A LOOKING GLASS FOR Married Folks. Wherein they may plainly see their deformities; and also how to behave themselves one to another, and both of them towards God. Set forth Dialoguewise for the more tastable and plainness sake, By R. S.  PROVERBS. 11.29. 
He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be servant to him that lendeth.  PROVERBS. 12.4. 
A virtuous woman is the crown of her husband: but she that maketh him ashamed, is as corruption to his bones.  
LONDON, Printed by N. O. for Henry Bell, and are to be sold at his shop on Holborn Hill near the cross Keys. 1610.   

THE AUTHOR TO the gentle Reader.  
COurteous Reader, the special cause inducing me to take in hand this work, and to bring my candle lighted into the glorious Sunshine of this age, and to publish the same to the view of this famous commonwealth, was, that I have seen & heard, with grief of heart, in many places whither I have come, wicked and unquiet living between man & wife: the which caused me many a time to consult with myself, how I might be a means to reform the same. I considered and thought with myself, that many wanted means to be reconciled one to another, and that there was no book extant of this subject in English; and that for want of means many have lived ignorantly, and so of necessity wickedly and discontentedly together, to the dishonour of God, the offence and evil example of others, the loss of their credits, the wasting of their goods, the corrupting of their children and servants; and finally to the consuming of their own bodies; yea many to the destroying of their souls for evermore. The consideration of these things moved me not to delay, but speedily to seek out a remedy for them. And I pray God grant, that every one that is infected with the aforesaid disease, when as this book shall come to their hands, may apply it effectually unto themselves, that so they may expel the poisoned malice of their cankered hearts. And all these patients I would have to mark, that the more they give way unto their nature, or rather unnatural affections, the more they shall be tainted with the horrible vices whereto they are addicted. And again, the more they are infected with them, the more venomous poison their children shall draw from them, not only whiles they are in their mother's womb, but also much more afterwards by their evil examples. And howsoever it is little regarded that children can be infected with the parents disposition while they are in the womb: yet daily experience doth show, that as they are form and proportioned in body much like unto their parents, so likewise in their nature and affections. Now therefore though thou hast small regard of thyself, yet for thy children's sake, which are the fruit of thy body, take heed, observe and practise good counsel herein contained; which if thou dost, I make no doubt but thou shalt be a means to save both thyself & many others: And moreover, pondering these things deeply with myself, as I said, I called unto remembrance a Dialogue between two women to this effect, written in Latin by the reverend learned man Erasmus; and thinking it was not in English, I thought to publish the same in our mother tongue for the benefit of my countrymem: but after considering further, that that only concerned women, yea and that they might attain to all that which he counseleth there, and yet be damned; I have added thereunto the substance of faith and repentance, with divers other particular points and examples, though briefly; which being practised, are sufficient to life eternal. And moreover, lest men by reading the former part of this book, which teacheth the duty of wives, should domineer too much over them, I have showed them also in the later part thereof, the duties which they own to their wives, drawn from plain proofs, reasons and arguments of holy Scripture; so that they may both learn how to behave themselves each to other, and both of them to God, as they ought. And now if thou shalt reap profit from thence, as I hope thou shalt, except the fault be in thyself, give glory to God, & counsel to thy neighbours, as time and opportunity is offered: and in so doing, I doubt not but God will give a blessing unto thee & thy directions; and by this means thou shalt be an instrument of a public and continual good, not only in making good parents, but they by thy means also shall make good children, and good servants: and this by God's blessing shall successively go on from age to age, even to the end of the world: and so by this means good parents which are scarce, shall be multipled to the increase of God's Church, and the flourishing estate of the commonwealth. And further know this, that good parents are special instruments to make godly children, and good servants; and godly children and good servants will make religious men and women; and religious men and women doth make a flourishing church, and famous commonweal, set forth God's glory, and establish the Prince's kingdom. Therefore I pray thee consider, and lay it unto heart, what a common and continual good this peacemaking is between married couples. Therefore by this premised, every one may easily see how necessary, comfortable, and commodious this little book may be through God's blessing, to all sorts of men (high and low, rich and poor, religious and profane) that some may teach, and some may learn, and all reap profit one by another. And now gentle reader, if thou find any slips herein, as haply thou mayst, I pray thee cover them with thy courtesy. Accept of my good will, & receive that with thankfulness to God which may be profitable to thyself; and if I shall hear that it shall be courteously received, and carefully practised, it shall be a means through God's favour, to stir me up to attempt a greater work, that shall be more profitable both for the Church of Christ, and my dear country, for the wealth of both which I only desire to live, and to have maintenance to manifest my love and duty which I own unto them.  
But because I will not be tedious in the preface, I will conclude, lest I weary thee before thou come to the Conference. Only this I desire of thee, that thou wilt not only begin to read the book, but read it to the end. And howsoeever some things may seem unsavoury unto thee at the first: yet I fear not but in fine thou shalt find it profitable and comfortable. And thus I commit thee and all thy good exercises to the blessing of the Almighty.  
Studious of thine as of mine own quiet and profit, Robert Snawsel.   

A LOOKING GLASS FOR MARRIED FOLKS: OR A profitable Conference, between four women and one man, touching their behaviours toward God and their husbands, and what they ought to be; and also the duty of husbands, toward their wives.  

The four women's names are, 

Abigail, the father's joy.  
Eulalie, well-spoken.  
Xantip, a scold.  
Margery, a proud malapert.  
Ben-ezer, an helper.     
Eulaly. 
GOOD Morrow (neighbour Xantip) how do you to day? did you see my gossip Margery?  Xantip. 
No, I saw her not to day: but me thinks you are fairer than ordinary.  Eulal. 
What, do you begin to frump me?  Xant. 
No truly you seem to me to be very smug.  Eulal. 
Peradventure my new gown sets a gloss on my face.  Xant. 
I promise you you say true indeed, I have not seen a goodlier a great while: I take it to be made of English wool.  Eul. 
The wool indeed is from England, but it was died in Venice.  Xant. 
Truly it is a most gallant gown, the softness of it passeth silk: and what a fine purple colour is it of?  Eul. 
It is true, I like it well indeed: but look, who comes yonder?  Xant. 
It is Margery, whom you asked for. Oh huge, how brave is she? you have only a new gown, but she is new from top to toe.  Abigail. 
And yet, I fear me, her soul is as old as Adam; and as filthy as the Serpent.  Xant. 
Where were you that we saw you not before now?  Abig. 
Little had you thought that I had been so near you, till you saw me.  Xant. 
No, for if I had, I would not have sworn so, as I did.  Abig. 
Alas I heard thee with grief, and thought to have told thee of it at time convenient: but were you not afraid lest God should see you, and hear you swear so horribly.  Xant. 
I know well, that God seethe all things, but he is merciful.  Abig. 
And as he is merciful, so also is he just.  Xant. 
Welcome (Margery) welcome.  Marg. 
God a mercy good Xantip; how dost thou?  Xant. 
Better to see you so fresh and well liking; me thinks you are too too brave, your gown is most stately made, your neckerchiefe is of the finest cambric, your stomacher is most gallantly wrought, and every thing about you is so in print, that it doth me good to look upon you.  Marg. 
Woman, I may speak it amongst us here, I will have it so.  Xant. 
And the more is my grief, that I cannot have it so too.  Abig. 
I pray you neighbours talk no more of those things; why should we busy our minds so much about this outward apparel, which only sets out the body, and many times makes us forget both God and ourselves? Therefore I pray you (good neighbours) let us regard this outward decking less, & the inward adorning of ourselves more.  Marg. 
What shall we have of you? a Puritan?  Abig. 
I pray you Margery, use no more such scoffing speeches.  Marg. 
And I pray you Abigail tell me, do you not think better of yourself, then of any of us?  Abig. 
If you ask me to be bettered by my speech, I will tell you what I think of myself.  Eul. 
Truly I do, Abigail.  Abig. 
I think in my conscience, that I am a poor, sinful, and miserable woman, in myself not worthy to live upon the earth; only in and by Christ jesus, I hope to be made eternally happy.  Eulal. 
What, are you poor and miserable? have you not riches & the world at will? and have you not a loving husband, which makes much of you?  Abig. 
Alack Eulaly, thou art an honest civil woman, I must needs say, but yet thou speakest very carnally. What is all my riches, if I had 10000 times more than I have, if that I be not rich in Christ jesus? and what though I could rule the whole world, which way I would, if I have not peace of conscience? and what if I have a loving husband, if I have not a good husband?  Eul. 
Are you not rich in Christ? have you not peace of conscience? and have you not also a loving and good husband?  Abig. 
Because you protested, that you asked me to be bettered by me, I will make my case known unto you in your ear. It is many times thus with me; when I think upon my riches, and the abundance of wealth, which God hath bestowed upon my husband and me; then sathan suggesteth evil motions in my heart, and my corrupt affections break forth in my life, so that often I think better of myself than I ought; and that I may neglect to work with my hands, and that I may have this and that fashion of apparel, because other of my calling have the same: and that I may eat this dainty thing or that; and that I may either sit up idly in the night, or lie longer than ordinary in the morning. And on the other side, while I thus pride myself in my apparel, and walk idly out of my calling, and pamper this sinful carcase with delicious fare, I have not respect unto some of my poor members, nay unto Christ's members, as I ought. I speak this to my shame, that self love is so much in me, which quenches the spirit of God, and deprives me many times of his favour, and the excellent graces of his spirit, & then my conscience is troubled and disquieted; and than it is such a grief unto me that I have not a good husband, howsoever I confess indeed I have a loving husband.  Eul. 
What mean you by a good husband?  Abig. 
By a good husband I mean a religious husband, which should be my partner, and helper, not only in bodily and worldly things, but especially in spiritual and heavenly, that we might draw Christ's yoke equally together: that so in and through Christ we might be glorified together. I tell you neighbour, you will hardly believe, what a comfort it would be unto me, if he would tender my soul as he doth my body, nay if he would tender his own soul. Indeed he will not be against any good thing I do, I thank God for it; but here is my grief, that he will not be partner of the good with me, which is the cause, when I am sick or afflicted in conscience, (as many times I am humbled for my sins, I bless God for it) then, I say, he cannot minister spiritual comfort to me. Only this he will say, how dost thou wife? or God help thee: which I take kindly: but alas it is far from that, which the Apostle exhorts men unto; namely, that they should dwell with their wives, as men of knowledge; that is, if the woman be ignorant as the most are, he should instruct and inform her in the ways of the Lord; if she hear any thing preached, or at public disputations, whereof she stands in doubt, she should ask her husband judgement at home, and he should be able to resolve her; he should be able through God to comfort her in affliction, and to rejoice with her in prosperity: I do not mean any outward or fleshly joy, so much as that, which is spiritual and heavenly.  Marg. 
What is that, which you two are whispering together of so long? I do not think but it was about some religious matters, for Abigail loves to talk of nothing else; & me thought I heard now and then a sound of some holy words. My husband is much like unto her, they would have been very well matched together.  Abig. 
Me thinks young women should not flout at any, much less at their husbands or elders.  Eul. 
I pray you gossip tell us, what is the practice of your husband, I have heard great commendations of him.  Marg. 
