...that a husband should labor to support his wife and children and bring them up in the fear of God, that a wife should bear children and care for them...
... Such traditions [fasting, etc.] have also obscured the commands of God, for these traditions were exalted far above God’s commands. [9] This also was regarded as Christian life: whoever observed festivals in this way, prayed in this way, fasted in this way, and dressed in this way was said to live a spiritual and Christian life. [10] On the other hand, other necessary good works were considered secular and unspiritual: the works which everybody is obliged to do according to his calling--for example, that a husband should labor to support his wife and children and bring them up in the fear of God, that a wife should bear children and care for them, that a prince and magistrates should govern land and people, etc. [11] Such works, commanded by God, were to be regarded as secular and imperfect, while traditions were to be given the glamorous title of alone being holy and perfect works. Accordingly there was no end or limit to the making of such traditions. …
