain (and sometimes 
l Gen. 41.38. Num. 11.26. & 24 2,3,4. Judg. 3.10. 1 S. 10.6,9,10,11 & 16.13,18. & 19 20,23,24. 2 K. 2.15. 2 Ch. 20.14. Neh. 9.30. Isa. 11.2. & 48.16. Ez. 2.2. & 11.5. Dan. 4.8. Mat. 3.16. L. 4.18,21,22. Jo. 1.32,33. & 14.17. & 15.26. Acts 2.2. etc. and 8.29. & 11.12. & 16.7. 1 P. 4.14. 1 Jo. 4.2 Rev. 1,10. & 4.2.  a manifest) Infusion, 
m Eph. 1.23. Job 32.8.  filleth all in all. By the 
n 2 Co. 3.6.  same Power (I say) are these Lines made lively and active, and so justly (in this sense) called the 
o Ph. 2.16. L. 8.11.  Word of Life. It is said, metaphorically and implicitly, That the Word was made 
p Ps. 118.22. Isa. 28.16. Dan. 2.34,45. Mat. 21.42,44. L. 20.17,18. Acts 4.11. Eph. 2.20. 1 P. 2.4,6,7.  stone; but expressly, that it was made 
q Jo. 1.14.  flesh, and dwelled among us; and that 
r 1 Jo. 1.1,2.  we have seen With our eyes, and our hands have handled of the Word of life. Which Christ himself confirmed, saying, 
s Jo. 6.63.  The words that I speak to you (while now in my flesh) they are spirit, and they are life. We hear himself likewise, assuming to him the Metaphors of 
t Jo. 14.6.  Way, 
u Jo. 15.1,5.  Vine, 
x Jo. 10.7,9.  Door, 
y Jo. 6.35,41,51.  Bread, etc. Now the same Word (even Christ Jesus) who made himself a Way, Stone, Vine, etc. yea Flesh, to dwell among us for 
z Jo. 7.33. & 13.33. & 16.16.  a little while, was and is, in the same sense and certainty, made Letter and Scripture to remain with us 
a Mat. 28.20.  unto the end. We need seek no further for similitude, than the natural Bodies we bear about; Which, while united with soul or spirit, (called 
b Gen. 2.7. & 6.17. & 7.15,22 Isa. 42.5. Rev. 11.11.  the Breath of life, and sometime the 
c Job 27.3.  spirit of God:) We see how able, apt, and agile they are; especially some, to 
d Jud. 20.16. 1 S. 17.4,5, etc. 2 S. 1.23. & 2.18. & 23.8, etc. 1 Ch. 12.8 Lam. 4.19.  Glory and Admiration. But once 
e Job 34.14. Eccl. 12.7.  severed, how 
f Jos. 5.1. 1 S. 25.37. 1 K. 10.5.  senseless, 
g Jud. 15.18,19. L. 8.53. Ja. 2.26.  liveless, 
h Gen. 3.19. & 18.27. Job 4.19. & 7.21. & 13.12. & 21.26. & 34.15. Ps. 30.9. & 49.14. & 103.14. & 104.29. Eccl. 3.20. & 12.7.  contemptible, and 
i Jer. 9.22. & 16.4. & 25.33. Jo. 11.39.  horrid Things are they! And, yet, this Spirit of 
l Job 32.8. Prov. 18.14. & 20.27. & 25.28. Eccl. 3.21. Isa. 26.9. & 57.16. Ez. 21.7. Zec. 12.1. Mal. 2.15. Ro. 8.16. 1 Co. 2.11.  ours (as we may call it; though the sole, or chief Actor in us) is (1 Co. 2.11.) invisible to our carnal eye. Also, we measure and judge the strength or feebleness of our life, by the fast or slow Beating (as we term it) of our Pulse, the Motion of our animal Spirit. Just thus is it with the written Word (
m Ez. 1.12,20. 2 Co. 3.3.  or Works) and Spirit of God: yet with this Difference, That the Spirit of God unspeakably and inconceivably 
n Job 32.8. Isa. 38.16.  transcends the Spirit of Man in 
o 1 Co. 5.3,4. & 12.4,8, etc. 2 Co. 11.4. & 12.18. Eph. 2.18. & 4.3,4 Ph. 1.27. Col. 2.5.  Unity, and 
p Hab. 1.13. Jo. 4.24. Eph. 4.29,30. 1 Jo. 3.3.  Purity, 
q Mic. 2.7. 2 Co. 3.17. & 11.12.  Liberty, 
r 2 S. 14.19. 2 K. 5.26. & 6.32. Acts 5.3. 1 Co. 2.10,11,12,16. Gen. 44.15.  Perspicacy, 
s Jo. 6.63. Ro. 8.10: 1 Co. 15.45. 2 Co. 3.6. 1 P. 3.18  Vivacity, and 
t Jud. 16.28,29,30 2 K. 2.11. Job 32.18. Ps. 39.3. Isa. 6 6,7,8. E 7.3.14. & 37.1. Dan. 6.3. Mic. 3.8. M. 1.12 L. 1.17. & 2.40. & 4.14. & 21.15. & 24.32. Acts 2.4. & 4.20. & 6.10 & 8.39. & 18.5,25 & 20,22. & 23.9. Ro. 15.19. 1 Co. 2.4. Eph. 3.16. 2 Th. 2.8. Rev. 17.3. & 21.10. Isa. 49.2.  Vigour; It also 
u Jo. 3.8.  as the Wind, bloweth where it lusteth, and 
x Eccl. 11.5.  None knoweth whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth.  
So then, while this written Word is but offered, accepted, and eyed, as a dead Letter, no marvel it be so much neglected and so little operative as it is. And (certainly) till we feel some beating, or motion of this Divine Pulse in or upon it, we may sadly conclude, ourselves to be (
y Eph. 2.1,5. Jo 14.17. 1 Co. 2.14.  spiritually) as dead as the Letter, or 
z Jo. 11.39.  Lazarus his Body. For, as our Spirit is the life of our Body, so is the Spirit of Christ the 
a Job 32.8. Psalm 36.9. & 66.9. & 119.175. Isa. 38.16. Jo. 14.17. Acts 17.24.25. Ro. 8. 2,10. 1 Co. 2.4. Col 3.3.  life both of our Spirit and of the Letter.  
Much less may this written Word avail any thing, either to enliven, enlighten, or lead us, whilst it lieth by us unused, neglected, contemned as a Motheaten Clout (not of so much account with many.) And therefore, to the attaining of the spirituall-saving Knowledge here treated, there belongs a serious, studious, and diligent search. The 
b Heb. 2.10.  Captain of our Salvation, our most curious and faithful 
c Num. 13.2,30. & 14.6,7,8,9.  spy and discoverer of the holy Land, sets us in the ready way. 
d Jo. 5.39. Isa. 8.20. 2 P. 1.19.  Search the Scriptures (saith he; which even ye Jews, ye Scribes and Pharisees, account infallible, impartial Guides to your eternal life and felicity) for they are they that testify of me; who alone, am that most precious permanent Pearl and Possession, worth Search and seeking after, which they point at; yea, am their proper-inseparable Subject and Substance. And, for our Incitement and Example, we see himself did, 
e L. 4.16,17,21,22.  customarily preach and practise out of them. They were his own 
f Mat. 4.4,7,10. L. 4.4,8.  chief-apparent Armour against Satan in any Assault; and as they proved 
g Mat. 4.11. L. 4.13.  successful with him, so he hath left them commended to our use and imitation. To this end, we often hear him, and his Worthies, the blessed Apostles and other Saints (sometimes in a repugnant, sometime in a persuasive way) producing and alleging Scripture, viz. 
h Mat. 2.5. L. 24.46.  Thus, 
i Mat. 4 7. Heb. 1.5. & 2.13. & 10.30.  again, 
l Ps. 40.7. Mat. 21 13. L. 19.46. Jo. 8.17. Acts 23.5. Ro. 12.19. 1 Co. 9 9 Gal. 4.22: 27.  it is written; 
m M. 11.17. Jo. 10.34.  Is it not written? 
n Mat. 12.3,5. & 19.4. M. 2.25. & 12.10,26. L. 6.3.  Have ye not read? 
o Ro. 4.3. & 11.2. Gal. 4.30.  what saith the Scripture? 
p L. 10.26.  How readest thou? and the 
q Jos. 8.31. 1 K. 2.3. 2 K. 23.21. 2 Ch. 31.3. Neh. 10.34. Isa. 34.16. & 65.6. Dan. 9.13 Mat. 21.42. & 26.24. M. 9.12. L. 7.27. & 20.17. Jo. 7.42. & 19.37 Acts 13.33. Ro. 9.17. & 16.26. 1 Co. 1.31. 2 Co. 1 13. 1 T. 5.18. Ja. 2.8. 1 P. 2.6.  like. We have a 
r Rev. 1.3. & 22.7  Blessing also pronounced to Readers and Keepers of those Things which are (thus sacredly) written; that so, 
s Ro. 15.4. 1 Cor. 9.9,10. & 15.58. 1 Th. 4.18. Acts 20.32.  through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures, we might have Hope,  
But yet, without Search (it seems) not finding, no Profit: This rich Inheritance, this precious Treasure, this pleasant Fruit drops not into our hands or mouths, without earnest Desire, assiduous Industry, constant vigilancy, careful Endeavour. Surely, to be 
t Acts 18.24.  mighty (that is 
u Acts 18.25,26,27,28.  powerful as well as prompt and copious) in the Scriptures, is not easily attained; not with superficial Discourse without-Book (though this beneficial too.) Quae Dulcia & pulchra, difficilia. Things 
x Deu. 32.46,47. Ps. 19.10. & 119.72,103,127. & 138.2. Pro. 2 10. & 3.13, etc. & 8.11,19, & 16.24. & 22.18. Eccls 9.16,18. Jo. 6.63. & 12.50.  pleasant and precious are 
y Ps. 78.2. & 49.4. Pro. 2.4. Ez. 20.49. Acts 8.30,31: Jo. 16.18. Heb. 5.11. 2 P. 3.16.  hardly come by, however 
z Pro. 8.8,9. & 14.6. Mat. 13.11. M. 4.11. Jo. 16.29,30.  plain and easy they appear when once attained. David (a person of most high and honourable Quality, of mighty and various Employment, yet) esteemed These worth his 
b Ps. 119.23,78.99.  industrious Mediation 
c Ps. 12. & 119.97.  day and night, 
d Ps. 119.148. & 63.6.  His Eyes prevented the Night-watches, to meditate on them; yea, he made them his 
e Ps. 119.54,111. & 19.8.  songs and solace. The 
f Acts 17.11.  noble Bereans are highly commended for their sedulity and diligence herein; and 
g 2 T. 3.15.  Timothy for his Timeliness and Maturity in Scripture-knowledg.  
But, the strongest and sweetest Incitement is, That our dear Husband, Christ Jesus, left us these Scriptures, together with his other Ordinances and Expresses, as Love-Tokens, Memorandums and Pledges of his 
i Isa. 66.5. Mat 24.3,30. & 26.64. M. 13.26. & 14.62. Jo. 21.22. Acts 1.11. 1 Th. 4.17. 2 T. 4.8. Tit. 2.13. Heb. 10.37. 1 Jo. 3.2. Rev. 1.7. & 2.25. & 3.11. & 22.7,17,20.  Return: viz. 
l L. 22.19. 1 Co. 11.24,25.  Do This, 
m Rev. 1.3. & 22.7.  Read This (for what else importeth and speaketh his whole Revelation?) in remembrance of me: 
n Mal. 4.4.  Remember ye the Law of Moses my servant, etc. 
o Jo. 15.20. & 16.4  Remember the Word that I said unto you: Yea, (for your assured Comfort) the 
p Jo. 14.26.  Comforter shall come and teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have told you.  
These necessaries premised, it is next and lastly behooveful to prove, 1. That these holy Scriptures (comprehending the 
q Ps. 73.16,17,22 & 119.98,99,100  Grounds of all Knowledge), are 
r Jer. 44.4. Mat. 11.13. L. 1.70. & 24.25,27. Act. 3.21,24. & 10.43 & 15.15. & 28.23 Ro. 16.26. 1 Co. 14.32,33. Eph. 2.20. Acts 26.22.  coherent and consentaneous, viz. a 
t Isa. 8.20. Jo. 5.39. Acts 20.32. Ro. 15.4. 2 T. 3.15 Ja. 1.21.  compact, complete, perfect, and 
s Ps. 96.6. & 119.105. Pro. 6.23. 2 Co. 4.4. 2 P. 1.19.  beautiful Body of themselves; not admitting the least 
u Deu. 4.2. & 5.22. & 12.32. & 27.26. Pro. 30.6. Eccl. 3.14. Jer. 26 2. Acts 5.20. Rev. 22.18,19.  Addition or diminution, 
x Gen. 24.50. Ex. 19.3,6,7. Nu. 24.13. Deu. 6.6, etc. Jer. 7.27. & 26.15. & 43.1. Gal. 1.8,9  Alteration. or 
y Mat. 15.3,4, etc. M. 7.7, etc. Col. 2.8. 1 P. 1.18.  humane Varnish for ever; comprehending and clearly expressing all Truths 
z Isa. 8.20. L. 24.27. Jo. 4.25. & 5.39. & 15.15. & 20.30,31. Acts 1.1,2. & 20.27,32. Ro. 1.16 & 10.17. 2 Co. 5.19. Ph. 2.16. 2 T. 3.15.16,17. Ja. 1.21. 1 P. 1.23,25.  savingly needful, or 
a Deu. 29.29. Mat. 24.36. M. 13.32. Acts 1.6,7.  fit to be known. 2. That the same Spirit of God, who framed and inspired, dictated and directed them, and he alone, will be his own Arbiter and Interpreter thereof, by comparing (for Illustration, Approbation, Edification and Comfort, or rebuke and exprobration, as he best pleaseth) 
b L. 24.27. Acts 28.23. 1 Co. 14.32. 2 P. 1.20.  Scripture with Scripture, 
c Heb. 7.22. & 8.6.  Covenant with Covenant, 
d 1 S. 15.22. Ps. 50.8,14. & 69 30,31. Cant. 4.10. Isa. 1.11,13,16,17. Jer. 6.19,20. Hos. 6.6. Mic. 6.7,8. M. 12.33. L. 18.12,13,14. Heb. 7.27. & 9.23.  Sacrifice with Sacrifice, 
e 2 K. 17.19. Mic. 6.16. Acts 4.19. & 5.29.  Statutes with Statutes, 
f Leu. 42,13,22,27. Jos. 8.31. 1 S. 15.11. 2 S. 13.12. 2 K. 14.6. & 17.15. 1 Ch. 16.37,40. 2 Ch. 30.5. & 34.21. & 35.12. Ezr. 3.2,4. Neh. 8.15,16,17. Jer. 32.23. Ez. 5.6,7. Hos. 5.11. Mat. 23.23. L. 2.22,23,24,39. & 17.10. Jo. 8.31. 1 Co. 11.2. Gal. 2.14. Ja. 1.22, etc. Ro. 2.23.  Practise with Precepts, 
g Jos. 10.1,32, etc. Jud. 19.30. 2 K. 23.19. 2 Ch. 30.26. Neh. 8.17. Eccl. 1.9. & 2.12. Isa. 5.4. Jer. 18.13.  Actions with Actions, Things Spiritual with 
h Eccl. 5.5. Mat. 22.38,39. Acts 11.17. 1 Co. 2.13. Heb. 1.4. & 7.19,22. & 11.40. 1 Jo. 3.2.  Spiritual, 
i 1 Ch. 12.22. Ps. 1.3. & 78.52. & 104.2. Pro. 3.14. & 8.10,11. Cant. 1.9. & 2.9. Isa. 56.5. Mat. 3.16. & 7.11. Ro. 8.6. & 15.27. 1 Co. 3.1. & 9.11. Ph. 3.21. Heb. 4.15. & 12.24. 1 P. 3.20,21.  carnal and corruptible, 
l 2 Ch. 9.19. Ps. 29.6. & 39.11. & 37.16. & 49.12. & 59.6. & 102.26. & 104.2. & 147.16. Pro. 21.9. & 25.7. & 30.30, etc. Eccl. 6.3. & 9.4. Isa. 11.7. & 33 9 Jer. 46.8. Nah. 3.8, Zep. 2.13. Mat. 6.25. & 10.15. & 12.12. L. 5.39. Ro. 3.9,10, etc. 1 Co. 7.9. & 8.8.  Things carnal and corruptible with themselves, 
m Ps. 30.5. Isa. 40.8. & 54.7,8. & 56.5. Mat. 10.28. & 13.31,33, etc. Jo. 6.27,49,50. & 8.35. Ro. 8.18. 2 Co. 4.17,18. & 5.1. Phillip 15. Heb. 8.4,5. & 10.34. & 11.15,16,35. & 12.26,27. 1 P. 1.24,25. 1 Jo. 2.17.  Things temporal with eternal, 
n Isa. 34.16. Mat. 1.22. & 8.17. & 11.10. & 13.34,35. & 21. ●. & 27.35. M. 7.6. & 14.27,50. & 15.28. L. 4.21,22. & 24.44,46. Jo. 1.45. & 2.22. & 5.46. & 12.16. & 17.12. & 19.24,36. Acts 2.16, etc. & 3.18. & 13.27,29. Ro, 9.32,33. & 11.7,8. & 15.3.20 21. 1 Co. 15.3,4. Gal 3.13. Ja. 2.23.  Events with Predictions, 
o Num. 24.20. Eccl. 3.11. & 7.8. Isa. 46.10. Mat. 12.45. 2 P. 2.20.  Ends with Beginnings, Promises with 
p Heb. 8.6.  Promises and 
q Neh. 9.8. L. 1.72 Jo. 1.45 Acts 1.5. & 2.4. & 3.18. & 13.32,33. Ro. 1.1,2,3.  Accomplishments, 
r 1. S. 15.2,7,8. 1 K. 2.27. & 16.34. 2 K. 10.10 Isa. 34.16. Jer. 7.12. & 40.2,3. Lam. 2.17. Ez. 39.8. Dan. 9.11,13.  Executions with Threaten or Imprecations, 
s 1 Co. 10.13. 1 Th. 2.14. Ja. 5.10. 1 P. 2.21. & 5 9  Afflictions with Afflictions, 
t Ex. 9.24. 2 K. 9.9 Isa. 1.9 & 10.11. Jer. 7.12,14. & 29 22. & 49.17,18. Ez. 5.9. & 12.11. Dan. 9.12. Joel 2.2. Mat. 10.15. & 11.22,24. Ro. 9.29. 1 P. 4.17. 2 P. 2.6. Judas 7.  Judgements with Judgements, Times and Conditions present, with 
u Ex. 13.3. Num. 20.15 Den. 5.15. & 32 7,8. Jud. 6.13. Job 8.8,9. Ps. 44.1. Isa. 37.26. & 46.9,10. & 63.11. Jer. 2.2. Ez. 16.22,43. & 38.17. Hos. 13.5. Joel 1.2. Mic. 6.5 Zec. 8.9. L. 22.19 Eph. 3.5. Col. 1.26. Heb. 10.32. Rev. 2.5.  passed or 
w Ex. 12.26. Deu. 29.22. & 32.29. Jos. 4.6. & 22.27,28. Ps. 22.31. & 73.3,17, etc. Pr. 5.3,4. & 14.12,13. & 23.17,18. Eccl. 11.8,9. & 12.1, etc. 2 S. 2.26. Isa. 41.22. & 47.7. Jer. 5.31. & 23.20. Lam. 1.9. Am. 8.10. Mat. 13.40. Jo. 16.4. 1 P. 4.7.2 P. 3.11 Rev. 16.19.  future, Persons with Persons, viz. 
x Deu. 1.17. 1 Ch. 12.14. Job. 1.3. & 3.19. Ps. 49.2. & 62. c. & 115.13. Eccl. 5.8. Jer. 31.34. & 44.12. Mat. 18.4. L. 14.8,9. & 22.26,27. Heb. 6.16. & 7.7. Ja. 2.2,3. 2 P. 2.11. 1 Jo. 4.4. Rev. 19.5. & 20.12.  Superior with Inferior, 
y Hereof fully pa. 21. t.  Wise with Foolish, 
z 2 S. 3.1. Job 17.9. Ps. 105.24. Jer. 20.7. & 31.11. L. 11.22. 1 Co. 1.25. & 10.22.  strong with weak. Among and above all, God himself, though in his 
a Jo. 8.58. Ex. 3.14. & 6.3. Ps. 68.4. & 83.18. Isa. 12.2. & 26.4. Hos. 11.9. Heb. 11.6. Rev. 1.8.  Essence, a 
b Ex. 15.11. & 24.17. Deu. 28.58,2 S. 22.13. Neh. 9.5. Ps. 29.3. & 145.12. & 148.13. Isa. 2.19. Ez. 43.2. Hab. 3.3.  glorious, 
c Ex. 19.21. & 34.29,30,33. Isa. 6.1,2. Mat, 17.6. M. 9.9. L. 9.33. 2 P. 1.17. 2 Th. 1.9,10.  admirable, 
d 1 K. 8.27. Job. 11.7,8,9. Ps. 145.3. Isa. 40.15. & 66.1. Acts 7.49. & 17.24.  incomprehensible, 
e Job 11.8. & 26.14. Ps. 77.19. Isa. 64.4. 1 Co. 2.9  inconceivable, and (therefore) 
f Num. 23.19. Deu. 4.15,16. 1 S. 2.2. 2 S. 7.22. Ps. 71.19. & 89.6. Isa. 40.17,18,25. & 55.8,9. Jer. 49.19. Dan. 4.35. Mic. 7.18. Acts 17.29.  incomparable Excellency; yet in his Attributes, likening himself (for our Comfort or Capacity) to 
g Gen. 1.26. & 3.22. & 5.1. Ps. 78.65. Isa. 42.13. Ph. 2.6,7.  Man, 
h Isa: 42.14. & 49.15  Woman, 
i   Husband, 
l 2 S. 7.14. Ps. 27.10. & 68.5. & 103.13. Pr. 3.12. Isa. 63.16. Jer. 3.19. & 31.9. Mal. 1.6. & 2.10. Mat. 6.4,9. Jo. 20.17. Ro. 8.15. 2 Co. 6.18. Heb. 12.6.  Father, 
m Ps. 80.1. Isa. 40.11. Jer. 31.10. Ez. 34.12. Jo. 10.11,14. 1 P. 2.25 & 5.4.  Shepherd, 
n Isa. 64.8. Jer. 18.6. Ro. 9.20,21.  Potter, 
o Job. 10.16. Isa. 31.4. Lam. 3.10. Hos. 5.14. & 11.10. & 13.8. Am. 3.8.  Lion, 
p Deu. 32.4,30. 2 S. 23.3. Ps. 18.31. & 78.35. 1 Co. 10.4.  Rock, 
q Ps. 32.7. & 119.114. Jer. 36.26. Hab. 3.4.  Hiding-place, and sundry suck like: The Godly, by their Conformity (
s Leu. 20.7. & 21.8. Mat. 5.48. 1 P. 1.16.  in uprightness) 
t Gen. 5.22,24. & 6.9. Num. 32.12. Jos. 14.14. & 23.8. & 24.15. 1 S. 13 14. 1 K. 9.4. & 15.5. & 22.43. 2 K. 12.2. 2 Ch. 14.2. & 24.16. Job 1.8. & 42.8. Ps. 18.21,22,23,24. Mal: 2 4,5,6. M. 10.28. L. 22.28. Jo. 17.6. 1 Th. 1.6. Heb. 4.10.  with God, and 
u 1 K. 15.11. 2 K. 14.3. & 15.3,34. & 18.3. & 22.2. 2 Ch. 11.17. & 17.3. & 20.32. Ps. 119.63. Pr. 2.20. 2 Co. 12.18. 1 Th. 1.7. & 2.14. 2 P. 1.1. Reu. 15.3.  each with other, 
x 2 K. 18.5. & 23.25. 2 Ch. 1.12. Neh. 13.26. Job 1.8. & 42.8. 1 T. 5.17.  some excelling in Goodness) and 
y 1 S. 15.28. & 24.17. 1 K. 2.32. 2 Ch. 21.13 Pr. 10.7. & 12.26. Ez. 2.8. Mat. 6.8.  by their happy difference from the Wicked: the Wicked, by 
z 2 K. 17.2. Job 21.14,15. Ps. 10.4. & 14.1. & 36.1. Pr. 1. 29,30. Ro. 3.18. Eph: 2.12.  their willing deformity and defection from God, 
a Num: 23.10. 1 S: 8.3. 2 Changed 21.12. Ps: 1.4. & 73.5.  their damnable unlikeness to the Godly, their desperate Agreement with 
b Jud: 2.13. 1 K: 18.18. Ps: 106.28. Is: 28.15. Jo: 8.41,44. 2 T: 2.26.  Satan, 
c 1 K: 15.3,26,34. & 16.26. & 2●. 52,53. 2 K: 8.18. & 13.11. & 15.9. & 16.3. & 17.14,41. & 21.20,21. & 23.32,37. Neh: 13.18. Jer: 9.14. & 44.17. & 52. ●. Ez. 2.3. Am: 2.4. Mat. 23.31.32. L: 6.23. & 11.48. Acts 7.51.  their Ancestors, and 
d Gen: 49.5. Neh: 4.7,8. Psal: 50.18. & 71.10. & 83.5, etc. Pr: 1.11.14. & 11.11. Jer: 18.18. Ezek: 23.31. Dan: 6.7. M: 7.1,2. L: 22.66. & 23.13. Acts 5.9,36. & 16.22. Rev: 17.17.  themselves, (
e Jud: 2.19. 1. K. 14.9. 22. & 16.25,30,33. & 21.25. 2 K. 21.11. a Ch: 28.22. & 33.23. Jer. 7.26. & 16.12. Ez: 16.47,51,52. 2 T: 3.13.  some exceeding in Evil): with other sorts of Comparisons or Similitudes in Abundance. 3. Where his Commands are express and peremptory, We are to rest therein, without seeking further reason of Obedience, then that The Lord hath 
f Acts 13.47  commanded. or 
g Jer. 13.15.  spoken it: For, shall God's Commands have less force or Influence on 
h Jos. 1.9,10.  his Servants, than Men's on 
i 2 S. 13.28,29. Gen. 41.44. 1 K. 21.7. Mat. 8.9. L. 7.8.  theirs? Have not I commanded? 4. And lastly, that the Author of all 
l Mat. 14.31. & 28.17. L. 24.21,25.  Doubts, 
m Acts 15.39. 1 Co. 1.11,12,13 & 11.18,19.  Divisions, 
n Ro. 2.8. 1 T. 6.4  Contentions, or 
o Jo. 7.41,42,43. Acts 14.4. & 23.7  Distractions, and 
p 2 P. 3.16.  Wresting of the Word of God in the Minds and Mouths of 
q 1 T. 6.5.  corrupt and weak Men, is that 
r 1 K. 22.22,23.  Lying Spirit, and 
s Jo. 8.44.  Father of Lies; Who is, therefore, (with all his Adherents) to be tried and condemned by the Canon and Censure of this holy Scripture, or written Word of God And now by God's Guidance, we arrive at the Port in Propect, the Point of Knowledge.   

CHAP. III. Of divine Knowledge: the Fountain, Streams, Force and Effects of it.  
THe Hushand is required to dwell with the 
t 1 P. 3.7.  Wife according to Knowledge: and this is so much objected and insisted on, as if He were more apt to err of Ignorance, than she of Petulance and Presumption. The definition and Display of this Knowledge, ('tis doubtful) may prove fully as hard as that of Madness, if the divine Power attended with Propension and Sedulity make it not more easy: 
Nil tam difficile, etc.  but all these complying, can, of the most rude or knotty Mass and Lump, render a right square, plain and polished Piece, fit for the most excellent Uses under Heaven.  
For an Essay in this Particular; let us examine, 

