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AS by the great mercy of God, at the time of his good will and pro∣vidence appointed, (my dearly beloved Wife) you and I were joyned together in the holy and Christian state of godly Matrimony, as well to our great joy and comfort in Christ, as also to the increase of his blessed Church and faithfull Congregation, by having lawfull Children in and by the same, with the which God of his mercy hath blessed us,
praised be his Name therefore: Even so now by his mercifull will and Divine Ordinance, the time is come (so farre as I can perceive) where∣in he will, for his glory, and our eternall comfort, dissolve the same, and separate us asunder again for a time. Wherefore I thought it good, yea and my bounden duty, by this simple Letter to provoke, stir, and ad∣monish you to behave your self in all your doings, sayings and thoughts, most thankefully unto our good God for the same. And therefore (my dear Wife) as you have heartily rejoyced in the Lord, and oftentimes given God thanks for his goodness, in bringing us together in his holy Or∣dinance: Even so now I desire you, when this time of our separation shall come, to rejoyce with me in the Lord, and to give him most hearty thanks, that he hath (to his glory, and our endless commodity) separated us again for a little time, and hath mercifully taken me unto himself forth of this miserable world, into his Celestiall Kingdome; believing and hoping also assuredly, that God of his goodness, for his Son Christs sake, will shortly bring you and your dear children thither to me, that we may most joyfully together sing Praises unto his glorious Name for ever. And yet once again I desire you for the love of God, and as ever you loved me, to rejoyce with me, and to give God continuall thanks for doing his most mercifull will upon me.
I hear say, that you do oftentimes use to repeat this godly saying, The Lords will be fulfilled. Doubtless it rejoyceth my poor heart to hear that report of you; and for the Lords sake use that godly prayer continually, and teach your Children and Family to say the same day and night: and not onely say it with your tongues, but also with your heart and minde, and joyfully to submit your will to Gods will in very deed; knowing and believing assuredly, that nothing shall come to you or any of yours, otherwise then it shall be his Almighty and Fatherly good will and pleasure, and for your eternall comfort and commodity. Which thing to be most true and certain, Christ testifieth in his holy Gospel, say∣ing, Are not two little Sparrows sold for a farthing? and yet not one of them shall perish without the will of your heavenly Fa∣ther. And he concludeth, saying, Fear not ye therefore, for ye are better then many Sparrows. As though he should have said, If God have such a respect and care for a poor Sparrow, which is not worth one farthing, that it shall not be taken in the Lime-twig, Net, or Pit-fall,
unsill it be his good will and pleasure; you may be well assured, that not one of you (whom he so dearly loveth, that he hath given his onely dear Son for y••u) shall perish, or depart forth of this miserable life, without his Almighty good will and pleasure.
Therefore, dear Wife, put your trust and confidence wholly and onely in him, and ever pray that his will be fulfilled, and not yours, except it be agreeing to his will: the which I pray God it may ever be. Amen. And as for worldly things take you no care, but be you well assured the Lord your dear God and Father will not see you nor yours lack, if you con∣tinue in his love and childly fear, and keep a clear Conscience from all kind of Idolatry, ••uperstition, and Wickedness, as my trust is that you will do, although it be with the loss and danger of this temporal life. And good Margaret, Fear not them that can but kill the body, (and yet can they not do that, untill God give them leave) but fear to d••splease him that can kill both body and Soul, and cast them into hell fire. Let not the remembrance of your Children keep you from God: The Lord himself will be a Father and a Mother, better then ever you or I could have been unto them. He himself will do all things necessary for them, yea as much as rock the Cradle, if need be. He hath given his holy Angels charge over them, therefore commit them unto him. But if you may live with a clear Conscience (for else I would not have you to live) and see the bringing up of your Children your self, look that you nurture them in the fear of God, and keep them farre from Idolatry, Superstition, and all other kinde of Wickedness: and for Gods sake help them to some Learning, if it be possible, that they may increase in virtue and god••y knowledge, which shall be a better Dowry to marry them with∣all, then any worldly substance: and when they be come to age, provide them such Husbands as fear God, and love his holy Word. I charge you take heed that you match them with no Papists: and if you live and marry again your self, (which thing I would wish you to do, if need require, or else not) good Wife take heed how you bestow your self, that you and my poor Children be not compelled to wickedness. But if you sh ll be able well to live Gods true Widow, I would counsel you so to live still, for the more quietness of your self and your poor Children. Take heed, Margaret, and play the wise womans part: you have warn∣ing by other, if you will take an example. And thus I commit you and
my sweet Children unto Gods most mercifull defence. The Blessing of God be with you, and God send us a merry meeting together in Heaven. Farewell in Christ: farewell mine own dear hearts all. Pray, pray.
Here is a true mark of a faith∣ful Christian, forsaking wife & children for Christs sake.
True obedience of a faithful wo∣man.
Matth. 10.
Good counsel given to his wife
Care of children to be cast upon Lord.
The mothers duty in bringing up her children.