A17171:272
The gold[n] book of christen matrimony most necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that…The golde[n] boke of christen matrimonye moost necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that…
The gold[n] book of christen matrimony most necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that intend to live quietly and godly in the Christen state of holy wedlock newly set forth in English by Theodore Basil.The golde[n] boke of christen matrimonye moost necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that entend to liue quietly and godlye in the Christen state of holy wedlock newly set forthe in English by Theodore Basille.
London: printed for Joha, 1543London: printed for Ioha, 1543
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Heaven and earth and all that was made, is of God's own creation. God is the most high goodness. Without God there is nothing good. God needeth no creature to be joined with him in his deeds and counsels to forgive, damn save or help. It is he alone that upholdeth all the wor• preserveth it, and giveth every thing the life & being, which it hath. He is loving gracious and merciful to them that so believe and trust upon him.
Heauen and earthe and all that was made, is of goddes owne creacyon. God is the mooste hyghe goodnes. Wythout God theris nothing good. God nedeth no creature to be ioynedde wyth hym in hys dedes and cownselles to forgeue, dampne saue or healpe. It is he alone that vpholdeth all the wor• preserueth it, and gyueth euery thyng the lyfe & beynge, whyche it hath. He is louyng graciouse and mercyful to them that so beleue and trust vpon him.
God is true, and just, and holy in all his works, God loveth virtue, and hateth sin […] vice. It is good that God commandeth, and evil that he forbiddeth God punisheth sin & evil. A man must love God above all things. He may not murmur against god, but be willing and thankful in all adversity to bear it. He must call only upon God, and complain to him only in all his need. And here must ⟨image 90⟩the children be taught thus to pray. Our father 1which art in heaven. &c. And to express the articles of our faith distinctly & perfectly. And in process of time learn them truly to understand them, and the ten Commandments also by heart. Then teach them the Proverbs of Solomon and the book of the preacher, and such common sentences as are these: Virtue excelleth all things. To lye is the most shameful vice of all. Thou shalt hurt no man, but profit every man. Speak evil of no man. Backbite nor curse no man. All men are brethren. And such like godly sentences, let them be planted into young hearts. Above all things shall the parents use godly & honest conversation in y presence of their children, teach them more virtue & goodness, than their words. For words although they may do much, yet shall good ensamples of living do more to the youth. Let not your children be conversant with evil persons and light company, let them not hear vicious nor wanton communication, nor see no sinful sigh tes. The parents must use them selves before