1. What Knowledge is.  
2. What kind of Knowledge is here meant.  
3. Whence derived.  
4. What are the Parts of it.    
1. By Knowledge, we conceive the understanding and determinative Faculty of the Soul; comprehending Wisdom, Prudence discretion, Reason, Counsel, and Judgement; yet submitting herein to professed Philosophers.  
2. We understand to be meant here, a Knowledge both 
u Jo. 4.24. 1 Co. 2.12. & 14.37. Col. 1.9. Ja. 1.5. Eph. 4.24.  spiritual and divine; neither 
x Ja. 3.15.  earthly, sensual, nor devilish: For it will not (surely) be disputed, that we are to act or think otherwise in the the Things of God, then 
y Jo. 4.24.  spiritually and divinely; whence we are said, to be 
z 1 P. 2.5.  built up a spiritual House.  
3. It is 1. Primitively, originally, essentially and unspeakably in God. 2. Derivatively and dimanantly in the Creature, and particularly in Man. In whom we are first to lay this divine, masculine, and majestic Knowledge, as low as some good Women would have it; and then, by God's Direction, raise it unto its proper seat and state; Which (not this weak Paraphrase, but) the powerful Word of God will perform.  
4. The Parts (or rather the Offices) of it are, either 1. Contemplative and speculative, viz. reflecting upon God, his Word and Works; the Fall and Restauration of Man; Death, Judgement, Heaven, Hell and Eternity. But with this part we meddle not; (save that we have needfully dilated somewhat on the sacred written Word of God (the Means and Rule of this Knowledge) and haply may now and then give a glance at the rest for Illustration, Ornament or good use;) these Points being amply and exactly handled, and abundantly branched forth by many able and worthy Divines of this and other Nations. 2 Practical, whereof principally in this Tract, with limitation to our proper subject.  
The two first Heads are dispatched; We proceed with the next.  
It must then be first of all affirmed, believed and granted, That the 
a Gen. 17.1. & 35.11. Ex. 6.3. Ru. 1.21. Job 8.5. & 11.7. Isa. 13.6. Ez. 1.24. & 10.5. Joel 1.15. 2 Co. 6.18. Rev. 1.8. & 4.8. & 15.3. & 19.15. & 21.22.  Almighty and 
b Deu. 33.27. Ps. 41.13. & 90.2. & 103.17. Isa. 43 10. & 53.8. Jer. 31.3. Ro. 1.20. 1 T. 1.17. Rev. 1.8. Dan. 4.34.  Eternal God 
c See pa. 18. a.  Jehovah the 
d Gen. 1.1. & 2.4. Ex. 20.11. 2 Ch. 2.12. Neh. 9.6. Job. 31.15. & 38.4,5, etc. Ps. 33.9. & 100.3. & 136.5,6. & 146.6. & 148.5. & 149.2. Isa. 42.5. & 44.2. & 45.18. & 66.1,2. Jer. 10.12,16. Am. 4.13. Jon. 1.9. Mal. 2.10 Jo. 1.3. Acts 14.15. & 17.24,26, Ro. 1.25. Eph. 3.9. Col 1.16. Heb. 1.2. Rev. 4.11. & 10.6.  Creator, 
e Gen. 45.5,7. Deu. 33.27. Neh. 9.6. Job 7.20. & 38.29,40,41. Ps. 36.6. & 65.9, etc. & 78.19,20,21. & 104.10, etc. & 147.8,9. Eccl. 1.9 & 3.15. Isa. 40.26. Jer. 49.11. Mat. 6.26 28. L. 12.24,27. Acts 14.17. Heb 1.3. 2 P. 3.4. Mat 10.29  Conserver and 
f Gen. 18.25. Deu. 1.17. 1 K. 22.19,20, etc. 2 Ch. 19.6. & 20.6 Job 21.22. & 38.11. Ps. 22.28. & 29.10. & 58.11. & 65.7. & 66.7. & 75.6,7. & 89.9. & 99.1. & 104. & 135.6. Pro. 8.16. Isa. 6.1. & 33.22. & 40.22. & 45.12. & 51.5. Ez. 34.17,20. & 44.24. Dan. 5.21. & 7.9,14. & 4.32,37. Zep. 3.5. Mat. 23.22. Jo. 8.50. 1 Co. 5.13. Re. 5.13. Pro. 16.33.  Governor of the World, and all therein; is the 
g Pi. 94.10. Pro. 2.6. Isa 30.1. & 40.28. Jer. 2.13. Dan. 2.20,21. Joel 3.18. Zec. 14.8. Jo. 4.10. Ro. 11.34. 2 Co. 4.6. Rev. 7.17. & 21.6.  everliving Fountain, the 
h Job 11.6. & 26.14. & 37.19,20,23,24. & 38. tot. and 42.2. Ps. 36.6. and 77 19 Isa. 28.29. & 40.28. Ro. 11.23. and 16 27. Job 36.4: [1] Ps 1.3. & 119.160. Isa. 33.6. & 55.2. Mat. 24.35. 2 Co. 4.7. Heb 10.34. 1 P. 1.25. [2] Mat. 6.20. L. 16.26. [3] Job 20.13,15,18. Pro. 3.14,15. & 8.11,18,19.  bottomless boundless Ocean, the [1] immarcescible, [2] inviolable, [3] inestimable, inexhaustible Treasury of Wisdom and Knowledge, yea 
i Job 12.12,13,16. Pro. 8.12,14. L. 11.49 1 Co. 1.24,30.  Wisdom itself; whose 
k Ps. 33.11. and 90.4. and 102.24,26,27. Isa. 40.28. and 57,16. and 59.1. Jer. 15.18,19,20,21. Zep. 3.5. Heb: 13.8.  everflowing, never failing nor ebbing Fullness, 
l Job 32.8. Ps. 65.9,10,12. Pro. 1.23 and 2.6. and 8.21. and 18.4. Eccl: 9.1. Isa: 11.9. Jer: 23.24. and 31.25. hab: 2.14. L. 3.5. Jo: 1.16. and 7.38. Eph: 1.23. and 4.10 ja: 1.5.  diffuseth, infuseth and sweetly distilleth itself, 
m Mat: 6.8. L: 12.30. Ph: 4.19. Ja: 1.5.  in fittest Measure and Proportion, into and throughout all Parts, Lineaments and Intestines of his Creation. And that all the vast derived Wisdom and Knowledge, in how great or high degree soever imaginable in the Creatures, 
n 2 S. 14.17,20. 1 K. 4.29,31  Men or Angels; yea the confluence of it all, compared with that unsearchable unconceivable Immensity, Profundity, Sublimity and Perfection thereof, which is in God, (though competent for themselves) is, yet, unspeakably 
o Job 5.12,13. and 9.10. and 11.7. and 8.9 and 37.19. and 38.2, etc. and 42.3. Ps: 69.5. Pro: 21.30. Eccl: 3.11. Isa: 9.17 and 41.28. and 44.25. Jer: 10.14. Mic: 4.12. 1 Co: 1.25 and 3.20.  short and shallow; yea, so small and feeble a spark is it, and hath so 
p Job 28.12,13,20,21.  dim Appearance or Being in us, that (in this respect and comparison) God calls or accounts not only the wisest of Men, but his most excellent Angels 
q Job 12.17,24. and 4.18. Pro: 21.30. Isa: 19.11,13. and 44.25. Jer: 4.22. and 5.4,21. and 51.17. Ez: 13.3. L: 24.25. Ro: 3.11. Deu: 32.6.  Fools.  
Now there are few but know Who is david's or Solomon's Fool (whom we may term Fool by Statute:) yet, lest any pretend ignorance herein, they may turn and see, that even 
r Ps: 5.4,5. and 14.1. and 73.3. and 74.18. and 107.17. Pro: 9.13. and 10.23 and 14.9. and 19.1. Eccl: 5.4. and 7.25. Dan: 12.10.  the Wicked are they, (if we may trust either the princely Prophet or Preacher, who do thus explain them) Wisdom is 
s Pro: 14.6.  hid from scorners, and 
t Job 28.28. Pro: 15.33.  is found with them only, that fear the Lord. And because the word Wicked hath so wide a Construction as none will own or apply it; Remember it is the proper and peculiar Badge of those who 
u Ps: 1.1. Pro: 6.13. and 10.23. Isa: 5.18. Jer: 8.6. and 13: 23. Hos: 10.13. Mic: 2.1.  customarily and 
x 1 K: 21.20. 2 K. 17.17. Job 20.11,12.13. Ps: 5.9. and 36.4. and 58.2. and 59.5. Pro: 4.16,17. and 6.14. and 26.25. Eccl: 8.11. Isa: 59.4. Mal: 1.42. L: 11.39. Eph: 4.19.  habitually, walk contrary to, or beside the sacred Word and Ordinances of God, as those Texts may tell them. This by (not much out of) the way. Take them in whether sense ye will, for sinners or simplicians, they are (I say) in God's repute, all Fools; but the second sort are they whom in this place we are to explode.  
It follows, That in contemplation of this sad deficiency, dulness or darkness of understanding (so apprehended) the very 
y 2 Sam. 14.20. 1 K. 4.30,31. Job 29.21,22,23 Ecc. 2.12. Ez 28.3. Dan. 5.11. 1 Co. 3.10.  Wisest and 
z 1 S: 13.14. 1 K: 11.22,34. 2 K: 8.19. & 19.34. Psal: 7●. 70,71. Jer: 33.21,26. Ez: 14.14,20. Acts 9.15.  dearest Saints or Servants of God have been 
a Deu: 29.4. Is: 59 9,10.  deeply dejected, even to the 
b Gen: 18 27. Ex: 4 10. Ps: 69.5. Eccl: 2.15,16. & 7.23. & 8.17. Jer: 1.6. Dan: 2.30. 2 Co: 11.1,17,21.  abasing, 
c Ps: 73.22. Pro: 30.2.  beasting, and 
d Job 42.3,5,6. Ps: 38.5.  abhorring of themselves.  
Yet, (behold!) the same and other Saints of God, recovering the sense of his 
e Gen: 17.1.2 Co: 12.9. Ph: 4.13.  Power and All-sufficiency, his 
f Ex: 33.14. & 3.12. & 25.22. Deu. 2.7. & 20.1. & 31.6,8. Jos. 1.5,9. & 3.7. Jud. 6.12.28.7.9. & 8.6. & 14.17. 1 Ch. 28.20. Ps. 73.23. & 139.3,18. Job 23.8,9,10. Isa. 41.10. & 43.2. Jer. 1.8,19. & 15.20. & 46.28. Ez. 3.22,27. Acts 17.27,28. & 18.10. 1 Co. 15.10. Ph. 2.12,13. 2 T. 4.17. 2 Ch. 19.6.  Presence and Operation, in and upon them, (which lay but as Embers under Ashes, 
g Ps. 80.17,18. & 119.25,32,88. Isa. 6.7,8. Am. 3.8.  ready for Blowing up) they are presently mounted on the siry wings of 
h See Heb. 11.  Faith, (mixed and tempered with Prayer (sometime Tears) and Wisdom: and (lo!) now, there's nothing too hard to be 
i Pr. 14.6. & 8.8,9. & 15.19. Isa. 32.4.  understood, 
l Ex. 4.12,18. & 5.1. Num. 22.38. & 24.13. 1 K. 22.8,14,17. Job 33.3,4. Ps. 45.1. & 116.10. & 119.46. Isa. 6.7,8. & 50.7,8,9. Jer. 1.7,9,17 18. & 26.12,13. Ez. 3.8,9,10,17,26,27. Jo. 11.51. Acts 4.13,20,31. & 6.10. & 9.29. & 13.46. 1 K. 18.15,18,21. L. 21.15.  spoken, 
m Ps. 18.29,34. Acts 9.6. & 16 30. Ph. 4.12,13.  done or 
n 1 S. 3.18. 2 S. 15.26 2 K. 20.19. 1 Ch. 19.13. Est. 4.16. Job 13.15. Ps. 39.9. Jer. 20.9. & 26.14,15. Dan. 3.16,17,18. Jo. 12.25. Acts 5.41. & 20.24. & 21.13. Ph. 3.8. 1 T. 4 10. 2 T. 1.12. Heb. 10.32. & 11.25,35. Rev. 12.11.  suffered by them; (insomuch as some even 
o 2 Co. 11.23, etc. & 7.4. Ro. 5.3. Col. 1.24. 1 P. 4.12,13.  glory and exult in the enumeration of their sufferings: but, to keep our Theme) They are now wiser than their 
p Gen. 41.8,24,38,39. 1 S. 18.5,15. Ps. 119.98 Dan. 1.17,20, etc.  Enemies, 
q Ps. 119.100.  their Ancients, 
r 1 K. 4.31. Ps. 119.99. Acts 22.3. 1 Co. 3.10. 2 P. 3.15,16.  their Teachers: they can discover 
s 1 S 9.19. Acts 5 3,4.  Hearts, and 
t 1 S. 9.20. 2 S. 14 19 2 K. 6.12,32,33.  Secrets, 
u 1 K. 3.25, etc. Dan. 5.12.  dissolve doubts and difficulties, 
x L. 21.15. Acts 6.10. 2 T. 3.8,9. Tit. 2.8.  confute and confound Adversaries, 
y Eccl. 9.15. Jer. 5.1. Gen. 19.21.  save or 
z Jos. 8.3. to 20.  destroy Cities, obtain Blessings 
a Num. 12.13,14. 2 K. 4.19,20,34,35. Acts 3.6,7. & 9.40,41. & 20.9,10,12.  personal, (in recovering life) 
b 1 K. 18.42,45. Pr. 28.2. Ja. 5.18.  national, temporal and 
c Num. 14.19,20. Dan. 9 19, to 23.  eternal; 
d Num. 16.28. to 31 1 K. 17.1. Acts 5.9,10. & 13.11. Ja. 5.17. 2 K. 1.10, etc.  procure and prescribe Judgements; 
e Jos. 10.12,13. 2 K. 20.11.  stop or invert the Course of Nature; 
f Num. 8.19. & 16.48. & 25.8. Deu 10.10. Ps. 106.23,30. Jer. 5.1. L. 15.18,20. Pr. 29.8.  prevent or appease the Wrath of God, and therein treat with him by 
g Gen. 18.25,27, etc. Ex. 32.11,14 & 33.12. to 17. Num. 14.16, to 20. Deu. 9.25,26, etc. Jud. 6.13. to 17. & 21.3. Job 10 2, etc. & 13.3,22,23,24,25. & 21.7, etc. Ps. 80.8 to 13. & 89.47,49. Pro. 17.16. Cant. 1.7. Isa. 63.17,18,19. Jer. 12.1,2. & 14.8,9. & 15.16,17,18. Am. 7.2,3,5,6. Jon. 4.2. Hab. ●. 2,3,4,13. Mat. 8.9,13.  Argument and Expostulation. (He sometimes, with reverence be it spoken, 
h Gen. 19.20,21,22. Ex. 32,10,14.  yielding himself overcome at his own Weapon, or Engine, even his own Wisdom, in the Heart of his own Creature) yea, they can 
i Deu. 34.9. 2 K. 2 9,10,12,15. Acts 8.17. & 9.17.  confer and propagate the Spirit of God, 
l Jo. 20.23.  forgive sins, 
m Ph. 4.13.  and What not? Yet all these 
n See page 11. h. i l. m.  mere Men, and 
o Here are noted the Passions of Grief or Anger only, according to the common acceptation, Ex. 16.2,3 & 32.19 Num. 11.15. & 14.2,3. Jud. 16.30. 1 S. 25 13,22. 1 K. 19.4. 2 K. 1.10,12. & 2.14. Neh. 6.14. & 13.25. Job 3.1. etc. & 10.1. Ps. 89.47. & 106.33. & 16.11. Jer. 20.14, etc. Jon. 4.1,3,4,8,9. Mat. 26 51. M. 3.17. L. 9.54. & 22.49,50. Acts 14,15. & 15.39. & 23.3 Gal. 2.11. 2 T. 4.14. Ja. 5.17. 3 Jo. 10.  subject to like Passions as we are; and these Depressions or heightenings, the Eb●ings or Flow, Eclipses or Glearness of the Spirit and Wisdom of God in them.  
Take two or three special Instances hereof: 1. In the 
* Jos. 5.14,15. Heb. 2.10.  Captain and Champion of our Salvation, (whom we must except from the Account of mere Man, and treat with all heed full and dreadful respect.) Is He not that 
p Pr. 8.12. tothth' end. L. 11.49. 1 Co. 2.7. Rev. 5.11,12,13.  Wisdom of God, or God-wisdom, in whom are hid 
q Col. 2.3. Isa. 11.2.  all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge? and consequently 
r 1 Co. 1.30. L. 21.15.  our Wisdom and 
s Isa. 9.6.  everlasting Counsellor? Is it not he of whom his deadly Foes confessed, 
t Heb. 5.7.  in the days of his flesh, that 
u Jo. 7.46. L. 2.52.  Never Man spoke like this Man? And yet did he not plainly affirm, that What he spoke 
x Jo. 12.49,50, & 14.10.  was not of himself, but of and from the Father, who gave Influence and Efficacy to his Words? Did He not also 
y L. 12.14. Jo. 6.15. & 8.11,15. & 12.47.  decline Dignity and Judicature (with 
z M. 13.32.  some kind of knowledge) 
a Acts 8.33.  as if he were deprived of it? Yet he saith, If I judge, my Judgement is 
b Jo. 8.16.  true and 
c Jo. 5.30.  just; and indeed he did 
d Jo. 5.30. & 8.16,26. Isa. 42.4. Gen. 49.10.  actually and effectually, though 
e Isa. 42.2,3. Jo. 8.12.  silently and meekly assume it, as 
f Jo. 5.27. Mat. 28.18. Isa. 9.6.  given him by the Father, who (saith he) 
g Jo. 5.22.  judgeth no man, but hath committed all Judgement to the Son, even 
h Ver. 27.  because he is the Son of Man; wherefore he affirmeth after, 
i Jo. 9.39.  For Judgement am I come into this World. And further, 
l Mat. 9.17. L. 18.19. M. 10.18.  Did he not seem to disclaim even Goodness itself to be in him? Yet again, challengeth he the Jews, 
m Jo. 8.46.  to convince him of sin; it being most faithfully and truly affirmed of him alone, 
n Acts 10.38.  that he went about doing good, and 
o Isa. 53.9. 1 P. 2.22. 1 Jo. 2.1.  that he did no sin, neither was guile found in his Mouth.  

