A09377:50
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.
Now if mankind had continued in that uprightness and integrity which it had by creation, the state of single life had been of no price and estimation amongst men, neither should it have had any place in the world, without great contempt of Gods ordinance and blessing.
Now if mankind had continued in that vprightnes and integritie which it had by creation, the state of single life had been of no price and estimation amongst men, neither should it haue had any place in the world, without great contempt of Gods ordinance and blessing.
Nevertheless, since the fall, to some men who have the gift of continency, it is in many respects far better then marriage, yet not simply, but only by accident, in regard of sundry calamities which came into the world by sin. For, first it freeth a man from many and great cares of household affairs. Again, it maketh him much more fit & disposed to meditate of heavenly things, without distraction of mind. Besides that, when dangers are either present, or imminent, in matters belonging to this life, the single person is in this case happy, because he and his are more secure ⟨p. 13⟩and safe, then others be who are in married state. 1. Cor. 7. 8. Therefore I say to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I do. vers. 26. I suppose then this to be good for the present necessity, I mean, that it is good for a man so to be, vers. 28. But if thou takest a wife thou sinnest not, and if a virgin marry she sinneth not; nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh, vers. 32. And I would have you without care.
Neuerthelesse, since the fall, to some men who haue the gift of continencie, it is in many respects farre better then mariage, yet not simplie, but only by accident, in regard of sundrie calamities which came into the world by sin. For, first it freeth a man from many and great cares of houshold affaires. Againe, it maketh him much more fit & disposed to meditate of heauenly things, without distraction of mind. Besides that, when dangers are either present, or imminent, in matters belonging to this life, the single person is in this case happie, because he and his are more secure