I warrant you he will not miss a Sermon, yea many times he will have me with him against my will, when I had rather be walking abroad in the fields, or else sit and talk with some of my neighbours: but sometimes I meet with him; for I am so long time a dressing of me, that he is glad to go alone, or else he should lose the best part of the Sermon. And when he comes home, he will pray, and make such a long repetition of that which was preached, & then such a several examination of every one concerning the points delivered, that my heart grudges many times against him; and if it were not more for shame of the world, then for fear of him, I would tell him on both sides, that he troubles both himself and us more than he needs. But sometimes I get me out, as soon as ever we come in, and other sometimes I lay the fault upon my memory, when he doth ask me, when I could, if I would, tell him; and then afterwards he goes to prayer again, and every morning he will be sure to have us together at prayer; so after supper there must a chapter be read at the least; and every one must tell some thing, either what the meaning of such a verse is, or at least repeat some verse over that was read: and then he goes to prayer again, and is so long commonly, that he make me so weary with kneeling, that sometimes I am forced to sit, and sometimes to lean and kneel again, and sometimes I am almost a sleep; so that he makes me wish many wishes, that I will not utter.  Abig. 
You have uttered too much of your own evil disposition; truly I marvel that you & such as you are do not fear lest the ground should open her mouth and swallow you up, or the house fall upon your heads, or the Devil to fetch you quick to hell, for this intolerable profaneness, contempt, and abominable wickedness; that it will not only suffice you to abuse your Christian husband, but God also and his worship, in such a horrible manner. I dare assure thee, it doth grieve me at the heart; and if it were not that I received some strength and and comfort by the holy practice of your husband, I think I should have fallen into a swoon. Oh how doth it grieve me that such a good man is troubled with such a bad wife! But seeing nothing comes to pass without Gods, providence, I hope it is only to exercise his patience, and that he being crossed here with thee for a time, might live without thee in glory for ever.  Eul. 
Why, but me thinks you are very earnest, and no less precise. It would be irksome to any I think, never to have any pleasure, but to be ever exercised, as she said her husband was.  Aibg. 
I tell thee my dear Eulaly, that it is the pleasantest & heavenliest life in the world, the which doth solace the soul, & rejoice the heart of a Christian unspeakably; and there is no life of God in them, which lead not this life.  Eul. 
Why, but do you think none shall be saved but those that do such things?  Abig. 
Verily I think, that whosoever it is, that is ignorant of God & his will, and without faith, cannot be saved. And again, whosoever it is, the knows the will of God, and will obstinately either contemn the practice of it in others, or neglect it in themselves, is in the state of damnation.  Xant. 
She is ever of the mind of Master H.  Abig. 
I know, that it is not only our mind, but the mind of the holy Ghost, and of all Christians, that are called to the knowledge of God's grace; and I wish in heart, that it were your mind, and if it pleased God, the mind of the whole world. For if they did know certainly, that all those that are ignorant of God, or contemptuously will scoff at the practice of holy duties in others, or neglect it in themselves, are in the state of damnation, they would soon change their minds, and say, We fools have been deceived; and so no doubt, many of neglecters will become practitioners, and in steed of contemners of God's people, and their practice, would become frequenters and lovers of their heavenly society.  Eul. 
I promise you, you say very well, I think there be but few women can say so much.  Marg. 
Nay will you believe me, I think in my conscience, there are not many men in our town can say so much. I wonder how you have thus grown in knowledge within these few years.  Eul. 
I promise you, the more that I consider of her words, the more I marvel.  Xant. 
I will lay my life, that our sir john, nor sir William of B. cannot say so much without book; it is pity that you were not coupled to a preacher.  Abig. 
The greater is their ignorance, and the more shall be my punishment, if my practice be not according to my knowledge; & therefore my hearts desire and prayer to God is, that as he doth increase in me knowledge, so he would give me humility, and power to obey, that which I know.  Eul. 
Indeed you say true. For I remember our Saviour Christ saith, that he which knows his masters will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.  Abig. 
O neighbour Eulalie, if you would but practise that which you know, I should love you better than ever I did: for than I hope you would be a Christian indeed.  Eul. 
Why, what will you make of me? have you known me thus long, and yet do you think that I am not a Christian?  Abig. 
It is not such an easy matter to be a Christian. But be not offended with me, I will tell you what I think.  Eul. 
What think you, I pray you tell me?  Abig. 
I think you be an honest civil woman, and a Christian in name, but not in nature and in deed.  Eul. 
Why, I was baptised, and go to Church, and I do not mock at the Preachers and professors, as some do; I am neither whore nor thief; I pay every one their own; I cannot abide to swear, etc. I hope you cannot accuse me of deceiving any, nor of lying: what manner of people will you make Christians?  Abig. 
Alas Eulalie, alas, I perceive you would be counted a Christian, and that hitherto you have thought yourself to be one. I must needs tell you truly, that you have scarce set one foot in Christianity: for all which you have said, you may do, and yet be damned.  Xant. 
Here is a sharp sentence.  Eul. 
I pray you tell me the right way, that so I may walk in the direct path which leadeth unto Christ; that so I might become one with him, and an heir of his kingdom.  Abig. 
With all my heart. The first step is repentance, and faith in Christ jesus.  Eul. 
What is repentance.  Abig. 
The Divines do define it in two words, mortification and vivification, that is, a dying to sin, and living to righteousness.  Eul. 
And by what means must this be wrought in us.  Abig. 
By the powerful preaching of the word of God, which breaketh and softeneth the hard & stony heart, humbleth the soul, and woundeth the conscience for sin which it hath committed against the God of heaven, and causeth it unfeignedly to desire peace and reconciliation with him in his Son Christ; with a detestation of all the sins which he hath committed, and a resolution to lead the rest of his life holy and unblamably, as in the sight of God.  Eul. 
What is Faith?  
It is the work of the Spirit of God in us, which doth assure us of the free pardon of our sins, and of the love and favour of God in Christ jesus, with all the benefits that come with him; as it is written: It is the Spirit of God that beareth witness unto our spirits, that we are the sons of God: and so it is that spirit which causeth us to apprehend and apply the mercies of God in Christ, and ourselves, to the obedience of his word.  Eul. 
I pray God that we may so do.  Abig. 
If you have an unfeigned desire (as you seemed to me to have) God hath promised to give you power, if you will give your endeavour therewithal: and so I commit you to his grace.  Xant. 
Yea but Gossip, I pray you tell me, who gave you this new gown.  Eul. 
Your mind is more set upon my gown, then upon those heavenly matters which Abigail spoke of.  Marg. 
I will lay twenty shillings, that Abigail hath almost made her a Puritan.  Eul. 
You think you may now talk your pleasure; when she was here, you had not a word: she took you down I trow.  Xant. 
I hope if you have a new gown, we may without offence speak of it.  Eul. 
Shall I tell you how it is with me?  Marg. 
Yea.  Eul. 
Truly Abigails words were so gracious, that I could willingly have heard her, though she should have sat with us all this day; her words are so savoury to my soul, that me thinks we should not put them out of our remembrance with these outward things.  Xant. 
Well Margery, if she will not tell me who gave her her new gown, do you tell me what cost your neckerchiefe a yard.  Eul. 
I think your mind runs thus upon these outward things, when you are at prayer and at Sermons.  Xant. 
It is good to speak the truth; it doth so indeed.  Eul. 
That ought not to be by no means: for thereby you much dishonour God, and hinder yourself, that the word cannot profit you.  Xant. 
Yea but will you tell me, who gave you your gown?  Eul. 
Why, who, I pray you, should give honest wives any such things but their husbands?  Xant. 
And I pray you Margery, who gave you yours?  Marg. 
My husband also.  Xant. 
O happy women that happen on such husbands! For my part, I would I had been married to a toadstool, when I married with my Ben-ezer.  Eu. 
O fie woman, what a wish is that? if Abigail had been here, you would have vexed her to the heart; and I tell you truly, that you grieve me not a little. For I remember well, what she said, and I hope shall do, whiles I live; namely, that we which profess ourselves to be Christians, should adorn the Gospel of Christ by our holy conversation. And again, she said, that the Apostle exhorts that our words should be gracious and powdered, that they might minister grace to the hearers.  Xant. 
Yea you are happy, you have no cause to speak or complain, that have all things you stand in need of.  Eu. 
I thank God we two do agree, and I am sorry that you two cannot, but that every foot you are falling out.  Xant. 
I think I shall never fall in with such a fellow: you see how raggedly he lets me go: I would I were dead, if I be not ashamed many times to go out a door, when I see how finely other women are dressed, that are married to far poorer husbands than mine is.  Eu. 
Well Xantip, well, I pray thee be contented; and if thou lovest me, nay if thou lovest God or thyself, mark well what our good neighbour Abigail hath said out of the Apostle Paul, that the woman ought to be in subjection to her husband. And again, the ornament of a woman lies not in gay apparel, or in any setting out of herself to sight, as S. Peter teacheth: for I remember that I heard awhile ago at a Sermon, that the ornament of a woman consisted in chaste and honest conditions; and that the ornament of the minds or souls of godly women, was love, meekness, faith, and patience, etc. And further, that it is the guise of drabs & harlots to prank and prick up themselves to inveigle men's affections. Now then as for us, that would be counted honest & religious matrons, we are neat enough, if we be cleanly, and can please our husbands.  Xant. 
Yea, but this good man of mine is such a niggard, that he will not allow me wherewithal I may go handsome, but prodigally he spends my portion, which, though I say it, was no little one.  Marg. 
If I were as thou art, I would have better things, or else the house should be too hot for him. My husband would not willingly let me have such and such a thing, but I trow he shall never go to prayer quietly, nor have a cheerful look till I have it.  Xant. 
Yea, but my husband doth not only keep me without such trim attire as you have, but he will not let me have that which is necessary, but spend that we have in tippling and swilling, at dice, and cards, and amongst whores and harlots.  Eu. 
Good words, good words: I think you surmise, and say more than is true.  Xant. 
It is too true which I say; and moreover when he comes home well whittled in drink at midnight, after he hath been a long while waited for, he snorts like a swine when he is laid: and sir reverence casts up his drunken gorge in the bed, to say no more.  Eu. 
O Xantip, you make my heart ache to hear you. Therefore mark this, that when you do thus disgrace your husband, you shame you self.  Xant. 
I would I were dead, if I had not rather sleep with a sow, then lie by his side.  Marg, 
But do you rattle him up at his coming home?  Xant. 
Yes, I handle him as he deserves, I make him know that I have a tongue in my head.  Marg. 
And what saith he again?  Xant. 
At the first he is as loud as I, thinking to bear me down with great words.  Marg. 
But do you never fall from scolding to scuffling?  Xant. 
Once we were fallen out so far, that a little more would have made us fight outright. He got up a great cudgel, and shaked it at me, threatening me with thundering speeches.  Eul. 
O lamentable living between man and wife!  Marg. 
Wast thou not afraid then Xantip?  Xant. 
Afraid? no: on the other side, I took up the trevit; and if he had but touched me with a finger, he should well have seen and felt, that I would have laid about me lustily with both my hands.  Marg. 
I promise you, I commend you for your manly courage; you had got a new kind of target, when you had the trevit, you did but lack your distaff in steed of a javelin.  Xant. 
I would have made him have known, that he had met, and meddled with his match.  Eul. 
O neighbour, this should not be so.  Xant. 
What tell you me of it? if he will not use me as his wife, I will not entreat him as my husband.  Eul. 
But Paul, as I said before, teacheth, that wives should be in subjection to their husbands with all reverence, and not to be checkmates with them: and Peter sets down Sarah for an example to women, who called her husband Lord.  Marg. 