Use.  What else can we collect hence, but the 
p Deu: 18.18. Isa: 53.2. Mat: 20.28. Jo. 8.50. Acts 3.22. & 7.37. Ph: 2.7.  humblest Modesty in the 
q Ex: 34.33,35. Isa: 6.1,2. & 9.6. Mat: 17.2. Jo. 17.5,1,22,24. Ph: 2 6. Heb: 1.3. 2 P. 1.16,17,18. Rev: 7.10,11. & 11.15 16.  highest Majesty? He that 
r Isa: 9.6. Mat. 28.18. Jo: 5.22,27. & 17.2.  may do what he will 
s Job 9.12. & 33.13. Mat: 20.14,15  without control or Question, 
t Mic: 6.3.  yields himself accountable: that though 
u Mat: 11.28,29,30.  his yoke be most easy and his burden light, yet will he sweeten it also with a cordial Viand, an Invitation and promise of rest: that is 
x Lam: 3.32,33. Nehem: 9.17,18,19,28,29,30,31. Psal: 78 38,39. & 103.8,9,13,14. & 106.44,45,46. Isal 53.4. & 63.9. Joel 2.13. Jon 4.2.  as loath to grieve the Children of Men 
y Ps: 78.40, & 106 43, etc. Is: 63.10,11. Eph. 4.30.  as to have his own holy Spirit grieved by them: whose 
z Mat: 26.43,44,45. & 18.33. M. 8,2,3.  Bowels are sooner pierced with Compassion at any seeming Inconvenience, occasioned by him, than the 
a Is: 1.23. & 3.14 15. Jer. 6.6.13.15 & 22.17. Ez. 22.6.7.27. & 45.9. Mic: 3.1, etc. Zep. 3.3.  Faces of other Princes or People are moved so much as to blushing at their most sensible Cruelties or biting Oppressions. Such indeed is the Temper of this 
b Is: 9.6. Dan: 4.3. 1 T. 1.17.  eternal King, to his 
c Is: 66.2. Jo: 10.3 4  docible and ducible Subjects; but for the 
d L. 19.14.  rebellious, that will not bear nor abide his Rule, they must know that the 
e Is: 53.7. Jo. 1.29. Rev. 5.6.  Lamb can put on both the 
f Gen. 49.9. Rev. 5.5.  Heart and 
g Is: 31.4. Hos. 5.14. & 11.10. & 13.8. Am. 3.8. Mic. 5.8.  Habit of a Lion, (which he plainly intimates by 
h Rev. 5.5,6.  putting them together) and will be as remorseless to see them 
i L. 19.27.  slain before him, as they are regardless of his Government. 2. Doth he not upbraid his peculiar People Israel, as 
k Deu. 32.28,29. Jer. 4.22. & 2.13. & 5.4,21. Gal. 3.1,3.  void of Counsel and Understanding; and tenderly wish, that they were so wise as to understand, and consider their later end, and own good? Yet he insinuateth them again a 
l Deu. 4.6,7,8.  wise and understanding People; their Land (as 'twere) the 
m 1 K. 12.28. Jo. 4.20.  Shrine, and their Mouth, the Oracle to all other Nations, calling 
n Ps: 60.70.  Judah his Lawgiver. 3. Peter and John were (for humane Breeding) 
o Acts 4.13.  unlearned and ignorant Men, and so accounted of the Jews; yet how 
p Mat: 13.11. L. 8.10. 1 Co. 13.1,2,3. 2 P. 1.3. & 2.12. & 3.16. 1 Jo. 3.19. & 4.6,13. & 5.12,13. Eph. 3.19.  profound a Knowledge (most 
q Jer. 9.23,24. Jo. 17.3. 1 Co. ●. 20. & 2.1,2. & 3.19. Ph. 3.8.  properly and profitably so called) and how 
r Acts 4.13,19,20. & 5.39.  firm a Confidence did they both attain? 4. May we not hear that 
s Acts 9.15. & 22.14.  chosen Vessel of 
t Ro. 9. 2●. 2 T. 2. 2●.  Honour and Life, (which 
u Ro. 8.38,39. 2 Co. 5.1,5,6. Gal. 2.20. 1 Th. 4.17,18. 1 Th. 2.16. 2 T. ●. 12. & 4.8.  he knew well enough) even Paul himself, somewhiles confessing, That as he had once been 
x Tit. 3.3.  foolish and bad as any; so now (
y Acts 22.14. 1 T. 1.13.  even after his Illumination 
z Acts. 9.15. & 22.15.  his Designment and Emission to that high Embassy and Office of Trust,) He (among others) 
a 1 Co. 13.9.  knew but in part, and 
b 1 Co. 8.2. Ro. 8.26.  Nothing as he ought: that he spoke 
c Ro. 3.5. & 6.19  as a Man, 
d 2 Co. 10.10. Gal. 4.13.  weakly, 
e 1 Co. 7.6,26,40  doubtfully, 
f 2 Co. 11.17,21,23. & 12.11.  foolishly, and 
g 2 Co. 2.16.  who (saith he, alas who) is sufficient for these Things? But otherwhiles again, (see the 
h 1 Co. 2.4,10. & 3.10. 2 Co. 12.7. Gal. 1.12. Eph. 3.2,3,4,5,8.  Presence and Power of God,) We are (saith the same Paul) 
i 2 Co. 3.6. 1 Co. 3.10.  able Ministers of the New Testament: 
l Col. 1.28.  We can teach every man in all Wisdom: 
m 1 Co. 2.16. Acts 20.27. & 22 14.  We know the very Mind of Christ. And though he was fain to speak 
n Ro. 6.19. 1 Co. 3.1,2.  plain and low to the shallow Capacity of some, yet he can, and doth speak as 
o 1 Co. 2.6,7. & 3.1. & 10.15. & 15.51. Heb. 5.14.  mysteriously, mightily and loftily to the higher Perfection of Others; willing to appear (unto these) as 
p 1 Co. 3.10. & 14 37,38. 2 Co. 11.5 6,7,16. & 12.6.  wise as indeed he was, and 
q 2 P. 3.15.  was accounted: Only for Christ's sake, He was content to be 
r 1 Co. 9.19. 2 Co. 4.5.  a servant, 
s 1 Co. 4.10.  a Fool, 
t Acts 20.24. & 21.13.  a Martyr, or 
u 1 Co. 4.13. 2 Co. 12.10.  any Thing, yea 
x 1 Co. 9.22. & 2 Co. 13.9.  All Things to All Men. 5. How oft may we find, all or most of the 
y Eph. 3.5. Rev. 18 20.  holy-blessed Apostles of the Lord, bewraying their 
z Mat. 16.7, etc. & 17.10,13. M. 9 10,32. L. 9.45. & 11.1. & 17.37. & 18.34. Jo. 12.16. & 13.36. & 14.5. & 16.18. & 20.9.  weakness and ignorance, and 
a Mat. 15.16,17. & 16.9,11. M. 8.17. L. 24.25. M. 16.14.  Christ checking them for it, even 
b Mat. 13.11. M. 4.11. L. 8.10.  after he had told them, that unto them (especially) it was (already) given to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Yea, after his Resurrection, when they had seen the divine, miraculous, 
c Jo. 3.2. & 15.24. & 9.30,32.  incomparable Acts of his Life, and the 
d Mat. 27.45,51,52,53. M. 15.33 38. L. 23.44,45.  stupendious Prodigies at his Death, wherewith even 
e Mat. 27.54. M. 15.39. L. 23.47  the Centurion, and some of the Jews themselves were convinced: notwithstanding also 
f Jo. 17.6,7,8,14,25,26.  he had declared all his Father's Counsel unto them, had often showed them, both 
g Jo. 14.24. & 15.21, & 16.27,28. & 17.3,4,8,18,25. & 20.21.  whence he came, 
h Mat. 26.29. M. 14.25. Jo. 14.2,3,4,12,28. & 16.5,10,16,28,29. & 17.13. & 20.17.  whither, 
i Mat. 16.21. & 17.22,23. & 20.18,19. M. 9.31. & 10,33,34. L. 9.22. & 18.31,32,33.  in what manner, and 
l Jo. 14.2,3,25,26. & 15 26. & 16.7.  to what end he went again, before he left them; yea (to confirm their Faith and Memory) 
m L. 24.6,7,8,9,11.  minded them of his former Words by an Angel upon his Resurrection; for all this they remained dull and incredulous: and yet these were the 
n Mat. 9.15. M. 2.19. L. 5.34. Jo. 3.29. & 15.15 & 17.7 8,14,26. Mat. 11.27.  Secretaries and Bosom Friends of Christ the Bridegroom, the 
o Jo, 17.20.  Parents, 
p Eph. 2.20.  Foundation, 
q Gal. 2.9.  Pillars of the Church, the 
r Mat. 5.13,14.  Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World, and (for their renowned Wisdom, Faith and Worthiness) are the 
s Mat. 19.28. L. 22.30.  enthroned Judges of the twelve Tribes of Israel.  
In this sense than is all our Knowledge and Ability to be understood, viz. as derived from God in Christ, and to be continued and directed by him, for him, and to him. And if he make it ours Who shall murmur? Or if he call it Perfection, Who may dispute it? 
t Mat. 20.15.  Is it not lawful for him to do what or how he will with his own? See we not 
u 1 Co. 1.26,27,28,29.  many a silly Cripple or contemned poor Wretch have more Knowledge or Insight in the Word or Ways of God (which the worst of Men dase not deny to be the best of Knowledge) than the most composed Gallant that walks? Let this satisfy all sober Minds in the point of God's Dispensations, and let none dare 
x Ps. 78.41.  to limit the holy One of Israel, whose 
y See pag. 21. h.  Judgements are unsearchable, his ways past finding out, and whose 
z Deu. 32.39. 2 Ch. 20.6. Job 23.13. & 11.10. & 26 14. Ps. 33.9 & 66.7. & 81.14,15. & 90.11. Isa. 14.25. & 43.13. Jer. 15.6 & 16.21. & 18.6. Ez. 6.14. Ho. 2.10 Am. 9.2. Nah. 1.2, to 6. Hab. 3.6. Jo. 19.11. Acts 11.17 & 23.9. Ro. 9 19,21.  Power is  (for 
a Job 9.4. & 22.16,17. & 40.2. Ro. 9.19.  Who ever hardened himself against God and prospered?) I am confident no Christian arrogates to himself any stock of spiritual Gists or Graces at all, nor indeed hath he any but (as we say) from hand to mouth: while God by his 
b Zec. 12.10.  Spirit of Grace stands with and in us, 
c See page 31. x.  we stand or stir; when he leaves never so little we faint and fall; the Defections are our own, the Perfections (if any) are Gods: and while he reaps the Glory and Thanks, he allows us to glean the Gain.  
Thus far have we seen (not fully, for 'tis impossible) the Fountain of divine Wisdom opened, and plentifully watering the World, with some Fruits and Effects thereof in general. We are now to discover some more special Dispensations thereof. And here we must either grant a Competency of Knowledge and Wisdom, communicated and distributed by God, indifferently, respectively, and particularly to every Station, Function, Calling and Person in the World, (at least to the genera singulorum) or else (which God rightly may and doth, as before noted) we may deem all Men and Angels Fools, not sinful only (as in the precedent Distinction) but silly Fools; which were a Conclusion as unsafe as it is unsavoury. Therefore we'll not suspect there's any such muddy Current as dareth to cross the strong and clear stream of the sacred Word of God, which runs thus, viz.  
That the everliving and lasting Fountain of Wisdom (before weakly described) of his 
d 1 K. 3.5. Isa. 7.11. Mat. 21.22. Jo. 3.34. & 11.22 & 15.7. Ro. 4.21. 2 Co. 9.8. Eph. 3.20.  boundless 
e 1 K. 4.29. Ps 21.4. & 37.4. & 81.10 & 84.11. & 145.19. Cant. 5.1. Ro. 8.32. Eph. 1.8,23 Ja. 1.5.  abundant, 
f Neh. 9.13,14,20 29,30,31. Isa. 40.27,28. Jer. 44.3,4 Mat. 7.7,11. Ja. 4.2. 1 Jo. 3.22. & 5.15. Rev. 22.17.  unwearied Bounty, in a constant course of Providence, ever did and doth communicate, dispense and propagate to the sons of men (his Saints especially) such a Measure of Knowledge, as whereby to manage and 
g Ps. 112.5. Gen. 41.39,40,46. & 30.28, etc. 18.16.18. & 18.5,30. Pr. 15.21. Eccl. 2.21. M. 12.34. Eph. 5.15.  guide their Affairs with discretion, to the 
h Jos. 7.19. 2 Ch. 24.16. Mat. 5.16. 1 Co. 9.15. & 10.31.  Glory of their Maker, the 
i Neh. 2.18. & 5.15. Est. 2.21,22,23. & 7.9. Ro. 15 2. Eph. 4.28,29. 1 Th. 5.15. Heb. 10.24. Non nobis solum, etc.  common, and (
l Deu. 6.18. Job 5 27. Ro. 9.11,12. & 12.8. & 16.20 Ro. 8.28. Eph. 6.8.  in event, not in their Eye or Aim) their own particular Good. See what magnificent and fit Qualifications and Endowments he conferreth and imparteth to every Function and Profession (either explicitly or implicitly) above or under the Sun. we'll rank them (so near as we can) as they seem next to himself in Place or Dignity. And here we may well silence the 
m Mat. 14.33. & 27.54. L. 1.35. & 4.41. Jo. 1.49. & 6.69. Ro. 1.4. See page 10. f.  Son of God, and 
n Isa. 7.14. Mat. 1.23,25. & 12.8. & 16.13,16. & 9.6. & 17.22,23. & 26.49. & 27.35. & 28.1,5,6. Jo. 1.51. L. 24.39.  Man, who is 
o See page 23. p.  Wisdom itself, and not to be comprehended by us. Also the 
p Mat. 25 31.  holy Angels whose Wisdom or Knowledge is not defined in Scripture; yet by 
q 2 S. 14.17,20. & 19.27.  Comparisons (which were but Hyperboles) we find it, as to ours, superlative. Nor are we to esteem otherwise of it, in Those who are Gods 
r Ps. 104.4. Zec. 6.5. Mat. 22.30. Heb. 1.13,14. & 2.16.  spiritual and 
s Gen. 24.7. & 28.12. & 32.1,2. Ex. 23.20. Ps. 8.5. Mat. 18.10. & 22.30. & 24.31. L. 12.8. & 15.10. Rev. 1.1. & 7.11. & 21 12. Isa. 63.9. Jo. 1.51.  immediate Messengers, the most attended, active and quick, or (as one said of Servants) the most 
t 1 Ch. 21.27. Ez. 9.11. Rev. 9.14,15.  heedy, 
u Jud. 6.21. 1 Ch. 21.12. 2 Ch. 32.21.6.11. Dan. 6.22. Zec. 2.2. Mat. 13.39,49. & 24.31. & 28.2. Acts 12.7,10,23. Rev. 8.5, etc. & 14.16,19. & 16.2, etc.  deedy, and 
x Jud. 13.20. 2 K. 19.35. Ez. 9.11. L. 2.13. Rev. 8.13. & 14.6.  speedy Performers of his Will. Descend we therefore to Men 
y Job 32.8: Ps. 64.9. & 94.10. Ro. 1.19.  generally, or 
z 1 Ch. 12.32. Ps. 111.20. Pr. 11.30. Eccl. 2.21,26. Jer 18.18. Dan. 2.21. & 12.3,10. Hos. 14.9. Mic. 6.9. 1 Co. 4.10. Eph. 1.8. 1 Jo. 5.20. Rev. 13.18. & 17.9.  more specially; and herein to 
a Leu. 19.15 Deu. 1.13. & 16.18. & 25.1. 1 K. 3.28. & 4.29. 2 Ch. 19.6. Ps. 72.2. & 105.22. Pr. 8.15. & 20.26. & 28.2. & 29.4,14. Isa. 28.6. Jer. 7.5. Ez. 18.8. Zec. 7.9. Jo. 7.24. Acts 7.10.  Kings, Rulers, Judges, or other of that Notion, 
b 2 Ch. 30.22. Ezr. 7.25. Ps. 78.72. Eccl. 1.13. & 2 9 & 12.9. Jer. 3.15. & 6.27. Mic. 3.8. Mal. 2.7. L. 21.15. Ro. 15.19. 1 Co. 2.6. & 3.10. 2 Co. 2.14. & 3.6 & 12.16. Eph. 4.11,12. 1 T. 1.12. 2 T. 2.15. Ez. 3.17. & 33.6,7,8. Jer. 18.18.  Pastors, Teachers, Ministers, (whom he honoureth so far, as 
c Isa. 44.26. Mat. 15.7. M. 7.6.  to confirm their Word, and perform their Counsel, which he would not do, were it not ad amussim after his own Will) 
d 1 T. 5.17.  Elders, 
e Acts 6.3  Deacons,. 
f 1 Ch. 5.18. & 12.8,33. 2 Ch. 25.5. & 26.15. Ps. 18.34. Pr. 20.18. & 24.6. Cant. 3.8. Isa. 28.6.  Warriors, Enginiers, etc. 
g Num. 12.7. Heb 3.5. L. 12.42. 1 Co. 4.1,2. Tit. 1.7. 1 P. 4.10.  Stewards, 
h Pr. 17.2. Mat. 24.45. & 25.23.  Servants, 
i Pr. 24.3. Mat. 7.24. L. 6.48. 1 Co. 3.10.  Builders, 
l Eccl. 10.10. Isa. 44.13.  Carpenters, and the like, 
m Isa. 41.7. & 44.12. & 54.16.  Smiths, 
n Ex. 31.4,5. 2 Ch. 2.13,14.  Goldsmith's, Gravers, etc. 
o Ex. 28.3. & 31.3,6. & 36.1,2. 1 Ch. 22.15. & 28 21. Isa. 3.3.  All kind of Artisans, 
p Jud. 20.16. 1 Ch. 5.18. Jer. 50 9  Archers, etc. 
q Ps. 78.72. Eccl. 12.11. Isa. 40.11. Jer. 23.4. & 31.10.  Shepherds, 
r Gen. 25.27.  Hunters, 
s Gen. 3.23. Isa. 28.24, etc. Ja. 5.7  Plowmen or Husbandmen, 
t 1 K. 9.27. Ps. 107.23,24.  Shipmen or Mariners, 
u 1 S. 16.18. 1 Ch. 15.22. & 25.7. Ps. 33.3. & 49.4. 2 S. 23.1.  Musicians, 
x Jer. 9.17. Am. 5.16.  Mourners, 
y Pr. 1.4.  Youngmen, 
z Ex. 35.25,26. Pr. 31.13, etc. Acts 9.39. 1 T. 5.14. Tit. 2.3,4,5. Pr. 14.1.  Women, 
a Mat. 25.2,9.  Virgins, 
b Eccl. 4.13. Isa. 28.9.  Children 
c Pro 28.11 Eccl. 4.13. & 9.15,16.  the Poor, 
d Pr. 11.2. & 3.34. Ja. 4.6.  the humble, 
e Ps. 19.7. & 119.130. Pr. 1.4.  the simple, 
f Isa. 29.24.  the Erring and the 
g Isa. 32.4.  rash. Nor doth his Bounty stay here, but extends even to 
h Pr. 6.6,7,8. & 30.24, etc. Isa. 1.3. Jer. 8.7. Mat. 10.16.  Bruits and 
i Ps. 19.1,2. & 104.19. Isa. 23.4. L. 19.40.  Inanimates, and gives them their Demensum; Nay, even to (the 
l Job 20.5,6,7. & 21.18,19,30. Ps. 1.4. & 18.42. & 37.35,36. Pr. 10.29. Ob. 18. Nah. 1.10. Mal. 4.1. Mat. 3.12. 2 Th. 1.9 Heb. 6.8.  worst and wretchedest of his Creatures) 
m Jos. 9.4. 2 Ch. 36.22. Isa. 44.28. & 45.3. Dan. 4.34,36. Ez. 21.31. & 28.3,12. Zec. 9.2. L. 16.8 Ro. 8.32. Rev. 17.17.  the Wicked, and to the worst of the wicked 
n Num. 24.16. Ps. 58.5.  Enchanters, whom we leave to their own Master. And we envy not the Children of 
o L. 16.8.  this World to be wiser in their own Generation: theirs is but a flash; ours an 
p Dan. 12.3.  everlasting flame.  
But we wave this Comparison as impertinent, and follow our purpose. It is further evident in Scripture; that as this Wisdom is plentiful and liberal, so it is full and complete, sound and solid; the Lord layeth up 
q Pr. 2.7. & 3.21.  sound Wisdom for the Righteous. And it is said, by 
r Jo. 14.17. & 15.26. Tit. 1.2.  the Spirit of Truth, of sundry Saints in Scripture, that they should be 
s Jer. 3.15.  fed with, and 
t Col. 3.10.  renewed in Knowledge; that they were 
u L. 6.40. 1 Co. 2.6. Ph. 3.15.  perfect, 
x Ex. 28.3. & 31.3. & 35.35. Deu. 34.9. ● K. 7.14. Job 32.18,19. Mic. 3.8. Acts 6.3. Ro. 15.14. Eph 1.23. & 3.19  full,. or filled with Wisdom; that they 
y 2 Co. 8,7. Eph. 1.8.  bounded with Knowledge, (even 
z Eph. 3.19.  beyond Knowledge) and 
a Ps. 25.14. Pr. 3.32. & 18.4. & 20.5. Eccl. 1.16. Dan. 1.4.17. 1 Co. 1.5. 2 Co. 9.8. Heb. 5.14. Ja. 1.5. 1 Jo. 2,20,27.  the like, (and 
b Isa. 59 ●.  the Lords hand is not yet shortened) And lest all this should be too little, they are 
c Pr. 14.18.  crowned with Knowledge: Insomuch, that some have been 
d Dan. 5.11,14.  admired of the Heathen, for having the Spirit and Wisdom of God, and 
e Acts 14.11,12,13.  almost adored for God himself. Now in soundness, fullness and perfection we are not to imagine any flaw or infirmity, vacuity, or defect at all.  
This may be amplified by the 
f Pr. 1.5. & 9.9. & 11.12. & 13.14 & 14.1. & 15.21. & 16.23. & 17.27 & 20.5,26. & 22.3 & 24.5. & 25.12 & 29.11. & 31.10,26. Eccl. 4.13 & 8.1,5. & 10,12 & 12.11:  Praise and 
g Deu. 32.29,30. Job 22.2. Pr. 3.35. & 4.12. & 9.12. & 14.3,35. & 15.24. & 16.20. & 17.2. & 19.8. & 24.14. & 28 26. Eccl. 7.12. Dan. 12.3.  Reward of the Wise; the 
h Job 30.8. Ps. 94 8. Pr. 1.7. & 9.13 & 10.23. & 12.23. & 14.9,16. & 15.2,14. & 17.10,12,24,25. & 20.3. & 26.6,7. & 29.11. Eccl. 2.14. & 5.1,4. & 7.5. & 10.1. Ro. 1.31. Eph. 5.15. 1 P. 2.15.  Reproof and 
i Job 5.2,4, etc. Ps. 5.5. & 73.3,18, etc. 107.17. Pr. 1.32. & 3 35. & 7.22. & 10.13,14,21. & 11.29. & 13.20. & 14.1. & 18.6,7. & 19.29. & 24.30,31. Eccl. 10.12.  Punishment of Fools; by the high Rate or Price which God (and 
l Gen. 3.6,16, etc.  our first Parents) put upon Wisdom itself, above 
m Pr. 3.14,15. and 4.7. and 8.11,19. and 16.16. and 24.11. Eccl. 7.12.  Rubies, Riches, 
n Eccl. 7.12 & 9.16,18. Pr. 24.5.  strength and 
o Gen. 2.17. & 3.6.22. Pr. 3.18,22. & 8.35. & 13.14. & 16.22. Eccl. 7.12,19.  life: by its 
p Pr. 3.16. etc. and 8.18. Eccl. 10.10. and 12.11.  rare-enriching Qualities; its 
q Pr. 2.11. and 3.13.35. and 4.12. and 8.20. and 9.11 & 11.9,30. & 17.2. & 20.18. & 24.5. & 28.26. Eccl. 7.12,19. & 8.5. Dan. 12.3,10. 2 T. 3.15. See more p. 22. i.l. etc.  singular, admirable and glorious Effects, in and for the Owners or Possessors of it: Also in that it is 
r Eph. 1.17. Ph. 1.9. Col. 1.9. & 4.12. & 2.2. 2 T. 2.7.  prayed for 
s Mat. 5.48. Eph. 5.15. Col. 1.28 & 3.16.  adhorted unto, 
t Pr. 1.2, etc. & 8.17. & 14.6. & 23.23. Mat. 6.22. Jo. 7.38. 2 P. 1.6,8. Eph. 4.12. 2 T. 3.17.  asserted and 
u Isa. 11.9. Pr. 8.21. Hab. 2.14. Jo. 14.26.  promised, as a Thing attainable; in that God 
x Isa. 56.1. Jer. 5.1. & 7.5. Zec. 7.9.  requires it in his People, especially such as are in 
y Leu. 19.15. Deu. 16.18,19. 2 Ch. 19.6. Ps. 2.10. Ez. 44.24. Mat. 10.16. 1 Co. 6.5. 1 P. 3.7.  Dignity, Place or Precedency; yea, so highly honours it (being his 
z Acts 17.28,29.  own Offspring and Image) as that he not only 
a Gen. 18.17. Ex. 33.11. to 17. Num. 12.8. Deu. 5.4. Job 23.7 Isa. 30.1. Jer. 2.5, etc. & 11.18. & 3.7. Mic. 6.2. to 6. Mat. 13.11. Acts 20.27. 1 Co. 2.16.  admits, but 
b Job 38.1, etc. Isa. 1.18. and 43.26. and 41.1.  invites his 
c Ps. 1.4, etc. Heb. 2.7, etc.  noble Creature, whom it inhabits, to Council and 
d See page 23. g.  Ratiocination with him, as in a 
e Ex. 33.11. Num. 11.17.  friendly condescending Familiarity; 
f Deu. 5.28. and 18.17. Pr. 15.23. and 25.11. Eccl. 12.10. Mat. 15.7. Jo. 13.13.  Nay, approves, and applauds his say, and 
g Isa. 5.3. and 43.10.  appeals to his Judgement.  
Were not these things thus; to what end are those Eulogies used to some, 
h 2 K. 10.30. Mat. 25.21,23. L. 19.17.  Well done, 
i Deu. 5 28. & 18.17 Jo. 13.1.  well said, 
l Jer. 1.12.  seen, and 
m Mat. 15.7. M. 7.6. Gal. 5.7.  the like? Or, why (else) are others 
n Mat. 25.27,30. L. 19.23.  argued, condemned and cashiered, for Abuse or not Employment of their Abilities, which the Donor or Lender well knew to be competent for the Receivers?  
And were not this precious Jewel Wisdom (if with reverence we may so phrase it) one of Gods standing and staple Commodities, he would not 
o Pr. 4.5,7.  talk so much of it, especially 
p Isa. 55 1, etc. Jo. 7.37, etc. Pr. 1.1,3, etc.  make Proclamation, use 
q Pr. 4.5,7,10. & 5 1. & 19.20.  Entreaties, 
r Deu. 32.29.  tender Wishes, and (as it were) 
s Pr. 1.22. & 7.4. & 8.4, etc. and 9.1, to 6.  wooing Arguments, that Men would seek or accept it. Not that he (to follow the Metaphor) either needs, or gains by, our Custom and Chapmanry, or feareth his Wares to stick on his hand (for He is a 
t Mat. 10.8. Ro. 8 32. Rev. 21.6. & 22.17. Cant. 5.1. Ja. 1.5.  free and bountiful Giver; We are, or should be 
u 1 K. 3.9. Ja. 1.5. See page 29. r.  humble Beggars) but that he delighteth himself 
x Isa. 30.1,2. Ez. 36.37. Deus dona vendit Precibus.  in Commerce with his rational Creature, and to see him 
y Deu. 32.29. 2 S. 11.8. Isa 48.18.  thrive; For he 
z Gen. 3.1,5. 1 K. 8.39. 2 K. 19.27. Job 42.2. Ps. 21.8. & 44.21. & 94.10 & 138.6. Pr. 24.12. Isa. 29.15. & 66.18. Jer. 17.10. & 18.23. & 23.24. Ez. 11.5. Ob. 6. Mat. 9.4. M. 12.15. L. 11.17. & 16.15. Jo. 21.17. Rev. 2.23.  knows and 
a Leu. 26.44. Deu. 25.17. & 32.36,43. Jos. 1.5,9. 1 S. 15.2. Ps. 9.12. & 40.5. & 37.5. & 106.46. & 136.23. Isa. 43.26. Jer. 29.11. & 36.26. Mic. 4.12. & 6.5. Mat. 10.16,17. Ph. 4.6. 1 P. 5.7. Rev. 16.19.  cares more than we ourselves (who are 
b 1 Co. 6.19. & 3 23.  not our own, but his 
c Acts 20.28. Col. 1.20. Heb. 9.12. 1 P. 1.29. Rev. 1.5. & 5.9. & 7.14. & 12.11.  dearly 
d Deu. 32.6. Job 19.25. Ps. 74.2. Isa. 43.1. & 44.22. Hos. 7.13. L. 1.68. ● Co. 6.20 & 7.23. 2 P. 2.1.  purchased, 
e Deu. 14.2. & 26.18. Ps. 135.4. Tit. 3.14. 1 P. 2.9  peculiar,. and 
f Deu. 32.10. Cant. 1.10 & 4.9. Isa. 43.4. & 49.15,16. Hag. 2.23. Zec. 2.8. Mal. 3.17.  most endeared People) how many bad Customers we have to retail his Commodities unto; yea, what 
g Gen. 3.1,4,5. Ex. 1.10. Num. 25.18. Ps. 64.2,6. & 83.3. Pr. 7.10. Mat. 24.24. L. 16.8. & 20.23. Acts 13.10. 2 Co. 2.11. & 11.3. Eph. 4.14. Rev. 2.24. & 12.9.  subtle and insinuative (beside 
h Ps. 124.3. 1 P. 5.8. Isa. 37.28. Am. 1.11.  fierce and cruel) Enemies we are to encounter in our Trading and 
i Gen. 47.9. Job. 14.1. Isa. 38.16. Acts 14.22. Heb. 11.6.  Travel.  
Now, as he is 
l 1 Ch. 29.14,16. Job. 22.4. Ps. 50.9, to 12. Ez. 16.18,19. Hos. 2.8,2. Mat. 20.15. Ro. 5.10. 1 Jo. 4.9.  engaged to no Man, otherwise than of his 
m Gen. 9.9,15. & 17.2,7. Leu. 20.6,42,45. Ps. 89.34. & 105.8,9,10. & 106.45. Isa. 55.3. Jer. 31.33. & 32.40. Ez. 16.8,60. & 37.26. L. 1.72,73.  own free Will and Love) so he 
n Gen. 4.7. Leu. 19.15. Deu. 1.17. & 10.17. 2 S. 14.14. 2 Ch. 19.7. Job 34.19. Acts 10.34. Ro. 2.11. Gal. 2.6. Eph. 6.9. Col. 3.25. 1 P. 1.17.  accepts no man's Person: As he 
o Num. 23.19. Tit. 1.2.  cannot lie; so maketh he 
p 1 S: 15.29. Ps: 89.35.  no faint or feigned Offers. As he knows 
q Isa: 64.4. Jer: 31.3. Jo: 17.6,24. Ro: 9.11,13. Jo: 15.19. Acts 9.15. & 13.17. & 22.14. 1 Co: 1.28. & 2.7,9. Eph: 1.4,5,11. 2 Th: 2.13. 2 T: 1.9. Heb: 4.3. Ja: 2.5. 1 P: 2.9. Deu: 14.2. Ps: 135.4.  eternally and 
r Nah: 1.7. Mat: 20.13, etc. Jo: 10.3,11,14,16,27. & 13.18. 2 T: 2.19. 2 P: 2.9.  infallibly, where to bestow his favours most fitly, so are 
s Ps: 89.34. & 110.4. & 132.11. Isa: 45.23. Mal: 3.6. Ro: 9.11. & 11.29. 2 T: 2.13. Ja: 1.17.  his Gifts and Calling without Repentance.  
Yet neither comes this divine Grace (as we said of Scripture Knowledge) without 
t Pr: 2.4. Acts 17.27.  search and study, 
u Pr: 2.4. & 8.17.  seeking and suing, 
x & 8.34.  Watching and waiting at Wisdoms gates. Mistake not, I am 
y L: 17.10.  no Merit-monger; But I say, That as God gives nothing 
z Deu: 9.4,5 6. Ez: 36.22,32.  for our Pains or Worthiness; so Nothing (usually) 
a Gen: 4.7. Deu: 4.40. & 5.29 & 6.3.18. Isa: 3.10. & 65.23. & 45.19. Jer: 7.23. & 22.15,16. L: 10.7. & 20.35. & 21.36. Rev: 3.4,5. Col. 3.24. 2 Jo: 8.  without them. He first 
b Ro: 11.36. & 12.3,6. Gal: 1.15,16. Eph: 3.8. Ja: 4.5,6.  gives all Graces and 
c 2 Co: 3.5. Ph: 1.6.  good Motions, in us, and then do We, 
d Isa: 26.12 Mat: 14.28,29. Ph: 2.12,13. & 4.13. Heb: 13.21.  Acti agere.  
'Tis true, he willeth us 
e Ph. 2.12,13. & 4.13.  to work out our Salvation, but it is by his strength: He bids us 
f Pr. 23.23. Rev. 3.18.  buy of him, but we must pay him in his 
g 1 Ch. 29.14,16,17.  own Coin 
h Isa. 55.1.  or Nothing: 
i Mat. 11.28.  Come unto him, yet this we cannot do, except 
l Jo. 6.44,65. Ps. 43.3.  he draw us; (but then will we 
m Cant. 1.4. Ps. 119.32.  run after him:) Yea, but 
n Mat. 7.7. Deu. 4.29. 1 Ch. 28.9. Am. 5.4. Zep. 2.3. Heb. 11.6.  Seek him and we shall find him, but 
o Deu. 32.20. Job 11.7. & 13.24. & 23.3,8,9. & 34.29 & 37.23. Ps. 10.1 & 13 1. Cant. 3.1,2. & 5.6. Isa. 8.17. & 45.15. & 57.17. Ez. 39.23,24. Hos. 5.6. Jo. 13.33. Acts 17.27. Jo. 8.21.  so hard is he to be found, that if 
p Ps. 32 6. Pr. 1.24,28. Cant. 5.2, etc. Isa. 55.6. Heb. 3.7,13.  either we slip our opportunity, 
q Deu. 4.29. Jer. 29.13.  or seek him slightly, we may catch many a 
r Job 12.25. Ps. 38.16. & 73.2. Isa. 59.10. Jer. 13.16. Hos. 5.5,6.  Fall or 
s Cant. 5.7,8.  Knock before we meet with him. In brief, He must (upon the matter) 
t Isa. 26.12. 1 Co. 12.6.  do all in us and for us: He must both 
u Ps. 119.10,176. Jer. 23.3. & 31.10. Ez 34.11,12,16. Mat. 9.36. & 18.12,14. & 23.37. Jo. 11.52.  seek, 
x Deu. 33.27. Ps. 40.2. & 55 22. & 66.9. & 94.18. & 116.8. & 145.14. Can. ●2. 5. Isa. 40.11. Ez. 16.6. Hos. 11.3.  sustain, 
y Gen. 48.15. Deu. 8.3. 1 Ch. 17.6. Ps. 28.9. Isa. 40.11. Ez. 34.14,15. Hos. 4.16. Mic. 7.14. Jo. 21.15, etc. Acts 17.28. & 20,28.  nourish and 
z Ez. 34.10.  protect us; or else we still 
a 1 K. 22.17. Ps. 119.67,176. Isa. 53.6. Jer. 2.20. & 13.27. & 14.10. & 50.6. Ez. 14.11. & 34.5,6. Dan. 9.7. Hos 4.16. 1 P. 2.25.  run astray, 
b Ez. 34.2,3,8: Am. 8.11.  starve, 
c Ps. 38.4. & 40.12. & 42.7. & 55.5. & 69.2,14,15. & 77.3. & 130.1.  sink and 
d 2 Ch. 18.31. Ez. 34.3,4,8.  perish: Without Me (saith Christ) your 
e Ps. 23.1. & 80.1. Ez. 37.24. Jo. 10.11,14. Heb. 13 20. 1 P. 2.25. & 5.4.  Shepherd, your 
f Ps. 23.2, etc. & 127.2. Ez. 34.23. Hos. 2.8,9. L. 22.35.  Purveyor, your 
g Mat. 8.26 & 14.31,32. Acts 27.23,24,41,44. 1 T. 1.19. L. 22.32. Jo. 11.42.  Pilot; Ye (even ye 
h See pag. 25. n o.  Apostles) 
i Jo. 15.5.  can do nothing, but 
l Ro 7.15,18,19,21,24,25.  undo and 
m Jer. 44.7,8. Hos. 13.9.  destroy yourselves.  
We have heard what rare and admirable Effects this divine spark of Wisdom hath wrought in its Possessors, or (rather) Possessed, and unto what sublimity it hath already lifted them. Yet we must not leave it here: Leave it here? Nay, here it leaveth us, and soareth up to its proper Seat and Throne in Heaven, even into the hand and heart of God, (We must speak after the Manner of Men, for the Infirmity of our Flesh, although the Expression seemeth to be warranted by his own Word, where he is said to have an 
n 1 S. 13.14. & 2.35. 2 K. 10.30. Jet. 15.1. & 19.5. Ez. 23.18.  Heart and Mind and that both in Heaven and 
o 1 K. 9.3.  Earth) The spirit of the Lord is the 
p Pr. 20.27.  Candle of the Lord, and the Wisdom 
q Job 32.8. Ps 119 144. Jo. 20.22.  inspired thereinto, a flash of his infinite flame, a sprig of himself, 
r Acts 17.28,29.  even his own most generous, glorious, eternal Offspring. The 
s Eccl. 12.7.  dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit unto the God who gave it. And such a Mixture or rather 
t Jo. 10.30. & 17.11,21, etc. 1 Co. 6 17,19. Heb. 2.11.  Oneness and Identity there is of the 
u Job 27.3. Pro. 1.23. Dan: 4.8. Ro: 8,9,11. 1 Co: 3.16. 2 T: 1.14. 1 Jo: 3.24. & 4.12 15,16. Rev: 1.10  Spirit of God, and 
x 1 S: 13.14.  good spirit in Man (which comprehends all spiritual Endowments) that we may not imagine any 
y 1 Co: 5.4. & 12 4,5,6,11. Ro: 8.16.  diversity in them at all.  
What Honour then can be imagined high enough to be ascribed to this royal-celestial Progeny? The tongues of Men and Angels want Words to express it. For 
z Isa: 53.8.  Who (with humble reverence to borrow the Phrase, Who) can declare this Generation? How 
a Ps: 87.3.  glorious Things are spoken of thee, O City, of you O Citizens, O Saints of God The sum is, (for a large Contemplation of Incomprehensibles doth more perplex than profit or please) the Saints for or with their inspired Wisdom are set upon 
b Mat: 19.28. Rev: 3.21. & 20.4  Thrones of Judgement: First, 
c Ps: 149.5,6, etc.  here (and yet 
d Eph: 1.3,20. & 2 6. & 3.15. Ph. 3.20. L. 17.21.  in Heaven too) they 
e 1 Co. 2.15. & 6.3.  judge all Things, and yet are (or aught to be) judged of no Man: then hereafter (
f 1 Th. 4.17.  in Heaven still) they shall judge the 
g 1 Co. 6.2,3.  whole World; yea, the most wise and glorious Creatures, the Angels. This 
h Ps. 149.9.  Honour have all his Saints. 
i Pr. 3.13,18.  Happy Souls! What may not justly, and yet what can fitly or sufficiently be said, to set forth your 
l 1 Co. 13.12. Eph. 3.17.  Knowledge and Wisdom, your 
m Isa. 64.4. 1 Co. 2.9. 2 Co. 12.4. 1 P. 18. Ph. 3.21 1 Jo. 3.2. 1 Co. 15 49.  Glory and Bliss? If the vast Thoughts of Men cannot yet comprehend it, how shall their 
n Isa. 32.4.  stammering Tongues, or 
o Jer. 8.8.  shallow Pens express it?  
But what hear we yet? I have said, indeed (saith God himself) ye are 
p Ps. 82.6. Gen. 3.5,22. Jo. 10.35. 1 Co. 8.5.  Gods, and all of you Children of the most High; but (as ye live, so) 
q Ps. 82.7.  ye shall die like Men. Ye must remember, that as yet ye bear an 
r Gen. 2.7. & 3.19. & 18.27. Job 4.19. & 33.6. Ps. 103.14. & 104.29. Eccl. 3.20. & 12.7. Isa. 40.6. & 64.8. Jer. 18.6. & 22.29. 1 Co. 15 47,49. 2 Co. 5.1. 1 P. 1.24.  earthly Tabernacle about you: Your 
s Ps. 82.6. Isa. 63.16. Jo. 1.12. Ro. 8.14, etc. 2 Co. 6.18. Gal. 3.29. Eph. 1.10,11. Col. 1.12. Tit. 3.7. Heb. 1.14. & 9.15. Ja. 2.5. 1 P. 1.3,4. 1 Jo. 3.1,2. Mat. 12.50.  highborn Heir must be content a while with the 
t Eph. 1.13,14. Mat. 28.20. Jo. 14.16. & 15.26. Acts 1.4,5. Gal. 4.1,2.  Earnest of his Inheritance: your 
u 2 Co. 4.7. L. 17.21.  heavenly Treasure is yet enclosed and confined in earthen Vessels.  
We therefore that read or hear This are to reflect on ourselves as 
x 1 Ch. 29.15. Ps. 119.19. & 120.5. Heb. 11.13 1 P. 2.11.  Sojourners here below, in this 
y Ps. 23.4.  Valley of the shadow of Death, for 
z Ps. 31.15. & 90.6. Pro: 27.1. Ja. 4.13,14.  how long ot little a while we know not; and to pray for and expect such Portion of divine Wisdom and other Graces as God shall see good or best for us; to be improved to 
a Jer 9.24. 1 Co. 1.31. & 4.7. & 10.31. Ph. 1.9,11 1 P. 2.9. See pag. 27. h.  his Glory, the 
b Isa. 28.9,10. Acts 13.36. 1 Co. 14.12, to 19,26. See dage 27. i.  Edification of others and ourselves.  
This Proposition (we hope) being pretty clear, that God hath dispensed to and among the sons of Men, indefinitely and generally, a respective Competency of Knowledge as above: It were needless to prove 
c Acts 17.26. Ro. 5.12,16. 1 Co. 15.22.  Mankind a Body, and the Husband a main and eminent Member or species thereof: but it will conduce to know that He hath his Dole in the divine Largess. And this will appear by proof or Argument briefly thus.  
All these Degrees or sorts of Men before mentioned, taken generally or specially (which ye will) thus plentifully, completely, and magnificently furnished with Knowledge, are but yet the Objects of God's Liberality, in a mediate, or (as we may say) remote Consideration. Christ is not said to be incorporate with any of these Persons or Societies, as they are such; but as being 
d Cant. 6.9. Jo. 11 52. & 17.11,21,22,23. Acts 4.32. Ro. 12.5. 1 Co. 10.17. & 12.13. 2 Co. 11.2. Gal. 3.28. Eph. 1.10. & 4.13,16. Col. 2. ●. 19. & 3.15.  fitly compacted they 
e 1 Co. 12.27. Eph. 1.22,23. & 4.12. Col. 1.18,24.  make up his Body the Church, and so become his 
f Cant. 4.8, etc. & 5.1.  Spouse, his 
g Reu. 21.9. & 19 7.  Wife. In which Relation he is their 
h Isa. 54.5. Jer. 3.14. & 31.32. Hos. 2.7,19,20. 2 Co. 11.2.  Husband, and consequently the Husband's Husband; that is, One and the same with him, individually, specially, spiritually, mystically. Christ saith indeed, I am the good 
i Jo. 10.11,14.  Shepherd, the 
l Jo. 14.6.  Way, the 
m Jo. 15.1.  Vine, my Father is the Husbandman, etc. But we know the Shepherd and Sheep, the Traveller and Way, the Husbandman and Vine, (though near Relatives, yet) are not the same Body or Thing: Yet so is Vine and Branches, Christ and the Church, Husband and Wife. Christ and the Husband are Terms convertible and symbolical; and the 
n Eph. 5.23. 1 Co. 11.3.  Husband is Head of the Wife (in perfection of Parts) as Christ is of the Church. Now shall we, dare we, or can we (without Impeachment of the divine Wisdom, with Improvidence at least) imagine he would leave the Husband who is so intimately related to him, and (rather) mystically incorporated with him, defective or imperfect, in any Part or Faculty whatsoever? Or not rather suppose him (for the Reasons alleged) a more abundant share in the divine Bounty then all sorts of Men beside? And above all other, the pious Husband, who bears it as the peculiar 
o Pr. 28.5. Eccl. 2.26.  Cognizance and Token of his Masters, his Makers, Favour? This last is illustrated by the contrary, showing in Whom only the 
p Eph. 4.17, etc.  understanding is dark and blind. Moreover, if we grant any Man to be a godly Husband, (that is, One that 
q Deu. 4.29, etc. 2 Ch. 7.14. & 17.4,5. & 22.9. & 26.5. Ps. 22.26. & 34.4,10. Pr. 28.5. Isa. 45.19. & 65.10. Lam. 3.25. Am. 5.4. See the contrary page 21. u.  seeketh, 
r Ex. 23.25. Deu. 11.13,14. Job 36.11. Isa. 56.6,7 Mal. 3.18. Col. 3.24.  serveth, 
s Job 1.1,3. & 42.8,10. Mal. 3.16,17. Acts 10,2,35  feareth, and 
t Deu. 11.22,23. Ps. 66.36. & 119.132. & 145.20. Pr. 8.21. Dan 9.4 Jo. 16.26,27. Ro. 8.28. 1 Co. 2 9 2 T. 4.8. Ja. 2.5.  loveth God) We cannot deny him Inheritance and Propriety in all 
u Ps. 37.18. Isa. 60.21. Mat. 25.34. Acts 26.18. 1 Co. 3.21, etc. Eph. 1.11,14. Col. 1.12. Heb. 6.12. & 9.15. 1 P. 1.4. & 3.9. Rev. 21.7. See p. 32. ●.  Heavenly or 
x Gen. 22.17. Ex. 23.30. Leu. 20.24 Num. 14.9. Deu. 4.38. 1 K. 8.36. Job 27.16,17. Ps. 25.13. & 37.9,11 34. & 69.36. & 80 8. & 78.55. & 105 44. Pr. 2.21. Eccl. 2.26. Isa. 65.9. Jer. 49.2. Mat. 5.5.  Earthly Things; Interest in all 
y See p. 22. y. z.  positive and privative Mercies; nor 
z 1 Co. 2.15. & 4.5.  control, prescribe or limit him in the Improvement of any divine Gift or Faculty, consonantly, or not contrary to the revealed Will and Word of God. And to wipe away all seeming Cause of Cavil or Suspicion in this kind, we need not, we may not, think, that God doth, or 
a Isa. 48.11  will lose aught by his Liberality to his Creature, animate or inanimate; for it all returns with Advantage to Him. The more Graces, Gifts and Ornaments he confers, the more abundant Gratitude, Splendour and Glory (which is all he looks for) he gaineth by it: all 
b 1 S. 4.5. Job 38.7. Ps. 19.1, etc. & 65.13. & 89 5. & 96.11,12. & 98.4, etc. & 148. all. & 150.6. Hos. 2.21, etc. Rev. 5.13.  Hearts, Tongues and Things yielding him so sweet an Harmony, so loud Echoes of Praise, that Heaven and Earth do ring again.  
Yet in all this 
c 1 Co. 12.6. & 15.28. Eph. 4.6.  God is all in all, and in these Results enjoyeth no more but himself, even his own All-sufficiency, Perfection, Infinity. 
d Job 22.2,3. & 35.6,7. Pr. 9.12. Ps. 16.2.  What do we (or can we do) unto him? Or 
e Ro. 11.35,36.  Who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again? For of him, and through him, and to him are all Things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.  
Thus have we (by God's help) squared out this knotty Piece of Knowledge, and rendered it somewhat fit for our spiritual Edifice; or (if you will) have wound it up into a Clew ready for the Warp & Weft; which all the idle (or rather too active) Housewives of the World (this slandereth none) will never be able to ravel or unready while the World or 
f Deu. 6.7, etc. & 29.29. Ps. 119.89 111,152,160. Isa. 30.8. & 40.8. & 59.21. L. 16.17. 1 P. 1.23,25.  Word of God endureth, which (we doubt not) is written in 
g Deu. 6.6. & 11.18 & 30.14. Ro. 2.15. Jer. 31.33. Heb. 8.10.  firmer Tables, and with 
h Jer. 31.33. 2 Co. 3.3.  more indelible Characters then either the 
i Jer. 17.1.  sin or 
l Job 19.23,24.  Sanctity of Man. And when We have warped and woven, the Web may perhaps prove as durable in the Wearing as the Israelites 
m Deu. 29 5. Neh. 9.21  Clothes..   

CHAP. IU. Practical Knowledge relating to the Husband's Power. Sharpest Correction consistent with choicest Affection. 1. In Christ.  
AS th' ‛ invisible God is the Ground of our Theory, so is his revealed Word the Rule of our Practice in all Things moral and imitable. And because we are only to treat of his oeconomical and conjugal Relation to us, we are chief to set forth, First, his own Practice, as Husband and Head of the Church, and then our Conformity thereunto. Herein, We are to eye his Power and good Pleasure. Whereof the first is not much disputable, Only a Taste thereof is not amiss (which the few marginal Quotations afford) To show us, That he who made 
n Gen. 1.1.  All Things of Nothing, hath the same Right and Power, in a Word, either by strong or 
o Gen. 18.14. Jer. 32.27. Mat. 19.26 M. 14.36. & 10.27. L. 1.37. Jud. 7.2,4.18.14.6. Job 26.7. Isa. 7.18. Joel 2.25. 1 Co. 1.28. Ps. 105.34.  weak, with or without Means to 
p Ps. 115.3. & 135 6. Isa. 40.12,15  order, dispose and transform, yea, or turn them to their 
q Ps. 90.3. Isa. 65.17. Am. 9.5. 2 P. 3.20,12. Job 14.12.  Principles. But secondly, we are to fasten upon his Affections of Love and Anger, (if so we may sever them here; For they are in Him, a 
r Ro. 8.28.  sweetly tempered Composure fitted to his Church's Condition, as Physic to our natural Constitution; to his Friends his Anger is a 
s Rev. 3.19. Am. 3.2. This appears more plentifully anon.  proper Effect of his Love; yea, he is in all Things to them, 
t 1 Jo. 4.8,16.  Love itself; but if it may please all Parties, we shall distinguish them thus,) viz. his Positive, tender and pleasing Love; his privative, tart and punitive Love. The former (being not disputed, for it is his 
u Cant 2.4.  proper Ensign) these few Texts do briefly yet clearly display, viz. in its 
x Ex. 33.19. Deu. 4.37. & 7.7,8. & 23.5. Ps. 33.12. & 103.4. & 147.19,20. Isa. 41.2,9. & 43.4. & 63.9. Jer. 1.5. Ez. 16.6, to 15. Hos. 11.1,4. & 14.4. Mal. 1.2. Mat. 18.27. & 20.15,16. L. 1.48. & 12.32. Jo. 10.17,18. & 13.34. & 15.16. Ro. 9.15. Eph. 1.4. & 2.7,8. 2 Th. 2.13. 2 T. 1.2. Tit. 3.4,5. Ja. 2.5. 1 P. 1.3. 1 Jo. 4.10,19. Rev. 3.9. & 21.6.  freeness, 
y 2 K. 19.31. Car. 4.6, etc. & 7.1, to 9 Isa. 9.7. Hos. 11.8. His jealousy also implies this.  fervency, 
z Ps. 36.7. & 103.4. Isa. 53.3,4,5,6 12. Jo. 3.16. & 15 13. Acts 20.28. Ro. 5.8. Gal. 2.20. Eph. 2.4,5. & 5.2.25. Col. 2.13 1 P. 3.18. 1 Jo. 3.1,16. & 4.9. Rev. 1.5.  mirability, 
a 2 S. 7.15. Neh. 9.17,31. Ps. 89.33,34. Mal. 3.6. Jo. 13.1. 2 T. 2.13. Ja. 1.17.  constancy and 
b Isa. 54.8,10. Jer. 31.3. Hos. 2.19. Jo. 10.28. Ro. 8.35,38,39.  eternity. In the latter of Anger, (which we may term his 
c 2 Ch. 36.16. Isa. 7.13. Jer. 2.32. & 15.6. Ez. 6.9. & 14.23. Jer. 44.22.  forced Affection) it may be requisite to show, (the Cause we need not, it's too well known to be sin, but) his Progress and Proceeding in it, from 
d Ex. 20.5. & 34.14. Deu. 6.15.  Jealousy (which in him is 
e Deu. 32.16,21. 1 K. 14.22. Ps. 78.58. 1 Co. 10.22. Ez. 23.30,31.  never needless) to 
f Jer. 3.1. & 22.21. Ez. 6.9. & 16.15, to 36. & 23.5, to 22. Hos. 4.17.  Exprobrations, 
g Leu. 26.17, etc. Deu. 28.16, etc. & 32.23, etc. 1 K. 9.7. Isa. 65.12. Jer. 19.8,11, & 20.4. & 44.11. Ez. 5.15. & 6.11,12. & 7.25,26. & 16.37, to 41. & 21.5, to 15. & 14.21. Hos. 2.3,4. & 9.12,16. Zeph. 1.3. Rev. 2.5,16. To instance in all were more tedious than useful.  Rebukes and Threats; from these to 
h Ps. 2.12. Isa. 9.1. & 54.8. Jer. 30.11. & 49.12. Zec. 1.15. L. 12.48.  less or greater Punishments (and the 
i Leu. 26.18,21,24,28. Job 16.14. Isa. 5.25 & 40.2. Jer. 16.18. Ez. 21.14, & 12.11. Jo. 5.14.  Iterations or Aggravations thereof) as 
l 1 S. 4.3. 2 K. 10.32. 1 Ch. 21.7. Job 9.34. & 23.2. Ps. 39.10. & 69.26. & 73.14. Isa. 9.13. Jer. 5.3. & 14.17,19. Lam. 3.1. Mic. 6.13,1 Co. 4 11.2 Co. 6.5,9. & 11.23, etc. & 12.7.  Blows, 
m Deu. 32.39. Job 5.18. & 9.17. & 34.6. Ps. 38.2,9. & 69.26. Jer. 10.19. & 30.14. Hos. 5.13. & 6.1. L. 2.35.  Wounds, 
n Job 9.17. & 16.12, etc. Ps. 22.14. & 31.12. & 38.8. & 94.5. & 129.3. Jer. 1●. 17. & 19.10,11. & 31.28. Lam. 1.15. & 3.11. Hos. 6.1. Nah. 3.19.  Bruising and Breaking 
o Job 30.17. Ps. 22.14. & 51.8. Isa. 38.13. Lam. 1.13. & 3.4,16.  of Bones, 
p Ex. 15.26. Num. 11.33. & 16.46. & 31.16. Deu. 28 59, etc. & 29.22. Jos. 22.17. 2 Ch. 21.14. Job 2.7,8. & 7.5. & 30.18. Ps. 38.3,7. & 77.2. & 106.29. Isa. 3.17. & 38.12,21. Hos. 5.12,13. Mic. 6.13. Hab. 3.16. 1 Co. 11.30.  Diseases, 
q Gen. 21.9. Deu. 28.37. 1 K. 9.7. 2 K. 2.23. 2 Ch. 30.10. & 36.16. Neh. 2.19. & 4.1,2. Job 12.4. & 16.20. & 17.6. & 30.1,9. Ps. 22.6,7,8. & 35 16. and 44.9,13,14,16. and 69.7,10,11,12,20. and 80.6. and 109.25. and 137.3. Isa. 8.18. and 43.28. Jer. 20.7,8. and 24.9. and 51.58. Lam. 1.7. & 3.14,45,46. Ez. 5.14,15. & 20.49. & 23.32. Dan. 9.16. Hos. 7 16. Acts 2.13. 1 Co. 4.13. 2 Co. 6.8. 1 T. 4.10. Heb. 10.33. & 11.36. Judas 18.  Disgraces, 
r Deu. 20.8,31,48. Jud. 2 14. 1 S. 2.7. Jud. 6.3,4. 2 K. 17.20. & 20.17. Ezr. 9.7. Job 1.21. Ps. 44.10. and 119.61. Pr. 1.13. Isa. 42.22 24. Jer. 4.20. & 15.13. & 20.5. Lam: 2.2. Ez: 7.24. & 16.39. & 23.29. Hos: 7.1. Am. 4.9. Mic: 2.4. Hag: 2.17. 1 Co: 4.11. Ph: 3.8. Heb: 10.34.  Impoverishment, 
s Gen. 15.13. Ex. 1.14. & 6.9, Lev: 26.17. Deu: 28.48. Acts 7.6. Jer: 13.17: 2 K: 15.29. & 24.16. 2 Changed 18.17. Ps. 127.3. L. 21.24.  Bondage or Captivity, 
t Gen: 39.20. Ps: 105.18. Num. 21.1. Jud. 16.21. 1 K. 22.27. 2 Ch. 16.10. Job 13.27. & 36.8. Ps. 79.11. & 107.10. Isa. 42.22. Jer: 32.2. & 37.15 21. & 38.6,28. Lam: 3.7,53. Ez: 7.23. & 19.4,9. Mat: 4.12. & 11.2. M. 1.14. L. 3.20. & 21.12. A & s 5.18 & 12.4. & 16.23. & 20.23. & 21.33. & 24.27. & 28.17,20. & 22.19. & 26.10. 2 Co: 6.5. & 11.23. Eph. 3.1 & 6.20. Col: 4.3,18. 2 T. 1.8. & 2.9. Phil: 1,10. Heb: 11.36. & 13.3. Rev: 2.10.  Imprisonment, Death; Death not 
u Num. 16.29.  common or 
x Ex. 21 28. Num. 35.11. Deu: 19.5. & 21.1. Jos: 20.3. 1 K: 22.34.  cafual, but (as it were) 
y Jer: 5.9. & 44.27. Ez. 7.6. & 21.9, etc. Dan: 9.14 Hos: 7.2.  consulted and 
z Jer: 13.14. & 15.2,3,5. & 16.4. & 21.7. Lam: 2.21. & 3.43. Ez: 7.3,4. & 8.18. Hos: 9.12.  cruel, nor only of 
a Gen: 4.8. 1 S. 4.18. 2 S. 4.7,11.2 Changed 24.21. & 35.23,24. Mat: 14.10. & 23.35. M. 6.27. Acts 7.59. & 12.2 Rev: 2.13.  this or that particular Saint; but 
b 1 S. 4.10. 2 S. 18.7. 2 K. 10.32. 2 Changed 13.17. Ps: 79.2,3. Jer: 9.1. & 14.18. Am: 4.10. Heb: 11 37.  slaying and slaughtering (even 
c Ps: 44.22. Ro: 8.36.  daily without intermission more than like Sheep or Beasts) by 
d Num: 21.6. 1 Ch: 10.1. 1 Co: 10.5. and 11.30.  Multitudes, 
e Num: 16.49. and 25.9. Jud: 20.21,35. 1 S. 4.10. 2 S. 18.7. and 24.15. 2 Changed 13.17. 1 Co: 10.8.  Myriads, 
f Ps: 79.2,3. and 141.7. Isa: 5.25. Jer: 7.32. and 41.9. Ez: 6.13. and 9.7. Rev: 6.9.  Heaps, a 
g Jud: 21.3,6.  whole Tribe (and 
h 2 Ch. 15.6. Ez: 39.23. Lam: 2.22.  very near a Nation) together, leaving his Church hardly (as we say) with life, more than 
i L. 10,30.  half dead; as if his Wrath were 
k Ps. 85.5. Jer. 15.1. & 17.1, etc. & 23.39. Lam: 2.1. Ez. 8.18. & 9.5,8,9,10. & 14.14,20. Am. 8.7.  implacable, and his Revenge 
l Isa. 1.24. & 5.25. & 9.12. & 10.4. Lam. 2.2,3, etc.  insatiate. Not taking the Refuse or vulgar only, but of the 
m 2 Ch. 13.17. Ps. 78.31.  chief and Choice of his People even 
n 1 K. 19.10. Neh. 9.26. 2 Ch. 36.16. Lam. 2.20. Mat. 23.37. L. 11.49. Acts 7.52. Rev. 18.24.  his Prophets. Neither, yet always cutting them off in the common Road of violent and sudden Death, (wherein is Dispatch and 
o Job 3.13,17.  present Ease) but oft (more bitter than Death itself) in the 
p These need no further proof than History and Experience. And note that pining and pinching the Saints by Imprisonment, or any kind of Hardship whatever, is Martyrdom, Heb. 11.36  various, virulent and linger Kinds of 
q Acts 22.20. Rev: 2.13. & 17.6. & 20.4.  Martyrdom: as if he set his People at 
r Ps. 44.12.  Naught, or plainly delighted to see the Whore of Babylon 
s Rev. 17.6,7. L. 13.1.  drunk with the Blood of his Saints: which no marvel though it struck John as well into terror as Admiration. And therefore in a deep-despairing and gasping 
t Lam. 1.22.  Agony, What grievous Moan doth she make? 
u Jer. 4.31.  Woe is me, for my soul is wearied because of Murderers. 
w Lam. 1.12. Job 19.21.  Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Stay, behold and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce Anger. And at last (when all 
x Job 13.4. Jer. 6.14. Hos. 5.13. Mat. 17.16. M. 5.26. L. 8.43. Jo. 10.21  helpless Physicians and 
y Job 16.2. Lam. 1.21.  miserable Comforters failed) in an Ecstasy she cries out unto him, in whose hand she knew lay both 
z Ex. 15.26. Deu. 32.39. 1 S. 2.6. 2 K. 5.7. Job 5.18. Ps. 102.10. & 147.3. Hos. 6.1.  her Wounding and Cure; 
a Lam. 2.20. & 1.21.  Behold, O Lord, and consider to Whom thou hast done This: even to thine own 
b See page 33. g.  Spouse, the 
c Jer. 12.7.  dearly beloved of thy Soul. What, puttest thou no difference between the 
d Gen. 18.25. Eccl. 9.2,3. Ez. 21.3. Job 9.22  Righteous and Wicked? between thine own 
e Deu. 4.20. & 9.29. 1 K. 8.51,53. Ps. 28.9 & 33.12. & 94.14. & 106.5. Isa. 19.25. & 63.17.  Inheritance, thine 
f Deu. 7.6. & 14.2,21. & 28.9. Isa. 62.12. Dan. 8.24  holy, 
g See p. 30. e. f.  peculiar endeared People, and the 
h See p. 28. l. ult.  profane and desperate Reprobates?  
In all which Respects, this 
i Deu. 7.7. 1 Ch. 16.19. Mat. 7.14. & 20.16. L. 12.31. & 13.23,24.  little flock (not little 
l Gen. 13.16. & 22.17. Ex. 32.13. Num. 23.10. 1 K. 3.8. 1 Ch. 27.23. Ps. 110.3. Jer. 33.22. Dan. 7.10. Hos. 1.10. Eph. 3.15. Heb. 12.23. Judas 14. Rev. 7.9,13,14  in itself; but in comparison of that other 
m Jud. 7.12. Ps. 4.2. & 14.2,3. & 74.19. & 83.2, to 8. Eccl. 8.11. Isa. 29.8. Mic. 5.7. Mat. 7.13. & 20.16 L. 13.24. Ro. 3.10, etc. 1 Jo. 5.19. Rev. 13.16.  numberless 
n Job 21.30. Isa. 57.21. 2 Th. 1.8. 2 P. 2.9. Rev. 14.9,10 11, See page 28. l. ult.  forlorn Rout) is properly called by the chief Shepherd, The 
o Zec. 11.4,7.  Flock of slaughter.  
Now, God usually 
p Leu. 26.21. 2 S. 3.39 Job 34.11. Ps. 62.12. Pro. 24.12. Isa. 65.7. & 66.3,4. Jer. 5.19. & 21.14. Ez. 7.27. & 11.21. & 16.59. & 22.31. Hos. 4.6,7 & 10.13. & 12.2. Zec. 1.6. Rev. 2.23. Jud. 1.7. Ex. 1.22. & 14.27. 2 S. 12.9,11. & 16 22.  suiteth or proportioneth the Punishment to the sin: as against Idolatry, viz. spiritual Adultery, the 
q Deu. 16.22. & 27.15. & 32.16,19. Isa. 44.19. Jer. 32.34,35. & 44.4,21,22. Ez. 18.12. Dan. 12.11. Mal. 2.11. Mat. 24.15. 1 P. 4.3.  most odious in his eyes of all other) his conjugal Jealousy (to wit, his 
r Pr. 6.34. See pa. 36. d.  Rage) 
s Deu. 29.20.  smoketh, 
t Ps. 79.5  burneth. and 
u Num. 25.11. Deu. 4.24. Zep. 1.18.  consumeth like Fire: at the 
x Leu. 26.15,43. 2 Ch. 36.16. Ps. 107.11,12. Pr. 1.30,21. Ez. 5.6,7,8. & 20.13. Am. 2.4. Mat. 11.21.  Contempt of his Ordinances, 
y Leu. 26.15, etc. Deu. 29.24,25. Jos. 7.15. & 23.16. Jud. 2.20,21. 2 K. 18.11,12. Jer. 11.3,4,10, &c & 22.8,9. Ez. 16.59. & 17.15,19. Hos. 8.1. Heb. 8.9. & 10.29.  Breach of Covenants, 
z Neh. 9.27,28. Ps. 106.7,13,21,23. Isa. 65.2,3,6. Hos. 2.8,9. & 11.3. Mat. 23.37,38. Ro. 2.4,5.  Abuse of Mercies, 
a Ps. 78.31,32,33. Isa. 1.5. & 9.13. & 57.17. Jer. 2.30. Am. 4.6. etc. Hag. 2.17.  slighting of Judgements he is highly displeased; and so for the least Offence (though none 
b Num. 15.32,35,36. Ps. 119.6. Mat. 5.18,19. & 12.36,37. L. 16.10. Ja. 2.10.  little or venial in his eye, 
c Num. 23.21. Isa 53.5,6. Mat. 3.17. Ro. 3.25. 2 Co. 5.19. Eph. 1.6. Col. 1.19,20. Heb. 2.17. 1 Jo. 2.1,2.  not covered or veiled by Christ) his Anger breaks out in some kind and degree, at one time or another. I may speak here of experience; God now calling to reckoning the vain and vicious Curiosities of my youth.  
But these Punishments are not all to be taken in a literal sense; and yet so, as that hereby the Church or Members of it, are 
d Job 16.8. & 19.20. Ps. 22.17. & 102.3. etc. & 109.24. & 119.83,87. Isa. 17.4. Lam. 3.4. & 4.8.  macerated and 
e Job 13.25. Ps. 22.15. & 31.10. & 38.8,10. & 109.24.  weakened; that is, brought into a 
f Deu. 28.43. 1 S. 2.7. Ps. 79.8. & 88.6. & 106 43. & 130.1. & 142.6.  low and 
g Deu. 8.3. Jud. 2.4. 1 S. 3.18. & 33.4. 2 K. 22.19. 2 Ch. 7.13,14. & 12.5,6. & 20.2,3,4. & 32.25,26. & 33.12. Ezr. 10.14. Neh. 9.1, etc. Job 40.4. & 42.6. Ps. 39.9. & 131.2. Isa. 38.15,16. Jer. 31.18,19. & 44.10. Lam. 3.19,20. Ez. 43.11. Dan. 9.3, etc. Hos. 5.15. Joel 1.14,15. Jon. 3.4,5 Mic. 7.9. 2 Co. 12.7. 1 P. 5.6.  humble Condition, to make them the more sensible of, and submissive to, the 
h Deu. 32.15. & 33.27. Ps. 18.31. & 28.1. & 37.24. & 63.8. & 119.117. & 145.14. Isa. 17.10. & 41.10.  Power supporting them.  
The Survey and Contemplation of the said Tragedies expressed in sundry of the cited Texts, would strike one into Astonishment, that the 
i See page 24. c.  meek Lamb, even He that's so 
l Ez. 6.9.  jealously 
m Cant. 4.1, etc. 9 ● & 7.1, etc.  enamoured of his 
n See page 33. f. g.  Spouse, his Wife, his Church, that he scarce allows the World 
o Heb. 11.38.  a Look on her (much less to touch 
p Ex. 4.22,23. Ps. 105.14,15.  Her or 
q Jer. 12.14.  Hers) nor willingly the Wind (as we say) 
r Isa. 26.20.  to blow on her, should yet deal thus roughly with her himself: that 
s Ps. 116.15,  her Death should be so precious in his sight, and yet Himself not only assenting to it, but chief Actor in it. Had Zipporah seen such Work, she would surely have said, Here's 
t Ex. 4.25,26.  a bloody Husband indeed; Get him bound to the good Abearing: Yet 
u Job 23.13.  who can turn him, or stay his hand? Or Who will dare to say to him, 
x Job 9.12. Dan. 4.35.  What dost thou?  

