by William Gouge
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
To demonstrate that the duties prescribed to Husbands, Wives, Parents, Children, Masters, and Servants are grounded in conscience and based on God's Word, I have endeavored to show their scriptural foundations, providing most references in the margins to avoid excessive length. If time permits, I encourage you to examine these references. Two key factors have greatly aided me in identifying the numerous duties discussed in these Treatises, as well as the corresponding vices: Observation and Arrangement. Observation encompasses the duties and vices commended or condemned by Scripture, as well as the commendable virtues and distasteful vices I have witnessed in Husbands, Wives, Parents, Children, Masters, and Servants I have encountered. Arrangement involved methodically organizing one point after another in the best possible sequence. My method and manner of approach brought to mind many aspects that might otherwise have been overlooked, for method extracts diverse and interconnected points, much like one link in a chain drawing another along. There is no better way to discover numerous observations in a text than through a systematic analysis. Method not only aids in invention but also in retention. It serves as the thread on which pearls are strung, preventing them from scattering. If one becomes entangled in a labyrinth of abundant material, method facilitates finding the way out. In these regards, method is aptly described as the Mother of the Mind and Mistress of Memory. By carefully observing the order and interdependence of various points, you will find it as beneficial for comprehension and recall as I did for invention and arrangement. Since there is no singular term to encompass both male and female heads of households, as 'Parents' does for fathers and mothers, and 'Children' does for sons and daughters, I have, following the scriptural convention, included Mistresses under Masters, such that the duties assigned to them apply to both sexes as circumstances permit. In conclusion, as a token of appreciation for all my efforts, I earnestly implore each of you to pray fervently for the one who daily prays for you
—the Watchman of your souls, WILLIAM GOUGE.
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Table of Contents
To the cherished Inhabitants of the Precinct of Black-friers LONDON
The First Treatise: The Scriptural Basis for Domestical Duties
The Second Treatise Part I: Of Husband and Wife, who are so to be accounted
The Second Treatise Part II: Of common-mutual duties betwixt Man and Wife
The Third Treatise: Of Wives' Particular Duties
The Fourth Treatise: Of Husbands’ Particular Duties
The Fifth Treatise: Duties of Children
The Sixth Treatise: Duties of Parents
The Seventh Treatise Duties of Servants
The Eighth Treatise: Duties of Masters