Unless this inward reverence and due respect of an husband 1be first placed in the heart of a wife, either no outward reverence and obedience will be performed at all, or if it be performed, it will be very unsound, only in show, hypocritical and deceitful: so that as good never a whit as never the better. For according to ones inward affection and disposition will the outward action and conversation be framed. eMichal first despised David in her heart, and thence it followed that she futtered most unreverend and vile speeches of him, even to his face. Wherefore after the judgement of a wife is rightly informed of an husbands superiority, and her will persuaded to account her own husband her head and guide, it is very needful that her heart and affection be accordingly seasoned with the salt of good respect, and high esteem, which breedeth fear: and that thus her heart may be seasoned, she ought oft and seriously to meditate of his place and office, and of that honour which the Lord by virtue thereof hath planted in him. And if he have gifts worthy his place, as knowledge, wisdom, piety, temperance, love, and the like, she ought to take notice thereof, and to think him worthy of double honour.
Vnlesse this inward reuerence and due respect of an husband 1be first placed in the heart of a wife, either no outward reuerence and obedience will be performed at all, or if it be performed, it will be very vnsound, only in shew, hypocriticall and deceitfull: so that as good neuer a whit as neuer the better. For according to ones inward affection and disposition will the outward action and conuersation be framed. eMichal first despised Dauid in her heart, and thence it followed that she fvtteredmost vnreuerend and vile speeches of him, euen to his face. Wherefore after the iudgement of a wife is rightly informed of an husbands superioritie, and her will perswaded to account her owne husband her head and guide, it is very needfull that her heart and affection be accordingly seasoned with the salt of good respect, and high esteeme, which breedeth feare: and that thus her heart may be seasoned, she ought oft and seriously to meditate of his place and office, and of that honour which the Lord by vertue thereof hath planted in him. And if he haue gifts worthie his place, as knowledge, wisdome, pietie, temperance, loue, and the like, she ought to take notice thereof, and to thinke him worthie of double honour.
- 1True fear a ground of other duties.True feare a ground of other duties.
- e2 Sam. 6. 16.
- fUers. 20. How fear may be wrought in a wives heart.Uers. 20. How feare may be wrought in a wiues heart.