Object. 1.  Admit all this (say some) yet Christ himself had no hand in these bloody Scenes, but Satan or his Agents, the Wicked of the World.  

Answ.  
y 1 S. 4.2,3,10. 2 K. 10.32. Jud. 20.35.  Qui agit per alios agit per se: Yea, 
z Jos. 1.9. 2 Ch. 12.7. Isa. 42.24. & 45.7.  Command is more than Execution, for it both includes and animates it. It is said by the Lord of Hosts, our Head-Husband, 
a Ez. 20.37. Ps. 66.12.  I will cause you (Israel) to pass under the Rod. And more plainly: 
b 2 S. 7.14,15.  If He (even Solomon) commit Iniquity I will chasten him with the Rod of Men, and with the stripes of the children of Men. Though thou be 
c Jer. 22.6,7.  Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon, etc. Yet I will prepare destroyers against thee, etc. 
d Isa. 10.5,6,24.  O Assyrian the Rod of mine Anger, etc. 
e Jer. 25.9.  I will bring my Servant Nabuchadnezzar against this Land: (And why not my 
f Jud. 9.23. 1 K. 22.21,22. Job 1.12. & 2.6. Mat. 8.9. M. 1.27  Servant) Satan 
g Rev. 2.10.  shall cast some of you into Prison, and 
h Lam. 1.15. Am. 3.6,11. Jer. 21.7.  the like. And yet more piteous, 
i Jer. 12.7.  I have given (saith he) the dearly beloved of my Soul into the hand of her Enemies; and divers 
l Ps. 78.59, etc. & 106.40,41. Isa. 47.6. Jer. 30.14.  aequiparant Expressions: 
m Ps. 17.13,14.  O Lord (saith holy David) deliver my Soul from the Wicked which is thy Sword; from Men which are thy hand.  
See here Christ's own Commission and Command, yea his bare Hand, for all this (seeming) Cruelty. And why should not this be as true as the Contrary; to wit, That God employs his 
n Gen. 24.7. Ex. 23.20. Num. 20.16. Ps. 91.11. Isa. 63.9. Heb. 1.13,14. Dan. 6.22. Acts 12.7,11. Rev. 1.1. & 22.6.  Angels and 
o Gen. 45.5,7. Ex. 7.16. Num. 16.28. 1 S. 20.22,37,38. Acts 7.35. & 9.17. & 10.32,33,34.  Others for the help and good of his own People? whom he pleaseth to honour with the Title of 
p Neh. 9.27. Ob. 21.  Saviour's.  

Object. 2.  But it is said, 
q Isa. 54.5.  Thy Maker is thy Husband (the Lord of Hosts is his Name) How then is Christ the Church's Husband? Or, hath she two Husbands?  

Answ.  No surely. And therefore it follows there, Thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel, the God of the whole Earth; which is none other but Christ, the 
r Heb. 1.3. Ph. 2.6 Col. 1.15.  Brightness of the Glory of God; the express Image of his Person; 
s Ph. 2.6. Jo. 17.5,10,11,21, &c  Who thought it no Robbery to be equal with God; 
t Heb. 1.2. & 11.3. Col. 1.16.  by whom the Worlds (all Men, all Things) were made and are 
u Heb. 1.3.  upheld; to whom 
x Mat. 28.18. Isa. 41.25. Jo. 17.2. Col. 1.18.  all Power is given in Heaven and Earth; who will not be denied the same Power (yea magis magísque eadem) that the 
y Isa. 41.25. & 64.8. Jer. 18.6. Ro. 9.20,21.  Potter hath over the Clay; It is this very Christ the Lord, and he alone that is the Church's Husband, that 
z Isa. 45.7.  doth all these Things.  

Object. 3.  All these Tragical Occurrences in the Church (may some say) were in Scripture-primitive Times only, and not before nor since.  

Answ.  They do stupidly mistake that so say or think; For (certainly) such as have 
a Heb. 5.14.  any spiritual Exercise of their Senses; may daily and continually feel this chastening faculty of Christ either in, upon, or about them; and conclude it to have been on foot and in force ever since 
b Gen. 3.15.  the Fall of Adam, and so to continue till Satan leave tempting, and 
c Rev. 10.6.  Time shall be no longer  
Now as there are notoriously but two Sorts in the World (
d Gen. 18.23,25. Deu. 25.1. 1 S. 2.9. 1 K. 8.32. Job 9.22. Ps 1.6. & 37.16, etc. & 145 20. Pr. 2.21,22. & 10.30. & 14.19. Eccl. 3.17. & 8.14. Isa. 5.23. Ez. 21.3. Dan. 12.10. Hab. 1.4. Mal. 3.18. Mat. 13.49. & 25.34,41. 1 T. 1.9. 1 P. 4.18.  Godly and Wicked) that Christ in his punitive Power hath to deal withal, so he sorteth his Punishments suitably into 
e Isa. 27.7.  Chastisements and Judgements. We read not, that he terms (or at least 
f Ps 94.10. & 135 14. Eccl. 3.17. Zep 3.7. Heb. 10.30. 1 P. 4.17. compared.  intends) his Punishing of the Wicked for 
g Isa. 27.7. 1 Co. 11.32.  Chastisement, or of the Godly for Judgement. But as even the 
h Pr. 12.10.  tender Mercies of the Wicked are cruel: so even his 
i 1 P. 2.14.  gentlest Punishing of them is Judgement; how much more his 
l Mat. 25.46. 2 Th. 1.9. Heb. 10.28,29. 2 P. 2.9.  greatest! Whereas of the Godly 'tis said, 
m Ps. 94.12. Job 5.17.  Blessed is the Man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law. Lo, here's God's end in punishing these. And therefore though he often dealt with David, (the 
n 1 S. 13.14.  Man after his own heart) 
o Ps. 6.1. & 118.18. & 71.20  very severely, in hot displeasure, and 
p Ps. 13.1. & 77.7, etc. & 88.14. & 89.46.  at a gloomy distance; enough to drive him to 
q Ps. 22.1,2. & 27.13. & 31.22. & 43.2. & 51.11. & 73.13. & 88.14, etc.  an utter despair of favour. Yet he (good Man) knowing well where the Failing was (to wit 
r Ps. 25.11. & 38.3,4. & 51.3,4,9. & 69.5. & 130.3.  in himself, 
s Ps. 51.4.  not in God, whose 
t Ps. 30.5.  Anger also endures but a Moment) took all but as Chastening, and fatherly Tokens of Love, 
u Ps. 33.9. & 131.2.  kissed the Rod, and concluded; 
x Ps. 119.71,67.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted, and thou 
y Ps. 119.75.  in very faithfulness & favour hast done it. Had any Thing been wholesomer for him, God would not (sure) have withheld it from his most dear & cordial Servant David, for whose 
z 1 K. 11.12,13.34. & 15.4. 2 K. 8.19. & 19.34. Ps. 132.10,11.  sake even future Generations fared the better. Even holy Job also, whom God himself for 
a Job 1.8. & 2.3. & 42.8.  Perfection and Uprightness prefers to all Men on Earth of his time, at whose Mediation he 
b Ez. 14.14,20.  would have done very much too, was corrected and punished by him, even to a 
c As poor as Job.  Proverb, (yet which of us repines not to 
d 1 P. 2.20.  be buffeted for our faults?) How deals he with his most 
e Num. 12.7. Jos. 1.7. Heb. 3.2.  faithful and 
f Num. 12.8. Ex. 33.11. & 34.28,29.  familiar Servant Moses? In stead of correcting, he 
g Ex. 4.24.  goes about to kill him, yet 
h Num. 12.8.  endures not others to give him a wry Word. The same 
i Gen. 18.3,10. Dan. 9.17. L. 2.11 Acts 2.36. & 9.10 11,17.  Christ the Lord gives Paul poor Heartening, sets him an hard Lesson at his Matriculation or Admittance into his School. As 
l Acts 9.15. & 22 14.  choice a Vessel as he was, he must be 
m 2 Co. 4.8,9. & 11,23,24,25. Gal. 6.17.  tossed, crazed and cracked. 
n Acts 9.16.  I will show him (saith Christ) how great Things he must suffer for my Name. Which Lesson he had so 
o 2 Co. 6.4, etc.  patiently and perfectly conned within a while, that he (Doctor-like) lays it down, as an undoubted Axiom or inevitable doom (which ye will) That 
p 2 T. 3.12. Acts 14.22. Jo. 16.33. 1 Th. 3.4.  All that will live godly in Christ Jesus (not only may, but) must suffer Persecution. Good Hezekiah gives the Reason of all This; 
q Isa. 38.16.  O Lord, (saith he) by these things (to wit, Chastisements) Men live, etc. As if they were as needful and certain to the Saints as their very 
r Ps. 23.4. Mic. 7.14.  Food and Raiment, & without these were but 
s Isa. 38.16.  dead Men, or 
t Ps. 119.67,176.  Vagrants 
u Heb. 12.8.  at best. Yea, the Spirit of Christ himself saith, That if either we be 
u Heb. 12.8.  Without Chastisement, or 
x Pr. 3.11. Heb. 12.5.  weary & faint under it, We are but 
y Pr. 24.10.  weaklings, cowards & 
z Heb. 12.8.  Bastards: Nay, a 
a Am. 6.1.  Woe is pronounced to them that are at ease in Zion, and a 
b Zep. 3.1,2,5.  Curse to the Incorrigible and Impudent. By all which God would make Correction a greater Argument of his Love then most (if not all) other his Mercies, and our 
c Deu. 8.5. compared with 6.  strongest Tie to Obedience. And (behold!) as well 
d Ps. 103.14. Mat. 8.17. 1 Co. 10.13, Heb. 2.18.  to comfort as confirm us in this Truth, we have a most gracious and glorious 
e 2 Co. 4.10. Gal. 6.17. Ph. 3.10. Col. 1.24. Heb. 2.17. & 12.2,3. 1 P. 2.21. & 3.18.  Pattern of the 
f Isa. 53.4,5,9. Mat. 27.4,19,24. M. 9.39. & 14.55,56. L. 23.14,15,22,41. Jo. 10.32. & 14.30. & 18.38. & 19.6.  most innocent, the most 
g Isa. 53.3,8. Mat. 26.38. & 27.35. M. 14.34. & 15.24. L. 23.33. Jo. 19.18. Acts 2.23 & 3.15. & 4.10. 1 Co. 1.23. Gal. 3 1. Heb. 2.9. & 12 2. Rev. 5.9. & 11 8.  oppressed, and yet 
h Isa. 53.7. Acts 8.32. Mat. 26.62 63. M. 14.60. & 15.3. L. 23.9. Heb. 12.2,3. 1 P. 2.23. Rev. 1.9.  most patiented Sufferer set before us. In these Respects it is not Pride but Duty in the poorest Christian, to have the like Reckoning of himself, and Resolution to stand it out which Nehemiah had, when he said, 
i Neh. 6.11.  Should such a Man as I flee?  
This Point may yet be briefly illustrated by the Contrary; to wit, That Silence and Impunity (upon sinful Causes) are sad Presages of 
l Job 12.6, etc. & 21.9,30. & 27 14, Ps. 73.5, etc. Hos. 4.14,17. & 9.12. & 13.12.  final Desertion in God, and strong Arguments of 
m Leu. 19.17. Pr. 13.24. & 23.13,14.  hellish Hatred in Man; in whom as there is an 
n Gen. 38,15,16. Jud. 16.15. 1 S. 18.7,20. 2 S. 13.1,2,4,15. 2 Ch. 19.2. Est. 2.2,3,4 7,9,17. Ps. 7.13, ●8. & 21.17. Eccl. 5.10. Isa. 1.23. Jer. 4.30. Ez. 16.33. & 23.11. Hos. 2.5. Mat. 10.37. Ro. 1.24,26,27. Ph. 3.19. Col. 3.5. 1 Th. 4.5. 2 T. 3.2,4.  inordinate Love and 
o 1 S. 2.16,17.22,23,24,29. & 15.3 9,18,19. 1 K. 20 28,32,34,42. 1 Co. 5.1,2,5,13.  sinful Pity, so there is an 
p Eccl: 3.8 Eph: 4.26.  allowable and holy Anger, and oft times not to be angry is to sin.  
And albeit Christ often speaks of his Fury, Wrath and Indignation, 
q 2 Changed 34.21,25. Isa. 42.25. Jer. 4.4. & 17.4. & 44.6. Lam: 2.3.4. Ez: 9.8. & 22.31. Dan: 9.11. Nah: 1.6  burning. or poured out, and 
r Isa: 5.25. Hos: 5.10. Am: 5.6.  the like; Yet are these but Expressions and Effects of his just and gracious Jealousy, yea of his 
s L. 11.49.  Wisdom in way of our 
t Isa: 1.25. & 4.4. & 27.7,9. Ez. 22.19,20,21,22. Dan: 11.35. Am: 9.9. Mal: 3.3. Mat: 3.12. Jo: 15.2.  Refining, and in Order either to our 
u Hos. 2.7. & 5.15. L. 15.14,16,17; 18,19.  mediate, or 
x Job. 5.26. Mat: 13.47,48,49. & 24,31. & 25.32. M. 13.27  final and universal Reducement, not utter destruction (for when he hath done he 
y Isa: 10.12,26. & 30.31. & 37.38. Rev: 20.2,3.  burns or breaks the Rod) And he saith elsewhere, that 
z Isa: 27.4. Ps: 30.5. & 103.13,14. Lam: 3.33.  Fury is not in him (toward his People.) What though his Members be slain and 
a Job 14.14. & 19.26,27. 1 Co: 15.36,37,38,42,43,53.  consumed here, as to Man's eye; yet shall they certainly be 
b Job 19.26,27. Ps: 36.9. Isa: 26.19. & 43.6,7. Am: 9.9 M. 12.26,27. L: 20.37,38. & 21.18. Jo: 5.21. & 6.39,40. Acts 26.8,23. 1 Co: 6.14. & 15.12,13,16,20,22,23,52. 2 Co: 1.9. & 4.14. & 5.10. Col: 3.4. 1 Th: 4.14,16,18. 2 T: 4.1. Tit: 2.13. 1 P: 1.7. 1 Jo: 3.2 Rev: 20.12,13.  raised and 
c Jo: 17.2,11,21,22,23,24,26.1 T: 4.17.  reunited to their Head: And if the 
d Acts 20.23. Ph: 1.14. Phil: 10.  Bonds, 
e Job 16 20. Ps: 126.5,6. Mat: 5.4. L: 6.21. Acts 20.31. 2 Co: 2.4. Ph: 3.18. 2 T: 1.4  Tears. or 
f Jo: 12.25. Acts 20.14. & 21.13. & 21.20. Rev: 2.13. & 6.11. & 12.11.  Blood of Saints and Martyrs, be (in part) the seed of the Church militant; what manner of Fruit may we expect in the Church triumphant? Surely, 
g Ps: 126.5,6. Isa: 25.8. 2 T: 4.8. Rev: 4.4. & 7.13,14,16 17. & 21.4.  most pleasant and precious.  
By all that hath been said (and 
h Ps: 89.32,33. & 99.8. & 141.5. Pr: 3.12. & 27.6. & 29.15. Isa: 1.5. & 60.10. Jer: 2.30. Am: 3 2 & 4.9. Hag: 2.17. L: 6.22,23. Heb: 12.6,7. 1 P: 4.14. Rev: 3.19.  yet more) it is evident enough to Any that will see, That the sharpest Rebuke or Correction is compatible and consistent with the choicest and dearest Love; which is presumed to be 'twixt Christ and his Church, Husband and Wife; and Punishment being (as above) distinguished from Judgement; whom hath Christ now to punish or Correct but the Church his Wife? and what of his Wife, but her (or rather 
i See p: 33. e.  his own) Body, which he both so 
l See p: 30. c. d.  dearly purchased, and highly prizeth, as is plentifully proved? Surely none.  
In sum; his Relation, Interest, Prerogative and Power in and over his Creature, his Church, his Spouse, being so evident, indisputable, infinite and irresistible; it must needs rest in his own good Pleasure, what Deportment he will use toward her. Yet, that all the World may see that he is no Tyrant, he pleaseth to prescribe to himself certain Bounds and Rules of 
m Gen. 18.25. Job 34.23. Pr. 16.11. Isa. 3.13. & 45.19 21. Jer. 25.31. Ez. 20.35. Joel 3.2. Mic. 6.2. Zep. 3.5.  Justice, 
n Ex. 34.6. 2 Ch. 30.9. Neh. 9.17,31. Job 33.24. Ps. 103.8. & 116.5. & 145.8,9. Isa. 30.18,19. Jer. 3.12. Lam. 3.22,33. Joel 2.13. Jon. 4.2. Zec. 9.9. Ro. 2.4. 1 T. 1.16. Heb. 8.12. 2 P. 3. 9  Mercy and Moderation in Government; Which if the Children of Men, presume to violate or profane, they may be justly 
o Hos. 5.5. & 7.10  convicted that their 
p Ps. 9.16. Hos. 7.2. & 13.9.  Punishment or Perdition is of themselves. We live indeed now under Gospel-Rules, and a 
q Zec. 9.9. Mat. 21 5.  gentle-gracious King, yet a 
r Ps. 2.6. Isa. 32.1. & 43.15. Ez. 37.22,24. Hos. 3.5. Jo. 18.37. 1 T. 6.15. Rev. 17.14.  King, and One that will not be disobeyed, dishonoured or slighted, but on 
s Ps. 2.9. Pr. 13.13 Jer. 10.10. Ez. 21 9,10, etc. Mat. 18 23.34. & 22.2,13 L. 19.12,27. 1 Co. 16.22. Rev. 2.16.  sharp Terms and Penalties; who as he is the 
t Acts 8.32. Rev. 5.12. & 7.14. & 13 8. See p. 24. e, etc.  Lamb slain, so is he the 
u Isa. 38.13. Lam. 3.10,11. See page 24. g.  Lion slaying and tearing in pieces. Now, what Creature more favourable to Submission, or grateful to Courtesy then the Lion (if we believe History)? What 
x Rev. 6.16,17. & 14.10. & 17.14.  fiercer than the Lamb Christ if justly offended?  
Thus admiring and submitting to Christ the highest Husband in the glorious Exercise of his own Power, we come now (still within his Limits, and by his leave and strength) to view his honourable Delegation of his Vicegerent Man.   

CHAP. V The Symbol betwixt CHRIST and the Husband, in the Point and Power of Practical Knowledge.  
SO strong and stable a Symbol and Sympathy is there (indeed) between Christ and his Church, Husband and Wife; that it may well, and must on all hands be alleged and insisted on. And as it is gladly granted in Point of Cherishing, so there will appear no ground of declining it in Case of Chastening other than the Tenderness of Humanity, which how far 'tis requisite and tolerable is now to be discussed.  
In Order, and for Introduction hereunto, we are first to weigh well Gods 
y Deu. 10.17. Ps: 115.3. & 135.5,6 & 136.6. 1 T: 6.15. Rev. 17.14. & 19 16.  sovereign, 
z Num: 23.19. Ps: 111.7. Is: 25.1,2. & 48.3. & 55 11.  certain, 
a Ps: 33.11. & 111 8. & 119.160. Eccl. 3.14. Is: 14.24. & 45.23. & 46 10. Ez. 24.14.  irrevocable Counsels and Edicts; and chief (as to our present Purpose) to carry along with us, that his primitive-peremptory Decree at the Creation, viz. 
b Gen. 3.16.  Thy Desire shall be to thine Husband, and he shall rule over thee. Where note that 1. Cupimus clariora & potiora. 2. Here's not Regula but Regimen, the Man was not only to direct but rule her: and what implies Regimen, if not (as even an Heathen defines it) Parcere Subjectis & debellare Superbos? How else, differs it from Parity or Equality? Or, what more golden Rule of Regiment or Government can there be? Now, as the 
c Num: 25.5. Deu. 17.12. & 25.1,2. L. 12.11,58, & 20 21. Jo: 19.10,11. Ro: 13.4. Tit: 3.1. 1 P: 2.14.  Magistrate bears not the Sword, no more (doubtless) doth the 
d Gen: 20.16. Nu: 30.8, ●3. 1 Co: 14.35. Eph: 3.24.  Husband the Sway in vain. God's Decrees are more than Scare-Crows. Next, we find it delivered us by divine Authority (as in Confirmation of the said Decree) That 
e Eph: 5.23. 1 Co: 11.3. Compare and consider well Eph: 5.19 30.  the Husband is Head of the Wife, even as Christ is Head of the Church. Not politically as in other Unions or Relations, but spiritually, mystically, sacramentally: He is so the Head of the Wife as Christ is the Head of the Church. And these two are to stand for impregnable Maxims, instar Omnium, adversus Omnia. The Wife is also enjoined in sundry Places of Sacred Writ, a similar or suitable 
f Eph. 5.22,24,33 Col. 3.18. Tit. 2.5 1 P. 3.1. Est. 1.22.  Subjection and Obedience: the holy Ghost expressly directing, as 
g Col. 3.22.  Servants to obey their Masters in all Things; so 
h Eph. 5.24.  Wives to be subject to their Husbands in every Thing: And especially the 
i Tit. 2.3,4,5.  aged Women, to be not Actors only but Teachers of Obedience to Husbands, the words subjection & obedience being (it seems) Convertibles, and putting no difference 'twixt Wives and Servants, 
l 1 P. 3.6.  Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him Lord. And (ere we pass) lo here how the holy Spirit also pleaseth to make use of a very Heathen to check this dear Daughter of his in case of but a supposed slighting of her Husband: 
m Gen. 20.16.  Behold (saith Abimelech to Sarah) He is to thee a Covering of the Eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: as if her Eye ought have been terminated in Him; at least that she should not have looked out, much less abroad without his privity, leave and presence: which is a stricter (I say not more servile) Observance than can be required from any Servant. So that for the too large Liberty which ('tis like) Sarah took to look about her, the Spirit saith, She was reproved. Wherein, we may not but imagine some forward or offensive Carriage in her, in her Husband Abraham's Absence, for God useth not to chide his 
n Isa. 41.8. Ja. 2.23. Ez. 14.23. 2 Ch. 20.7.  Friends without Cause. And sure it is not far from this Purpose, that Women are enjoined to 
o 1 Co. 14.35.  ask their Husbands at home, and to testify their Subjection by their 
p 1 Is. 2.12.  silence.  
But it is further to be observed, That the divine Wisdom in all Places where it directeth the Conjugal Duties, 
q Eph. 5.22. Col. 3.18. 1 P. 3.1.  first lays down the Woman's Subjection and Obedience, as a Leading and Allurement to the Man's Affection, and then wills that he bear toward her in Knowledge, Love and Lenity befitting, as the cited Texts do show. And (which is yet to be noted) lest she should either insist too much on his Love without Merit, or forget her Duty, the Command is doubled and pressed upon her; 
r Eph. 5.22,33.  Let the Wife see (as the Translators render it; be sure) that she reverence (viz. fear, not affright) her Husband; implying, and as it were pointing at a greater proneness of Neglect and Forgetfulness in her, and the petulancy adhering to that Sex; at least enforcing the Duty more upon Her, which some good Wives do not brook to hear.  
The Reasons of God's original Decree, and the succeeding Confirmations thereof, although we are not to dispute or dive into; yet himself is pleased partly (and indeed plainly) to signify unto us, That this very primitive Institution for the Woman's Subjection, proceeded (as 
s Ex. 9.27. 1 S. 12 7,9. 2 Ch. 12.5,6 Ezr. 9.14,15. Neh 9.33. Job 34.10,12,23. Ps. 97.2. & 119.137. & 145.17. Pr. 8.8. Isa. 57 17. Jer. 11.20. & 21.8,9. & 32.23. Lam. 1.18. & 3.39 Ez. 14.23. Dan. 4.37. & 9.7,14. Jo. 8.16. Ro. 2.5,6. 2 Th. 1.6. Rev. 16 5,6,7. & 19 2. See p: 43. m.  all other his Judgements and Deal do) of most equitable and just Grounds, partly on his own, and partly on the Man's behalf, As 1. The 
t Gen. 1.26. & 2.18,22. 1 Co. 11.8 1 T. 2.13.  Priority of the Man's Creation; Primogeniture being ever since in all Ages, had in honour, both by 
u Ex. 4.23. & 11.5. & 13.2. Num. 3.13. Ps. 89.27. Ro. 8.29. Heb. 12.23.  God and 
x Gen. 27.1. & 44 12. & 49.3. Ex. 6.14. Num. 3.2. Jos. 6.26. & 17.1. 1 S. 17.13. 2 K. 3.27. 2 Ch. 22.1. Neh. 10.36. Job 1.13. Mic. 6.7. Zec. 12.10. Jo. 8.9.  Men; yea, though 
y Deu. 21.15, etc. & 25.6.  impious or ill-deserving. (an Item for Dis-inheritors) 2. That 
z Gen. 1.26,27. & 9.6.  Image and Impress of Majesty and Magnanimity, which God immediately and privately estamped on him, in his Creation, and 
a 1 Co. 11.7.  still continues and manifesteth in his Posterity. 3. The 
b 1 Co. 11.7,8,9.  Dignity of Precedence and Supremacy ever intended by God to the Man. 4. The Woman's being then (as often since) 
c 1 T. 2.14. 2 Co. 11.3.  before Man in the Transgression and Fall. This Reason God seems plainly to intimate by his Order and Gradation in the Punishment, beginning with the 
d Gen. 3.14.  first and greatest Offender, the Serpent, and so descending to the last and least the Man, who listened only to his Wife. (see the danger of these Illecebrae) For God 
e Gen. 3.17.  chargeth no further Fault upon him, nor do his Servants and Secretaries 
f 1 T. 2.14. 2 Co. 11.3.  construe it otherwise; the Man's Eating in itself being but an improvident Act and Effect of the Woman's and her Suggestors wicked Counsel. And so we see her Punishment proportionally aggravated, in that she not only shares in the Curse of the Ground, but must be pinched with Pains in Conception and Childbearing, and loaden the yoke of Subjection to her Husband. 5. If the former were wanting, yet (to us especially 
g 1 Co. 10.11.  upon whom the Ends of the World are come) that redoubled rational Position 
h Eph. 5.22,23,24.  aforegoing, one would think might be as persuasive and prevalent, as it is plain and forcible. But 
i 1 Co. 2.14. & 14.37,38.  spiritual Things cannot possibly be otherwise then spiritually discerned. Which as we expect not at all in those that are 
l Ph. 3.19.  professedly carnal, so, neither do we that 
m Ro. 7.14, etc.  would fain be spiritual, say that we 
n 1 Co. 8.2. & 13.9.  know any thing of it as we ought to know; much less, dare promise or attempt otherwise to describe this mystical Union, then in 
o Ps. 118.22. M. 12 10. Acts 4.11. Ro. 12.5. Eph. 1.22,23. & 4.15,16 & 5.23. Col. 1.18 24. & 2.19.  the same summary expressions by which the spirit of God exhibits it unto us.  
And here, (not as in proof or confirmation, (it needs not) but, partly for Illustration, and partly satisfaction or Conviction, in their own element, of some Politicians (of whom a little more in due place) or others, who rest in the 
p Heb. 7.16.  carnal Commandments or Customs) we may demand (let it be answered at any leisure) wherefore the Statute-Laws, do make the Wives Killing the Husband, Petty Treason; and his Killing her, but Murder, and their sentence suitable; ranking her, also, with Children and Servants (his known and confessed Inferiors and Patients) as equally guiltable with them; and whether all conducent practices be not, in proportion, punishable in her? Whether do not the Laws, also, look upon the Husband as the Wife's Protector, and Provider of Alimony (though in some Particulars it hapens otherwise?) Is he not answerable for all her expenses, exorbitances and Abuses of others; and if so, hath he no liberty of discretion, or Power of Coercion to regulate or restrain her? Lastly, whether know they not some ridiculous customs or Practice (not worth the mention, but in way of disdain) to disgrace the Man, who may not command (but must obey) his Wife?  
This Power, then, (such as it is) hath the meanest Man, over the most eminent Woman, if once his Wife. Therefore, let none mistake: (no matter who hears) Her highness or Honour, is (nor aught to be) no Covert or Canopy to him (whilst well conditioned.) The Scripture gives no such direction but rather makes him (how course soever) a Cover and confinement to her eyes, as before. We read, indeed of 
q Acts 13.50. & 17.12.  honourable Women; but not comparatively with their husbands: the Word (the 
r Eph. 6.17.  Sword of the spirit) cuts that quite off, in his Anatomy already shown them. Their Honour (if any be theirs) belongs them as they are found the 
s 1 P. 3 7.  weaker, meeker and humbler; not the wealthier, worthier, stronger or sturdier Vessels: for as God doth, so man must, (in his degree and Measure) 
t a. 4.6. 1 P. 5. 5. Pr. 6.17.  resist the Proud.) Besides, the Words (if they may carry their just weight) are expressly thus: Giving honour unto the wife, etc. Where we see Honour in honorante, not in honorata, which is cleared by 1. Co. 11.7,8,9,10. It's a Gift, and lies in Arbitrio Datoris; she hath it not till he give it her, and then is it but an honouring Indulgence; and she so far to be honoured and indulged, as she is weak, not wayward or wilful.  

