N07105:96
The well-ordered family
The well-ordered family: wherein the duties of it's [sic] various members are described and urged. A small, but very comprehensive piece, suitable to be in the hand of every householder [sic]; and may be especially seasonable in the present day. / By that eminently pious and learned divine, Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Minister of the Gospel at Preston. ; [Two lines from John]The well-ordered family: wherein the duties of it's [sic] various members are described and urged. A small, but very comprehensive piece, suitable to be in the hand of every housholder [sic]; and may be especially seasonable in the present day. / By that eminently pious and learned divine, Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Minister of the Gospel at Preston. ; [Two lines from John]
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland, 1762
The Well-Ordered Family. › Section 5: Of the Duties of the Husband and Wife.
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.
2. That he carefully provide for her.
1. He must tenderly respect her, as his Wife, Companion, Yoke-fellow, as his very Delight; and the Desire of his Eyes, and never be bitter against her. This Bitterness ordinarily turneth the Edge of his Authority. If therefore any Matter of Unkindness arise (as sometimes certainly will) then must he carefully with all Lenity, Gentleness and Patience quiet all, and never suffer himself nor his Wife to sleep in Displeasure: Let not the Sun go down upon your Wrath; or if he shall have Occasion to reprove her, he must keep his Words until a convenient time, and not do it in Presence of others; and then utter them in the Spirit of Meekness and Love. Surely if she be not corrected by a Word of Wisdom and Discretion, she will never amend by Threats, or any hasty, rigorous Carriage: and if she once begin to lose her Shamefacedness in the Presence of her Husband, it is likely there will be often Brawlings and Quarrellings betwixt them, and the House will be full of Disquietness: It is best therefore to deal wisely with her, to admonish her often, to reprehend her seldom, never to lay violent Hands on her; and if she be dutiful, to cherish her, that she may so continue; if wayward, mildly to suffer her, that she wax not worse.
1. He must tenderly respect her, as his Wife, Companion, Yoke-fellow, as his very Delight; and the Desire of his Eyes, and never be bitter against her. This Bitterness ordinarily turneth the Edge of his Authority. If therefore any Matter of Unkindness arise (as sometimes certainly will) then must he carefully with all Lenity, Gentleness and Patience quiet all, and never suffer himself nor his Wife to sleep in Displeasure: Let not the Sun go down upon your Wrath; or if he shall have Occasion to reprove her, he must keep his Words until a convenient time, and not do it in Presence of others; and then utter them in the Spirit of Meekness and Love. Surely if she be not corrected by a Word of Wisdom and Discretion, she will never amend by Threats, or any hasty, rigorous Carriage: and if she once begin to lose her Shamefac'dness in the Presence of her Husband, it is likely there will be often Brawlings and Quarellings betwixt them, and the House will be full of Disquietness: It is best therefore to deal wisely with her, to admonish her often, to reprehend her seldom, never to lay violent Hands on her; and if she be dutiful, to cherish her, that she may so continue; if wayward, mildly to suffer her, that she wax not worse.