by Cotton Mather
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Or the Character and Happiness of a Virtuous Woman: In a Discourse Which directs the Female-Sex how to express the fear of God in every Age and State of their Life; and obtain both Temporal and Eternal Blessedness.
This text has been initially updated from EEBO-TCP by Project Puritas (Logan West, David Jonescue, Alex Sarrouf) www.puritansearch.org. Further revision and editing done by Monergism. Copyright Monergism via universal text usage permission from the above.
"Cotton Mather's 'Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion' presents a profound theological exploration of the virtues and spiritual roles of women within the Christian faith. Grounded in Proverbs 31:30, Mather elaborates on the intrinsic value and beauty of a woman's character when she fears the Lord, surpassing superficial adornments. This treatise unfolds across several chapters, detailing the virtuous woman's life stages—from maidenhood to widowhood—underscoring the eternal joy and praise she garners from embracing godliness. Mather's discourse serves as a timeless guide, encouraging women to cultivate spiritual beauty and character, thereby achieving both temporal and eternal blessedness. It's an emblematic work of Puritan literature, reflecting on the intersection of faith, womanhood, and societal expectations, aiming to inspire women to seek a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God."
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Table of Contents
The Preface.
CHAP. I – Admonitions to be a Virtuous Woman.
CHAP. II – A Virtuous Woman Shall be Praised.
CHAP. III – The Character of a Virtuous Woman.
CHAP. IV – The Happiness of a Virtuous Woman.
CHAP. V – Application and Counsels.
CHAP. VI - The Virtuous Maid.
CHAP. VII - The Virtuous Wife.
CHAP. VIII - The Virtuous Mother.
CHAP. IX - The Virtuous Widow.