Digress.  It's not unworthy noting by the way (for we may not tarry on it, or stand to distinguish Nobility native and dative) what should be the true Original of this thing called Honour, in either sex. All wise Men, and some Women (I presume) can tell, It's not in Riches or Revenues (we need not instance any more Negatives, because all other Grounds are now almost engrossed in these; nor yet meddle we with those german, and truly generous Branches the Blood of whose most noble Ancestors, (attended with ample Revenues, as 
u Gen. 13.2,6. & 32.10. & 36.7. 1 K. 3.13. & 10.23,27. 2 Ch. 17 5 & 32.27,29. Job 1.3. & 31.25 & 42.10,12. Ps. 112 1,2,3. 1 T. 4.8.  Abraham, and the Patriarches, and other pious Princes and Nobles were) do still visibly run in their veins.) It's not, I say, 
x Jer. 9.23.  in Riches or Revenues; for, if these either 
y Eccl. 7.11.  be not mixed and tempered with Wisdom, or 
z Pr. 23.5.  take wing and away, where is, than your (Laps) Honour?  
When Adam digged and Eve span,  
then was there no Gentleman:  
But, as the Rich men gathered Good;  
so came up the Gentle Blood.  
The first of this Distich is a true Adage; the other, but a mock- Proverb. But even herein, also, there are that sacrifice not only to 
a Hab. 1 15.16. Dan. 4.30.  their own, but Satan's net and drag. These (for sooth) ascribe the Rise both of Honour and Riches to their own Birth, Wit or Industry, and impute the Bereaving and ruin thereof to the Devil or his his Agents; but, as for God, they make him, 
b Hos. 2.8.  a By-stander at 
c Job 22.13,14. ●… Ps. 10.11. & 64.5. & 73.11. & 94.7.  best, though perchance they 
d Ps. 78.36,37. Isa. 29.13. Ez. 33.31.  flatter him with their Mouth. Suitable to what I have heard said of an Atheistical Physician, who effecting many eminent Cures, arrogated all to himself, saying. 
e I will hope the rest of that Faculty are wholly clear even from such a Conceit.  What hath God to do with my Trade? What, is there any 
f Am. 3.6  good. or evil (except sin) that God doth not? David and Job knew none other Author: The one was rob of his Honour, the other of his Riches; yet hear we not David accusing Shimei, nor Job the Sabeans or Caldees, but 
g 2 S. 16.11. Job 1.21.  both reflecting on God. As 
h Gen. 32.10. 1 K. 3.13. 1 Ch. 29.12 14,16. Ps. 24.1. & 50.10, etc. Ecc. 2.26. Acts 14.17. 1 Co. 10.26,28.  Riches (then) and all good things else; so Honour is originally derived from God himself and shines forth in divine Virtue, learning Valour or Magnanimity. But the truth is, and in a word; its Honesty (which is to much pinched or straitened in our common use and acceptation, as Etymologists do best know) I say, 
Non locus Hominem, sed Homo locum Honestat.  'tis plain Honesty, that imports and comprehends (under God) all Grounds and accedents of Honour whatsoever. Bravery but begs Honour, Honesty begets and claims it. This, as it is the gennine Parent; so must it needs be the milchy Nurse of Honour; else it will be quickly stained and extinct.  
Those Gentlemen (not suspecting Gentlewomen) whose Business is but Sophism, and whose Recreation or delight, but to dabble, and, even, drown themselves in boun society (so called) sometimes in more beastly Sensualities, are but dry Nurses to their Honour. For, if by such Misgovernment or Disguise they forget and forfeit the Honest Man, (or haply) Man himself; how much more the Gentleman! In which regard some (if story be true) have justly assumed (not without supreme appointment) a Piper to their Herald, and a Colerake and Malkin for their Ensign. It was not unfitly replied by an honest Critic, to a debauched Gent. vaunting of his own Antiquity, and vilifying the others Novelty: 
Rerum omnium vicissitudo est.  Be it so: (saith he) I am indeed, the First of my Family, but thou art the last of thine. These love to talk of their Generation, but they cannot endure to hear of their Degeneration. Nevertheless, it is neither new nor rare conceit, That he is no Gentleman, who loves not 
i The Attendants interpret this.  good Company, an Hawk, Hound. etc. nor she a Gentlewoman, that's not enamoured of such a Man.  
The Application aims, especially, at the Women; in whom it were an high Point of Wisdom, that when they are conscious or sensible of their greater Honour, Wealth, Wit or Worth, they insist upon and improve it at first, before Marriage; For that once past, they must of necessity (for Matter of Superiority or Parity) for ever strike Sail, and, in plain Terms, keep under Hatches: which honest caution cannot justly incur any Blame, of the unmarried, at least.  
This Digression, though it be displeasing to a few, yet may profit Many. To proceed.  
It's not unknown to all that know any thing, that subjection imports as well Command as Power; that actual Obedience is due to 
l Jos. 1.9. Ex. 4.21 Leu. 25.18. Deu. 4 6. & 5.32. & 11.32. & 12.32. & 17.19. & 26.16. & 27.26. See p. 19 f. g.  express, (if just and reasonable) Commands: that the neglect thereof is undoubtedly punishable according to the 
m See p. 38. p, etc.  Quality and Measure of the Contempt, and 
n Ez. 16.50. Mat. 22.13. & 24.50,51. L. 12.46, etc. 2 Th. 1.6. Ro. 14 4. 1 P. 2.18, etc. Heb. 12.9.  discretion (regulated with 
o Ps. 103.13,14. Jer. 30.11. 1 Co. 10.13.  Moderation) of the Commander. If therefore the Wife (how eminent soever) be Subject to lawful Command of the Husband; how is she exempt from the Penalty of (not a weak, but a wilful and perverse) disobedience? his Power and Command being inseparably symbolical to that of Christ over his Church, which (we doubt not) will now be as readily believed and confessed, as it is really manifested. Although, indeed, it be far easier to profess it, then be throughly persuaded of it, which will appear (a Majori) if we but examine the Beating of our Pulse even to Christ-ward, in the proceeding of his own immediate hand upon us. We can most cheerfully embrace his cherishing Power expressed in our Health, Plenty, Prosperity: but how slowly do we assent unto, how grievously do we admit and accept, his chastising Power, in Poverty, Sickness and the like! Now, if we shrink and shuffle from under his own visible Hand, no marvel if we storm and startle at the vigour and dint thereof inflicted by the hand of others. And therefore, in deriving this just, exercitive-practick Power, from Christ to the Husband, lies all the skill and difficulty. And this, indeed, cannot otherwise be done, then (as the contrary may be endeavoured) by proper and necessary diduction, and probable Argument from the Word; wherein we levelly only at the rational and believing Husband; The other, being not limitable by any Rules of Law, or Bands of Love, we leave to himself. Briefly thus.  
As the 
p Ro. 10.8,17. 1 Co. 4.15. Ja. 1 18.  Word is the mean of Generation and rule of Faith; so is Faith the Mistress of Reason, which though it 
q Gen. 22.8,13. Job 12.17. & 19.25, etc. Ps. 27.13. Isa. 50.10. Acts 27.22,34. Ro. 4.18,19. 1 Co. 1.20 & 3.19. Heb. 11.11,12,19.  oft eclipseth, yet it 
r Deu. 32.6. Eccl. 7.25. Isa. 1.18. Jo. 9.31. Acts 6.2 Ro 12.1. 1 P. 3.15. 1 Jo. 2.3.18. & 3.14,19,20,21 24. & 5.2.  never excludeth: and albeit. This adds nothing to the Truth and Word of God (which is, of itself, most 
s Ps. 12.6. & 18.30 & 19.8. & 119.140 Pr. 8.8. & 30 5. 2 P. 1.20,21.  pure, complete and 
t Ps. 100.5. & 117 2. & 119.89. Isa. 34.16. Mat. 5.18 M. 13.31. L. 16.17. & 21.33. Jo. 10.35. 1 P. 1.23,25.  permanent, as 
u See page 17. t.  above) yet Scripture seconded with reason, is the more obvious to our 
x Jo. 16.12. 1 Co. 3.2. Heb. 5.11.  dull Apprehension, more welcome to our 
y Gen. 6.5. & 8.21 Deu. 32.15. Ps. 49 13. & 81.11. Isa. 53.6. Jer. 7.24. & 18.12. Ez. 16.30.  wanton and wayward Affection, and more 
z Ex. 4.4,5. & 19.9. & 31.13. Jos. 3.7. 1 S. 14.10,12. 1 K. 17.24. & 18.37, etc. Ps. 86.17. Isa. 7. ●4. & 37.30. Mat. 9.5,6. L. 24.26,39,43,46. Jo. 1.50. & 4.19,29,39,41,42. & 9.37,38. & 11 15,45. & 13.19. & 14.9,22,23,29 & 16.29,30. & 17.8 & 20.8,29,31. Ro. 1.18,19. Gal, 5.19,22,24. Ph. 1 28. 2 Th. 1.5.11. 3.16. 2 T. 1.10. 1 Jo. 3.10.  helpful to our 
a Mat. 8.26. & 16.8. M. 4.40. & 16.11,14. L. 12.28. & 17.5. & 24.25,41. Jo. 3.12. & 20.25.  feeble Faith.  
If Scripture, then, and Reason so concur, as in the present case they seem to do; what letteth from believing, that the Christian Husband, being Head of his Wife as Christ is of his Church, and so completely qualified as before, may for urgent Cause, as well and warrantably chasten as cherish his Wise? Now Christ (we have heard) hath sundry ways to correct his Church, his Wife; but we are here to take Correction for Blows or actual Beating of the Body. A servant, (or other offending Inferior, saith Solomon) will 
b Pr. 29.19.  not be corrected by words.  
In our Progress, we are to note, that the practical knowledge of our (humane) Husband, is expressed of the holy spirit by the Word 
c 1 P. 3.7.  Dwelling. Which, as it is exercised in the contemplative, doctrinal or directive way, we are here to wave or omit, (for Reasons 
d Page 20.  before showed) and apply us only to the disciplinary Part.  
To our readier Access, and proceeding, it will conduce much to know, That by my Dwelling and converse in the World, among Men and Women, I have discerned and discovered, some odd and uncoth Tenets and Principles (the ordinary ones do follow too) of certain-uncertain Wives; by virtue whereof, when they please, they can (as they talk of Hocus) wipe off even all Affinity with their Husbands; or at least, will live and 
e LADY is too low a style for them.  Lord it by them. They were hatched (I suppose (in Ignatius his Conclave, for they chirp on this fashion. 1. That their Husband hath nothing to do with them; viz. as to reprove or admonish them: For, 2. Their Soul, their Tongue, and All's their own; they may speak what they please in their own (not their Husbands) House, without control or Question, yea, may lawfully swear, while wronged or provoked. 3, That the disposing of unfort unate Marriages (so they call them) are not by appointment or Providence of God, but brought about by the Devil and his Agents. 4. That, if a Woman have had one or more former Husbands; he that she now hath, is not her Husband (longer than he pleaseth her: what is he then, I pray, and what she?) And they cite 
f Jo. 4.18. Isa, 4.1  Scripture for it: if any, therefore, were ignotum Ignatio, it is (likely) This. 5. If they have an Husband that is conscious of his Place and Duty, they presently apply this Plaster (which was hardly fitted) to their wounded spirit, 
g Job 3.25.  The thing I greatly feared is come upon Me; to wit, the Plague of subjection to my Husband: as with a 
h Jer. 31.18.  Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoke. 6. Though they may yield themselves, a little akin to their Husband, and, perchance somewhat kind, for carnal ends; yet the 
i See p. 48. a, etc.  noble or gentle Blood bubbling and boiling in their veins; or the pregnant Mother-wit capering in their Brain; or the 
l Dan. 4.30.  inestimable-matchless Means they brought, still rolling in their mind and mouth (as indeed the most 
m Eccl. 10.19.  obvious and sensible Incentive;) All, or any of these (say they) is evidence enough for Priority, Predominance, or (in English) Mastery, over the simple-honest Man, the Husband; Who, if he can but keep himself from abusing his Laydy-Lord's Allowance to surfeit, or (further) Blemishing her Honour, hath as much Command and Charge as he is capable of; or as many an unworthy Man cares for. And there are some good Women, under the honoured degree of Ladies-indeed, whom we know loath to bear, or be known by, their Husband's Name, whether out of Modesty or Majesty, judge ye: The Custom of this your Nation condemning them, and the 
n Isa. 4.1.  Scripture also seeming to comfirm it. But we leave this schismatical Sect to enjoy themselves and their Husband (or what they call him) at their pleasure.  
What shall we say to these Women? or, how may they be treated withal, to their own content or satisfaction? It would be too tedious, and almost impossible to fit them all with Answers suitable to their Fancy or Size. These their Tenets are all (no doubt) the spurious Issue or Products of adulterous Parents, 
o Ps. 73.6. Pr. 6.16,17. & 21.4. & 30.13. Ro. 1.30  Pride. and 
p Job 21.14. Ps. 10.4. & 14.1. & 73.11. Eph. 2.12. Tit. 1.16.  Atheism; the Posterity or Fry of that infamous 
q L. 10.18. Judas 6 2 P. 2.4.  Progenitor, that infernal Leviathan, who is 
r Job 41.34.  King (and Father) of them; and will not cease to spawn and spread, till God shall quite cut him off, and 
s Rev. 20.10.  cast him into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone; and thenceforth eternally secure and clear the 
t Rev. 20.9.  beloved City, from his cunning Circumventions and contagious Infusions.  
But the five first, being more monstrous than the last, we shall at once rid them out of our way, by referring those Phoenix's (if the simile will reach and hold) the Professors thereof, to a few 
u Gen. 2.24. & 20.16. Num. 5.27,31 & 30.6. to th'end & 36. all. Pr. 31.11. Isa. 45.7. Am. 3.6. Mal. 2.14,15 Mat. 19.5. M. 10.8. 1 Co. 6.16. & 7.4,16. & 14.35. Eph. 5.23. Ro. 7.2 They may sort these Texts themselves, and apply them.  Texts of holy Scripture, which, if it will not fit our Turn as well as theirs, we shall subscribe to their Principles.  
The 6 Tenet, being more frequent and familiar (and so more infectious) we shall more intensely pursue, by answering and absolving it as God enableth; For under this (not excluding the rest) are couched, all the Cases wherein, or Quaere's whether the Christian Husband, dwelling or walking in a conscientious Knowledge with his Wife, is to exercise any coactive or corrective Power over her; or how he shall fadg with such harsh and hateful Interferings, as partly are, and are to be deciphered; and are possibly and too apparently to be found in some Wives. These will distinctly appear in their Order and season, and (we conceive) come more clearly off, in way of Objection and Answer, than otherwise.   

CHAP. VI Whether a good Man must or may, correct or beat his bad Wife. Objections answered.  
WE are here to encounter an Army of Objections, which, on every Wing, come like Swarms buzzing about our ears. Those of most Weight and Worth, are admitted and respectively answered; the rest dismissed till other Opportunity. For even the best and soundest here presented, will, haply be found to relish of, and flow as much from Affection (which, indeed, is commendable, if not merely natural) as from Judgement in the Objectors, though otherwise, it may be, most judicious: Who need not be minded, what, 
n 1 K. 11.3. Neh. 13.26.  Weaknesses the wisest Men on earth have incurred or contracted by too much Indulgence in this kind. There needs no great curiosity in their Order, but take them as they come to hand. Some have either fully or in part their Answer already, to which we'll refer as they pass.  

Object. 1.  1. This Objection, indeed, may justly challenge Precedence: That, Christ Jesus, the Head and Husband of his Church, being infallibly and infinitely wise, knoweth exactly, wherefore, when, and how to correct. But Man not so; and therefore must forbear to beat his Wife. This was especially proposed to me, not long ago, by an ingenuous Friend, and good Christian (I doubt not) who speaking occasionally on this Subject, did first urge (as most do) the Point of Knowledge. And when I came somewhat close unto him, he evaded (discreetly and well) replying (as in the Obj.) that Christ infallibly knows to correct in due Measure and Season; but Man's wisdom being weak and erroneous is apt to abuse his Authority; and so he cannot safely exercise it in that way. He Instanced, in a Man, who upon urgent occasion soon after Marriage, beat his Wife: but (saith he) it was under pretence of some Lunatica and turbida Intervalla; so as afterward, he would not own the Act, insinuating that had he then been sui Compos, he should not, or would not have done it. As if it were not fit for a Wise Man, 
y Pr. 26.5.  to answer a fool according to his folly: Or, if lawful Subjects will needs rebel, to 
z L. 19 27. Ro. 13 1, etc.  repress and reduce them by plain and direct ways. But, for the main resolution.  

Answ.  I confess, that (at first) I was secretly a little swayed by the Objection, as one who 
a 2 Co. 11.31. & 12.9. & 13.4.  conscious of my own Weakness, am ever apt 
b 1 Co. 4.4.  to suspect the worst. But when I revolved the matter, and advised, that (at the best) we 
c Pr. 3.5,6. Jer 10 23. Ez. 34.12. See page 31. u,  walk nor act not by our own Wisdom; I took Courage, and (to confirm me) have gleaned some more special Truths and Notions than I had before from the Word of God, which being already thetically offered pag. 21. l. m. and p. 27. d. e. etc. I thither refer my said Friend and the rest of my Readers, where they shall find how little Cause any Christian (especially) hath to complain, or to be accused, of scantness from God's Hand, of Wisdom to manage his Place or employment; for which we are to be as well accountant as craving.  

Object. 2.  The Scripture yields neither Precept nor example for Beating a Man's Wife.  

Answ. 1.  1. For Precept. We see as slender Grounds for women's partaking of the holy Snpper or for Infant-Baptism: Yet, the One is never disputed, and the Other (almost) generally practised. Look we a little aside into a like (perhaps a stronger) Case. Fathers to whom are ascribed 
d Mal. 1.6. Heb. 12.9,10.  undoubted Rule over their Children, are directly forbidden 
e Eph. 6.4.  to provoke them to Wrath, and yet are elsewhere, as plainly 
f Pr. 22.15. & 23.13,14. & 29.17.  enjoined to correct them. Now what Child see we patiented, or not in some degree provoked, by Correction (especially, when he sees his Parent, (as it were) 
g Pr. 19.18.  merciless, not moved with his Crying? There are indeed some Children, whom moderate Correction enrageth more, then boisterous Usage doth others. But must it, now, be quite omitted? Whereto serves the Parent's Power and Discretion? The Result is, as if he should say: parents, correct your Children; but in Measure: though he seemeth, again, not to limit them, in that he saith 
h Pr. 19.18.  Let not thy soul spare for his crying. To apply this: There are as plain Commands (already proved) for Obedience from the Wife, as from either Child or Servant. Only the punishment of her Disobedience, is (not gainsaid, but) silenced and passed over: Perhaps disposed thus by the Divine Wisdom on purpose; that godless, barbarous, inhuman Wretches, might not have an express Rule to plead for their outrageous Beating their Wives: as a sword (though a lawful Weapon) is not to be trusted in the hand of a 
i Pr. 26.18.  mad or lawless Man. So, why may we not conceive the meaning thus? That a knowing, spiritual, Godly Man, and he only, may correct his bad Wife: He needs no minding either of Necessity, seasonableness or Moderation: 
l Mat. 11.19. L. 7.35.  Wisdom is justified of her Children: And for my own part; Let the 
m Ps. 25.6. & 51.1. & 86.15. & 89 1. & 103.4. & 111 4. & 145.8,9. Lam. 3.22.  God of Compassions and tender Mercies accept Me, according to my sympathy and Tenderness to any suitable Object whatsoever.  
There's no mention of either Discipline or Doctrine used by the 
n 1 Co. 7.12,16.  believing Corinthians, in the Conversion of their unbelieving Wives: Must we therefore understand neither? or why not both? Would the Work be (likely) wrought, by mere looking on them, or walking by or before them? Briefly, to what end is 
o See p. 50. l, etc.  Command, if the Commanded, may both neglect and rebel without control? Or, what is control, if it may not 
p Pr. 26.3.  coerce and quell the stoutest and strongest Contumacy? Or, rather (it cannot be urged too oft) what more infallible Token can there be of our pious Affection to any stubborn Offender (in that sense only) whom God subjecteth to our Government, then moderate and seasonable Correction? So far is it from Cruelty or unkindness. In a word; as there must be granted no express Precept or Rule; so there cannot be denied, a strong Consequence from the Word of God, for the Chastisement in Question. Let but 
q Leu. 19.17. Mat. 11.9. Eph. 5.29.  these Texts and the like be prudently compared and impartially weighed, and they will clear the equity of this Answer.  

Answ. 2.  2. For Practice or Example: Neither do we there read, or believe, That any Believers Wife was ever so rampant or outrageous, in affronting or abusing her Husband's Authority, as to need Beating. If Wives will invent strange new Fashions and frisking strains of Disobedience, which their 
r 1 P. 3.5.  holy Ancestors (and, for aught we find by the Word, even the worst of Women) abhorred, why should not their Husband's suit them with new Forms of Discipline? To what end, else, are they to dwell with them as Men of Knowledge? Doth this Knowledge (think we) import nothing but Pusillanimity or Patience? Is he God's Vicegerent for nothing? Belongs there none Effects to the Bow but Bending? Can he not be a Saint, unless a Sot too? But wherefore (intruth) a Man of knowledge? Surely, to treat and act, according to the 
s Judas 22.  temper and strength of his Vessel: which if brittle and weak, to touch it tenderly; but if tough, rugged and boisterous to handle it more boldly. It is the Expression of an undoubted judicious and pious 
t Dr. S.  Divine: With some, a spirit of Meekness prevaileth most, but with some a rod; some must be pulled out of the Fire with violence, and they'll bless God for us in the day of their Visitation.— An hard Knot must have an answerable Wedg, else in a cruel Pity we betray their souls.— The Wounds of secure sinners will not be healed with sweet Words. The holy Ghost came as well in fiery Tongues as in the likeness of a dove, etc.  

Object. 3.  The Opinions of most orthodox Divines, who treat or speak on this subject or of Conjugal Duties, are against Beating of Wives: and although some seemed to allow it, yet they have since retracted, and are reduced into the stream of Dissenters; who leave none other Remedies or Comforts to the aggrieved Husband in his greatest Conflicts, but Humiliation for his ill Choice, together with Prayer, Patience and Yielding. Some (I suppose, pleasantly) noting that he rather deserves Beating for choosing no better. And (for illustration or instruction) an Instance is added in a choleric Couple, who meeting in Marriage, and the good Man asked how they could ever accord, etc. He answered, That when the Fit was on his Wife, he yielded to her, as Abraham did to Sarah; and so she on the contrary.  

Answ. 1.  I confess, that after I had made a large entrance into this Theme, and heard of some worthy Men to be otherwise minded (especially when I was told of the said Retractation by a reverend Divine) I was a little disheartened from proceeding to a period: And, although I never harboured so much as a thought of thwarting any good Man's Opinion (much less many) as labouring only to enlighten my own Judgement and conscience; yet, I have been carried on 
u Neh. 2.18. Pr. 16.9. Ezr. 7.28.  under Gods powerful directing hand, with these and the like Considerations. As 1. That they being but Men, as others, will not (I suppose) affirm their Judgements 
x Witness the said Retractation of an esteemed orthodox Divine; if yet it may be counted a Retractation; For I hear not so much as a syllable in it sounding towards a Retreat. These Words, indeed, and the like I find therein, viz. Let nothing be counted a Sin which Scripture doth not condemn as a Sin; and what the Word (the Rule of Truth and Falsehood) doth not show us to be unlawful, That let us hold to be lawful. Safely may one conclude in all manner of Actions: I will take that as warrantable against which I find nothing written. Care-cl. p. 12. And— Generals not limited by God, do give our Consciences Warrant to their utmost Generality, so far as they may not dash against some other Commandment: Ibid. p. 20,  infallible, in Matters wherein the Word is not express; but rather, what they speak, in such case, to be (at most) 
y 1 Co. 7.6.  by permission, and not of Commandment: and that all Men fetching their Arguments from the same Fountain, One may hit or miss the Mark as soon as another. And truly, it may stand as a just Apology for many judicious worthy Divines, That their urgent Avocations otherwise, have not allowed them a thorough Search or Pensitation of this Point; especially, the case not pinching so near upon them.  
2. I could not but contract some Animation even from the said Retractation itself; which must needs be more slenderly grounded then the Author's foregoing Assertion. 3. I have seen (I suppose) the most eminent or accepted Writers on this Subject 
z Heb. 11.4.  who being dead, do yet speak; whose Memory I have good cause to honour. But (with humble submission to graver Judgements) these have not (perhaps, for the preceding Reason) come fully home to the Point, nor reached me satisfaction. They allow the Wife, indeed, (which no good Man denies to his good One) to be sublevant to his Burden of guiding the Household; which (rightly understood) doth more betoken his Trust then her Authority, his Ease then her Honour: and she is to take the Staff as he delivers it, not twitch it out of his hand and usurp his Authority, (for she may chance have more need of ordering then all the rest.) This seems to be the Meaning of these good Men, in that they require a precedent, strict Obedience in the Wife: but (herein I humbly conceive they come short) they leave the Husband lame and remediless in point of Coercion, the life of Power and Command. 4. I presume, they hold not Marriage itself unlawful to All, or Any sorts of Men, because 
a 1 Co. 7.7, etc.  Paul that chaste and chosen Vessel, and some few of his temper have contained; or yet, because Paul himself (who had good cause, to 
b 1 Co. 7.40.  think he had the spirit of God, yea to be sure, he knew 
c 1 Co. 2 16.  the Mind of Christ) 
d 1 Co. 7.1,7 8.  wished that all Men (universally, indefinitely) were even as he, (to wit, unmarried or unminded that way) seeming, also, directly 
e 1 Co. 7.37,38. 1 T. 5.11  to dissuade from Marriage; or, yet, because even all the Disciples (the 
f See p. 25. n, ult. etc.  secretaries, and especial 
g L. 22.28,29. Jo. 16.27.  Favourites of God, the Lights of the World, etc.) said 
h Mat. 19.10.  It is not good to Marry. For, then how should 
i Gen. 1.28. & 9.7 & 35.11.  Mankind be propagated, and the 
l Isa. 66.5 Jo. 17.12,20,21. & 10.16. 1 Th. 4.15,17.  elect Number (especially) made up and perfected, according to God's Purpose and appointment? Therefore Paul (for his part) concludes 
m 1 Co. 7.9.  'tis better to Marry then to burn, and 
n Ver. 36. 1 T. 5.14.  bids, let them marry; insinuating a Necessity, which is, also, to be understood in our present Case (as at large anon). And for the Disciples: see in the place forecited, Christ his most wise and mild Arguing and Answer, to take off their erroneous Conceit. Besides, 
o Gen. 15.2,4,5. & 21.2,3. & 25.21. & 49.25. Ex. 23.26. Deu. 7 13,14 Jud. 13.3,24. 1 S. 1,5,11,20. & 2.5 2 K. 4.14,16. Ps. 113 9 & 127.3. L. 1.7,13,36,57. 1 T. 2.15. & 5.14.  Childbearing is pronounced a Blessing; but 
p Gen. 20.17,18. Leu. 20.20,21. 2 S. 6.20,23. Pr. 30.16. Jer. 22.30.  Barrenness, 
q Hos. 9.14.  miscarrying Womb, dry Breasts, and 
r Ps. 78.63.  Maidens not given to Marriage are accounted sore Judgements. Yet, howsoever, there seemeth more restraint from Marriage, than here from Beating. For, why might we not thence argue thus? It were well, and better, the Wife could not deserve Blows; but, if they be due, or needful, or best for her, why should they be denied her? This Branch of Answer were more genuine to the 2. Obj. but, I hope not altogether improper here. 5. That, commonly, these Men of God, have Offertures made unto them, of none but Godly-disposed, or (at least) well bred, and civilised Women to Wives: Or, if they find them not so, yet the very 
s Leu. 21.6,8. Ez. 42.14. L. 1.70. Jo. 20.22,23. Acts 3.21. 1 Co. 4.1. Tit. 1.8. 2 P. 1.21  sacred Function and sublime Parts of such Men, inviteth and enforceth an awfull-reverent Respect unto them: this again, must needs beget in Men so ingeniously ingenuous (and I think in most others, all are not 
t 1 S. 25.17.  Nabals) a tender and melting Indulgence to their Wives, and consequently in both a reciprocal and mutual Complacence and endeerment. 6. They being well retired from the Noise and Tumult of the World, may charitably conceive, most Women like their own; at least, none so ill as they are represented (for we'll imagine few so impudent as to bristle and brawl in the presence or hearing of their Minister) 7. Although, there may be haply found a little spice of Haughtiness or Arrogance, even in these men's Wives; yet their better Breeding directs them to carry above that baseness (whereof by and by) that may incite unto Blows. 8. Lastly, I dispute not, whether they, of all Men, be expressly forbidden (or others implicitly allowed) to 
u 1 T. 3.3.  strike in this Case. And therefore, no marvel, if (in these or the like regards) Beating be uncoth and odious to them: for certainly no Godly Man else, can use so grievous an outward Remedy, without much inward Reluctance and secret sorrow, according to the Bowels of his 
x Isa. 60.10. Jer. 31.20. & ●2. 10. Hos. 11.8. L. 6.36 & 15.20.  compassionate Heavenly Husband; Who is content to cover all former Faults, 
y 2 Ch. 30.9. Job 33.22,23,24. Ps. 85.8. Jer. 3.1,7.  upon condition (which is ever intended) of Return and Reformation. And, surely, in a Gracious Man (so granted) we may not imagine the least Cruelty at all. He is merciful to 
z Pr. 12.10  his. very beast; how much more to his Brother, Wife and own Flesh, to whom he acts or intends nothing, but temporal and eternal Good: Yea, his seeming Cruelties are Kindness and Compassion: He is but 
a Am. 4.11. Zec. 3.2.  plucking a Brand out of the Fire; but disciplining, not destroying, the Body, that 
b 1 Co. 5.5.  the spirit may be saved. For he hath, and is guided by, the 
c Mat. 5.48. L. 6.2.  Wisdom, Justice and Mercy of his heavenly Father.  

