Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/220

 not to forgive her, says he, because she never says, I repent, as the Scripture says, my Brother must do, or else I am not bound to forgive him.

, Sir, says the Divine, you mistake the Text; you are bound to forgive your Enemies upon the Penalty of not being forgiven, and in the Command the Condition of his Repentance is not included.

I don't know, says the Gentleman, your Doctrine may be good, but I can't promise that I can observe the Rule; 'tis not in the Power of Nature to bear the Weight; it is unsufferable.

, Sir, says the Minister, there is no need to run out to Excesses and Immoralities, because of a disagreeable Wife.

, says the Gentleman, there's need to go abroad, when a Man can't stay at home.

I beg, Sir, says the good Reprover, you'll consider whether reforming your self would not reform your Wife.

I don't know as to that, says the Gentleman; but what if it should, I should be perhaps a little more quiet, but not at all more happy.

do you mean? Sir, says the Minister, I don't understand that.

, what signifies reforming her, says the Gentleman; I hate her. If she was as religious as a Nun, and as holy as an Angel, it would be the same thing; she is my Aversion.

you have discovered the Matter, says the Minister, and the Truth is out; you must then change your Work, and instead of praying for your Wife, pray for your self.

can I pray for, says the Gentleman.