A20524:96
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.
There followeth, both the variety and number of the works, wherein she is occupied: and also, the end whereunto they are referred, which doth crown all her former works; and without the which it skilleth not much, whether the mothers of families be slothful or diligent in their work. For, if she should only lay up in a chest these her riches gotten with pain, should heap up treasures, or bestow them in trifles and toys, there were no cause why this praise should be given her. But now when as both in getting them her industry is declared, and in disposing them her piety and wisdom appeareth; no sufficient commendation can easily be given unto her. For to some God hath plentifully and abundantly given discretion to bestow them to their just and due uses.
There followeth, both the varietie and number of the workes, wherein she is occupied: and also, the end whereunto they are referred, which doth crowne all her former workes; and without the which it skilleth not much, whether the mothers of families be sloathful or diligent in their worke. For, if she should only lay vp in a chest these her riches gotten with paine, should heape vp treasures, or bestow them in trifles and toies, there were no cause why this praise should be giuen her. But now when as both in getting them her industry is declared, and in disposing them her piety and wisdome appeareth; no sufficient cōmendation can easily be giuen vnto her. For to som God hath plentifully and abundantly giuen discretion to bestow them to their iust and due vses.
In the verses following he describeth the ends,1 whereto she referreth her riches gotten with such diligence and continual labour: ⟨p. 48⟩whereof the first is, that she may succour the poor, and such as are oppressed with want. This is confirmed by the testimony of the Apostle. Ephes. 4.28. & Prover. 3.26.27.