Answ. 2.  Touching the Choice of a Wife. I see not how any can properly deduce this choosing (which some do) from the Word 
d 1 P. 3.7.  Dwell: Choice and Cohabitation or use (we know) being different Things; though it must needs be granted that a Man's Knowledge, were well and needfully exercised that way. But, allowing them their full scope, we address to the Answer. Wherein, since we have no Precept for Choice (more than for Chastisement) we must apply ourselves to Patterns, whereof the Word yields us Plenty. 1. We read not of any great fore-acquaintance, that any of the Patriarches or Men of God (except Jacob) had with their Wives when they married them: For it is said, 
e Gen. 11.29.  Abraham and Nahor took them Wives; implying no long deliberation or time of Trial. And it may be doubted, that (there being none, or few, but Idolaters about them) their Choice was hard or scant. Of the Wife of Lot, there is little more to be said, then 
f E. 17.32.  Remember Lot's Wife: Only, we may suspect her, either not so well principled to God-ward, or not so respective and regardful of her leading Husband, as she ought. Isaac's Wife Rebekah, by whom the promised and ever blessed seed was to be propagated, came merely on a sudden, and (as it were) 
g Gen. 24.65.  a stranger to him; without Preparation either in his judgement or Affection for this or that Woman. And (which seemeth somewhat odd) his Father Abraham confines him for a Wife, to 
h Gen. 24.4.  his own Country and Kindred, who were 
i Jos. 24.2.  probably and mostly Idolaters (perchance, then, as ill as the Canaanites). The best thing we hear in the Business, is the Servants 
l Gen. 24.12.  express Prayer and Isaac's 
m Verse 63.  own Meditation (which is but conjectural) to prosper the Ambassage. It's plain that Jacob, even 
n Gen. 32.28. Ps. 83.4.  Israel, from whom we derive 
o Ex. 4.22. Isa. 41.8. & 44.5. & 45.4. Jo. 1.47.  our best Denomination next to 
p Acts. 11.26.  Christians, his 
q Gen. 31.41.  twice seven years' service, was but for 
r Verse 30.  an Idolater's daughters; whose Religion ('tis like) he understood; and (by his Interest and 
s Gen. 29.20.  Intimacy with them) might, or should, have altered in all that time. Yet, we see, that even after Rachel was his Wife, she was 
t Gen. 31.32,34,35.  neither waned from her Idols, nor well instructed in the point of Theft and Lying. Nor do we perceive that Jacob proposed aught to himself, in thus marrying, but a temporal Recompense of his corporal service, which seemeth 
u Hos. 12.12.  affirmed by the spirit of God himself. Did not Joseph, one that especially and 
x Gen. 39.9. & 42.18.  professedly feared God, accept such a Wife, for 
y Gen. 41.45.  Honour's sake as Pharaoh gave him, an Idolatrous Egyptian. Incidit in Scyllam cupiens vitare Charybdim. While from the Gulf he quits, upon the Rock he splits.  
He that abhorred the 
z Gen. 39.9.  corporal, hazards (at least) the spiritual Adultery.  
Did not Moses 
a Deu. 33.1. Jos. 14.6.  the Man of God, marry a Midianite, an 
b Ex. 2.21. & 4.26  utter Enemy to the Circumcision. Did not Samson, a type of our triumphant Redeemer, choose an uncircumcised Philistine, solely and apparently 
c Jud. 14.2,3.  to please his Fancy? for he durst hardly 
d Verse 16.  trust her with his secrets; herein posthabiting her to his Parents, although she was the 
e Pr. 5.18. Mal. 2.14,15.  Wife of his Youth and Choice, and Part of himself, yea, this was said to be 
f Jud. 14.3,4.  of the Lord. (be this seriously noted by the Way and see a place somewhat parallel, Hos. 3.1,2.) What may we think of Jobs Wife, or david's Michal? Surely, but 
g Job 2.9,10.28.6.20,23.  bade conditioned Women both. Michal, we see, was merely intended to David as 
h 1 S. 18.21,25.  a Snare, and taken by him in an 
i Verse 26.  ambitious Way, or (at best) but as a 
l Verse 17.  reward of his Valour, good service and success. His Wife Bathsheba: we know (for our Caution and Profit) 
m 2 S. 11.2,3,27.  what choice he made of her. Yet this 
n 1 S. 13.14.  the Man after Gods own heart. Solomon 
o 1 K. 4.29,30,31. & 10.23,24. Eccl. 1.16.  the wisest Man on Earth, one peculiarly 
p Neh. 13.26. 2 S. 7.14,15  beloved of his God: Where do we read that he had to do with 
q 1 K. 11.1,2,3,4 Neh. 13.26.  any Virtuous Woman or Wife? Lastly, it doth not appear, but that some of the 
r 1 Co. 7.12.  believing Corinthians and other Saints, did or might marry Wives, even while unbelievers, and for carnal Ends: Yet hear we not Paul checking any of them for their ill Choice, but encouraging them, only, in the way of Conversion, whereof, (it may be) God had ordained those believing Husbands to be Instruments, and perhaps, even by plucking out of the Fire. I presume there is not expected now a days any larger Measure of Faith or Fear of God, then was in the Men before mentioned; and yet where do we find any One of them especially afflicted or humbled in this Respect, or that God expressly found fault with them for it? much less read we that he allowed these Women, their Wives, any Rivality or Vicissitude of Command with them, and least of all, 
s 1 T. 2.12.  any Authority over them in regard of their ill Choice. 2. It is said, That 
t Jer. 10.23.  it is not in Man that walketh, to direct his steps: That 
u Jer. 17.9. Mat. 26.22. M. 14.19.  The heart of Man is deceitful above all things— who can know it? If, then, a Man be ignorant in his own steps, of his own heart; how shall he know hers, who is, yet, as a stranger, at a distance, and distinct from him, though very familiar with him? 3. We read of Faith, that's able even to 
x Mat. 10.1. & 24.24. M. 6.7. & 13.22. Jo. 14.12.  work Miracles, to 
y Mat 17.20. & 21.21. M. 11.23. 1 Co: 13.2.  remove Mountains, etc. Yet apt to 
z L. 8.6,13. & 22.32. Jo. 6.70. Acts 1.25. 1 Co. 10.12 1 Th. 3.5,8. 2 T. 4.10. Heb. 3.12,13,14. & 12.15. 2 P. 3.17. 1 Jo. 2.19. Mat. 7.22,23.  fade and fall away. Now, although the Woman we woo, and (upon good experience, we hope) espouse and wed, may all this while carry fair, and gain the Account of a Believer, yet, it is possible, she may fall off, and grow wanton, wayward and insulse. Or, more plainly thus: In case a Woman out of carnal or other by-Ends, yet, under specious Appearances of Religious Respect and Obedience, shall marry a Man; thinking afterward to enslave him to her Means or Humours (Experto crede Roberto) Is it, in these cases, more sinful for the Husband to set her in the right Way, then for her to persist in the wrong?  

Answ. 3.  It is most gladly granted that Prayer, Patience and Humiliation (we need not part them here) are prime and prevailing Means with God; and full as much might be said of their Effects, as of 
a See p. 22. h. etc.  Wisdom, to which they are very near of kin if not incorporate. But 1. Although the 
b ja. 5.15,16.  Prayer of Faith, or of a righteous Man availeth much, yet God doth not ever infallibly answer it in the Thing petitioned (for Miracles are ceased): Not always according to their 
c 2 Co. 12.8.9.  present, (perchance 
d Ja. 4.3.  peccant) wishes or Ease, but his own gracious 
e Isa. 55.8. & 64.5  ways and Ends. (This I am induced to believe, from my own Taste and Trial; I say not, in the fullness of others, but in a Measure of sweetness and Relish fitted and suited to myself). How oft hath he seemed to turn a 
f Ps. 13.1, etc. & 22,1,2. & 44.24. & 88.14. Jer. 7.16. & 14.12. Ez. 8.18.  deaf Ear to David and other his dearest Children! whose desires have thereby been sore disappointed, and their Souls deeply dejected. The most faithful Man alive is not sure (nor like) to obtain his very Petition, without a conscionable use of concurrent Means. As in a Body politic, where the people are not Slaves but Subjects; Have their Governors no more to do (though especially that) then pray that God will incline the people to observe their Edicts, and so expect their actual Obedience at Pleasure? 2. If the Tongue of a Clamorous Woman be allowed to walk at large, a Man may be 
g ●…no absurdo dato, etc.  brought to such an Exigent; that he shall not have a 
h Pr. 19.13. & 21.9,19. & 27.15.  quiet Corner in his own House or 
i Ps. 120.5. Pr. 18.14.  Heart to retire himself unto, for Prayer or any Exercise of Piety; but be forced out into the 
l Jer. 9.2,3.  Fields, Woods, or Caves (a seemly sight for a Man to overrun his own House and Wife, is this the Wife's reverencing her Husband? Eph. 5.33.) 
m Ps. 69.10.  lest his humiliation (as david's) be both interrupted and reproached: there being some Women (a sad Thing to consider) who, though 
n Ps. 50.16,17.  conversant in Scripture, do, yet, abhor their Husbands under the 
o 2 S. 6.20. Job 2.9. Acts 28.22.  Notion of Piety, or (as they say) Preciseness; and would be apt to insult the more fiercely, upon any damp or visible dejection of spirit in them. 3. A Man of tender heart and weak Constitution, by frequent Fasting or humiliation (for which he shall seldom want Cause) may 
p Ps. 6.7. & 31.9,10. & 119.83. Jer. 45.3.  consume his own Body: Many an harmless truehearted Husband (I say) may, by these means, be baffled, not only out of his Power and Repute, but his Liberty and Life, before any sensible Reformation be wrought in his froward Wife. And shall we dare to think God so 
q Ps. 103.9,14. Mal. 3.6. Isa. 1.18  merciless, or 
r 1 Jo. 1.9.  unjust, as for one inconsiderate or sinful Act, repent of, to destroy his 
s Ps. 8.4, etc. & 139.14. Heb. 2.6.  so noble Creature, or perpetuate his Punishment, for whose Ease and redemption 
t Isa. 53.5. & 63.3 Ps. 103.4. Hos. 13.14. Ro. 5.8. 1 P. 3.18. Heb. 2.9.  he died? Or, if not repent of; to annul or inver this own 
u Gen. 3.16. 1 Co. 11.3. Eph. 5.23.  Sacred Institution, yea, to embase or raze out, his own Image and Impress; by stripping the Man of his innated soveraign●…, and transferring it to his Subject? by depraving and degrading him from better than a Woman, to worse than a Beast? God forbidden. Yea, he hath fixed on him so firm a Character of Dominion over 
x 1 Co. 11.7.  Her and all 
y Ps. 8.5,6, etc.  other Creatures whatsoever (whom he is to Govern by Power or Prudence) as must not be violated, defaced, or vilipended while the World endures. In some Cases, there is, indeed, both Conquest and Comfort in yielding; in others, it is clean contrary: and doubtless he was no Christian that did iniquam Pacem justo Bello anteferre. If God 
z Ex. 17.16.  will, his People must, have incessant War with Amalek. We may not be at 
a Isa. 28.15  Agreement. (or so much as Truce) with hell. In a Word; hath God provided wholesome and seasonable Salves for all Sores, in Church or State, but this? and is this only Malady remediless, except with a Medicine more grievous than the Disease.  

Answ. 4.  For Abraham's yielding to Sarah. I have heard the like story merrily, not seriously, told; but expected not to have found it in Print from the Pen of any professed Divine as a Pattern of yielding; nor yet do I (with submission to found judgements) conceive it altogether, though in some degree imitable. We read, indeed, of 3. yieldings (such as they were) of Abraham to Sarah. 1. His 
b Gen. 16.1,2.  Acceptance of Hagar to Wife, at Sarahs' Request. 2. His 
c Verse 6.  Leaving her to Sarahs' Censure, when the Maid conceiving, had slighted the Mistress for Barrenness. 3. His but 
d Gen. 21.11.  supposed) granting of Ishmael to be Co-heir with Isaac. Now, for his yielding to Sarahs' first Fit (as they call it) I suppose none will make it a Precedent, and, therefore, little needeth be said to it. The 2. was but an Act of Justice or Equity in Abraham, to vindicate the wronged or vilified 
e Mal. 2.14,15.  Wife of his Youth. The 3. and last is least imitable. For 1. This was not so much Sarahs' Fit, as (with reverence be it spoken) Gods Fit, in his own fit season; for he seemed to set her on, and immediately 
f Gen. 21.12.  seconds her: Nor so much Abraham's yielding as God's; Who, there, plainly approves and directs it to him, as consisting with, and tending to accomplish his own eternal Counsel in the 
g Gen. 22.18. Mat. 1.1. Ro. 9.8. Gal. 3.16,18,19,23.  promised seed. 2. It's only said, 
h Gen. 21.11.  The th●…g was very grievous to Abraham: it perplexed him to hear Her, who was so dear unto him, and ought not have been denied any reasonable Request, to propose a Matter oppugning the 
i See pag. 46. u, x.  ancient-customary Right and Prerogative of the Firstborn. But, how far, or whether at all, he yielded to her, till God interposed, it appears not. 3. His yielding refers, and is confined, to that very singular Request of Sarah's. 4. 
l Gen. 21.12.13.  God seemeth graciously to apologise with Abraham about it. As if he had said (which 
m Mat. 3.15.  his eternal Son did in another case) suffer it to be so now, Abraham, and rest thee contented; it is my purpose and pleasure to have it thus. Let it not seem harsh or oppressive, for I will abundantly sweeten and recompense it to thee. 
n Gen. 18.23, etc. & 19.22. Ex. 32.10.  Give me leave to dispose and prefer that seed which I have 
o Gen. 17.17. & 18.11,12, etc. Ro. 4.19. Heb. 11 11,12  miraculously, past thine Expectation, sent thee, in a 
p Gen. 17.21. Ps. 105.6. Isa. 41.8. & 65.23. Acts 3.25. Ro. 4.13,16. & 9.8. Gal. 3.16. Rev. 12.4,13,17.  spiritual and 
q Gen. 17.19. L. 1 55.  eternal way; and thy Firstborn shall not be a jot abridged of his 
r Gen. 12.7. & 13.15. & 17.20. Ex. 33.1. Deu. 34.4. 2 Ch. 20.7. Jo. 8.33,37. Acts 7.5,6  temporal Prerogative and Profit, for, 
s Gen. 21.13,18.  I will make him a great Nation. 5. This was various from Gods common Course of Providence, to express his 
t Ps. 62.11. & 115.3 & 135.6. Ro. 9.17,18,21. & 13.1  supreme and 
u Job 9.12. & 33.13. Dan. 4.35. Ro. 9.20.  unquestionable Power: Which he shown, also, in disposing and ordering, the 
x Gen. 27.33.  Blessing to Jacob; the 
y Gen. 48.17, etc.  right Hand to Ephraim; the 
z 1 K. 2.15,22.  Kingdom to Solomon, and the like: preferring the 
a Gen. 25.23.  younger, and posthabiting the elder, according to the 
b Eph. 1.5,9.  good pleasure of his Will. Of all which, there's no more to be said, but that it was 
c 1 K. 2.15.  theirs from the Lord, and 
d 2 Ch. 10.15. & 25.20.  the Cause was of God. Further, we may conceive, a (sinful) Condescending of Moses to Zipporah, in delay of the Circumcision; but it had like to cost his life. I call it sinful and understand it of this very same; for what other present cause could we imagine the Lord 
e Ex. 4. 24,2●.  of so mortal a Quarrel against (the 
f Leu. 26.46. Num 4.49. 2 Ch. 33.8. Neh. 9.14. Ps. 77.20. Jer. 22.24. Am. 3.2. Hab. 1.13  Man of his right Hand) Moses? Yea, it is almost evident to be only This; for when the Act of Circumcision was performed, it is said. 
g Ex. 4.26.  So he let him go. We need not tell of Adam's too easy 
h Gen. 3.17.  harkening to his Wife, nor how 
i Ps. 49.7,8. Ro. 5 6,12,14,17,19. 1 Co. 15.3. 2 Co. 5 14,15. Acts 20.28 1 P. 1.18,19. & 3.18.  sound it hath been paid for. But we may collect from both the last, that a foolish and wicked Indulgence or yielding, is oft, and fearfully destructive. To sum up this, I say again, that these and the like extraordinary Acts and Occurrents, are to be eyed by Faith, not reason; to be admired not argued, nor drawn into Example; but we are chief to attend the primitive, stable and constant Institution, 
l Gen. 3.16.  He shall rule over thee; and the 
m 1 P. 3.5,6.  general Practice of all Godly Women; especially Sarah's, Who obeyed Abraham and called him Lord. It's no safe walking in secret or unwonted Paths.  

Object. 4.  We should veil our Bonnets at this Objection; whose loftyness demanded the Leading, though it is persuaded hither. It cannot, indeed, handsomely speak out Objection, but it shrewdly mutters and lispeth it. However, we shall take it for their true Meaning, though a feigned and feeble Objection, And thus (in effect) it soundeth. That there is a kind of Parity or Equality, rather than any great Inseriority, in the Woman to the Man; which must needs be a clear Exemption from all corrective Power. Their Grounds (all that have as yet occurred, and all from the Pulpit) are these. 1. That Woman was taken, neither out of the head nor foot of Man, but made of a 
n Gen. 2.21,22.  Rib; to signify that she should be used with equal and indulgent Respect, and lovingly laid by his side: And, (in proportion or similitude hereunto) God, in his Wisdom, found it the fittest way, of redeeming and Recovering lapsed Adam, to take (as it were) a Rib out of his own side (viz. the middle person in Trinity) to satisfy and suffer for the sin of Man. 2ly. From Col. 3.20. In a brief Exposition whereof, an equal Honour (at least) was adjudged due by Children to their Parents (the inference is easily made): and this confirmed or illustrated by that only Instance, Leu. 19.3.  

Answ. 1.  God's Power, Wisdom, Proceed and Reasons in the Creation are in no wise to be 
o Ro. 9.20.  disputed; He is the 
p Isa. 64.8. Jer. 18.6.  Potter, we the Clay, and we are 
q Ps. 139.14.  fearfully and wonderfully made. But, (if it be safe for some to express their Fancies aswell as others) i Why might not God choose a Rib of Man (which among so many of the same sort, might best be spared, especially from a part less conspicuous) rather than mutilate his extreme or exterior Members, which were more rare, obvious, active and useful? 2. We are sure, He could as easily, and with One-ness enough, have framed her at first, in her full and just Dimensions, of the same Mould and Lump of Earth with Man; and, with a Word of his Mouth, have cemented them together, in as indissoluble an Union as now they are: For, if he say, It is, or shall be thus, 
r Num. 23.19. Ps. 89.34. Isa. 14.24. & 40.8. & 46.9,10. & 55.11. Jer. 44.28. Ez. 12.28.  it cannot be otherwise, whatever 
s 1 S. 16.7. Job 10 4. Isa. 55.8. Mic. 4.12.  Men discern or deem. And therefore, we may conceive it his pleasure, thus to express his 
t Ps. 115.3. & 135 6.  unlimited Power and Wisdom, in his various Acts of Creation; to wit, That he could as well make Woman of a Bone, or a 
u Mat. 3.9.  Stone, or of any other, or 
x Gen. 1.1.  no Material, as of Earth. 3. Though the Gent. named Head and Foot; yet (by his expression of equal 
y Par in Parem (said himself) non habet Potestatem  Respect.) he seemed to make no difference of dignity betwixt them: but, as if the Woman, being taken out of the middle of Man, aequidistant from his Head and Foot, were equally and proportionally to participate of both. Not unlike a prick or Point, first made at the Middle of a line, and then drawn out into a Parallel with it, of even length and strength. He must mend his arguing, or else he leaves but little Head-ship at all for the Husband; at least 
z L. 19.22. Mat. 12 27.  for himself. 4. In that 
a Gen. 2.21.  He took One, (and but One) of his Ribs, it must needs imply a majus & minus, a vast disproportion in Quantity. For one Rib is but a small Particle of Man's Body, and therefore must yield to the Major Part: so the Rib gains no great honour in this Comparison. But 5. and chief, The Scripture allows no such Terms of Relation (in this Case) as Body and Rib; but confines you to Head and Body: take what part of the Body you please, it is, (or aught to be) in subjection to the Head, without whose Government and Direction, it is but a 
b See p. 14. f. ult.  dead, distracted or useless Trunk, 6. Since he assimilates this Rib to the second Person in Trinity; let him consider, with what Respect (or rather Rigour; both by 
c Isa. 53.3, etc. Acts 2.23. & 4.28 Ro. 8.32. Re. 13.8  Inflictions and 
d Mat. 27.46. M. 15.34.  Desertions, corporal and spiritual), God the Father used his Rib; and then inquire whether his female Rib (when he hath it; for I supposed him a Bachelor both Ways) would esteem it her honour, or ease, to be so evenly placed in the Middle upon like Conditions. This, for the straightness and strength of the Rib; touching its Crookedness, a Word more anon.  
That of Leu. 19.3. seems to be a slender Proof, and (as to this purpose) somewhat strained and partial. For that 3. verse and the 4. being (as 'twere) Epitomes of the two Tables; the second there precedes the first: From whence he might as well argue, that the Duties to Man are to be discharged before Divine Worship. The same Order you may see ver. 11.12. the whole Chapter, etc. containing brief and cursory Memorandums to Moses of Laws partly moral and partly ceremonial. Whereas, that of Ex. 20.12. (written at first with the 
e See page 10. k.  Finger of God, and oft 
f Deu. 5.16. Eph. 6.2.  repeated, especially by the 
g Mat. 15.4. & 19 19 M. 7.10. & 10 19 L. 18.20.  Lord Jesus the Son of God himself, who 
h Jo. 1.18.  best knew and knows his Father's meaning) is 
i Deu. 5.29. & 6.6, etc. Ps. 119.160 Mat. 5.18. L. 16.17.  fundamental, moral, forcible and perpetual, and generally followed in the Order of mentioning Father and Mother throughout the Scripture. He might have backed it also, with Leu. 21.3. which (if we hit it aright) helps to illustrate the other, and clears our Answer. This latter is concluded in a mere ceremonial and 
l Col. 2.21.22. Heb. 9 8 9,10.  fading Precept; wherein the Mother was forenamed for another special Purpose, viz. to show the degrees of propinquity of kindred in Case of defilement by dead Bodies. And we have yet a saying, That The Mother is the surer side, because she is the Vessel of Conception and Procreation. In which respect the holy Penman, gins there with the Mother, and so goes on to the remoter degrees of Kindred. Now, if we take this for her Pre-eminence, why may we not as well prefer the ground or soil to the seed or sour? 
See Gen. 3.15.  (which the same Expositor, on 
m Super. L. 8.11.  another Occasion, declined.) But if some put the daughter Repentance, 
Why not, also, the Son before the Father? as Isa. 45.4.  before the Mother Faith (which we may suppose but heedlessly or hastily done) these may as well, or better, beseem to prefer or equalise the Wife to the Husband. It's no sure daubing 
n Ez. 13.14. 2 Co. 4.2.  with untempered Mortar. For fuller Answer to this Objection see p. 47. etc.  

Object. 5.  However, yet, There are some Women 
o 1 S. 25.25.  more wise and able to manage either temporal or spiritual Matters than some Men; which may seem (where such are married together) not only to debarr the Husbands Beating, but to discharge the Wife of Obedience or any Dutiful Observance.  

Answ.  It is granted that there seemeth in some Women, a more masculine spirit then in some Men. And (if such Matching be admissible, while both are free) it is (in my weak opinion) more tolerable for a Wise Man to take a silly Woman to Wife, than a wise Woman to admit a weak-witted Man to her Husband: From whence (may be) the taunting Proverb grew; For a Lock of Land (or other carnal End) to take a Fool by the Hand. Therefore, that wise Woman whatever, having made her Choice is worthily concluded (for aught we see to the contrary) under absolute Obedience in 
p Eph. 5.24.  all Things lawful, honest or indifferent (if not ridiculous) though it suit not with her 
q Pr. 30.12,13. & 26.12. Eccl. 7.16. Pr. 3.7.  presumed sounder discretion; and, consequently, for disobedience, liable to like Censure as other Women. A Virtuous Woman, indeed, is above her Husband; but how? as a 
r Ps. 12.4. See pa. 47.  Crown, not a Commander; as an Ornament, not an Officer. Yea, in this sense she may serve as a Covering also; That is, so far as her prudence extends, she may and must cover his Infirmities and Imperfections, not his Power; (she is every way to 
s Gen. 2.18.20. Pr 31.12.  help, no way to hinder him.) Else, what doth she (beside the sin of disobedience and 
t 1 S. 15.23.  Rebellion, which is as Witchcraft and Idolatry) but proclaim to the World her own Woe, and (silly Wretch! though never so seeming Wise,) wound 
u Gen. 2.24. Ps. 64.8. Mat. 19.5,6 1 Co. 6.16. Eph. 5.31.  herself through his sides? No doubt, but David had been appeased with the Present, or very Presence of 
x 1 S. 25.18, etc.  Abigail, without her publishing and pleading her Husband's Folly; which, yet, consisted (as appears by his 
y Verse 10,11.  pertinent though perverse Reasoning) not in weakness of brain, but a wicked, churlish and base Nigardise. And since some will needs be so 
z Eccl. 7.16. Pr. 3.7.  overwise and worthy, 
a 1 Co. 4.6.  above that which is Written; let it not seem altogether unreasonable, to reason a little with them in their own Dialect, thus: Were they so wise before they wedded, they could not, surely, be ignorant, That their Husband, must be their 
b 1 Co. 11.3. Eph. 5. ●3.  Head, the 
c Gen. 20.16.  Covering of their Eyes, etc. Why, then, would they make Choice of so crazy a Cranium; that, though he be called the Head, yet they must be both the Brains and Cap. That, instead of his Covering their Eyes, they must cover his Eyes, Head and all, and lead him hoodwinked abroad and about, or rather, coop him up at home. Have 
d Ps. 14.4.  these workers of Iniquity no knowledge at all? Might they not, else, perceive how eminently this Badge appears upon them; to wit, that they, of all other Impudents, do most 
e Ph. 3.19.  glory in, and 
f Judas 13.  foam out, their own shame? If (I say) they be so wise, a Word is enough: They will know or learn, what is either piously to be done, or patiently endured.  

Object. 6.  None but drunken, disordered, profane, and (as they call them) desperate fellows, beat their Wives. Besides, it is an horrible, inhuman Thing to strike a Man's Wife; What! beat his own Flesh? why, 
g Eph. 5.29.  No Man ever yet hated his own Flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church.  
This Objection, proceedeth either from Persons strictly pious, of a conscientious, (but (as will appear) erroneous and cruel) pity and tenderness; or from another laxed sort of Christians (the vulgar-open Profane we heed not) whose weekday converse can suit with carnal or worse Company; and on the Lord's day, who but they with their Godly Pastor? Or rather Athenians may we term them, who affect and profess to know all Things, new or old; in plainer terms, Politicians, Temporizers, or what ye will. To both these shall be shaped suitable Answers; to the one religious, to the other rational, as God enableth. And first to the worthier, the former.  

Answ. 1.  The first clause of the Objection cannot be wholly or altogether true. And yet it must be granted to have too much of Truth in it; the more, the more sin and pity. For such men (we believe) are utterly without Warrant: and of these it may be justly said, 
h ja. 1.20.  The Wrath of Man worketh not the righteousness of God. 2. As the Objectors will have much ado to prove their negative; so, in this case, it is not easy, nor, indeed, convenient, to prove the Affirmative; for this very reason (if no more) that Wise and Godly Men, do, or should, go more privately about this Work, than the other are wont to do, that scandal may be prevented.  
To the second clause, may be answered. 1. Correction properly taken, is so far from betokening hatred, that its plentifully 
i See p. 42. h. ult.  proved consistent with the choicest Affection, yea the surest Argument of it. And, as the Word 
l Eph. 5.29.  hated, here, relates to, or reflects upon our own Flesh, it may be somewhat enlarged and illustrated by that of Christ, 
m Mat. 18.9, etc. See Jo. 12.25.  If thy right Eye or right hand offend thee, pluck it out, cut it off etc. Which most do (and likely may) take in a spiritual sense of abandoning the Bosom and darling sin; for, else, the cutting, mangling and maiming of our sound Bodies, were degrees of 
n Gen. 9.5,6. Ex. 20.13. Deu. 5.17 Mat. 5.21. & 19.18. M. 10.19. L. 18.20. Ro. 13.9.  Murder, which is directly forbidden. Yet, thus far (I suppose) we may take it literally; as, by any hardship or harsh discipline, (which may not endanger life) to subdue our unruly Members. Further, As God 
o Ez. 11.19. & 36.26.  takes, the stony heart out of our Flesh, which implies a spiritual Anatomy or Incision; and as we permit the Cutting away of proud or corrupt Flesh, or a festered Limb, to prevent Infection and spreading; so, why may not the most pious, tender hearted Husband, deal in like sort with his perverse Wife, viz. (not touching or impairing the Quick, the life) to pair away (as it were) her Nails or noxious Excrescences, as he would do the luxuriant Branches, or exuberant Twigs, of his choicest Fruit-Tree) whereby to abate or allay the contagious Humours in her: and where Lenitives fail to assuage the Rankness, to apply Corrosives, though with great Care and discretion. It is said indeed, 
p Col. 3.19.  Husbands be not bitter against them; but then (see the 
q Verse 18.  leading Condition.) they must not be boisterous and rebellious both against God and their Husbands; If so, what sweetness ought they to expect from either? 
See again Eph. 5.29,30.  2. That Christ himself ever did, and doth (as need requires) actually, and oft times, extremely, chastise his Church, his Wife, as well as cherish her, and that in his Marital or Conjugal Relation, hath been amply declared. p. 36. d. etc. to which the Reader is referred.  

Answ. 2.  Now to our forenamed Politicians, etc. We can return no fit Answer, then refer them to rational and civil Rules, (whereof they will disdain to be deemed ignorant) viz. to the Common or Statute Laws of their own Nation: Which, in their prudent Care of preserving and cherishing the life natural, do thus provide, in case of Extremity, That the Wife may demand Surety (for the Peace, not good Behaviour) against the Husband, if he threaten to kill or outrageously to Beather, etc. Wherein is manifestly employed and allowed a moderate Correction. And hence let us reason thus: If the Common Laws, being so tender of the corporal life, do yet admit a moderate correcting of a Man's Wife for Reformation of civil Manners, and a temporal Quiet; how can it but follow à fortiori, that the spiritual and divine Law permits a proportional Chastisement, to conserve and cherish life eternal, to deliver a soul 
r Pr. 23.14.  from Hell: and this by 
s 1 Co. 5.5.  destruction (to wit 
t 1 Co. 9.27.  subjection, for so I humbly conceive St. Paul intended) of the Flesh; thereby reducing it into a joint Frame of Regularity and Obedience with the spirit.  

Object. 7.  This asserting of the Husband's punitive or corrective Power, may prove not only a losing of the Rains, to the reasonless Frenzy and rage of every rude Fellow; but an Inlet of too much Liberty, even to loving Husbands.  

Answ. 1.  What God hath expressly and plainly 
u Deu. 29.29. Ro. 1.16,17. & 16.25 Eph. 3.4,5.  revealed, neither needeth nor aught to be 
x See page 17. u.  curted or 
y Ex. 24.3,4. Deu. 27.8. & 31.11,12 Jos. 8.34,35. 2 K. 23.2. Ps. 119.13. Jer. 1.17. & 26.2,15. Acts 5.20. & 4.19,20. & 10.33. & 18.9. & 20.27. Col. 4.3,4. 1 Th. 2.4,16. Tit. 2.15. 1 Joh. 1.3.  concealed, 
z Num. 22.38. & 24.13. Deu. 18.20. 2 K. 22.13. Isa. 8.20. Jer. 1.7. & 22.1. & 23.16,28. Ez. 2.7. & 3.4. & 33.8. Jon. 3.2. Acts 4.20. 1 Th. 2.5. 1 P. 4.11.  counterfeited or varnished; as if he should 
a Num. 23.19. Isa. 14.24. & 40.8. & 46.10. Ez. 12.25. Jer. 44.28.  give back or blush to avouch his Edicts, or 
b Job 33.12,13.  were accountable for his Actions to the Sons of Men, or needed that any 
c Job 13.7.  should speak wickedly or deceitfully for him. 2. The danger of perverting, may not hinder the publication of any divine Truth. For it 
d Ps. 33.9. Isa. 55.11. Acts 6.7. & 12.24. & 13.44. & 19.20. Ro. 9.6. 2 Th. 3.1. Ps. 147.15. Jer. 1.12.  accomplisheth his Pleasure; it speeds and prospers in all Things whereunto he sends it; whether in the 
e 2 Co. 2.16.  savour of death unto death, or of life unto life, and he loseth no 
f Ex. 14.17,18. Isa. 1.24. 2 Th. 1.8. 2 T. 2.20. See pag. 34. a: b.  Honour by either, but gets by both. We should deem it Madness, (as a Gospell-Friend fitly noteth) to go naked, lest we should be proud; to destroy Vines, lest any be drunk; or to provide Food, lest we be gluttonous. For the Barbarous, brutish, feral Brood of Husbands and Wives; there will befall them a particular Word of Caution anon. But, for the Present, I know no safer, nor sounder Rule to go by, than what th' Apostle gives generally; 
g Gal. 5.13.  Brethren, ye have been called unto Liberty; Only use not Liberty, for an Occasion to the Flesh, but by love serve one another.  
I suppose all Objections of weight or Worth, have received Answer and competent satisfaction; if by chance we meet any more, we shall endeavour the like. Wherein, if ought seem bitter, tart or crude, let it be candyed or concocted thus: I presume all sorts of Objectors, to have godly and virtuous, or (at least) kind and quiet Wives; and so to be less sensible of others sufferings. Let it not be distasteful to tell such; It's easy to be meek unmoved. he's a Tyrant or devil that's rigid and cruel without Provocation. We find the 
h Num. 12.3. the Prototype, Deu. 18.15,18. Mat. 17.3. M. 9.4.  meekest Man on Earth, (except the 
i Mat. 11.29. the Type.  Mirror of Meekness and Patience Himself, the 
l Ps. 16.10. Isa. 49 7. Dan. 4.13. Hos. 11.9. M. 1.24. L. 4.34. Acts 3.14. 1 Jo. 2.20.  holy and 
m Mat. 27.19,24. Act. 7.52. & 22.14  just One, who 
n Isa. 50.6.  gave his back to the smiters, and went 
o Isa. 53.7. Acts 8.32.  as a Lamb to the Slaughter, without so much as opening his Mouth) was 
p Ex 32.19,20,22 Num. 20.10. Ps. 106.33.  highly transported with Anger and perturbation of Mind (insomuch as God hath been 
q Den. 1.37. & 32.51. Ps. 106.30.  expressly displeased with him for it) yea, sometime 
r Leu. 10.16,20.  on easy or slender Occasion. And, indeed, the Spirit of God, seems 
s Deu. 19.6.  to presuppose (I say not permit) some Passion in the purest of Men. But, in imitation of Moses, or other 
t Num. 25.7,8. 1 S. 25.13,22,34. M. 3.17. L. 9.54.  choice Favourites or Officers of God, we are (I confess) to be very cautious and tender; and to be sure it is, as theirs, in the Cause and Quarrel of God.  
I say, 'tis easy to be meek unmoved. Hence it is, That some out of Tenderness, others of a conceited Equality (as above) do neither inflict nor allow Blows; Not having the Occasion themselves, they distaste the Action in others; which (if they heed their 
u Jer. 17.9.  own Hearts well) they shall find true in other things too. But (briefly, as the result of what is already said) This may be modestly maintained, and boldly believed; That, as it is not possible to produce any grounded Expression or Argument, against a good Man's Beating his bad Wife; so there do appear many strong Consequences, and pregnant Arguments from the sacred Word (especially) to approve it. There seeming but this difference of Power 'twixt Christ and the pious Husband; That Christ is the supreme Lord Paramount, the Other, his Delegate or vicegerent; Christ may kill, or correct the Body at his Pleasure, 
x Job 9.12,17. & 23.13. & 33.13. Eccl. 8.4. Jon. 1.4.  without Account (though his goodness usually gives it) but Man may not do the first 
y Ex. 20.13. Deu. 5.17. Mat. 19.18. M. 10.19. L. 18.20. Ro. 13.9.  at all; nor the second in any Case, without 
z Deu. 13.14. & 17.4  manifest and weighty Cause. But that granted; Christ is, sometimes, so nearly concerned and so highly affronted by Offenders, that he hath not only allowed, but enjoined his People of old, 
a Deu. 13.6. to 11 & 19.11,12,13. & 25.12.  to set apart all humane Relation, Affection and Compassion in Punishing: which (I confess) is not imitable by us, but with all Caution and good Conscience. And this leads us on nearer the Quick, viz. the moving Causes (if so they may seem) which may incite or warrant, a Man to the last and worst of Remedies, Correction.   

