A practical essay, designed for general use, in three parts. Part I. Addressed to husbands and wives: being an answer to the two following inquiries. 1st. What is the most obvious meaning of the word church in the New Testament? 2d. How doth marriage convey, as in a mistery [sic], the union of Christ and the church? Improved to illustrate the honorable relation, endeared affection, and mutual duties of husbands and wives. With a song on marriage. To which is added an appendix, with some thoughts on education. Part II. Addressed to parents: being some thoughts on education. Part III. An inquiry concerning the case of children, with an exhortation to them. / By Shippie Townsend. ; [Four lines from Titus]