We have heard of these things before as well as you: but the same Paul I trow, teacheth, that husbands should love their wives, as Christ did his Church.  Xant. 
Well, let him first do his duty, and then I will do mine.  Eul. 
But yet when the case stands thus, I think it is the wives part to yield first to her husband.  Xant. 
Husband, quoth she, marry in good time; if he be a husband that makes no more account of me, then of his kitchen girl.  Marg. 
But in kindness Xantip tell me: did he, when you stood so stoutly to him, leave off to threaten you blows?  Xant. 
Did he? yes, and it was best for him too, I trow, or else as I am an honest woman, I swear to you, I would have be laboured my fellow well and sound.  Eul. 
O terrible mannish woman! I did not think that thou hadst been of such a peremptory spirit. Thou dost not remember that he hath power over thee, and that thou shouldest let thy desire be subject to thy husbands.  Marg. 
It was well done Xantip; hold him out still at staves end, yield him not an inch, lest he take an ell: let him not crow over thee.  Eul. 
You need not give her such wicked counsel; what, will you have all the world to exclaim on our sex, and cry out upon women kind?  Marg. 
Why, none but men will speak against us; and if they do, we can give them two words for one in the hottest manner.  Eul. 
Me thought you said your husband left his threatening: me thinks then Xantip, in all equity and conscience, you should cease your scolding.  Xant. 
I mind not to leave it yet.  Marg. 
What does he, I pray thee, whilst thou art scolding?  Xant. 
What? sometimes he sleeps, flugge as he is; sometimes he falls a laughing; sometimes he takes his fiddle, which hath scarce three strings, and thereon he strikes with his fiddling stick as loud as he can, that he may therewith drown the noise of me.  Mar. 
I am sure, this behaviour of his angers thee to the heart.  Xant. 
It grieves me indeed to the very guts, and I so chafe sometimes that I can hardly hold my hands.  Eul. 
I pray you good neighbour hold your tongue, and give me leave to speak my mind a little to you.  Xant. 
Say on hardly, and speak your pleasure.  Eul. 
You shall be as bold with me when you please: me thinks we two for old acquaintance sake should be very bold & familiar one with another.  Xant. 
You say true. For truly we have been play-fellows from our cradles; and of all that ever I had, there was none that ever I loved better than you.  Eu. 
Well then, this I say in love that I have towards you still, and my request is even as you love me, to hearken unto me. You are married now unto your husband, what manner of man soever he be, you have no liberty to change him for another, or cast him off. In old time indeed, when couples could not agree, divorcement was permitted & appointed as an extreme remedy, but now that is quite abolished. Ben-ezer must be your husband, and you Xantip his wife, till one of you die.  Xant. 
A vengeance on them, whosoever they be, that have taken away that law and liberty from us.  Eul. 
Take heed what you speak, you wots not what you say, nor whom you curse. It is Christ's pleasure I tell you, & no other man's, that it should be thus henceforth.  Xant. 
I can hardly believe it.  Eul. 
Truly Xantip it is as I say, and therefore cry Christ mercy for thy cursed blasphemy, and study to agree with thy husband henceforward, by applying thyself unto his qualities.  Xant. 
Is it in my hands to make my husband a new man?  Eul. 
I can tell you Xantip, we wives may do much either in making or marring our husbands.  Xan. 
Do you and your husband agree so well together?  Eul. 
Yes, now, God be thanked, we live in peace.  Xant. 
By your own saying it seems, that you could not well agree heretofore.  Eul. 
I must needs confess to thee, though I take shame to myself, the fault most commonly was mine. For I was, as many other young women are, proud & disdainful, scorning that my husband should reprove me; idle and careless, seldom, or never, seeking to please him; but rather thought that he should stoop and seek to me; and many times I would be lumpish and lowering; and if at any time he spoke unto me any thing which pleased me not well, I would snap him up shrewdly, and answer him crossly; with shame I may speak it, God forgive me: yet after, as I grew in years, I grew in experience, and coming acquainted with motherly and modest matrons, they gave me grave and sage counsel, which I obeyed, and was much bettered by it: so that after, there was never any tempest, I thank God. But yet as it falls out commonly amongst married folks, some little clouds arose which might have made a storm, except I had observed and practised the wise & Christian counsel of my loving religious neighbour Abigail, which made the clouds to vanish, and my husband as meek as a lamb. For I considered that every man hath his qualities, & every woman her infirmity. I thought with myself how I might behave my self best towards my husband for both our goods: and whiles I was weighing seriously these things, and revolving them in my mind, these sentences of Scripture came to my remembrance. A soft answer stayeth wrath. And again, A word spoken in due place, is like apples of gold with pictures of silver. And further: In many words there cannot want iniquity, but he that refraineth his lips, is wise. And again, A wise man waits his opportunity, but a fool speaketh whatsoever cometh to his mind. And again, that which our Saviour saith, that we shall give account of every idle word at the day of judgement. And again: That by our words we shall be justified, and also condemned. And moreover, the wise and gracious words of Abigail to king David, came to my mind, whose words were so persuasive and pithy, that they stayed his fury, what time he was resolute, and at the point to commit a great and horrible slaughter. And on the other side, I considered that we women are apt to speak, and how the Apostle james willeth us to be swift to hear, and slow to speak. Hereupon I gathered what a grace and goodly ornament it is for a woman to speak wisely and seldom, in modesty, and under correction: and therefore I resolved to pray continually, that God would set a watch before my lips, lest I should offend in my tongue: which though it be but a little member, yet, as the Apostle saith, if it be once kindled, is set on fire of hell.  
These, & such like sayings of the holy Ghost swayed with me, and drove me to this consideration, that though my tongue be one of the least members of my body, yet if it were not rightly used. I might offend the most by it; I might much displease my husband, and hurt my neighbours, & destroy my own body & soul for ever (all which ought to be more dear unto me then all the treasures and pleasures in the world.) And on the other side, if my tongue were rightly ordered, I might much glorify God, beautify his Gospel, and adorn my Christian profession; speak in the behalf, and for the credit of my husband; and for the good of my neighbours: and therefore I prayed unto God, that he would open the door of my mouth, and give me utterance & wisdom, that when I speak, my words might be directed by his Spirit, to put life and power into them, and season them with wisdom, and to make them forcible, gracious, and savoury in the ears of the hearers. So that to conclude, always after I would be careful what, and when to speak, the manner how, and to whom, yielding that reverence to my husband, that is due to him. And I tell thee Xantip, these things wrought so with him by the blessing of God, that since I do not remember that ever we have had a cross word.  Xant. 
I promise you, I like your speech passing well. Well, now I wish in my heart, that I, and all other women in the world, were of your mind: we may see what it is to keep company with those that are wise and godly. I think our neighbour Abigail did you more good than ever any woman did; and I thank God, you have done me more good than ever any woman hitherto hath done.  Eul. 
I rejoice greatly that God hath made me an instrument to do you any good, or any other. And this I pray you neighbour, if there be any good done unto you by me through God's mercy, show the fruits thereof in a holy life. For I may tell you, be it spoken now to the glory of God, there were few that ever thought you would have been reclaimed, you were so lavish of your tongue, and so fierce, that you would have scared one with your words.  Xant. 
We may see the power of the Almighty, who can make of the lion a lamb, and that a little child should play upon the hole of the asp: and therefore I pray you, pray unto God for me; yea and that also, when you are met together with Abigail, and the rest of your Christian friends, that God would go on with his good work which he hath begun in me.  Eul. 
That is my duty. And to forget you in my prayer, were to forget myself unto God. I pray you also, take all the means that may help you forward, & renounce whatsoever may hinder you. You heard what holy and heavenly exercises Margeries good husband used; use you the same, though she neglected and loathed them. In any case cashier her company, and the fellowship of such, till you be stronger, or she better: for now she is a perilous woman, her evil words and rotten speeches will corrupt good manners, and quench your good motions: her religious husband is much vexed with her, even as just Lot was with the unclean Sodomites. And again, I am to advise you, not to be dismayed for those that will mock you for your profession, and because they see you begin to make conscience of your carriage, who use to say, that we are a holy sisterhood, and precise foolish women; which prattle and chat we know not what. Bear them with patience, and be slow, yet sure, when you speak, especially in the cause of Christ.  Xant. 
Blessed be God for this your love and good counsel: I hope I shall make use of it, as God shall enable me. I pray you now show me some particular directions how I and my husband may best live together in mutual love.  Eul. 
First of all I say to you, that many times love is clean lost between couples, before they well know one the other; the main reason of it is, because they observe not one another's qualities, and apply themselves accordingly: and another, because they continue in strife when they are fallen out, and do not betimes make up the breach. And the reason why they are backward to make peace one with an other, ariseth from the stoutness of their hearts, which being proud and stiff, will not stoop one to another; which breedeth heart-burnings betwixt them, and inward grudging & murmuring one at another: and therefore these cursed seeds of dissension and discord, being cast once into the heart by the Devil, will spring up not only to roots, but trees, & will hardly or never be helped, if at the first they be not speedily plucked up by the roots.  
Now then mark the use of this: you are yet but a young woman, and have been married but a while, and I see with grief, that there have been bitter jars betwixt you; and now you for your part, are desirous to have peace, and live in amity with him, that so you might pass your lives with mutual joy. What therefore is passed let it be forgotten; and not only forget, but forgive all unkindness. And if at any time your husband begin, either upon some cause or no occasion to contend, answer him mildly, and with all modesty and meekness: take heed that you put no fuel to the fire of his displeasure, for if you do, it is a thousand to one but the flame will burn you both. The tender twig is soon broken, but if it grow unto a tree, it cannot be stirred without an axe: which must cut it down. So likewise the nature of man is soon pacified with a soft and gentle answer; but if it be asperate with bitter speeches, nothing will assuage it, till it have had his course, which is sometimes unto the destruction both of man and wife; except the mighty axe of God's word come in the mouth of his Minister, and cut it down. Therefore it behooves us in the beginning to labour, what we can, to agree one with another, and to strengthen our affections against evil dispositions, and to holy actions. Now the only way to compass peace, is, that wives be buxom and obedient to their husbands, and to use them kindly with gentle behaviour. Now whereas some women stand upon their pantofles, that is, either upon their glistering beauty, their proper parsonage, great portion, and rich parentage; alas it is nothing to lessen their loyalty and submission to their husbands. And that man that sets his love upon his wife, for these outward things especially, shall know, that as beauty passeth, his love will pass with it; and as riches wast, his love will languish: and as her parents die so, his love will be buried in oblivion with them.  Xantip. 
Good gossip, tell me, what way went you to work to win your husband?  Eulal. 
I told you a little before: but to the end, that you may the better remember it, and follow me, I will tell you again.  Xantip. 
If I can, I will do my endeavour to the uttermost, through the help of God.  Eul. 
I make no doubt but that God will strengthen than you to any good work, if you call upon him for his aid, and take those means which he hath appointed for the accomplishing of the same.  Xant. 
Well, I will.  Eul. 