CHAP. VII. Conjectures at the Causes and Measure of Correction.  
IN declaring hereof, we are to have a twofold Respect: 1. Unto Women who are ingenuous, acute and of perfect or competent Gifts or Qualities of Mind; who, as they may wilfully, so they cannot but knowingly offend. 2. To such as are defective, weak or silly (as they say) and may offend of simplicity: who, doubtless, are to be treated with much more Indulgence, and therefore shall be dismissed with less Ado. Yet with this general Rule observable in them as in all others; to wit, The more Knowledge, Will, Height and Custom, do appear and prevail in sinning, the sorer stroke and dint may justly be expected in suffering. We chief follow the knowing and yet 
b L. 12.47.  wilful Offenders.  
And here, it must be laid for a Ground; That, as the impulsive Cause of Christ's correcting his Church is sin; so the Husband must, in no Case act or attempt it, without a sinful Cause in the Wife; nor yet for any sinful Cause neither. It's not for every trifling Contradiction or sleight Affront to start a Fray. I am not ignorant, that, In the first place, Many familiar Compellations in a loving Way, are and aught to be embraced by the Husband from the Wife. 2. I will suppose the kindest Couples in the World (some very few excepted) to be scarce free from Houshold-talk (as they term it) or, perhaps, some hot Fits of dispute; yet aught to pass for loving and loyal too.  
The Wife must not be forgotten, till she forget herself, to be the Weaker Vessel. In this (especially) let the 
c Ph. 2.5. Ro. 15.1. 1 P. 3.8.  same heroic Mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus, To whom David complained 
d Ps. 130.3.  If thou Lord shouldest mark Iniquities, O Lord, Who shall stand? Even the 
e Isa. 57.16.  spirit should fail before thee, and the souls which thou hast made. And we must not conceive of Christ, as one that expects so regular and exact a Carriage in any of us, Male or Female, as to render us harmless and blameless; much less, One that lies at Catch or advantage to take us tripping; as if we had a strength of our own distinct from his, whereby to stand against, or without him. For why, then, needed he be 
f Heb. 5.1,2.  ordained an high Priest to have Compassion on the ignorant and them that are out of 
g Jer. 6.16. Ps. 119.14.  the way? (For, while we stay or start aside, to play with this or that Toy and Trifle, he tarries on us, and will not away without us: he'll not leave, nor lose one, but the 
h Jo. 17.12.  Son of Perdition, etc. though we are inconstant, he 
i Mal. 3.6.  changeth not; yea, though we 
l 2 T. 2.13.  believe not, he abideth Faithful, he cannot deny himself.) Or, what needed he be 
m Heb. 4.15.  tempted in all points as we are; but that he might be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities, and be able 
n Heb. 2.18.  to secure the tempted? to 
o 2 Co. 12.9. Ps. 55 22. Isa. 41.10.  support us in all our weaknesses, or (rather) 
p Isa. 53.4. Mat. 8.17.  sustain them for us? For, although never any Temptation 
q Heb. 4.15.  could fasten on him, or 
r Jo. 14.30.  find place with him; yet, was he more forcibly, and (no doubt) as frequently assaulted as we.  

Causes in particular.  This Correction, than (if allowable at all) must be for no less, then high, heady, habitual sins and Affronts. And these. 1. Against God; striking at his sovereignty, by denying or disputing his Power and Providence; by blaspheming his Name and Word, with horrid Oaths and Execrations; by reproaching his Religion, Truth and People, with Taunts, Invectives and the like.  
2. Against her Husband; Either, 1. In his superiority, as he is God's deputy and vicegerent over her; For, whom doth she reproach and blaspheme? Not (Hezekiah, not) her Husband, but 
s Isa. 37.23. 1 Th. 4.8.  the holy one of Israel, and 
t Tit. 2.5  his holy Word: by lifting up her hand against him, in the lowest or least Degree: by not only neglecting, but contemning and rejecting his pious, just, or reasonable Commands, and pleading against his Prerogative and Power. It may be wished this Infirmity were less predominant in many of the weaker Vessels. Where subjection is yielded due, (although but lame and imperfect in the Performance) it mollifieth much, and hideth a multitude of Infirmities; 
u 1 T. 2.12.  But when God's Ordinances are struck or levelled at so near the root; the Fence had need be the firmer, the Repulses more impetuous or forcible. He that magnifies the rib so much: If he shall find it not content (according to its natural Inclination) to lie crooked by his side, but  at his Head; will he think it seemly or sufferable? I suspect not. Or 2. In his Personall-domestick Quiet; by customary scolding, railing and Clamours, against him (especially) or others in his Presence, with uncoth and odious Names, or bitter and biting Terms. Or 3. In his Credit and Reputation: by either Raising, seconding or seeming to countenance or allow any scandal or Reproach upon him, abhorring (as some do) to hear of the least Good, or good Parts in him, as if a part of her Reproach and Infamy. Or 4. In his Estate: by wilful, excessive and sinful Wast, unto Riot and Luxury.  
3. Against their Neighbours: by sowing discord among them, or betwixt any and her Husband: by frequent scolding, Reviling, Tale-bearing, and the like.  
And all, or any, of this, after and in contempt of the fair and frequent Expostulation of her Husband, and when neither Persuasion or Reproof can penetrate. If these, I say, or any of these, be wilfully persisted in by the Wife after Reproof; where, now, lieth a Man's Relief for himself, or hope of her Reformation? It will not be much unseasonable, here to insert, how that when I asked an esteemed able Minister of the Gospel, what course was to be taken for Coercion or Reducement of an unreasonable-unruly Woman, He replied (adding that it was also the Resolution of other Judicious Divines in this very Case) That even in point of Scandal where the Wife is notoriously in Fault; yet the harmless Husband is to be convened and questioned by the Church. It should seem then (I said) That you account of the Husband as Judge, Justice and Bishop to the Wife: He replied, yes.  
The Ecclesiastical Power, than (it seems) will not interpose 'twixt Man and Wife herein at all. What the Civil or secular Power can do, I perfectly know not; but, I suppose it will not meddle, except in case of extreme Cruelty and mortal danger. 
It seems the Wife is Exlex out of all Jurisdiction.  So that the Husband (by like) hath no Refuge or Remedy left him, in any lower Respect, but his own Power and Prudence; Nor these neither, if he be strictly restrained (as in the Objection) to Prayer, Patience and Humiliation. But I hear it Objected again.  

Object.  Why, Those Viragoes are but rare, that will offer any such violence or vile Indignities, to God or their Husband, as are laid down: If any do, the Man must demean and defend himself, as well as he may: And for the Trespass of the Tongue, 'tis not worth heeding or talking of, Words are but Wind; a Woman hath none other Weapon; she is the weaker Vessel, and must be born with, and the like.  

Answ. 1.  Yea, many such Mankeen Amazons, no doubt, there are in the World; that mantle it both against God and their Husbands; These, God will surely, deal withal, if Man cannot.  

2.  David and other holy Men of God, where they treat of the 
x Pr. 21.23. & 31.10,26.  Profit and Praise; the 
y Ps. 52.2,4. & 73 2. & 120.2. Pr. 4.24. & 18.21. & 21.9,19. & 27.15 Jer. 18.18.  Poison and Pernitiousness; the 
z Ps. 12.3. & 52.5 & 59.12,13. & 64.8 & 120.3,4. & 140.9,10,11.  Plague and Punishment of the Tongue, do make no distinction of sex. And Women must show us better Warrant for their Exemption and Liberty, than their bare Word; for that's not so easily admissible 
a 1 Co. 14.35. 1 T. 2.11,12.  in the Church, as in Market or other Meetings. But let us once more salute them in their own Logic. Words (they say) are but wind: It's true, But if Satan 
b It's a common (not so true, yet) practised Proverb. That must needs go which the D— drives.  blow the Bellows, it often proves so venomous and violent, as to blast or bear down all before it. Words are their only Weapons: Be it so, and while they are defensive, it were Cruelty and Inhumanity to disarm them: But, oft times, so unruly, keen, and rancorous are they; as that in david's, and others Account, they are Offensive 
c Pr. 14.3.  Rods, 
d Ps. 64.3. Jer 9.8  Arrows, 
e Ps. 55.21. & 57.4. & 64.3. & 59.7. Pr. 12.18.  Swords, 
f Ps. 140.3. Ro. 3.13. Ja. 3.8.  Poison. Jeremy, who was troubled with 
g Jer. 44.15,16,20,25,  Woman's Tongues, as ill as men's, saith, That the 
h Jer. 18.18.  Tongue smiteth. James, calls it 
i Ja. 3.6.  a Fire that firing the Course of Nature, and for a sound Reason; it is inflamed (saith he) of Hell: Satan is, still blowing the Bellows. Thus we see reproachful Words (whoseever they be) are fiery, piercing and poisonous; and we might (in Satan's own sense) add 
l Am. 7.10.  ponderous too. Now, we are exhorted 
m ja. 4.7.  to resist the Devil. And how this? By soothing him up in his Words? By letting him beard us, and (
n 2 S. 20.9,10.  Joab-like) sheathe his Sword in our Bowels? crush and consume us? Surely nay. In short: Which of themselves, will not censure it most unseemly and sordid for a Man to vy words, or scold it out with a Woman, referring the Victory to the last and loudest Syllable? Yet it must needs be tried thus, when weight and worth of Argument fails him; unless he be allowed a Casting Voice, and Powin his hand to wield it.  

3.  Customary Scolding and Clamour (which we account but the lowest Classis or Form of corrigible Offences) is no Argument of weakness, but of a stubborn and sinful strength; and by how much ofter it resisteth Admonition, it is so much the more 
o 1 T. 2.12.  rebellious and abominable. Shall any dare to think, That ever the holy Spirit intended a Woman to be Tongue-free? to rail, rage, swear, blaspheme and defy 
p Isa. 37.23.  Heaven and her Husband? to smite and wound whom, where and when she likes, and fly out into all Exorbitances without control, because (forsooth) she is the weaker Vessel? Surely, there's none awake, or in his right Wits will say, or think it. For, if the Conversation of 
q Ph. 3.20  Paul,. and 
r 1 Jo. 1.3. L. 17.21.  other Saints be in Heaven; where shall we conclude such as this to be? To Illustrate this Answer a little: If there be no heed to be taken of women's Words, why is the prudent and pious Behaviour of 
s Ex. 1.19,20. & 35.25,26. Jos. 2.4,5, etc. Jud. 4.4,5,18. & 5. all. 1 S. 1.16,17. & 25,24 etc. 28.14.12, &c & 17.17,19. & 20 16. to 22. 2 K. 4.9 10,13,28. & 22.15,16. L. 1. 46. etc. & 2.36, etc.  many of them so carefully recorded in Scripture? Are they prais-worthy and 
t Mat. 26.13. M. 14.9.  renowned when good, and not pernicious and worthily infamous when evil? can their virtuous Acts and Expressions be exemplary, their vicious Ones not pestilent and odious?  
These, or some of these Offences before mentioned, may seem, necessary or safe Inducements, to correct or chasten Any, over whose Body we have Command, and of whose soul we take any Christian Care or Compassion at all; for which they that will, may see as good Warrant (at least) as for the good Abearing. Did 
u Job 2.6,7,8.  God let lose the malice and rage of Satan, to torment and mangle the Body of that harmless Patient to the very brink of Death, for but mere Trial and Triumph; and doth he restrain the pious Love of a prudent Husband, from 
x Am. 3.11.  plucking a Brand out of the fire (of Hell) even the soul of his Wife, who is a part of himself, out of the Paws of Satan? Shall it be necessary to marry, 
y 1 Co. 7.9.  rather than to burn corporally and temporally, (which burning itself is not without other Means of Cure); and is it unnecessary, unlawful, (with a little corporal violence) to prevent a spiritual eternal Burning, which is incurable? All this, still, enforceth no Man's Faith, Let Men believe (not as they list, but) as they 
z Eph. 2.8. Ja. 1.17  may.  

The Measure.  We are, now come to the close. viz. in what Measure this Correction (if any) is to be inflicted. Herein we find no express Rules or Limits left us by our Master Christ, other, than the 
a Ex. 20.13.  sixth moral Commandment. Which (we believe) he would not have omitted, if material, or that he had not endued our Husband (as all other superiors) with plentiful Abilities; or not given him general Hints and directions enough, how to carry himself, becoming his Place and Power. Howbeit, even Humanity teacheth Moderation and Clemency; and the civil State (as before) hath wholesomely provided Security in this kind (for else every barbarous and brainous Fellow, may pretend Discretion and Piety enough, to cloak or colour his Cruelty, if lawful power should not interpose to examine and determine) But chief Christ himself in his sacred Word, sets us forth certain common 
b Mic. 6.8. Pr. 3.3. Mat. 5.7. 1 P. 3.8.  Precepts and Motives thereunto and 
c Pr. 12.10. Mat. 15.32. & 18.33. M. 8.2,3. L. 6.36. & 9.55. & 10.33,34. Heb. 10.34.  Examples thereof; as also 
d Ps. 26.9. & 27.12. & 71.4. & 59.2.  Deprecation from Asperity and Cruelty, with 
e Gen. 49.5,6. Ps. 11.5. & 109.16. Hos. 4.1. Ro. 1.31  Exprobration, 
f Gen. 49.7. Ez. 24.9. Am. 1.11. Mat. 23.23. Ja. 2.13  Imprecation. and Threatening for it. The former sort whereof, we may fitly and safely follow; the latter, justly fear and fly. And there's no Christian, but takes himself to be stronglier tied to good Behaviour, by 
g Gen. 20.11. & 39.9. Deu. 10.12. 2 Ch. 29.9. Neh. 5 9,15. Job 1.1. Ps. 19.9,11. & 119 38 120,161. Pr. 3.7. & 16.6. Isa. 8.13. Jer. 32.40. Acts 9.31. 2 Co. 7.1. Heb. 12.28.  filial Fear of God, whose 
h Gen. 16.13. 2 Ch. 16.9. Job 10.14. & 14.16. & 23.10 & 31.4. & 33.11. & 34.21,22. Ps. 11.4. & 32.8. & 44.21. & 90.8. & 119.168. & 139.12. Pr. 5.21. & 15.3. & 24.12. Jer. 23.24. Hos. 14.8. Mal. 3.16,18. Mat. 6,4,6. Heb. 4.13.  Eye he knows, is ever upon him; and by 
i Deu. 10.12. Ps. 119.14,16,24,32 35,47,70,97,111 162,167. Pr. 3.17 Ro. 7.22.  mutual Love to and from the divine Word and Law, which is the 
l Deu. 6.6, etc. Job 23.11. Ps. 18 21. & 37.23. & 73 24. & 119.5,6,9,10,11,59,102,105,133,176. Pr. 3.1. Isa. 48.17. L. 10,26, etc. Acts 21.24.  Rule of his life; then by the terror of my 
m Ps. 119. 61,87,141,161. Isa. 8.12. & 51.12,13. Mat. 10,28. L. 12.5.  humane Law or violence whatever. Herein I am purposely concise, because the Texts, (if turned to) are better able to speak for themselves. Lastly, if it be safe to follow the 
n Leu. 26.16,18,21,24,28. Isa. 59.18. Jer. 16.18. Ez. 39.23,24. L. 12.47,48.  Copy; it may, for Proportion, be fitted to the Wife's Affronts and Offences; and for Continuance, 
o Jo. 5.14.  while she manifestly holds forth the Banner of Rebellion.  
As a Corollary or Summary to what hath been said of the Marital Knowledge and Power; it may be remembered how copiously and clearly the former hath been derived, from God the living and eternal Fountain thereof, into the Hearts of Men and chief of the Husband, his nearest Relative; enabling him to the complete Discharge (in his gracious Acceptance) of his Place and Trust. And next; how demonstrating the Carriage of Christ toward his Spouse, his Church, we have, thence, deduced a 
p Eph. 5. ●3.  Similar Power of Practice (with Limitation) to the pious Husband; adding some Reasons and Rules (if he please) of his Proceeding.  
This Tract, or rather Bundle of Laborious Collections, (for it is but little else; save the tacking together) being a Task too low for Men of sublime Endowments and weighty Incumbencies to stoop unto, or wait upon; this laborious Collective (I say) is infinitely short of that exact and artificial Compilement, it might have received at their hands. Yet before any accuse me of a too ambitious Attempt herein, let them compare and weigh my unfeigned Apology at the Entrance, together with my urgent Incitements hereunto, and (I hope) they'll not only absolve and Pardon, but pity me.  
Wherein, therefore, it is scanty or weak only, let them contribute of their store and strength, to supply and confirm: where unsound or suspected, let them, on better grounds, refine and reform. I may be erroneous, I will not be haereticall: a calm and just Conviction shall be my acquiescent Satisfaction, whereunto (I need not lose all my Labour) I am thus much nearer than before. Mine Eye is not upon any Triumph, but the Truth. Neither affront I any; but in a modest humble way of Argument, seek only to satisfy myself and other Christians in my Condition. Nor yet that, in any haughty Conceit of directing them (for I freely leave all Men to be steered by their strongest Motives) but chief to manifest, that God in his Mercy and for his Glory (I disclaim even a thought of Arrogance, and 
q Job 42.6.  abhor myself in Dust and Ashes) hath given me such a Competency of Knowledge and Composure of Mind (here's the worst and utmost of my Ambition) as to move within my own Sphere, and to order Those, who (instead of discharging their due Observance and subjection) have sought to Order Me. I desire withal it may be remembered, that here's nothing determinate but discussive; nor contentious, but disquisitive. In all which regards, if it must in any Part be confuted, I cannot suspect it worse, then with Fatherly Indulgence or Brotherly Meekness.   

CHAP. VIII. Some Additionals coincident with the Occasion of this Discourse.  
THe diviner Parts (as we may term them) of this Treatise, being providencially disposed and included in the middle of this Manual, as the Kernel in the Shell, or, the Marrow in the Bone, and now (in such manner as God will) newly moulded and dispatched; I proceed to some further needful or useful Advertisements touching the Occasion, and so close up all with speed convenient.  
It is to be doubted, that I have been all this while (at least) incurring the black and bitter Invectives of some, and the milder suspicion of most, as for a terrible Striker, and (in their sense) an Abuser of my Wife. For, what need I else (may they demand) make so much ado to vindicate or excuse the Matter? but, rather pass it over as other patiented and prudent Men do.  
Herein, I hope I shall, at once, both still the Censure of the One, and settle the suspense of the Other. For although I think it not expectable, nor much expedient, that I proclaim or display my own Practice in Particulars; yet I shall dishonour God, and betray Christian Liberty and Integrity if (in gross) I conceal all the Truth. I or mine shall not make dainty of a little disgrace, rather than God (since he puts me to it) shall be pinched in his Glory.  
practice 1 I do therefore, 
r 2 Co. 1.23. & 11 3 1. & 12.19. Ro. 9.1. Gal. 1.20.  call God for a record upon my soul, before Men and Angels, that (to spare and indulge her Person, how warrantable I am not well assured) it never yet entered into mine Intent to beat my Wife; much less hath any stroke overslipt me to her since we met; unless this may be called beating or striking, That, at one time only (of innumerable Provocations) when, after mild Admonition, she would not forbear Swearing; but let fly 2. or 3. bloody, horrid Oaths in my Face, I bestowed so many Flaps with my bare hand alone on her Mouth, the Part offending; which is more (too) then can be testified. Neither did I offer this, but on the same Terms I will gladly accept the like, from 
s Ps. 141.5.  any Christian other than my Wife, whatever. Besides, as I am (in general) assured, that God so eyeth his 
t Ps. 2.7. Jo. 1.14,1.8. & 3.16. 1 Jo. 4 9 Heb. 5 5.  onely-begotten and 
u Mat. 3.17. & 17.5. M. 12.6 L. 9.35 2 P. 1.17. Isa. 42.1 & 53.11. M. 1.11. L. 3.22.  best-beloved Son, 
x Job 19.25. Ps. 19.14. & 31.5. & 71.23. Isa. 38.17. & 43.1. L. 1.47. Gal. 2.20.  my 
y Isa. 59.16. & 63.3,5. Acts 4.12. 1 T. 2.5. 1 P. 2.24 Hos. 13.4.  Sole 
z Gal. 3 19 Heb. 8 6. & 12.24. 1 Jo. 2.1,2.  Mediator and 
a Ps. 34.22. & 130 7. Isa. 41.14. & 49 26. & 62 12. Ro. 3.24. 1 Co. 1.30. Gal. 3.13. Eph. 1.7 Heb. 9.12. 800 pa. 30 c d. first.  Redeemer, that he 
b Num. 23.21. Isa. 38.17.  oversees, 
c 2K. 14.27. Ps. 51 9 Ja. 5.20.  conceals and 
d Is. 43.25. & 44.22. Act. 3 19 Col. 2.14.  cancel's my Sin: So, have I more than common Grounds to believe, that He did positively approve that special Act as to herward. Howsoever; if Wife-Beating be wicked or sinful, (which it either is, or is not; 
e Ro. 14.23  Faith makes no Medium) I cannot have justly incurred th' Account of a Wife-Beater, (one Swallow makes no Summer): Nor, if my foregoing Affirmative may carry Credence, shall I be deemed (with Christians) any great Bracticer in that Faculty, neither very prone or apt unto it. Yea, so sound and sensible civil Arguments (besides religious) may be rendered for it; as that any rational, ingenuous, unprejudiced Person, would believe my bare Assertion; or rather not believe me, though I should swear I would do it. But some are so transcendently sharp-sighted, that 
f Mat. 13.13. Isa. 29.14.  seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither will they understand. So much for that.  
practice 2 It is not my Office nor Aim (though some have reason to expect it) to dive into and discover the Life or Actions of Others, (I have 
g Ps. 38.4. & 40.12. & 51.3. 1 T. 1.15.  Faults enough of my own) Nor was I likely to have 
h 1 Th. 4.11. 1 P. 4.15.  meddled with any other at all; had not their Pressures (as I conceived) ensued so hard upon Me, as to pull me out of my Cell with Tartness and Insolence; to interrupt and distract mine harmless Studies, which were hatching no Mischief against Any (as Satan would have persuaded Me) but were the honest Business, yea, the wholesome Food 
i Job 23.11,12.  and Viaticum of my Life: to dishonour my God, my Lord and Master, and to endanger (by Admission of evil Precedents) the Corruption of the Commonwealth. Only, give me leave, (not as touching or intending any private-particular Person, but an Officer; not for Exprobration, but fair and needful Caution) to recite a short Passage in my own Presence. It happened, That while I was (but once, as yet, in all my days) engaged in the attendance of a Constable home to his house; 
R. C.  He finding his Wife somewhat loud with a girl, which it seemed was his (not her) daughter; He menaced her, That if she spoke another Word, he would set her Head in the Fire, or bind her to a Tree and beat her: and to that end went forth and fetched a strong Rope and a Cudgel and shown her; devoutly swearing (for you'll imagine him a sworn-Man) that he would do it, if Justice such a One (whom he knew me to know) stood over him. (he was then no further active, though it's reported usual with him) Indeed he threatened his daughter also, and more cause (I conceived) he had; for, in my hearing, the Maid both Thoued and threatened the Mother, which was more than ever I heard before. The good Wife wept, and yet wrought hard (in making Bread for her fierce Husband and his Family) but her Tongue still as busy as her hands, not in any abusive Terms to her Husband, but as being daily thus affronted (as she said, and not unlikely) by her Inferior. This same Constable a few days after, arguing Me of stiffness (for standing on my Innocence) I replied: Will you 
l Ro. 2.21,22, &c  condemn me for but the suspicion of That, whereof you both confess and manifest yourself really guilty? He roundly answered me in these Terms; What tell'st thou Me? I dare do that which thou darest not. Meaning (which we are not ignorant of) he had a Friend in Court: and he had plainly affirmed to me before, that I was juggled withal and overpowered. It seems the plain-old Proverb continues true, Some may better steal an Horse, than others look over the Hedge.  
There are some, whose hand or 
m Ps. 73.9.  song may walk and ramble through the Earth, and strike and wound without control or Question: Yea, such Hold or Ground hath Profaneness and Impiety got of Many, as that myself have heard some Gallants, jeer the Godly or well-disposed under the Name of Hein— (they mean Heaven—) Seekers. As if they had higher Matters in hand, and Hein (as their uncircumscribed-uncircumcised lips and Tongues are pleased to contract it) were not worth looking after, by any but Hob-nail-Fellows; their stalking Majesty may not stoop so low (but David, and 
n 1 K. 15.14. & 22 43. 2 K. 12.2. & 14 3. & 15.3,34. & 18.3. & 20.3. & 22.2. & 23.25.  many others, could; who, though as 
o 1 S. 16.18. & 17.36. & 18.7. 2 S. 17 7,8. 1 Ch. 28.3. Ps. 144. ●. & 89.20,21.  magnanimous and 
p 1 S. 16.13. & 18 30 & 22.14. 2 S. 2 4. & 7.9. & 23.1. Ps. 7.5. & 89.20,21.  honourable, 
q 1 S. 16.18. & 18.5,14. 2 S. 14.20. Ps. 119.98, etc.  wise and 
r 1 S. 16.12,18.  amiable, I believe, as they; yet most 
s 2 S. 6.21,22. Ps. 22.6. & 35.13,14 & 69.11, etc. & 101.5. & 102.7. & 131.1,2.  humble and 
t Ps. 69.9.  zealously 
u 1 K. 9.4. Ps. 18.24. & 26.1,2,6. & 41.12. & 86.2. & 101.2,3,4. & 119 63 & 139,23,24.  holy too): their 
x Ps. 64.6.  dispansed endless Thoughts have excogitated, and their prospective-piercing Eyes have discovered, some Haven of Happiness (they 
y Am. 6.3. & 9.10. Isa. 28.15.  scorn the Conceit of Hell and Horror) far above and beyond Him, 
z 1 K. 8.27. Job 22.12. Ps. 68.4,33 & 148.4. Eccl. 5.8  whom the Heaven and Heaven of Heavens cannot contain. They measure or terminate th' invisible Convexity of the Presence-Chamber of our God (to speak with Reverence) by its visible Concavity. Therefore what tell we them of Christ 
a Jo. 14.6.  the Way to our Heaven, whose utmost Dimensions (say they) were but a Womb, a Manger, a Cross or a Grave? Or, of Scripture, 
b Jo. 5.39.  our Guide, which is portable in our Pocket? Away with these fantastic Precisians, Puritans, Roundheads, Heaven-Seekers, Babes of Grace and the like (Titles far truer, better and choicer (would they witted it) than the Speakers wish, or 
c Reu. 2.17.  wots of: Not painted Pageants, as theirs; but Badges and Ensigns of highest Honour and Excellency in the Bearers, however Blots and Brands of basest Envy and Infamy from the Objectors: and I doubt not, but at this day there are many Saints, even among us, that are, as 
d Ps. 45.13. & 51.6. Cant. 4.1. Ro. 2.29. & 7.22. 2 Co. 4.16.  beautiful and glorious within, as these black Mouths would render them ugly and odious without; yet) Under these Terms of Reproach (so intended) they hunt Religion, and (vainly) hope or endeavour, to chase it out of the World. The best is, they but hunt it and the Professors homeward; for, if in this 
e 1 Co. 15.19.  life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all Men most miserable.  
If these brave Censors honour our Assemblies, with their great or gay Presence (perhaps, but to sleep, censure, or invite the Eyes of idle Hearers) it's more than they owe God or us. What are these (if it be safe to name Christ upon them) but Christened 
f Job 22.14. Tit. 1.16.  Atheists? And whom, think we, will Christ more oppose, or punish (if they persist) then Those, who not only wilfully 
g Jonah 2.8.  forsake their own Mercy, but spitefully 
h Jer. 6.10.  reproach and 
i Job 15.25. & 21 15. & 22.17. Ps. 14,6. & 73.9. Ez. 35.12,13. 1 Th. 4.8.  oppugn God and Goodness in Others; 
l Mat. 10.33. M. 8.38. Ro. 1.18. 2 P. 2 1. Judas 4.  denying, 
m Heb. 10.29. Ph. 3.18.  despising, 
n 2 P. 3.3,4.  deriding Him, who is crucified so 
o Gal. 3.1.  evidently and 
p Isa. 53.4,5,6,8,12. Mat 26.28. Jo. 10.15. & 15.13. Ro. 3.24,25. 1 Co. 1.18. & 15 3. Gal. 1.4. & 6.14. Eph. 1.7. & 2.13,16. Col. 1.20. & 2.14. Tit. 2.14. Heb. 9.12,14. & 10.14,19. P. 1 19 & 2.24. 1 Jo. 1.7. Rev. 1.5.  effectually before them, and 
q Ps. 68.18. Mat. 9.13. Jo. 1.29. & 3.16,17. & 11.25,26,51,52. Acts 3 19 & 10.39,43. 2 Co. 5.19. 1 T. 1.15. & 4.10. Heb. 13.12. 1 Jo. 2.2.  sufficiently for them? Yet, Lo, 
r Ps. 73.12. Job 21.7, etc. & 24.1, to 6. Eccl. 7.15. Jer. 12.1,2. Job 12.6. Ps. 55.19.  these are the ungodly, who prosper in the World; they increase in Riches, & c.!  
When the Lord, hath 
s Isa. 42.7. L. 1.79. & 4.18. Acts 26.18.  opened their Eyes, and Ears, (Job 15.21.) he will 
t Job 5.16. Ps. 63.1. & 107.42.  shut their Mouths; unless it be 
u 1 P. 2.12.  to glorify God, in the day of their Visitation, and to say, as David; 
x Ps. 66.16.  Come, and hear all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.  
Others, again, are made 
y Isa. 29.21.  Offenders for a Word; yea, He 
z Isa. 59.15.  that departeth from evil (that sticks at an Oath, or 
a Eph. 4.17,18,19 1 P. 4.3,4.  excessive Cup, and starts aside from a 
b Pr. 7.6. to the end.  Strumpet) makes himself a Prey, or a Reproach at best. Yea, a Man is despised of Those, and for 
c Acts 28.22.  That, of whom, and for which he should be most endeared. 
d Ps. 120.5.  Woe is me (have Gods Children said in like Cases) that I sojourn in Mesech; that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar. 
e Ps. 55.6.  O that I had Wings like a Dove; then would I flee away and be at rest, etc. 
f Jer. 9.2.  O that I had in the Wilderness a Lodging of wayfaring Men, etc. What then? 
g 1 Ch. 29.15. Ps. 39.12,13. Herald 11.3. 1 P. 1.17. & 2.11.  (Pilgrim soul!) The 
h Mat. 4.9. L. 4.6. Eph. 2.2.  Prince of the Power of the Air, hath his Scouts in every 
i Jer. 16.16.  Coast, Corner and Cave, who lie ready at catch as Tinder for sparks: thy Breath is no sooner articulate and express, but blasted; thine Issue is no sooner 
l Rev. 12.4.  delivered, but (ready to be) devoured by the Dragon. Miserum me! quid agam? quo me vertam? Why, first 
m Isa. 2.22.  Cease from Man; then fly to God, the 
n Deu. 32.4,31. 1 S. 2.2. 28.23. 3. Ps. 18.31. & 27.5 & 40.2. & 78.35. Isa. 17.10. 1 Co. 10.4.  Rock of Israel, even those 
o Isa. 33.16.  Munitions of Rocks, those 
p Deu. 33.15.  lasting Hills, which 
q Ps. 89.28. & 102 26,27. Isa. 40.28 Heb. 1.12.  stand for ever, both 
r Ps. 125.2. & 150 1. Isa. 28.19. & 32.18. Dan. 6.26. 2 T. 2.19. Heb. 6.18. Mal. 3.6.  steady and 
s Gen. 21.16,17. etc. Ex. 14.13 14 etc. & 15.24,25. Deu. 4.7. Jos. 24.7. Jud. 4.3,23. & 10.11,12. 1 S. 30 6.8. 2 Ch. 14.11,12. & 18.31. Ps. 22.24. & 34.6. & 37.32,39. & 46.1. & 85.9. & 102 20. & 107.6,13,19 & 119.151. & 145.18. Isa. 38.20. Jer. 36.26. Rev. 12.16.  ready for 
t Isa 32.2.  shadow, 
u Isa. 32.18.  shelter and 
x See p. 31. x  support to any weary Land, to every feeble-fainting Traveller: that 
y Ps. 36.9. & 68.26. Jer. 17.13. See p. 21. g.  Fountain of living Waters, which is still and ever 
z Ps. 87.7. Isa. 35.6,7. & 41.18. Zec 13.1. & 14.8.  open and running to 
a Cant. 5.1. Isa. 40.31. & 41.17. & 49.10. Joel 3.18. Jo. 4.14. & 7.38. Rev. 21.6.  fill and refresh thee: that 
b Mat. 10.16.  galless 
c Mat. 3.16 L. 3.22. Jo. 1.32.  Dove: that 
d Neh 9.20. Isa. 63.10. Jo. 14.16,17. & 15.26. Eph. 4.30.  gentle- good Spirit, which will 
e Ro. 8.26,27. Ps. 10.17.  help and excuse, not aggravate or upbraid, thine Infirmities. He 
f Ps. 38.9. & 65.2. & 94.9.  hears, understands and graciously interprets, he admits and answers, (even before thou speakest. Isa. 65.24. Dan. 9.20,21.) all thy 
g Deu. 5.28. Ps. 119.26. & 139.4. Hos. 14.8. Mal. 3.16. Dan. 10.12.  Words ' 
h Jud. 13 8,9. 1 K. 9.3,2 K. 19.20. 2 Ch. 7.12,14. & 20.9. & 30.27. Neh. 1.11. & 2.4,5, etc. Job 22.27. Ps. 4.3. & 31.22 & 66.19. & 102.17. & 116.1,2. Mat. 7.7,8. & 18.19. L. 11.9,10. Jo. 14.13. & 16.23,24.  Prayers, 
i Gen. 28.20,21 & 31.13. Num. 21.2,3. Deu. 23 21. 1 Ch. 28.2,3. Ps. 132.2,3,4,5. & 61.5. Eccl. 5.4.  Vows, 
l Ex. 3.7. & 22.23,27. Num. 20.16. Deu. 26.7. 1 S. 7.9. Neh. 9.9. Is. 3.4. & 18.6. & 22.24. & 77.1. & 138.3. Isa. 30.19. Joh. 2.2.  Complaints and Cries; thy 
m Ex. 4.10, etc. Isa. 32.4. Jer. 1.6,7. Zep: 3.9.  Lisping, 
n 1 S. 1.12,13,15. Ps. 45.1.  Muttering and 
o Ps. 10.17 & 37.4. & 145.19  secret Desires; thy 
p Job 5. 1●. Ps. 30.11. Isa. 38.14,20. & 57.18. & 61.2,3. Jer: 30.1,13,18,20. Ez. 9.4,11. Dan. 10.2,12. Mat. 5 4. Jo. 16.20,22.  Mournings 
q 2 K. 22.19. Ps. 6.8. & 56.8: & 126.5,6 Isa. 25.8. & 38.5. Jer. 31.15,16. L. 6.21. Rev. 7.17.  Tears, 
r Ex. 2.23. Ps. 12.5. Isa. 35.10. Ez. 9.4,11.  Sighs, 
s Ex. 6.5. & 14.15. Jud. 2.18. Ps. 3 8.9. & 102.19,20. Ro. 8.26.  Groans, 
t Ps. 42.1. & 119.131. Lam. 3.56,57.  Pant or 
u Num. 12.13. 2 K. 6.17. Neh. 2.4  Pious Ejaculations whatsoever; with the very 
x Gen. 4.10. Ps. 50.21. & 55.19. Isa. 37.4,6. Ez. 35 12,13. Zep. 2.8. Acts 9.4,5. Ja 5.4. See pag. 30 z.  Causes thereof, though unexpressed or (perhaps) unknown by thee, even 
y Eph. 3.20.  above all thou canst ask or think; he 
z Jos. 1.5. 2 Ch. 32.22. Neh. 9.20. Ex. 15.13. Ps. 32.8. & 48.14. & 73 24 & 78.52. Isa. 58.11. Jo. 16.13. Heb. 13.5.  guideth, 
a See page 38. h. & 31. x, etc.  supporteth and secureth thee in them.  
Here's thy only 
b Job 5.15,16. & 31.24,28. Ps. 27.13,14. & 42.11. & 71.5. & 78.7. & 146.5. Jer. 14.8. & 17.7.13,17 Joel 3.16, Acts 28.20. Eph. 2.12 1 T. 1,1. 1 P. 1.21.  Hope, 
c Deu. 33.27. Ru. 2.12. Ps. 9.9. & 36.7. & 46.1. & 61.4. & 73.25. & 91. all. Isa. 25.4. Jer. 16.19. Heb. 6 18.  Refuge and 
d Ex. 33.14. Jos. 1 13. Job 34.29. Ps. 94.12,13. Isa. 11.10. & 32.17,18. & 57.2. & 63.13,14. Jer. 30.10. & 50.6. Mic. 2.10. Mat 11.28,29. Jo. 16.33. Heb. 4.9,11.  Rest; and here art thou above the Reach of all wicked Hands, Tongues and Thoughts. In the mean time, stay thyself with such 
e Cant. 2 5.  Flagons, Caudles or Cordials as this and the 
f Mat. 10.28. L. 12.4. Ps. 3.5,6. & 27.1,2.  like; 
g Isa. 51.12.  I, even I, am he that comforteth you; who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a Man that shall die, or of the Son of Man, which shall be made as Grass?  
If this seem either a Digression, or too great Enlargement; I must, of force acquaint the Reader, that (in reference to this Affair) I have been too much known to the former sort of these Persons, and 
h Ps. 42 4.  too little to the latter. Of whom a few, I may not unfitly esteem as Jobs Friends; Good Men, but 
i Job 16.2,2 T. 4.16.  Miserable Comforters. As Christ expected no 
k L. 17.16.  Thanks, no more can we 
l L. 10.33, etc.  Pity from a 
m Mat. 10.5. Jo. 4.9. & 8.48.  Samaritan, though his good Providence may cast it upon us. But it seems a Calamity cleaving to the Afflicted, That they cannot be under God's hand in any Degree; but they must also incur 
n Ps. 69.26 Ob. 12. Zec. 1.15.  Censure and scorn from the Worst, and 
o Job 19.13,14. Ps. 31.11. & 38.11. & 88.8,18. Mat. 26.56. L. 23.49.  suspense of Affection and Familiarity even from the Best. I proceed.  
practice 3 Much less, 3ly is any thing here offered in a vindictive or jeering Way; though Examples of 
p 1 K. 18.27. Job 12.2. & 40.7,10, etc. Ps. 50.21. Pr. 30.4. Eccl. 11 9 Ez. 23.6,12. & 27.4, etc. & 28.3,4 5. Ja. 4.13. M. 7.9.  Ironia's are not wanting even out of holy Writ; but I willingly forbear. Let none therefore so ill requite my Candour, as to cast a 
q a, si quis atro dente me petiverit, indultus ut flebo puer?  scornful Eye, or scurrilous Invective, on any Passage or Expression herein. But first reflect, and see how they find all at home, not in the House only, but in the Heart: remembering how God 
r Pr. 3.34.  scorneth the scorners, and hath 
s Pr. 19.29.  Judgements ready for them. And if ought seem or be ridiculous indeed, let the Reproach light where it belongs; on the Actors, not the Sufferers, who have their share already.  
practice 4 And 4ly, Lest of all am I apt to study, or act in, any State or Statute-Affairs, further than a conscionable Obedience requires, or a petitionary Way permits; to wit, Humbly wishing and praying, That all Acts and Proceed of Statute-Judicature, might be founded on sufficient Oath, or firm and good Grounds, under fit Penalties both to the Judge and Suggestor: That, in Expedition of all such Acts, 
t Unseemly Seats of Justice.  Alehouses might be avoided, unless in Itinere, for urgent Cause, or eminent Conveniency: That a civil-honest Man in Travel, and a Gent. at any time, might not be debarred, or checked for the wearing of a Sword; especially, when it is not notoriously offensive, but his needfully defensive Arms, which Christ himself 
u L. 22.36.38.  seems to allow: That the Rules of civil Obedience, might be obvious, plain and open, suitable herein, at least, to the 
x Ex. 24.3,4. & 35.1. Deu. 5.22. & 6,7,8,9. & 27.2,3.8. Jos. 8.34,35. 2. K. 23.2. Jer. 36.2,3. & 43. 1. Hab. 2.2. Act. 20.27  divine Law. It is the received Axiom; Lex scripta est vigilantibus, non dormientibus. But, to what end are men's Eyes open, if the Law be 
y Isa. 29.11,12.  Sealed, shut, or shadowed upon them? The lack of this Candour and openness in the Carriage of the Laws, enforceth Men into more Errors, than else they needed or would incur: 'Tis not unknown to many I speak experimentally. If, indeed, there were less Law, and more Gospel, a privater Composure of conjugal Discord (at least) might be assayed by some in Authority, rather than (at first dash, and parte altera inaudita) the Matter promoted to their Judicatories: unless the Offender be notorious, refractory and reasonless.  
But if, under, Constablery and Conservation of Peace, (which I confess, may be wronged, also, by feigned Information) an honest harmless Man, shall be hurried out of Doors to Prison or Bondage; Or, if poor Commoners shall be ordered or exampled by such Constables and Conservators as afore described (which we are confident, never was nor is intended, or understood by supreme Authority) Nos Miseros! Quis enim conservabit ipsos Conservatores? What Inno cence or Integrity is it that shall protect or secure a Man? Or, how shall he know when he hath or is his own? Should the Staff and Sword be put or kept in such Hands, to lay about them as they list; whom may they not (whom will they care to) hit, hurt or wound? being alike apt to 
z Ps. 37.14.  slay the upright, and 
a 1 K. 20.42. 1 S. 15.9. Isa. 5.23. Pr. 17.15.  spare the wicked. Doubtless, such were never mercifully disigned by God, ad Pacem conservandam, but wrathfully destinated by him ad pacem consternandam. Flagella Sponsi: whereof (we may suppose) he meaneth where he saith, 
b Mat. 10.34.  I came not to send Peace, but a Sword. Places of Judicature give no Liberty to exercise or express Passion, but Pains; they are, or aught to be, esteemed rather Onus then Honos, Moses being conscious hereof, complained, 
c Num. 11.14,15.  I am not able to bear all this People alone, because it is too heavy for Me. And if thou deal thus with me kill me I pray thee, out of hand, etc. And therefore no doubt but a Writ of Ease is as welcome to an upright Man, as a Commission of Power; so that all Seekers in this kind (especially) may justly be suspected.  
Some Motives to the divulging hereof, are declared at the 
d Page 8. etc.  Beginning. Let none take Offence (so God be glorified) that I add one or 2. Moe. As 1. That in my Defences, I have not had to deal with simple Swains, like myself; but with politic and powerful Persons; and not a single, but a twined Authority. (a strong dissuasive to One natural bashful, not bold.) 2. With Her, also, Who, as she could not allege Inmaturity of Years, so scorned she to acknowledge Ignorance or simplicity: One that, indeed, was ingenuous, aged, experienced; a frequent Reader in Scripture; an audible and earnest Orator at set hours of Prayer; a public Hearer of Sermons (but not in society with, or subjection to her Husband, that were base; and yet debar her the House of God (so she accounted the Common Place of Assembly) o that were damnable!) One (when she pleased) of a seeming-civil Deportment, and good (I mean, composed) Expression: One (which I might have placed before) that was expressly approved to me by a godly Minister, without which Encouragement I had not adventured: Goodness (God is Witness) being, even then, my optimate and ultimate (I need not say my sole) Aim and End in Marriage. Let the choicest of God's Children examine their heart herein, and reflect on the 2. Ans. to the 3. Obj. And (which is the drift hereof) let them consider withal, how easily the World may be gulled, or even their own charitable opinions deluded, with the specious Appearances of those that can be Saints in Profession, but Devils in Practice (
e Mat. 24.24. 2 Co. 11.14.  its possible there may be such): How far a smooth Tale, perhaps souple with Tears, and tipped with a seeming-lawfull Oath, may slide, insinuate and prevail, especially into prepared Ears; and what a Gangrene this may grow to (if not wisely foreseen and salved) in the Commonwealth. 3. The Eyes of a County (at least) was upon this Proceeding which (for aught you have heard) might have kept within the Curtains: and it hath been told me (nemo ringatur aut sugilles) That I had already given ill Example against good Wives, many of whom (by like) had used, or looked, to rule a little more than the Roast: and lest mad Husbands get too much Head, it were (said they) good looking to them betime; they had a fair Hint given for helping themselves.  
Now (we must, here, needs enlarge a little) Whether we ought to obey Women (not to say, 
f Acts 5.29. & 4.19.  Men) rather than God, Judge Ye. Let no 
g 'tis 2 15.  Man (much less a 
h Est. 1.17. Tant● eru aliis, quant● tibi fu●ris.  Woman, thy Wise) despise thee, for shame, apage! I know not whether of the two, were more tolerable to suffer that, or to say this, Oderint dum metuant. But, verily, even 
i Est 1.22.  Ahasuerus and his Heathens, shall rise in Judgement against those 
l We are What we dare. Hic Mulier. A pretty hearing.  hindish Husbands, Who (Men of Parts especially) do basely betray God's Image and Authority, imprinted in, and entrusted to them, unto scorn and reproach: Not in a godly, discreet and compassionate yielding, as to the weaker Vessel; but in a sheepish Lenity (at best, but to gain applause of loving and lowly) and slavish succumbing unto, and thereby fomenting, the petulant and malignant, yea the lofty, violent and vicious Humours of their Wives. Which, it seems, is not attended only with Reproach, but disprofit: 
Ill thrives that luckless Family that shows  
A Cock that's silent, and a Hen that Crows, etc. 
Incerti Auth.   The rest I have not ready in mind, nor will stay for it.  
Of this sort, for certain, are even those Levites, Who cannot allow themselves of the 
m 1 Co. 9.14.  Fruits of their own precious Labours, 
n Whether these be Objects of pity, or reproof and reproach, I dispute not.  Quo decenter amiciantur; while Pride prevails so far with Covetousness in their Wives, (who are presumed the best and humblest of Women) as to rufflle it in Silks. They give him leave to preach, but they'll practise. Do not these Men, more than all other, forget themselves, yea their 
o Ps. 44.21.  God and Husband? are these fit 
p 1 P. 5.3. Ph. 3.17 1 T. 4.12. Tit. 2.7  Examples for the Flock of Christ and Believers? Shall these be 
q Isa. 50.7. & 58.1.  Faces of Flint, or 
r Je. 1.18. & 15.20. Ez. 3.8,9.  brazen Walls, against a Rebellious wholenation, that are Noses of Wax to their own Wives, their weaker Vessel, whom they may (presumedly) cast almost in any Mould? 
s Tit. 2.15.  Let no Man (or Woman) despise thee, is primary and proper to them. Let them, therefore, either lift up their Head-ship, and show it us, or else lay by the Title, lest it misled us. They best know, sunt quod audent: No more but so.  
These and other more private and powerful Incentives, have concurred to the publication hereof; as if it had been prepared by divine providence (against or beside which I know nothing can be; but, I say purposely framed and fitted) to be public and exemplary; And who knoweth whether God hath chosen so weak and worthless an Instrument to resist and baffle base Pride and Insolence? Or, whether I be the silly Wretch designed by him for 
t Est. 4.14.  such a Time. and service as this? And, surely, high time it is that many of our wilful- weak Vessels were talked withal in some Way obvious to their Senses; seeing the 
u Heb. 4.12. See p. 14. y.  quick and powerful Word of God seemeth so dull and despicable a Thing to their spirits; some of them by contracting an habitual Insolence, being already turned Amazons, and almost (viz. in high degree) 
x Gen. 6.4. Which of some, is conceived to be meant not so much of their enlarged stature of Body, as their swelling insolence of mind above Men, against God: and so not to be taken in the same sense with those Num. 13.32,33. Deu. 2.10,11,20,21. & 3.11. 1 S. 17.4.  Giants, or Monsters of Womankind. Permit this light Expression upon as light a Subject.   

