A68107:711
Of domesticall duties eight treatises. I. An exposition of that part of Scripture out of which domesticall duties are raised. ... VIII. Duties of masters. By William Gouge.
London: printed by John Haviland for William Bladen, 1622London: printed by Iohn Haviland for William Bladen, 1622
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.
Thirdly, a faithful performance of their duty, is an especial means to keep their inferiors in compass of theirs.
Thirdly, a faithfull performance of their duty, is an especiall means to keepe their inferiours in compasse of theirs.
Fourthly, their failing in duty is exemplary: it causeth others under them to fail in theirs, and so it is a double sin.
Fourthly, their failing in duty is exemplary: it causeth others vnder them to faile in theirs, and so it is a double sin.
Fifthly, their reckoning shall be the greater: for of them who have received more, more shall be required.
Fiftly, their reckoning shall be the greater: for of them who haue receiued more, more shall be required.
It were therefore to be wished that superiors and inferiors would strive who should begin first, and who should 1perform their own part best, and in this kind strive to excel, as runners in a race strive in running to out-strip one another.
It were therefore to be wished that superiours and inferiours would striue who should beginne first, and who should 1performe their owne part best, and in this kinde striue to excell, as runners in a race striue in running to out-strip one another.
But if question be made who shall begin, I advise inferiors not to stand out in this strife, but to think the Apostle 1first inciteth them: and that it is the safest for them to begin: for in this contention inferiors are like to fare the worst, by reason of the power which superiors have over them. And though it be more against our corrupt, proud, and stout nature, to be subject and obey, yet let us so much the more endeavour to yield duty in this kind. For it is an especial part of spiritual prudence, to observe what our corrupt nature is most prone unto, and wherein it most swelleth up, that therein we may most strive to beat it down: nature is contrary to grace, and the kwisdom of the flesh is enmity against God.
But if question be made who shall beginne, I aduise inferiours not to stand out in this strife, but to thinke the Apostle 1first inciteth them: and that it is the safest for them to begin: for in this contention inferiours are like to fare the worst, by reason of the power which superiours haue ouer them. And though it be more against our corrupt, proud, and stout nature, to be subiect and obey, yet let vs so much the more endeuour to yeeld duty in this kinde. For it is an especiall part of spirituall prudence, to obserue what our corrupt nature is most prone vnto, and wherein it most swelleth up, that therein we may most striue to beat it downe: nature is contrary to grace, and the kwisdome of the flesh is enmitie against God.
Answ. Many good reasons may be given of the Apostles order even in this point.
Answ. Many good reasons may be giuen of the Apostles order euen in this point.
First, of all other inferiors in a family, wives are far the most excellent, and therefore to be placed in the first rank.
First, of all other inferiours in a family, wiues are farre the most excellent, and therefore to be placed in the first ranke.
Secondly, wives were the first to whom subjection was enjoined: before there was child or servant in the world, it was said to her, thy desire shall be subject to thine husband.1
Secondly, wiues were the first to whom subiection was inioyned: before there was childe or seruant in the world, it was said to her, thy desire shall be subiect to thine husband.1
Thirdly, wives are the fountain from whence all other degrees spring: and therefore ought first to be cleansed.
Thirdly, wiues are the fountaine from whence all other degrees spring: and therefore ought first to be cleansed.
Fourthly, this subjection is a good pattern unto children and servants: and a great means to move them to be subject.
Fourthly, this subiection is a good patterne vnto children and seruants: and a great means to moue them to be subiect.
Fifthly, I may further add as a truth, which is too manifest by experience in all places, that among all other parties of whom the Holy Ghost requireth subjection, wives for ⟨p. 26⟩the most part are lmost back ward in yielding subjection to their husbands. But ye wives that fear God, be careful of your duty: and though it may seem somewhat contrary to 2the common course and practise of wives, yet follow not a multitude to do evil. Though it be harsh to corrupt nature, 3yet beat down that corruption: yea though your husbands be backward in their duties, yet be ye forward, and strive to go before them in yours: remembering what the Lord saith (Mat. 5. 46, 47.) If you love them which love you, what singular thing do ye? Yea remembering also what the Apostle saith, (1 Tim. 2. 14.) The woman was first in the transgression, mand first had her duty given unto her, and nwas made for the man, and not man for the woman.
Fiftly, I may further adde as a truth, which is too manifest by experience in all places, that among all other parties of whom the Holy Ghost requireth subiection, wiues for ⟨p. 26⟩the most part are lmost back ward in yeelding subiection to their husbands. But yee wiues that feare God, be carefull of your duty: and though it may seeme somewhat contrary to 2the common course and practise of wiues, yet follow not a multitude to doe euill. Though it be harsh to corrupt nature,
Having hitherto handled the forenamed general instructions, I will proceed to a more distinct opening of the words; and collect such observations as thence arise, and then particularly declare the several duties which the three orders in a family owe each to other.
Hauing hitherto handled the forenamed generall instructions, I will proceed to a more distinct opening of the words; and collect such obseruations as thence arise, and then particularly declare the seuerall duties which the three orders in a family owe each to other.