First then this was my care; when he was pleased, how I might keep in with him: and when he was angry, how I might appease him. And this was one main thing that I would continually aim at, to behave myself humbly and meekly towards him, both in word and deed; also I would carry myself cheerfully toward him, and I would look up and down, that there should be nothing that might offend him. I also observed his disposition and inclination. Moreover I had respect unto times and seasons, that his diet should be provided in due time; and that he should have such delicates, as were most comfortable for his heart, and pleasant to his mouth; and so by this means I won both him and his love unto me; whereas before me thought he was as cruel as a Lion, and terrible as a Dragon. Therefore I considered what those do that take in hand to tame Lions, and Elephants, etc. which cannot be mastered with strong hand; therefore they that go to the Elephant have a special care that they be not clad in white; and they that go to Bulls, that they be not arrayed in red; because it hath been found by experience, that those creatures by these colours, are made wilder and fiercer; and also Tigers by the sound of Timbrels, by report are so enraged, that they rend themselves in pieces; So they that break horses have their terms, their smacking, whistling, and clap, whereby they make their stout nature tame. Why then Xantip consider I pray you, how much more seemly and necessary it it, that we women should acquaint ourselves with such courses, whereby we may win our husbands to goodness; by whom we should have the greatest comfort and defence next under God.  Xant. 
It is true: say on, I pray you, say on.  Eulal. 
Having observed these things, I applied me to his nature, and I had great care that nothing should be done that might displease him; nor nothing left undone, that might offend him. Not only of myself had I this care, but of all that was in in the house; and that not only in great matters, but also in the least  Xantip. 
But how would you apply yourself to him that would never tarry within doors, or come every while drunken home?  Eul. 
Stay a while, I will speak of that by and by. First I will show you forth my behaviour towards my husband, because you desired to know it. When he looked at any time very sad, & there were no fit time to speak to him, I would not then laugh & dally with him, and play the tomboy, as many women are wont to do in such a case, but I put upon me a sad countenance also, and looked heavily; for even as a looking glass if it be a good one, doth show the countenance of him that glasses himself in it: So it beseems an honest wife to frame herself to her husband's affection, and not to be merry, when he is melancholy, nor jocund, when he is sad, much less flire when he is angry. And if at any time he were stirred, I would either pacify him with gentle speech, or give way to his wrath, till it were somewhat allayed; or else I would keep silence, till there were fit time for clearing myself, or advising him with reverence and discretion. This course also I took; if at any time he came drunken home, I would not then for any thing have given him a foul word, but I would cause his bed to be made very soft and easy, that he might sleep the better, and by fair speeches get him to it.  Marg. 
Here are fetters for the legs, and yokes for the necks of women: must they crouch on this manner to their currish and swinish husbands? If I had such an one, as he behaved himself like a swine, so I would use him like a beast.  Eulal. 
I had thought we had been rid of your company.  Marg. 
I stood behind, and heard you so long, that I could no longer hold my peace. Are you a woman, and make them such dishclouts and slaves to their husbands? Came you of a woman, that you should give them no prerogative, but make them altogether underlings?  Eul. 
I pray you be patiented: I have spoke nor counseled any thing but what I have done myself; and I have done nothing, but that which is warranted by the word of God.  Marg. 
I hope the word of God doth shewmen their duties to wives, as well as the wives toward their husbands.  Eul. 
It is so: but first we must show the one, before we can do the other.  Marg. 
You should have begun with the men first.  Eul. 
It might haply have been somewhat tedious, and women mostly are so fickle, and will find themselves so many things to do, & are so soon weary of hearing and reading any good thing, that they would scarce stay to hear the beginning of their duty; therefore I thought best to begin with them first.  Marg. 
Trust me, you are a small friend to your own sex.  Eul. 
More than you are to your own self; for you are ignorant and careless of that good, which you might have by your husband, if you would be loving and submissive to him.  Marg. 
Tell not me of the good, which I may have by my submission; for this is the truth of it, I care not though he heard me: I never mean to have my neck brought under his girdle, but I will rather make him buckle & bend unto me, or else he shall have an unquet life.  Eul. 
It is true indeed, that many such as you are will have their husbands bend and crouch unto them. But how seemly or warrantable this is, let every one judge. It is neither for the woman's credit nor profit, when the stream runs with violence this way. What a horrible sin is it, that the woman should usurp the man's authority, & the poor man dares not do any thing, but what his wife will? and as she saith so it must be, or else the house will not hold her, neither will she look upon him without lumping and lowering; & if any describe the ugliness of her countenance in the time of her anger, she will scarce be friends with them. Oh therefore, Oh therefore, that these masterly dames would but glass themselves, that they might see their rugged brows, their fiery eyes, pouching mouths, their black and poisoned tongues, which utter horrible blasphemies both against God and men, especially against their husbands, whom they should love most dearly. So here is the cause why many men think it their greatest wisdom to possess their souls in patience, and to pass by many grievances in our sex. Only this is the refuge of those that are godly, to comfort themselves in the Lord their God. Therefore well (saith Salmon) It is better to live in the wilderness with a dinner of green herbs, then to have a stalled ox, or to live in a wide house with a contentious woman.  Marg. 
I will be sworn, if there were but three or four more here; if they were of my mind, we would teach you how to defame & shame us on this manner.  Eul. 
You defame and shame yourselves, I only show, what shrews are: and those that will neither be ruled by God nor their husbands: as he that toucheth not pitch shall not be defiled, so she that is not of this stock and lineage, is not blamed.  Xant. 
Let her alone good Eulaly, and tell me how did you after your husband was in bed.  Eulal. 
When his stomach was emptied, and he come to himself, when he was not stirred in his affections, nor troubled with other actions, but he and I alone, either in bed, or in some convenient place, I would gently admonish him, or rather entreat him, that he would have a care of the health of his body, & to avoid that sin, to be overcome with drink; telling him of such young men, yea gallant gentlemen as he knew, who got surfeits by so overcharging their stomachs: also with weeping eyes I would entreat him, to have a care of his estate and credit, children and servants, lest the one should be undone by his spending their portions, and the other by following his unseemly course of life. This was the manner of my proceeding with him, seasoning my speeches in the best manner, that they might not be distasted but digested of him. Also sometimes I was wont to use a preface, and make him promise me, that he would have patience with me, if I a simple woman should put him in mind of something, that might tend to his credit or welfare any way; & when I had told him my mind, I would break off that talk, and fall into some other more delightful to him. For gossip Xantip, I may say to you, that this is the weakness of us women, that when we have begun to speak, we are so talkative and full of words, that we wots not when to leave.  Xant. 
It is the pleasure of men indeed so to say of us, who have no better sport, then to speak of, and report our infirmities: but say on I pray you.  Eul. 
I had also a special care of this, that I would not find fault with my husband for any thing, in any body's presence, nor complain of him abroad. A matter is soon amended, that is but between two, and not blazed abroad. But if the matter be of such a nature, that it cannot well be helped by the wives counsel, it is a seemlier course that the wife make complaint to her husband's parents, or some of his kindred, rather than to her own; and also that she moderate her complaint & temper her speech so, that she may seem not to hate her husband's person, but only his ill conditions. Neither let her blab out all; that so, when her husband comes to hear of it by his friends, that she hath spoken of his faults with the least, he may be forced to acknowledge his wives courtesy, and kind dealing, & to say as Saul did of David: She is more righteous then I.  Xant. 
She had need be an Academic, and brought up in their schools and University, that should skill to do this as you have set down.  Eul. 
By this means we shall draw our husbands to show us the like kindness.  Xant. 
There are some husbands, whom no gentle entreaty will do any good.  Eul. 
Truly I think, there are few or none such: but say there be; first of all, as I have said before, the husband must be borne, endured, and dwelled with, though never so wretched and wicked, even a devil incarnate. Therefore it is far better to bear with one like ourselves, or that may be bettered by our courteous carriage, than one, that will be worse every day than other, by our overthwart & crabbed behaviour. Come on Margery, what will you say, if I tell you of some husbands, that have reform their wives on this wise by their gentle carriage. If they do it, how much more than is it meet, that we should do the same to our husbands?  Marg. 
If you can tell us of a truth of any such, I say they are rare swans, and such husbands are hard to come by.  Eul. 
Why, there are many such geese as you are, will not be ruled by them, but continually will be gaggling at them.  Xant. 
She hath such a swan herself; if she had eyes to see him, or grace to make use of him: I would I had such another; if I had, I would think I had a rare jewel.  Eul. 
I am acquainted with such another, who is both a learned and a noble man, and of an excellent good courage. He married a young maid about 17. years old, brought up continually in the country; as noble men you know have a kind of felicity to dwell in the country, that they may there hunt and hawk. He would make choice of a plain and homely wench, to the intent he might better bring her to his bow. He began to teach her to read, and to play on instruments, & by little and little to accustom her to make relation of some points delivered in the Sermon, and to train her up in other matters, which were commendable & profitable. Now because these were strange and uncouth to the rude young woman, which had lived quitely in her mother's kitchen among men and maid servants, she grew soon weary of them, and would not obey her husband (as you Margery will not:) and when her husband urged her to them, she would like a child, put fingar in the eye, and sometimes she would throw herself upon the cold ground, and beat her head against it, as if she would have beaten out her brains. She continued this course a good while; her husband very wisely winked at it, and kept in his displeasure. On a day he willed his wife for recreations sake, to walk with him, into the country to her father. Oh she was in heaven when she heard of that, & went with all her heart with him to her father's house. Being come thither, he left his wife talking with her mother & sisters, himself went into the fields a hunting with his father in law; & being there and no body by, he told his father in law, how he hoped, that he had happened on a comfortable companion to have past his life withal; but now he perceived, that he had one always puling and complaining, and pitifully taking on, and that he could not help it, with whatsoever he could say: Therefore he prayed his father to play the Physician, and to cure his daughter's malady. Her father made him this answer: Son saith he, once in the Church I delivered my daughter to you: if she will not be ruled by your counsel, use your authority. Then the young man, thus replied: Father I know very well, what I may do by my place and authority; but I had rather she might be brought into order by your skill, and authority, then to use the extreme remedy of Stafford law. Upon that his father promised him to do whathe could to cure and physic his daughters crooked and perverse disposition. Within a day or two therefore he picked out a fit opportunity both of time & place to deal alone with his daughter. Calling her to him aside, and composing his countenance in a grave and grim manner, and solemn sort, he began to show her, what a hard favoured woman she was, and of no lovely qualities, and how he was oft afraid, lest he should never have bestowed her in marriage: and yet saith he, through the great care that I have had for thee, I have procured thee such an husband, as the most courteous and beautiful damsel that is, could not desire a better. To be brief, the father's speech grew so hot, that he could scarce hold his hands. The young woman moved partly with fear, and partly with the truth of that her father told her, fell down at his feet, praying him to forgive her, and promising ever after to be mindful of her duty. Her father forgave her, and said further, that he would show himself a right father, if she would do as she promised.  Xant. 
And what followed?  Eu. 
The young woman going from her father, returned to her chamber, finds her husband all alone, falls upon her knees, & cried: O husband, unwise as I was, I have not hitherto known you nor myself: hereafter you shall see me become a new woman: only good husband forgive and forget my former disobedience. This unexpected humble speech of his wife, he welcomed with a kiss, and promised her all things, if she would still continue in this mind.  Xant. 
Yea, but did she so?  Eul. 
Yes to her dying day; neither was there any service so base, which she would not willingly undergo at her husband's pleasure, howsoever Margery it may be, you would have done it at your leisure. And there grew every day such great love betwixt them, that within few years she would often in company rejoice & bless God that she was matched with such a husband, whom if she had not married, she thought there should not have been a more miserable creature under the Sun.  Marg. 