CHAP. IX. The Conclusion.  
I Sum up all in a swasive Address or Application: and I suppose, I shall speak the Mind of all or most that bear the name of honest or good Men. Let it, in the 1. Place be odious to hear of meum & tuum, mine and thine, betwixt Man and Wife. Certainly, Christ never intended it; He refused to divide betwixt 
y L. 12.14.  two Brethrens; how much more would he have done 'twixt 
z Mat. 19.6.  one Flesh? But, if there be any distinction at all, let it be understood aright, and the Prerogative and Property ascribed as God hath appointed. 2. Let our animous Women begin to do, or endeavour their due Homage, and they shall have due Honour: Let them first (for so they must) walk carefully to please God and their Husband; and then shall he dwell knowingly (yea, in their own sense, kindly, tenderly and patiently) with them: Let them perform or yield their due Obedience; and then, if they fall short of due Benevolence or other fit Obsequies and fair Allowances of Love, they may take their best and next Remedy. And (let other men do as they list or may) I will expect that if I speak in honest-sensible-sober Earnest, my Wife, if I have her, shall be silent when I bid her: which I am sure is agreeable to the Teutonick Translation or sense of the Sacred Scripture, and I suppose to the British too. On these Conditions, let him be branded for a Barbarian and Heathen, that in the least wise abuseth or evil intreateth his Wife. Were there more Sarah's and Abigails, there would (probably) be more Abraham's and fewer Nabal's. They begin at the wrong End of the Proverb (if they apply it hither-ward) that say, A good Jack maketh a good Jill. For (for by their Leave) its the Jill that must lead the Duty.  
But, if they will needs forget themselves to be Wives, their Husbands must yet remember they are so: If they be so insulse and impudent, as to vilify, affront and defy their Husband (under that Notion especially) That is, if they will be so 
a 2 P. 3.5.  willingly & grossly ignorant, as not to know their Head from their Feet, they must be satisfied with Fare suitable to their 
b Ps. 32.9.  Manners, not their Means or Manors: for, how can they in reason claim so copious an Alimony, or kind Usage, if they scorn or scant their Husband of that Authority afterward, which God gave and themselves granted him, at First. Or, if they make no dainty to strike at their Head (though but in Word only, they have heard it wounds deeply) they must not disdain a little scratch on their Body, or to be deplumed of a little Pride by their discreet and conscientious Husband for their good. I believe the direful Martyrdom of but a Member of the Lambs beloved Wife before described, is sourer Sauce than 1000 dry Blows (or if a little bloody) bestowed on some of our coy, cross, domineering Dames. In short, if they cannot or will not carry, in some degree, conformable to the Prescript and Pattern of that 
c 1 P. 3.1, etc.  weaker Vessel set them down as moulded and framed by the holy Ghost; they must permit their Husband, in some proportion, to exercise that Knowledge and coactive Power which God hath imparted to him, while not contradicted, but commended by his revealed Word: That, after they have suffered a while for their 
d 1 P. 2.20.  Faults or 
e Pr. 26.5.  Folly, they may 
f 1 P. 2.12.  glorify God their day of Visitation; and (at last) with their Fellow Servants and 
g L. 23.40,41. 1 P. 2.20.  just Sufferers, have all 
h Rev. 7.17. & 21.4.  Tears wiped away from their Eyes.  
We know Christ's little 
i See page 37. i ult  Flock, consisteth of good Men and good Women, with their 
l 1 Co. 7.14.  holy Issue; which are evidently 
m See page 37. m.  far fewer than the wicked Ones of the World (the comparing of Men with Women, I refer to the 
n Alt. Eccl. 7.28.  Kingly Preacher) and therefore (in proportion) as of Men, so of Women, we must look for the lesser Number of good then bad. From many of these (better and worse) am I liable to like Censure which some far worthier than myself incurred before me ('tis doubtful I shall not live to make my Peace, or recover my repute upon their Terms if they be not wronged in the report, which I willingly suspect) but from which side to expect the severer, I stand in doubt. The Worse I weigh not; they must either bene agere, or male audire; I am neither to follow their Documents, affect their Approofs, nor fear their Detractions. The Better, I would either satisfy, or (on fairer grounds) submit unto. There are (I know) many good Men uxorious (some deservedly, I doubt not) whose Affection may be apt (as is already touched) to transcend their Judgement, and (justly endearing their Wives as themselves) make them tender of hearing aught against Women in general, lest it seem to touch at Theirs. But let no virtuous, discreet or modest 
* Here I first name the Woman, because she will be first apt to take offence.  Woman; no pious or prudent Man, be troubled or take distaste hereat: Here's nothing taxeth or tasketh them, further than to incite their Christian Admonition and reproof of Others, where they find 
o Mat. 5.9. Ro. 14 19 Ja. 3.18.  Cause and 
p 1 Mat. 7.6. Pr. 9.7,8. & 23.9.  Place for it.  
As for the gracious and godly Women, who do conscientiously submit to their Husband's indifferent Commands, as duty binds (yea, 
q 1 P. 3.1  though their Husband obey not the Word, but be wicked) who being harmless, I say, have yet churlish or cruel Husbands; 
r 1 P. 4.19.  let them commit their souls to God in well doing as unto a faithful Creator; their Amends lying mostly or mainly in his hand, who will either 
s Ex. 2.2 7. Ps. 9.9. & 103.6. & 106 7.  right them here, or richly and unspeakably 
t Ro. 8.18. 2 Co. 4.17. Rev. 7.14, etc.  reward them hereafter. I believe there are in the World many wronged-good Women, that would fain be remedied of their downright outrageous Husbands, and want not temporall-civill Means and Opportunity for it, yet are patiented and silent: For, who so skittish as they that are least hurt? Who so bold as Byard?  
But to the other, I may say as in the Case of Servants (very near akin to theirs) 
u 1 P. 2.20.  If when ye be buffeted for your Faults, you not only, not take it patiently (which though you did, you gained neither 
x L. 17.9,10.  glory nor thanks) but most impudently kick and rebel, yea without pressure or provocation; ye do but incur the 
y Ja. 3.1  greater,. even a double, or perchance deeper, Condemnation. For (as the Apostle there insinuateth) some Body must be Master; not all, nor many; (for so the World might soon be turned topsy-turvy) and Brethren [he saith] not sisters; Women were not then so much as suspected to come in Competition for Mastery. Remember, or know, that as 
z 1 Co. 14.33.  God is Author of Peace, so not of 
a Gen. 11.9  Confusion.. We never read of Parity or Equality, that was or shall be consistent or permanent in any Relation or Body animate but in the sacred-mysterious Trinity of God. And, truly, I believe, that some good Women among us, who are (upon the Matter) Commanders in Chief. would blush to confess it, or be so accounted. See [by the way] the shifty and slinking Nature of sin: The 
b Gen. 3.12,13  Woman that thou gavest to be with me she gave me, etc. (said Adam, and so may his grandsons often say) The Serpent (says Eve) beguiled Me. Nothing holds Water nor wards the least Blow or Assault, but Truth and Integrity; these only are impregnable, impenetrable. These Women (the last I mean) do grant a Thing called Subjection; but they neither know, nor care to learn the Meaning, much less the Practice of it: they are pleased not to dispute it; but they abhor to discharge it. Thus beats the Pulse (I suspect) in many a formal Family: But from the beginning it was not so.  
Lastly, here's not the least Animation intended to any Libertine of either Sex. Therefore, let no profane, drunken, disordered Fellow dare to beat his Wife, (though 
c Turpe est dectori, etc. Hands off. Mat. 7.4,5.  never so bad.) Who proposeth no better End therein then to express his Power, because (forsooth) he'll not be crossed, though in a very Toy; commanding her, ofttimes, mere Trifles to try Obedience. Let not these dream but they, also, have a 
d Eph. 6.9.  Master (for they do justly forget the Notion, and Relation of Husband) a Master I say, in Heaven, whose Eye is never off them; who will one day exact a strict and severe Account of their doing.  
Neither let those Women think to catch any Protection, Countenance or Comfort, from the Word or hand of God, who know none other use of their Husbands, then to be Coverts of, or Caters for their Lust, Pride and Luxury.  
I come now, by God's blessed Conduct, to the Period of my crabbed and tedious Parenthesis; wherein you have a Spark, or Glimpse of that native Intellect, conferred by our common Maker the Fountain of Wisdom, on Me the meanest or worst of his Creatures, which he more abundantly and splendidly sheds forth in Others. What spiritual Improvement he hath also given it here, you have seen. As for humane Acquisitions or Accessions of Learning, etc. 
Aeque ' doctus ac vestitus; neutiquam mediocriter.  I may grate fully affirm as of other like. He hath ever suppeditated (perhaps not what I wished, but) what I needed, which if they seem too low and short for so high a Design as This, I cannot help it, you have already the best Reasons I am able to give of mine Enterprise; which I conceive included in These, That 
e 1 Co. 7.7.  every Man hath his proper Gift of God, one after this Manner, and another after that: 
f 1 Co. 12.4,6,11  And there are diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit; diversities of Operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all: and All these worketh that One and the self same Spirit, dividing to every Man severally as be will. I crave only this simple Courtesy at the houds of All (especially such as pretend to know me by these Expressions) That, if my poor-single Talon be not worth communicating, I may quietly enjoy it myself; or so improve it, 
g Mat. 25.14, etc. L. 19.13, etc.  as I may be honestly accountable to my Master.  
And now do I most willingly wind out of this, once, unknown-unfeared Labyrinth (wherein, it hath fared with Me, as with him, That, having begun a Building, can neither with Ease of Purse proceed, nor with Credit, or Quiet of Mind, desist) to be at my Plough again, which, all this while stands idle. But 
h Acts 11.17.  what am I, that I should seem to withstand, hinder or regulate, the 
i Ezr. 7.9,28. Neh 2.8.  good Hand of my God; or 
l Ps. 78.41.  limit the holy One of Israel 
m Eph. 1.11.  who worketh all things after the Counsel of his own Will? He that gives my 
n Gen. 2.7. Job 27 3. & 33.4. Ps. 104.28, etc. & 132.5,13, etc. Eccl. 12.7. Ez. 37.3,5, etc. Acts 17.28.  Breath and 
o Job 23.14. Ps. 138.8. Isa. 26.12. Ph. 2.13. 2 Co. 3.5  Abilities, my 
p Ps. 31.15. Pr. 27 1. Ja. 4.13.14.  Time and 
q Ps. 38.11. & 102 6,7. & 142.4. & 77.6. Job 16.7. Isa. 49.21. Jer. 15.17. Rev. 1.9, etc.  Retiredness; hath high Reason and Right to set and suit, or (at his Pleasure) to vary my Task, and expect my sedulous and 
r Ro. 12.1.  reasonable Service. Which sovereign Propriety he 
s Jo. 10.30,38. & 24.13. & 17.11,21,22.  himself justly arrogates; as he insinuated by that short Reply of his to Peter's too curious-impertinent Demand: 
t Jo. 21.21.22.  Lord, and what shall this Man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Fellow thou Me. (A very Heathen tells Me, Qua dij vocant eundum.) And, truly, he hath manifestly controlled and convinced even Me of it (as in sundry other, so) in this very Particular. However; He 
u 2 S. 7.20. Isa. 38 3. 2 Co. 11.11,31 1 Jo. 3.20.  knoweth, and 
x 2 S. 7.17. Neh. 9.20. Ps. 16.7. Ro. 8.16. 2 Co. 3 5  giveth Me and others (Ps. 37.6.) to know, that his Service is my 
z 1 Co. 7.22.  Liberty and 
a Ps. 37.4 & 40.8. & 119.32,60,77,97,72,14,174. Ro. 7.22. Reasons, Pr. 3.17. Mat. 11.30. 1 Jo. 5.3.  delight; though I be sore and heavily clogged with my Corruption, as his 
b See p. 24. s. ult.  chosen vessel and 
c 1 Co. 1.1. Gal. 1.1. 1 T. 1.1.  Apostle hath 
d Ro. 7.14, etc.  fitly declared for Me. So that, if the small Remnant of the days of my Pilgrimage with my weak Body may not extend; or, if my God think it not fit I should perform or perfect, What I have purposed or proposed; I trust I shall be 
e 1 K. 8.18,19. 2 Co. 8.12.  disblamed: He will cause it better done after and without Me; all Ages, Persons and Actions, being at once and ever 
f 2 Ch. 16.9. Ps. 11 4. Pr. 15.3. Isa. 46.10. Heb. 4.13. & 13.8. 2 P. 3.8,9  present, under his sacred Eye, and Sovereign Power: and, it may be, he hath judged these Notions, more needful both for the Times and Me, than some other. And therefore,  
O Thou eternal God, who 
g Jo. 15.7. 1 Jo. 5.14.  allowest and 
h Hos. 14.2,3. Jer. 2.6. Joel. 1.14,15 & 2.17. Mat 6.9. L. 11.1,2. & 17.10  appointest us, to approach, adore and implore thee, in thine own Language Who art so mysteriously, miraculously and mercifully, beyond all humane Comprehension, the 
i Gen. 1.27. Isa. 54.5. Mat. 19.4. M. 10.6.  Creator, 
l Ps. 34.22. & 71.23. & 74.2. & 78.35 Isa. 41.14. & 48.17. & 54.8. Jer. 50.34. Zec. 10.8. L. 1.68. Acts 20.28. 1 P. 1 18,19. Rev. 5.9.  Redeemer, 
m Isa. 63,16. Jer. 31.9. Mal. 2.10. & 1.6. Mat. 5.16. & 23.9. Jo. 20.17 Isa. 9.6. Ph. 4.20. See page 18. l.  Father, 
n 1 Co. 11.3. Eph. 1.22. & 5.23.  Head and 
o Jer. 3.14. & 31.32. Hos. 2.7 19,20 2 Co. 11.2.  Husband of thy Church: Who 
p Jo. 1.18. & 3.16. Ph. 2.6,7,8. Heb. 2.9,18. & 4.15. 1 P. 2.24.  condescending to our frail Condition, Capacity and 
q L. 24.46,47. Acts 17.3. Ro. 8.3. 1 Co. 15.3,4,17. 2 Co. 1.9. Eph. 2.1,5. Heb. 2.10,17. & 9. 2●.  Necessity, hast in thine 
r Gal. 4.4. Ro. 5.6.  own full and fit season, 
* L. 1.35 & 24.39. Jo. 1.14. Ro. 8 3. & 9.5. Gal 4.4. 1 T. 3.16. Heb. 2.16. 1 Jo. 1.1,2,3.  manifested thyself to us in the Flesh; hast made us (silly 
s Job 7.5. & 25.6. Ps. 22 6. Ro. 7.24.  Worms and Wretches, 
t Gen. 3.19. & 18.27. Job 10.9. & 34.15. Ps. 30.9. & 103.14. & 104.29. Eccl. 3.20. & 12.7  dust and Ashes) 
u Eph. 5.30. Jo. 15.5. 1 Co. 6.15.  Members of thy Body, of thy Flesh and of thy Bones, and 
x Tit. 2.14.  purified us to thyself a Peculiar People, even 
y 2 P. 1.4.  Partakers of thy divine Nature (yet, not intending our 
z Mat. 10.21,22. M. 13.12,13. L. 21.16,17. Jo. 16.1,2. 1 Th. 3.4. 1 T. 4.10.  temporall-carnall Ease, but our 
a Ro. 6.3. 2 Co. 4.11. Ph. 1.29. & 3.10. Col. 1.24. 1 P. 3.17,18. & 4.1.  Conformity to thy death; that so 
b Ro. 6.5. & 8.18 Ph. 3.8. 1 P. 4.13.  by suffering, and 
c Acts 14.22. Ro. 8.17. 2 T. 3.12. 1 P. 2.21. Heb. 12.8.  not beside, nor without it, we may at last be 
d Ph. 3.21. 1 Io. 3 2. Dan. 12.3.  like thy glorious Body): Who, 
e Heb. 5.7 Col. 1 22.  in the days of thy Flesh, vouchsafedst to honour the Solemnisation of 
f Jo: 2.1,2.  Marriage (the Anti-type of thy mystical Union with us) not only with thy sacred Presence, but with thy first Practice and 
g Verse 11.  Beginning of Miracles: Who hast 
h Mat. 18.7. & 17 1.  pronounced it necessary, that Offences come (to the World's end) but a Woe to them by whom the Offence cometh: Who hast directed us to 
i 1 Co. 12.25.  care and 
l Ja. 5.16. Eph. 6.18,19. 1 T. 2.1,2. 1 Th. 5.25.  pray one for another, to wit such as mutually belong to thine 
m Mat 20.16. & 22.14. & 25.32,33. M. 13.20. Io. 13.18 & 15.19. & 17.9. 2 T: 2.19  Election of Life; for further thy revealed Word 
n Jo: 17.9. 1 Jo: 5 16  doth not warrant us; thou art as large and illustrious in the 
o Hab: 3.3.  Glory of thy 
p Ps: 18.7,8, etc. & 97.3. Isa: 13.6, etc. & 30.33. & 33.14. Jer: 10.10 & 30.23. & 51.45. joel 2.11. Nah: 1.2, &c Zep: 3.8. L. 23.30,31. 2 Th. 1.8. Heb. 10.27. Rev. 6.15,16. & 16.19.  terrible and 
q Ex: 17.14,16. Num. 24.20. Deu. 25.19. 1 S. 15.3,8,20,23,28,29. & 28.16, etc. 1 Ch. 4.43. Isa. 1.24. Jer. 20.16. & 23.40. Ez. 24.14. Hos: 13.14. Zec: 8.14. Ro: 9.22. Rev: 14.10,11. & 19 3. & 20.10.  inflexible 
r Ex: 14.18. Job 21.19. Ps. 9.16. Ez. 21.5. & 25.7. & 35.11,12. & 39.21. Ro: 2.6, etc. & 9.22,23. 2 T. 2.20. Rev: 11.13. & 12.10. & 19.1, to 6.  Justice, as of thy 
s Ps: 25.6, & 103.4. & 119.156 & 145.9.  tender and 
t Isa: 54.8. Jer: 31.20. Hos: 11.8. L: 15.20,22, etc.  melting Mercies. Let, now the Power And Influence of thy sacred Spirit (God 
u Jo: 16.14. Acts 20.28. 1 Jo. 5.7.  coequal and 
x Heb: 9.14.  coeternal with thee, 
y Ro: 1.25. & 9.5. 2 Co: 11.31.  blessed for ever) sway and sanctify the Hearts of thine Elect; turn our 
z Jo: 2.9.  nuptial Water into Wine, 
a Ex: 15.23,25.  the bitter and 
b 2 K. 2.19,21,22.  baneful into sweet and sanative, the 
c L. 1.17.  Hearts of the Fathers to the Children, the Disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just; root out every 
d Heb: 12.15.  Root of Bitterness, especially in Those, whom thou hast so nearly united 
e Eph 5.21. See p: 53. u.  One with another, and 
f See p. 99 o.  with thyself; persuade or compel the Wives to submit unto the Husbands, 
g Eph: 5.22.  as unto thee the Lord, and the Husbands to love and cherish the Wives 
h V 29.30.  as thou dost thy Church.  
And all This not for ours (to whom belongeth 
i Dan: 9.7. Ezr: 9.6. Ez. 36.32.  confusion of Faces) but for thine own 
l Lev: 22.2,32. 1 Ch: 16.35 Ps: 33.21. & 99.3. & 103.1. & 111.9. & 145.21. Isa: 57.15. Ez: 36.21,22. & 39.25. Am: 2.7. L: 1.49.  holy, 
m Ex: 22.27. & 34.6. 2 Ch. 30.9. Neh: 9.17,31. Job 33.24. Ps: 86.15. & 116.5. Isa: 30.18,19. Joel 2.13. Jon: 4.2 1 P. 2.3.  gracious and 
n Deu: 28.58. 1 Ch: 29.13. Neh: 9.5. Ps: 72.19.  glorious 
o Ps: 44.3. Isa: 48.9. Ez: 20.9,14,22,44.  Names sake. 
p 1 Ch. 16 36. Neh: 5.13. & 8.6. Ps: 41.13. & 72.19. & 106.48. Mat: 6.13. Ro: 1.25 Eph: 3.21. 1 T: 6.16. Rev: 7.11,12. & 22.20.  Amen.   
To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only Wise GOD, be honour and glory for ever and ever: Amen.  1 T. 1.17. 
FINIS.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
SInce th' Epistle may not prevent, let this Postscript appease a carnal (it can be no better) Censure, viz. The Margin is so needlessly overloaden with Proofs, that it will be generally neglected. So. But we make no Bones at the swelling and boisterous Notes even of some professing Divines, merely displaying their own Learning and Readins of (sometimes humane or profane) Authors, or citing of Scripture (haply) to small Purpose. And are our Stomaches so queasy, as to nauseate and strain at the mild and Sincere Milk of the Word, properly, seasonably and plentifully applied? Too many, indeed, are deadly sick of this Surfeit: And 'tis granted, that these (as to their own sense and Appetite) may here meet with Superfluity; but it's hoped (if justly pondered) none or little Impertinency.   

It's almost impossible for any Composure of this Kind, to escape exactly faultless; especially from so limited a Deliberation as here befell both the Author and Printer. Be the Author's (for this time) charitably connived at; the Printer's may be rectified thus.  
Epist. page 2. line 2. read would; & l. 22. r. loath. Matter, p. 3. l. 3. r. defied; p. 4. l. 8 r. (my then too; p. 28. l. 21. r. abounded; p. 31. l. 23,24. r. spirit of Man; p. 38. l. 2. r. (viz. p. 41. l. 26. r. they were; p. 46. l. 14. r. primarily; l. 30. r. with the; p. 49. l. 22. r. or (haply; p. 51. l. 34. r. suppose) p. 80. l. 12. r. Power; p. 84. l. 16. r. warrantably.  
Lesser faults in Pointing, etc. are left to the Readers Prudence.