A09377:278
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.
Answ. I. This certain danger hath his original, either from one that is a stranger, or from one of the parties: If from a stranger, then the husband either takes upon him the defence of his believing wife, or not; if he doth, then she ought to abide with him. If not, she may depart and provide for her own safety. II. Again, if the husband threateneth hurt, the believing wife may fly in this case; and it is all one, as if the unbelieving man should depart. For to depart from one, and drive one away by threats, are equipollent.
Answ. I. This certaine danger hath his originall, either from one that is a stranger, or from one of the parties: If from a stranger, then the husband either takes vpon him the defence of his belieuing wife, or not; if he doth, then she ought to abide with him. If not, she may depart and prouide for her owne safetie. II. Againe, if the husband threatneth hurt, the belieuing wife may flie in this case; and it is all one, as if the vnbelieuing man should depart. For to depart from one, and driue one away by threats, are aequipollent.
Neither may this seem strange unto any, that the believer in such case is allowed to depart. For a husband that is a Christian is married two ways: First with Christ, and secondly with his wife. The former marriage is made in Baptism, and is a more holy conjunction, then is the latter. Therefore when these two cannot stand together, but one of them must needs be dissolved; the latter ⟨p. 108⟩must rather be left then the former. Again, if the believer should remain with the unbeliever, she should haply be urged sometimes, in case of danger upon infirmity, to deny Christ, & make ship wrack of faith and good conscience; which may in no sort be done of either party: and therefore separation is to be made rather in this society, then that the conjunction with Christ should not stand firm, and continue.
Neither may this seeme strange vnto any, that the belieuer in such case is allowed to depart. For a husband that is a Christian is married two waies: First with Christ, and secondly with his wife. The former mariage is made in Baptisme, and is a more holy coniunction, then is the latter. Therfore when these two cannot stand together, but one of them must needs be dissolued; the latter