Such men as these are as rare as white crows.  Xant. 
Yet you have such an one.  Eul. 
The greater shall her judgement be, except she repent: for there are few women in the country, I can tell you, that have such a religious husband, who seeketh by all means her salvation.  Xant. 
Have you no more such examples?  Eul. 
Yes, that I have, and one especial one, which I hope will please Margery, it being much in the commendation of a woman, as the other was of a man.  Xant. 
I pray you let us hear it.  Eul. 
There was a neighbour of ours, a very honest man, but somewhat of a hasty nature, and of a waspish & tetchy disposition: on a day he beat his wife, a woman, by common report, of singular good carriage, and excellent behaviour, such an one as Abigail, being very well beloved of all her neighbours. Being beaten & abused of her husband, she betakes herself into her secret closet, and there she sits sighing and sobbing, so easing her heart, and digesting her grief. Soon after upon occasion her husband went into that room, and finding his wife woefully weeping, says to her: Why sittest thou here sighing & sobbing, and crying, like a child? She then thus prudently and patiently answered: Husband, said she, is it not better to do thus, here to bewail my grief where no body hears nor sees, then to run and cry out in the streets, and to exclaim on you, as others do on their husbands? By this wise and gentle speech of his wife, the stout heart of her husband was broken: he gave her his right hand, and promised that he would never touch her again in any evil manner; neither did he.  Xant. 
I have brought my husband to that pass too, but yet another way than she did.  Eul. 
But I think you cannot yet agree.  Xant. 
Why, what would you have me to do?  Eul. 
O Xantip, how oft have I told thee how thou shouldst behave thyself to thy husband? I perceive thou hast a bad memory, or at least, small list to learn, sith so soon thou forgettest thy duty. Well, once more I will tell thee. First you must put up all injury at his hands.  Marg. 
Yea, so one might soon be made a fool & a footstool: I would rather do him two for one.  Eul. 
Hold you your tongue Margery, I speak not to you but to Xantip. Then Xantip you must labour to win his good will by doing all duties with cheerfulness, and loving kindness: so shall you at last overcome him, or at least you shall have him in a far better temper than he is in at this present.  Xant. 
Alas woman, he is far fiercer than he was before: I fear me, no gentleness will prevail with him.  Eul. 
Fear not woman, there is no wild beast so savage, but by gentle handling it may be tamed: be not then hopeless of a man; do but put in practice & ure my advice for a few months, and then blame me, if you find not my counsel to do you good. There are some small faults which you must wink at; & take heed that you give no occasion of contention, and think no scorn to be serviceable in those things which become you. There are some women that will be ever frumping or whining, seldom or never using any amiable behaviour toward their husbands, which is a sign that they have not the love of God shed abroad in their hearts. For if they had, it would cause them to love their husbands unspeakably.  Xant. 
Indeed gossip, I must tell you plainly, I cannot show that love to my husband that I should, and some do to theirs, he is so cross to me, and every way so untoward.  Eul. 
But I hope it would be for your good, if he would leave his bad qualities: suppose when you are angry with your husband, that then you could by the art of Circe's transform your husband into a swine, or a Bear, or any such like beast, would you not do it?  Xant. 
I know I should not: but whether I would yea or no, its hard to say.  Eul. 
What, had you rather have a swine or a Bear to your husband then a man?  Xant. 
You do not hear me say so; I trow, no.  Eul. 
Go to then, what if you could make him of a wine-bibber, a sober person; of a ding-thrift a good husband; of a slothful, a painful person; of a profane creature, a religious and zealous Christian, would you not do it?  Xant. 
There is a question indeed. Yes, with all my heart would I: but how should I do it?  Eul. 
Xantip, Xantip, thou art like unto those women which the Apostle speaks of, that are always learning, and are never taught: so thou art always ask how shall I do this and that, and yet thou remainest still ignorant: and wilt thou know why thou art so ignorant still, and forgetful?  Xan. 
Yes, with a good will.  Eul. 
It is because you do not practise that which is taught you. I showed before to you, that you must adorn the Gospel of Christ by your holy conversation. Now if you be a Christian, as I thought you were, & suppose you think no less of yourself; of you the Apostle asks this question: What knowest thou o wife, whether thou shalt win thy husband? meaning, by thy holy example, gracious words & counsel, prayers and patience, your conference and community. Now if by any means you can win your husband, what a rich crown of glory shall you obtain? what unspeakable joy and comfort shall you have both in this life, and in the life to come? Set not your eyes so much upon his ill conditions: for that makes them seem greater than they be; and to twit him with them, is not the way to bring him to goodness, but to make him worse. Before you were married to him, you should have considered what his ill qualities were: for it behoves a woman not only to choose a husband by her eyes, but also by her ears, and by experience of his qualities; neither is it a time after once they be married, of complaining & accusing, but of curing their bad husbands.  Xant. 
What woman knew you ever, that chose her husband with her ears?  Eul. 
She chooses a husband with her eyes, that respects nothing but his visage and parsonage: and she chooseth him by her ears, that warily & wisely weighs what the world, especially the best sort, say of him; and she chooseth him by experience, who trieth his love and constancy.  Xant. 
This is good counsel, but it is all too late.  Eul. 
But it is not too late to labour the reformation of your husband; and yet it shall be in very good time, if you can profit your husband. For the way to good manners is never too late; and you both shall find a double comfort of it, if your husband shall have any children by you.  Xant. 
I have one already.  Eul. 
When, I pray you?  Xant. 
A pretty while ago?  Eul. 
How many months since?  Xant. 
well-near seven.  Eul. 
How can that be? Is it possible that you should have a child in three months?  Xant. 
Tush, it is longer.  Eul. 
It is not a day longer, if you begin your reckoning from the marriage day.  Xant. 
Yea, but we had conference before.  Eul. 
Like enough; but I hope children are not gotten with conference. Is this you that complain of your husband so much? I perceive one house is better troubled with you then two. I fear I have bestowed all my labour in vain upon you? what think you will our neighbour Abigail say, when she hears of this? it will grieve her not a little.  Xant. 
We were sure together before.  Eul. 
The sin is something the less, but yet except it be repent of, and that from the heart, God will punish you both for it; and therefore look to it, & lament it, as also all other your misdemeanours. What is it, a boy?  Xant. 
Yes, a goodly lad, God bless it.  Eul. 
You must have a special care to bring him up in the fear of the Lord; otherwise make your reckoning that he will be a great cross to you both: but if you will catechize him now from his cradle, & so continually, no doubt but he will be a means to set you at one, if that you will but incline a little to your husband's mind. I pray you tell me, what do other men say of your husband, your neighbours, and those that have dealing with him?  Xant. 
They commend him out of all cry for a courteous, liberal, and friendly man.  Eul. 
This makes me hope that he will prove such an one as we would have him.  Xant. 
But I am sure that I find him not such an one to me, whatsoever they say.  Eul. 
Yea but do you show yourself such an one towards him, as I have counseled you; and if he prove not such an one in time as I said, call me Eulalie no longer, but Pseudolalie, or liar. Moreover remember, that yet he is but a young man, not, as I think, above four and twenty years old; alas poor soul, he knows not yet what belongs to a husband or housekeeping. You must not think to be separated from him, as a great many do, if so be they cannot agree upon every thing, then strait nothing but separation.  Xant. 
God forgive me, I have often wished it.  Eul. 
But repent of that; and if ever it come into your mind, consider with yourself how frivolous a thing it is for a woman to be divorced from her husband, sith so many inconveniences follow of it. Again, think with yourself, that it is the crown and commendation of a matron to be obedient to her husband, as hath been said; yea, that it is a thing ordained in nature, and decreed by God, that the woman should wholly depend upon the man, & have him as her head. Also remember the pretty little boy, the fruit of your womb; what would you do with him, if you went away? would you carry him with you? then you should deprive your husband of his right: would you leave him with your husband? then you shall deprive yourself of part of yourself. Lastly, tell me, have you any that bear you ill will?  Xant. 
Yes, I have a stepmother, & mother in law like her: for they hate me so much, that I think they could wish I were at the Devil.  Eul. 
Then remember them also. For what could you do to make them rejoice more, than if they should see you live alone like a widow; nay worse than a widow: for those may marry again, but so could not you, but must live rather like an harlot that is separated for adultery.  Xant. 
I must needs say your counsel is good, but I cannot abide to be thus vexed every day.  Eul. 
But think with yourself what great labour you took before you could teach this parrot to pronounce some words.  Xant. 
It was a long time indeed.  Eul. 
And doth it seem irksome and tedious unto you to take some pains to make your husband a good man? You are not the woman I took you for: for I always thought that you would have refused nothing that might be profitable to both your souls and bodies, and that you might pass your days in peace & pleasure. You have heard how great pains men take to break their horses, and what curious means and devices they use to tame Lions, Bulls, and Elephants, and shall we think much to take a little pains to have good husbands?  Xant. 
What shall I do?  Eul. 
Truly, it grieves me to hear you. This is the foot of your song commonly: What shall I do? Why this do. Be careful that your house be neat and cleanly, that there may be nothing to drive your husband out of doors. Be gentle, loving and kind to him: be always mindful of that reverence which is due to him. Be not lumpish, nor yet tomboyish: be not sluttish, nor yet garish in your apparel: let your meat be well dressed, and in due season: know your husband's tooth: let him have that which will delight his palate: show yourself gentle and affable to his friends, bid them often to your house, and see with cheerfulness all be handsome. When your husband is merry, be not you sad: & when he is melancholy, be not you merry: for contraries will not agree together. Make his bed soft, & see that every thing which is good be provided for him. By this means you shall have him keep home, and so save idle expenses: for thus will he think with himself at length. Good Lord, what mean I? what a fool am I that live ranging abroad with loss of my goods and good name, by keeping drab, and drunken company, when I have such a good and loving wife at home, which takes more pleasure in me, than this flattering harlot? why then, much more should I be delightful to her, if I would quite leave these trulls, and swilling company. Well, I will resolve with myself henceforth to leave this filthy and beastly course of life.  Xant. 
Do you think that I shall prevail?  Eul. 
You are very incredulous, and a woman of small hope: you would ill do I perceive as a certain grave matron did, which I had thought to have told you of before, but I let it then pass, because I would not be tedious unto you.  Xant. 
I pray tell me, what she did.  Eul. 
You are marvelous desirous of novelties, and inquisitive to know: it were an excellent thing in you, if you were as ready to practise what you know, and to follow the good examples you hear of.  Xant. 
Well, I hope I shall do it.  Eul. 
