A09377:14
Christian economyChristian oeconomie
Christian economy: or, A short survey of the right manner of erecting and ordering a family according to the scriptures. First written in Latin by the author M. W. Perkins, and now set forth in the vulgar tongue, for more common use and benefit, by Tho. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity.Christian oeconomie: or, A short survey of the right manner of erecting and ordering a familie according to the scriptures. First written in Latine by the author M. W. Perkins, and now set forth in the vulgar tongue, for more common vse and benefit, by Tho. Pickering Bachelar of Diuinitie.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First, whereas Experience teacheth, that the Questions of conscience in matrimonial affairs, are very many in number, and difficult in nature; here we shall find either direct answers to some of them, or at least the grounds of resolution in divers cases, warranted by the word, in such sort, as little or nothing will appear, upon the trial, to be untouched, making for the Readers satisfaction.
First, whereas Experience teacheth, that the Questions of conscience in matrimoniall affaires, are very many in number, and difficult in nature; here we shall finde either direct answeres to some of them, or at least the grounds of resolution in diuers cases, warranted by the word, in such sort, as little or nothing will appeare, vpon the triall, to be vntouched, making for the Readers satisfaction.
Secondly, the main scope of the Author in the several branches hereof, is, to make plain this truth in particular, That no Family can be interested in the blessing and favour of God, which is not founded in his fear, and ordered according to his revealed will. For though the Heathen in their writings of the like Argument,1 do show, that Nature by her dim light may afford some good directions to this purpose, and that men merely natural, have prospered in the practise of Economical ⟨image 7⟩virtues; yet the true happiness of houses and inhabitants wholly dependeth upon the special grace of God, and issueth out of his promise; and that is directed only to them that fear him and walk in his ways; 2it being godliness alone which hath the promises of this life and the life to come. 3Therefore to dream of a blessing in any other state, which is not seasoned with godliness, and ordered by direction of divine law, is but a witless presumption; considering that the family it self from whence they grow, hath no further assurance of blessedness, then it hath right and title in the promise.