A20524:107
Bathsheba's instructions to her son LemuelBathshebaes instructions to her sonne Lemuel
Bathsheba's instructions to her son Lemuel containing a fruitful and plain exposition of the last chapter of the Proverbs. Describing the duties of a great-man, and the virtues of a gracious woman. Penned by a godly and learned man, now with God. Perused, and published for the use of Gods church, by John Dod, and William Hind.Bathshebaes instructions to her sonne Lemuel containing a fruitfull and plaine exposition of the last chapter of the Prouerbs. Describing the duties of a great-man, and the vertures of a gracious woman. Penned by a godly and learned man, now with God. Perused, and published for the use of Gods church, by Iohn Dod, and William Hinde.
London: printed by John Beale for Roger Jackson, 1614London: printed by Iohn Beale for Roger Iackson, 1614
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.
Her next care is for the furniture of her house, provided and beautified with those ornaments which may most set forth the fairness of the house, and the honour of the governor. For, it is not the least commendation of a Matron, to provide that the house be thoroughly furnished, of bedding, hangings, tapestry, and other such like necessaries, both for the necessity of life, and also for honest delight: For a man may see many women very sumptuously attired, whose houses notwithstanding lie empty and unfurnished.
HEr next care is for the furniture of her house, prouided and beautified with those ornaments which may most set forth the fairenes of the house, and the honor of the gouernor. For, it is not the least commendation of a Matrone, to prouide that the house be thoroughly furnished, of bedding, hangings, tapestry, and other such like necessaries, both for the necessity of life, and also for honest delight: For a man may see many women very sumptuously attired, whose houses notwithstanding lie empty and vnfurnished.
Neither truly doth the praise of this woman consist in this, that she buyeth these ornaments with her money, but because she maketh and weaveth them at her own house. Which is to be understood both of those things which have been spoken of before in the 20. and 22. verses, and also of those which follow unto the 25: verse.
Neither truly doth the praise of this woman consist in this, that shee buieth these ornaments with her mony, but because shee maketh and weaueth them at her owne house. Which is to bee vnderstood both of those things which haue beene spoken of before in the 20. and 22. verses, and also of those which follow vnto the 25: verse.
Unto this carefulness, to provide household furniture doth succeed, care of trimming her own body, and that with things far more precious, as fine linen & purple. The which, although it seem scarce to agree with the turning of the wheel, and handling of the spindle and distaff: yet the holy Ghost hath thought them very agreeable. And here no doubt he bringeth in this woman so delicately apparelled, that he might thereby commend these womanly works and exercises unto all posterity, as those which are worthy, and fit for such as are clothed in very delicate apparel, so as their estate and degree will afford it. Which is not to be understood of all women, but according as every ones estate will stretch; for this woman's husband was among the chief, as appeareth in the 23. verse. But here some man may ask, whether it be fit that he should first provide for her own self.