I will briefly show you the same: not that I would have you to follow her steps, but learn wisdom from her policy. There was an ancient Gentleman, who gave himself to hunting, and as he was an hunting, he light upon a young maid, a poor woman's daughter. For love of her, he would leave his own house, and frequent that. His wife suspecting some such matter, watched him one time whither he went, and seeing him go to a poor cottage, thither she went one day, when he was away, and got out of them what he did there, how he lay; she could see nothing there but bare stonewalls, & mere poverty. She goes home in haste, and makes no less speed again, bringing with her a handsome bed, & good provision, with silver plate, and also gave them money, willing them, if he came any more, to make more of him and give him better entertainment; not telling them all this wile, that she was his wife, but made semblance as though she were his sister. Soon after she was gone, comes her husband privily, not knowing what was done; and seeing the house richly furnished, his diet more dainty, and greater plenty of it then ordinary, he asked them whence they had all this furniture and provision. They told him, that a grave matron a kinswoman of his brought it them, and charged them at her departure, to give him better attendance and entertainment. By and by his heart smote him, and told him, that it was his wife: he goes home in all haste ask her, whether she had been in such a place; she tells him yea; then he asked her, what she meant by it, to carry bedding, and such a deal of good plate and provision thither. O husband saith she, you have been used ever since I knew you, to a better diet and lodging, than I see any there; for you have there but bad entertainment. Therefore I thought it my duty, sith it was your pleasure upon what occasion I know not, often to resort thither, that you should have better provision when you came, than they could afford you. Now mark the issue, when the man saw the tender love and care of his wife, he never stole out after, but continually kept her company at home. Also I could make rehearsal of another, if I thought it expedient, which invited home her husband's paramour; and if he supped abroad with her, would send them some one dainty dish or other, and by this means win their husband's love wholly to themselves. But howsoever this fell out at sometime, yet it is not lawful to take the same course, though we were in hope, our attempt should have success; for we must not do evil, that good may come of it. But to this end I have alleged these two last, that if women have won their husbands, which were linked to harlots; then much more may Christian women by their lovely and holy carriage, be in hope to win them, which hate such strumpets, And thou Xantip, that sayest thy husband haunteth harlots, this is my counsel to thee, to make much of him; not because he doth that wickedness, or to flesh him in his lust, but that thereby thou mayst reclaim him from it: but in no case countenance thou his paramour.  Xant. 
I purpose to practise your precepts.  Eul. 
Look on me; I promise you, if you practise them, as you have often said, you shall find me a friend indeed, and I will go to your husband, and get Abigail, that can give better counsel than I, to go with me; and we will tell him thoroughly of his duty, yea and that in such a manner, as I make no doubt, but he shall accept of it.  Xant. 
I commend your course. But take heed he smell us not out; for if he know, that I have made his faults known to you, he will be so outrageous, as though he would bring heaven and earth together, and take on with me like a mad man, and bedlam,  Eul. 
Fear not, we will bring the matter so cunningly about, & fetch him so finely over, that I make no doubt, but that we will draw out of himself, what broils have been betwixt you; and when we have drawn out all his corruptions as clean as wine out of a vessel, then will we put into him the heavenly liquor of holy doctrine, and tell him how he is to demean himself towards you.  Xant. 
Christ prosper our enterprises.  Eul. 
We may be sure that he will give us good success, if we do not cross ourselves. So far you well.  Abig. 
God speed neighbour Ben-ezer, how have you done a long time?  Ezer. 
Welcome neighbours, welcome: how do you?  Eul. 
Tell us I pray you, how doth your wife?  Ezer. 
Even like a shrew, for any thing I know.  Eul. 
If I may be so bold as speaks, it is better to be a sheep.  Ezer. 
I give you my word gossip, my wife is not a sheep, nay, I pray God she prove not a wolf.  Abig. 
It pleases men many times to speak their pleasures of their wives, though they be never so kind to them.  Ezer. 
Kind? my wife is so kind, that I'll warrant her she will never kill me with kindness, for hers is contrary to nature and womannishnes; for I think there is not a verier shrew, and horribler scold living upon the earth.  Abig. 
Yea but neighbour, I pray you give me live, you know that men are sometimes hasty, and will move their wives to speak.  Ezer. 
Speak, say you? As the saying is, there is a difference between staring and stark mad; so may I say, there is a difference between speaking & scolding. For I will tell you neighbours, I was but forth the other night somewhat late, with a friend or two of mine; but good Lord, when I came home, what a life she kept? I had no sooner put my head within doors, but she gave me such a terrible look, and uttered such an horrible voice, that I thought verily that she would have flown in my face, and have scratched out mine eyes; uttering these speeches, Where the pox have you been all this while? Is not this a fine time to come home at. You are welcome from your whores with a murrain; a vengeance light upon you, and the devil in hell fetch you: I would you might break your neck one night, that I might be rid of you some way or other.  Abig. 
Is it possible, that she should be such a terrible woman?  Ezer. 
If you did but hear her sometimes, neighbours, you would bless yourselves; for I think in my conscience that she is as terrible as a Lion, as subtle as a serpent, and as wicked as the devil himself; for what with her scolding, what with her swearing, and with her tumults and burstling up and down, you would think the very house would fall upon our heads.  Abig. 
O the unspeakable patience and mercy of our God, that he suffers such things unpunished!  Eul. 
Good neighbour learn to bear with your wives weakness & infirmities.  Ezer. 
Infirmities? what call you infirmities?  Abig. 
The wives infirmity toward her husband is, when she cannot put up wrong at his hands.  Ezer. 
Put up wrong? she will revenge two rather, then put up one. I think she would vex the patientest man upon the earth: sometimes she moves me so much, that I am ready to beat out her brains.  Abig. 
God forbidden, I am very much grieved to hear of such bitter contention berweene man and wife; and so, I am sure, is my neighbour Eulaly.  Ezer. 
I will tell you both but a little, how she hath used me. If I spend but a taster or twelvepence, than she rails upon me, as if I were her apprentice boy, that had stolen it from her: or if I will not buy her this toy, or that newfangle, this dainty morsel or that; she takes on like a mad woman, saying that such a woman can have this, & that for a word, and why may not she, as well have the same? And if I be but forth a little, why then she will rail upon me, as if I were her slave, yea a devil incarnate: though many times she is forth half a day, yea a whole day together, she thinks I must say nothing; if I do, it shall be spread abroad, & ten times more shall be made of it, then either I said or thought. When she comes in, if I do but say in all gentle manner: Xantip, or wife, where hast thou been? strait she will snap me up with this answer, Why what care you? or what have to do? must I make you accounts? (marry muff:) can I go no whither but you must know it? I will ask you leave, when you are dead, etc. Or if I ask her, why didst thou stay so long? she will answer, If I had known my staying would have angered you, I would not have come yet, I will go & come when I list for all you. If I speak her fair, she thinks I flatter her, and will begin to frump and frown: if I threaten, than she will bend her fists, and tell me to my face, that I shall have as good or worse than I bring; and will stand daring and challenging me for the blood in my belly, etc. What man think you can endure such a woman?  Eul. 
Indeed if all these things be true, which you have said, she hath been much to blame; but I hope neighbour that she will become now a new woman, if that you would but a little bear with her.  Ezer. 
She is nought, stark nought, never speak for her: I have forborn her too much and too long, & I perceive that if I give her an inch, she will take an ell.  Abig. 
O neighbour, good neighbour, now be patiented, and do but remember how we deal with God, and yet he waiteth with patience, looking if at any time we will turn unto him: and though we be obstinate still, yet he offers himself unto us in love, whereas long ago justly he might have destroyed us in the midst of our sins for ever.  Ezer. 
I promise you Abigail, you say true: if God indeed were not very patiented & exceeding merciful, it would be wrong with us.  Eul. 
Therefore the long patience and goodness of God, aught to lead us to repentance, and to deal favourably and in tender compassion one with another.  Ezer. 
You say true, it should do so indeed.  Abig. 
Yea, and it must do so too, if we will be the Lords servants, as it is written, Let your patiented mind be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. Now if this one lesson were deeply written in our hearts by the holy Ghost, we would not be so ready to take revenge one upon another, as we do, neither should such bitter and poisonful speeches proceed from us, as commonly do; neither would we put the evil day far from us, as the most do: but we would with speed departed from iniquity, and wait diligently and continually for the coming of our Lord jesus Christ.  Ezer. 
Believe me, believe me, I would my Xantip were here, to hear you, I hope your good words will do her good.  Abig. 
Alas sir, we are but simple women, little able to do either you or her that good, which you might have reaped by the word of God preached: but yet if it please you to give us leave, we will show our minds, what a comfortable thing it is for man and wife to live together in love and charity.  Ezer. 
Indeed, I think no two women in the town, no nor in the whole country, can show it better than you, because you know what it is by experience.  Abig. 
We thank God, we both have experience of it to our comforts, and so would we, that you had, with the loss of the best horse or cow, that either of us have.  Ezer. 
I thank you both, and I had rather than the best gelding in my stable with twenty pound upon his back.  Abig. 
Seeing then that peace between man and wife is so comfortable, & you would so gladly enjoy it with so great loss; will you be content to hearken, and be thankful to God, if that we show you a direct way, how you and your wife might agree together, as long as you shall live.  Ezer. 
Be contented, say you? yea & be glad of the time that ever you set footing over my threshold. I have had so much unquietness already, that me thinks a little peace, would be as a little paradise to my soul; but yet if my wife did know, that I desired and laboured for peace, she would be the further off it, except God wrought above ordinary in her.  Abig. 
We are but women, & therefore something bashful, as it beseems us, to speak unto you being a man, of these matters; yet under leave and correction, we will do our good will to declare those things which we have learned and partly know by experience.  Ezer. 
You are both ancient, and I am but young, and my wife also; and therefore I would you could direct and tell us a way how to live quietly.  Abig. 
First of all, before you can love one another as you ought, you must labour for the love of God, which must be shed abroad in your hearts, the which love, will cause you to love one another.  Ezer. 
I hope we have the love of God already, otherwise I am of the mind, that he would either punish us, or else take his blessings from us.  Abig. 
Do you not think this a great punishment, that you cannot agree? Truly I may safely say, that it is a punishment both to your bodies and souls.  Ezer. 
I confess indeed that it is a punishment, but yet I hope that God loveth many men & women, that yet fall out betwixt themselves.  Abig. 
Surely if there be continual strife, it is an evident sign, that the Lord loveth not the one of them, if not both.  Ezer. 
But how should we know whom it is that the Lord doth not love?  Abig. 
They which are the cause of the continuing and breeding of the broils.  Ezer. 
That is my Xantip.  Abig. 
But who will you be judged by?  Ezer. 
By God and the country.  Abig. 
Well, God judgeth the heart: & for yourself we have heard that you have a good report among your neighbours; therefore I have the better hope of you: and therefore I pray you let me ask you one question.  Ezer. 
Ask me two if you will, I will tell you if I can, I like your talk so well.  Abig. 
What think you is the love of God to his children?  Ezer. 
That is too hard a question for me to answer, I do not profess myself a Divine.  Abig. 
But every Christian ought to be a Divine, especially in such principles as the love of God is, without which none possible can be saved in this life, nor in the life to come.  Ezer. 
I do believe verily that whomsoever the Lord loves not, them he hates, and whomsoever he hates, upon them abides his wrath and heavy displeasure, till he bestow upon them his love; and therefore I pray you, if you can, show me what the love of God is, and I will gladly hear you.  Abig. 
The singular love of God unto his elect is that whereby he loveth them in himself, and hath adopted them in his son Christ, before the foundations of the world; and hereto pertains predestination vocation, the gift of faith, and of the spirit, justification, regeneration, and eternal salvation, with whatsoever is good, comfortable and profitable for them in this life. And here by your patience, it shall not be amiss to show likewise the love of Christ unto his Church, because we are to fetch our light from his candle.  Ezer. 
I pray you do: for I have both good leisure and pleasure to hear you.  Abig. 
Our Lord jesus Christ being in the throne of glory, yea, being the Lord of glory, disrobed himself, and came down from heaven, and of God became man for our sakes, taking our nature upon him; endured much misery for the space of 30 years & upward, was as an exile amongst his cruel enemies, which reproached, buffeted, blasphemed, & persecuted him unto death: besides that, he suffered the wrathful displeasure of his Father in his soul, and the grievous torments of hell that were due unto us, that he might free us therefrom, as it is written: The chastisement of our peace was laid upon him, & by his stripes are we healed. Esay. 53. He was made a curse for the sin of man, that so man might in him be blessed. Therefore neighbour how ought these things to work upon our consciences, and to force every one of us particularly to say: O miserable wretch that I am, that for my sin my Saviour should suffer such horrible punishment? o sweet Saviour, how am I bound to praise and thank thee? Who am I that thou shouldest think, much less look on me, or do any thing for me, seeing that I have so many ways offended thee? But this is thy mercy, yea thine incomprehensible and unspeakable love, that thou shouldest not only free me from death and damnation, but bring me to life and salvation, even to a better estate than Adam was in before his fall. O the admirable mercy of God, and the incomprehensible love of Christ, how am I bound unto thee? What thanks and praise is due unto thy majesty for these unspeakable blessings? for that thou hast not only freed me from eternal misery, but hast brought me unto everlasting happiness, and made me one with thee, as thou art one with thy Father, that I might be glorified in thee, as thou art in him; & to this end thou hast made me bone of thy bone, and flesh of thy flesh, so that thou art become wholly mine, with all things that belong to thee.  Eul. 
O good neighbour consider of this unspeakable love of God and his Son Christ towards his whole Church in general, and to every one of his children in particular, how that the Lord of his free grace hath wrought in us repentance and faith, and hath shed his love abroad in our hearts, and assured us of the free pardon of all our sins, and of his everlasting love and favour in his Son Christ jesus our Lord: and hath made us one with himself, & his Son, & partakers of his divine nature, and hath filled our hearts with unspeakable comfort and joy of the holy Ghost, which we desired so much in the days of our affliction. And further, hath given unto us his Spirit, which is the earnest penny of our everlasting happiness; and which doth sanctify us daily more and more, and strengthen us to every good work; and hath promised that no good thing shall be wanting unto us, if we will be obedient unto him. How ought these things to cause us to love God again, and for his sake to love one another? seeing that he of his mere mercy hath made us partakers of such happiness.  Ezer. 
They are happy indeed that have all these things bestowed upon them which you have spoken of.  Abig. 
Every true Christian is in such a happy estate before they can find sound comfort unto their souls, or before they can perform any duty pleasing unto God, or before they can love their wives as they ought.  Ezer. 
Then there are but few that love their wives as they ought.  Abig. 
It is true indeed, and more is the pity. For some love their wives for their lust's sake, some for their beauty's sake, some for their riches sake, some for their friend's sake, some for nature's sake, & some for necessity's sake; because they see if they should not, it would not stand with their quiet, profit, & credit. But take once away the aforesaid causes, & their love falls to the ground. If it be for lust, when that is satisfied, he rather hates than loves her, as Ammon did his sister, 2. Sam. 13.15. if for beauty; as that vanisheth, his love decayeth; if for riches, nature, or friends sake; as they lessen, his love lessens with them; if it be for necessity, it is counterfeit: or if she win his love, as some do, by her fair language, than it turneth as the wind. Finally, if it be for any outward cause, or for all the causes under the cope of heaven, without the love of God, it will be uncomfortable, unconstant, and unsound: but if it be for the love of God, though for no other cause in the earth, it will be undefiled, comfortable, continual, and increase more and more. But all love else whatsoever that proceeds from the husband to the wife, and from the wife to the husband, is rebellion against God; and the more a man loves his wife, or the wife her husband, the more they sin against God. Howsoever this may seem harsh unto worldly men, yet that which doth ensue will make it plain; for the more that both husband and wife love each other without loving God, the more they will seek to fulfil their fleshly lusts, though they be never so much against God, and his word. Therefore it behoves every man to love his wife with such love, as Christ did his Church.  Ezer. 
What manner of love was that?  Abig. 
It was not fleshly, but spiritual, not earthly, but heavenly.  Ezer. 
But must he not love her outwardly, and provide such things for her, as are necessary, profitable, and comfortable, for the preserving and cherishing of her body?  Abig. 
Yes, it is the part and duty of every man, chief of a Christian so to do, (as I would have showed you anon) or else he shall not only sin against her, but against God also.  Ezer. 
I pray you now show, how a man must first show his love to his wife, and what is the first fruit of his love.  Abig. 
In the first place, he must give himself unto God with fasting & prayer, that the Lord would bless his enterprises and proceed; and when he hath humbled himself unto God he must not think much to humble him self to his wife.  Eul. 
This will be harsh unto the most men, and they will hardly, or never, be brought unto it.  Abig. 
But if they will be Christian men, they must do it, and that for these causes. First, because it is not hurtful, but good and profitable not against the word, but warrantable and commanded by it. And lastly, because Christ hath given them example so to do.  Eul. 
I pray you, if you can, show these things more plainly.  Abig. 
For the first, if you look from the beginning of Genesis to the latter end of the Apocalypse, you shall never find it spoken against, either openly, nor inclusively; and thereupon I gather, that seeing it is profitable, it may be practised in a civil and courteous manner. And again, humility is a virtue, and the more eminent place a man is in, the more it doth adorn him, if he be endued with it. And further, though he be in never so high a place, he is commanded to humble himself to his brethren; yea and to make himself, as he is a Christian, equal with them of the lower sort. Now if it be his duty to humble himself towards every one, & to make himself equal with those of the lowest sort: then much more to his wife. Again, they are commanded to honour their wives as the weaker vessels; that is, as I take it, not only to bear with their wives infirmities, but to submit their minds unto them in that which is good, & kindly to entreat them in humbleness of mind, and to advance their credit and good name, and to stand in their defence against whomsoever that oppose themselves against them. And lastly, by Christ's example, they are to be lowly, and humbly to submit themselves unto their wives, as he doth unto his Church and people.  Ezer. 
How doth Christ humbly submit himself unto his Church and people?  Abig. 
Christ doth submit and humble himself unto his Church and people, both in himself, and by others. His submission is showed both by his words, gesture, and actions. By his words, when he lovingly entreats her to leave her corruptions, and to accept of his loving favour and kindness, which he offers unto her as a token of his love and unfeigned desire he hath that she should be at peace with him; and to the end that he might win her love, he makes many gracious and beauteous promises unto her; yea, he bestows many rich treasures upon her, suing & wooing of her, and sometimes when she turns her back upon him, he turns his face to her, saying: what ails my love, my dove, my undefiled spouse? when she is sad, he will make her joyful many times, when she frowns, he will look upon her with a cheerful countenance. And again, he attendeth and waiteth at the gates of her portal, saying: Behold I stand at the door and knock, open unto me, my love, my dove, and undefiled. And moreover for his Church's sake, which is his wife, he bended his knees, and humbled himself unto the earth: yea, unto death, and that unto the most shameful and horrible death of the cross. What baesnesse did he refuse to honour her? Consider the reproaches and indignities he endured, of the pains & miseries which he underwent for the love he bore unto her, and to win her unto him again; and still how he doth send his messengers and ambassadors to entreat his Church in his stead to be reconciled unto him.  Eul. 
One would think that these things should cause the heart of man to stoop, and to bend his affections unto his wife.  Ezer. 
Yes verily, so think I too, little had I thought that any could have made these things so plain.  Abig. 
If so be you think these things so evident, which I a simple woman have opened unto you: how much more evident than think you, should they have been, if a godly learned man had had the matter in handling?  Ezer. 
Well, seeing it is so plain as it is, what is the next course that I must take, that there may be peace and continual love between me and my wife?  Abig. 
After you have done as I have set down, and declared your love unto your wife, you then with wisdom and reverence, and in a loving manner, must show unto her her miserable estate, which she stands in, and the judgements of God due unto her for sin, that so she may be humbled.  Ezer. 
But if I should tell my Xantip of her miserable estate, she would be so far from humbling herself, that she would rather be ready to fly in my face.  Abig. 
I hope not so. But hearken, I pray you. Men do many times fail in the manner of their directions and admonitions unto their wives, which is the cause that they profit no more than they do: for commonly in their anger they will tell their wives of their faults, and that in such a hasty and harebrained sort as spoils all: or else when their wives are moody, and troubled in mind; so that it is no marvel that they do more hurt than good. The very heathen would not fight nor reprove in their anger; how much more than ought Christians to wait their opportunities, when they may do the most good?  Ezer. 
Why, but do you hold then that a man may beat his wife when he is quiet?  Abig. 
Nay. Much less when he is angry.  Eul. 
There was never any that hated their own flesh, but nourished and cherished it. Now the wife is the husbands own flesh, as it is written: They twain shall be one flesh. Therefore, etc.  Ezer. 
Yea, but though he beat her, yet he need not hate her. And again, hath not the man as much power over his wives body, as the father hath over the child: but the father may correct and whip his child for his fault, and yet love him too. For it is written in the Proverbs: He that corrects not his child, hates him  Abig. 
The comparison is not equal, howsoever it be granted that the husband hath power over the wives body: yet it is not in that manner as the father hath power over the child's: he hath power over the wine's body for procreation, and so she hath power over his, and both over the child's for correction. So by this kind of reasoning the wife hath as great prerogative over the man's body, as the man hath over the wives. For so saith the Apostle: The man hath not power over his own body, but the wife: nor the wife over hers, but her husband.  Ezer. 
Again, it is said, that S. Paul did beat down his own body, to bring it under, when it would not be in subjection; from whence we may gather, that the wife being as the man's own body, may be beaten, when she will not otherwise be kept under, but be checkmate with him, that thereby she may be brought into subjection to him.  Abig. 
By beating, the Apostle means not a striking, a flapping, or whipping of himself, as the foppish Papists falsely imagine, but a taming of his body, by abstaining from those things which might puff up his flesh: and so indeed we grant, that a man in wisdom when he sees the stoutness of his wives stomach, or the pride of her heart, and raging of her affections swell, either against God or him, then, I say, he is to restrain her from those things which might make her more malapert, and he may then use such holy means as may keep her under.  Eul. 
Men, as Abigail showed, are to love their wives as Christ loved his Church.  Ezer. 
Yea, but you know, though Christ love his Church, yet if it will not be ruled by him, he will correct it, and that sharply: so by your own reason, is a man to love his wife; yet if she will not be obedient to him, he may correct her by Christ's example.  Abig. 
Howsoever it is said that the Lord correcteth his Church if she will not be ruled by him, he doth not thereby give example or encouragement, that any man should beat his wife, but it serveth to awe us, lest we offend his majesty; neither can any do it in that manner, nor bring profit thereby, as Christ doth. As for the manner of Christ's correcting his Church, it is in love: but never was it heard, that ever any man did beat his wife in love. And again, he should do to his wife as to himself; but every one would account him a mad man that would beat himself. Further, the Church by God's correction is made better, but the wife would be made more unruly and outrageous by beating. We are women, & have some experience of these things.  Ezer. 
I think you rather speak, because you would not have husbands to use their authority.  Abig 
They have no such authority, neither will we for our parts give them occasion to strain that which they have upon the tenters.  Ezer. 
I would my wife would give me no occasion neither.  Eul. 
I suppose by your speech, that you have had many bouts.  Ezer. 
Yea that we have, till the blood hath run down the one of our faces.  Abig. 
O lamentable thing to be heard of in a Christian common wealth between man and wife!  Eul. 
But how much the better hath she been?  Ezer. 
Not so much as I have been the worse, and she also was worse and worse rather.  Abig. 
I pray you neighbour, therefore follow our counsel though we be but women.  Ez. 
What would you have me to do?  Abig. 
Suppose now that you had some deformity on your face, which did dis-figure you so much, the one would be loath to look upon you; and if you could help it, what would you do?  Ezer. 
If that by any means I could help it, I would presently; and if I could not, than I would cover it, that none should see it.  Abig. 
So likewise ought you to deal with your wife, for she is a special member of your body, yea as hath been said, she is as yourself; therefore as you help the deformity of your own face, or if you can not heal it, cover it, so must you do unto your wives deformities. Again, if you had committed some filthy and abominable sin which were not to be named, and there were only one or two that did know it, what would you do in such a case?  Ezer. 
Surely, if possible I could, I would stop their mouths that they should not utter it, lest I should be shamed.  Eul. 
Why then, if your wife commit not such ugly offences, how much more ought you to keep silence? and though one or two know of it, to entreat them to make no words? seeing you have confessed, that the more ugly and grievous your offences are, the more careful you would be, lest they should be spread abroad: therefore the more your wives infirmities are, the more you are to do the office of a good physician; even to labour to cure them; & if you cannot, at least to cover them, as it is written: Upon your uncomely members, put more comeliness on, the which may not unfitly be applied to this matter. Thy wife is one of thy principal members; if she be uncomely any way, put thou more comeliness on; if she be not so beautiful, as thou desirest, cover it with contentation; if not so provident as she ought, cover that with thy good husbandry; if she be not so wise, as thou wishest, cover that with thy prudency.  
If she be not so loving as is fit, cover that with the skirts of thy love; if choleric, cover it with patience: and although she fail in duty, which she ought, yet she may challenge yours as due debt, as long as she is your wife you are bound to give honour to her as to the weaker vessel.  Eul. 
If these things were well considered of many men, much strife and terrible broils would be left between man and wife.  Ezer. 
Yea, but I must needs tell you that these things can hardly be digested; for if we should yield thus much to our wives, they would make stark fools of us.  Abig. 
No, not so sir, for you should see the blessing of God upon you, which would mitigate the swelling and raging of your wives affections. I pray you tell me sir, say that you had a soar arm grievously wounded, or had drunk a cup of poison, or were sick near unto death, what would you do in these cases?  Ezer. 
If I had a soar, I would have a salve according to the nature and bigness of the wound; or if I had drunk poison, I would presently seek a remedy to expel it; or if I were sick near unto death, I would ask the counsel of the physician, and follow the same, and the more sick that I should be, the more would I make of myself.  Abig. 
Even so you must do to your wife; the greater that her soar is, the better your salve must be, and the greater her wound is, the more must be your plaster, and the skilfuller surgeon is required; and the more her sickness is, the more careful & tender you must be over her.  Ezer. 
Neither pains, care, nor cost should be wanting, if I were in hope to do her good.  Abig. 
The captain cannot promise his soldiers victory, before they fight; nor the physician his patiented health, before he minister unto him: but yet Christ jesus our captain hath promised you victory, if that you will be directed by him.  Ezer. 
Yes, with all my heart.  Abig. 
This then is your precept, that you love your wife as he did his Church.  Ezer. 
I will try, if that I can win her by kindness.  Abig. 
That must be the way, if ever you win her, and the means whereby you must keep her being won. Now seeing we have proceeded thus far, if you please I will you show the causes, as I have heard of a learned and godly man, wherefore the husband should love his wife.  Ezer. 
Do so then with a good will, and I would every cause were a cord to tie me unto it.  Abig. 
The causes are so weighty, yea every one of them so mighty, that they may not only be termed hempen cords, but rather strong iron chains to tie & bind not only you, but every man to his wife, in the unseparable knot of love. The first is because she is the creature of God, made of the same matter and nature that you are. The second is, because she is your wife; and the third is, because she either is, or may be a Christian. Now for the first, for that she is the creature of God made of the same matter and nature that yourself is, you are to love her, though she be your enemy; as it is written: Love your enemies; that is, as they are the creatures of God, & made in his image, not for their own sakes: yet for God's sake. Secondly because she is your wife: For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. This doth so glue and join man and wife together that no unkindness or wickedness, (except adultery) ought to separate them. The third cause that ought to join man and wife in affection together, is in that she either is or may be a Christian: if that she be, than you are to love her, for that she is called unto the same profession, baptised with the same baptism, sanctified and renewed by the same Spirit, bought with the same price, partaker of the same hope, faith, and communion of Saints, and of the same graces, and heavenly riches in Christ jesus, and made heir of one and the same kingdom of glory, for ever to reign with God and his Christ, in the presence of his holy Angel's world without end. These things I say aught to cause a man to love his wife, to cherish, maintain, and provide for her like a woman, & to comfort her, as his own bowels. Now where this true love is, there will nothing, that is either necessary, profitable, or comfortable for the wife be wanting, if that possible her husband can procure it; & I would all husbands would mark this. For according to his love, will his care be, to provide for her; and after his care, will his diligence be to please her; and as he pleaseth her, so shall he have comfort by her.  Eul. 
This may serve to reprove the corrupt, proud, & churlish affections of many men, which will rather seek to cross them in that which is good and godly.  Ezer. 
It is true, and much more are they to blame, that tyrannously will rule yea overrule, and that without all rule, credit, or honesty.  Eul. 
Now I perceive neighhour, that your name & nature do agree well together.  Ezer. 
What should I do? I must needs speak the truth, and that which I have known by mine own experience; for I have been much inclined to offend this way, God forgive me, and others also, whom I know have been twice as bad, as myself.  Eul. 
The worse they are this way, the worse it is for themselves; for as it is said, the hasty man never wants woe, so I think I may say, the tyrant shall never want a shrew.  Abig. 
I would such men would but a little consider how the Lord doth ●●tigate their authority over their wives, when he saith, that they should honour them as the weaker vessels. And again, that man and wife make but one body; and again, that they should draw the yoke equally together.  Eul. 
Your wish is very good Abigail; for want of due consideration is the neglect of true practice of all duties.  Ezer. 
And truly neighbour's it comes to my mind now, that the Lord laid these duties of loving & honouring their wives upon men, partly because they are stronger and more able to bear and support the infirmities and weaknesses of their wives, than the wives are of the husbands. And again, that the husbands should not swell too much with their authority, that they should not make their poors wives as slaves, but should account of them as themselves. For the Lord knew very well that men are of such natures (for the most part) that if he gave them power, they would stretch it to the uttermost: and therefore he abates their superiority, and makes it in some measure equal with the wives. And further he would have man to know that this is his dignity to give honour unto the woman, lest she through the loftiness of his mind should be used crossly and unkindly.  Eul. 
Lo neighbour, lo, yonder comes your wife.  Ezer. 
Why how now wife, where have you been all this while?  Xant. 
Forsooth husband, I have been about some special business, that concerns you and me.  Ezer. 
Why didst thou stay so long?  Xant. 
I pray you good husband be not offended with me, and I will tell you.  Ezer. 
I am glad, that you are so humble and courteous; if you hold on thus Xantip, I hope that we shall never fall out.  Xant. 
I hope that I shall not only continue, but increase in doing my duty both to God and you.  Ezer. 
And then I make no doubt, but my love shall be more and more extended unto thee: come and sit down here, and tell me, where hast thou been?  Xant. 
If it shall please you husband, I have been much troubled in my mind since I went forth, for some jars that have been between us.  Ezer. 
And I have been much quieted and comforted in my mind, wife, since thy coming in, for the peace which I hope shall be between us: but proceed and say one.  Xant. 
As I was coming home, I spied a solitary place, which I went unto, & there powered forth my complaints to the Lord, praying his majesty for pardon of my disobedience towards you, & all my abusing of you with my tongue by railing speeches, and that we might more quietly live together then we had done; for I felt such horrible gripings within me, that I thought my heart would have burst: and then came the trifling occasions of my falling out into my mind, which made such horrible broils and hurly burly between us, the which at the first I might have stopped with a patiented word; but sinful wretch that I was, I rather opened a fountain, by my railing tongue. And thus as I was bewailing my miserable estate, & thinking what a hell it was, for man & wife to be at odds, there comes by Master T, who seeing me all alone, asked me what I did so solitary. I could scarce speak to him for weeping. He often asked me what I ailed, saying merrily it was more strange to see me weep than fight; & further asked if we had fallen out, & now I had got the foil? I told him no, we were not fallen out, but I was much grieved that we could keep no more in; at which words he wondered, and yet rejoiced to see me mourn. And when he perceived that I was much afflicted in spirit for my offences, he comforted me with these and such like words, saying: Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that go on their way weeping, for they shall return, and bring their sheaves with them. And applied unto me the sweet promises of God in Christ jesus, saying, Christ saith: Come unto me ye that are thirsty, & buy of me wine without silver. And again: If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Christ jesus the righteous. And when I cried, I have sinned against my husband, & more against God, what shall I do? what shall I do? he would bid me possess my soul in patience, and believe in the Lord jesus, and take hold of his mercies by the hand of Faith, and then, though my sins were as red as scarlet, they should be as white as wool; and that the Lord took no pleasure in the destruction of sinners; but if they would turn from their evil ways unto him, and continue in well doing unto the end, they should undoubtedly be saved. And when he had somewhat pacified my wounded spirit, he persuaded me to go with him to a Sermon. I paused a little, but at last went with him, in a blessed hour I thank my God: for I reaped more profit and comfort thereat, then ever I did at any before.  Abig. 
The cause, neighbour Xantip, or rather the fault I may say, hath been in yourself heretofore, in that you have not gone so humbled, and with an unfeigned desire to know, and do your duty.  Xant. 
I acknowledge it to be so, good neighbour Abigail, and I pray God forgive me that, and all my other sins.  Abig. 
God hath promised to forgive all that unfeignedly repent, of whom I make no doubt, by that I have now heard from your own mouth, that you are one.  Eul. 
What did the Preacher handle?  Xant. 
He spoke of the mutual duties of man and wife, and of both their duties towards God.  Ezer. 
That was most excellent doctrine for us, wife.  Xant. 
Yea indeed husband, I thank God, it was most profitable, and comfortable, I wished you many a time there.  Ezer. 
I thank God and our good neighbours, we have been well exercised here this afternoon also: for I hope they have done me more good than ever I thought women could have done to man in that kind.  Xant. 
I thank God also for it, and I rejoice at it in my soul.  Ezer. 
Well wife, here is my hand, and give me thine, and let us renew our covenant which we have broken with God, and toward each other. And now let us here vow both before God and our good neighbours, Abigail and Eulalie, through his grace to keep the same inviolate while we live.  Xant. 
Here husband, here is both my hand and my heart.  Abig. 
Blessed & praised be our gracious God for his exceeding mercy now showed to you both: and I beseech his Majesty that you may both keep your covenant with him, and one with another while breath is in your bodies; that when it shall be his pleasure to take you hence, he may receive your souls and bodies into his glorious kingdom.  Ezer. 
And blessed are you, which through God's mercy have been special instruments to do us good; and I with my wife, accordingly as we are bound, will not cease to praise God, and to pray to him for you, that he would of his rich grace preserve and bless you both, with us and all the rest that love the coming of our Lord jesus Christ, to whom be all praise and thanks for ever. Amen.