Page:The Hardships of the English Laws in Relation to Wives. Bodleian copy.pdf/30

 as it does in other Caes: But if they cannot plead this Darknes of the Undertanding, why are they treated like Children or Idiots? I can aign but one Reaon for thee Inconitencies, namely, that it is for the Interet of the Community as a Body Politick, that Wives hould be punih'd as free Agents for Treaon. but that, in Repect to the private Royalties of Hubands, in other Caes they are not expected to judge of Right and of Wrong; 'tis ufficient for them, if their Actions confes they accede to the Juridiction of their Hubands.

But if they will till tell us, that this Exemption from Punihment, was deigned as a Favour to the Weaknes of the Sex, we mut take upon our elves to ay, that, that Sophitry is vain; we undertand better, and know that it is a fine Compliment to the Authority of our dometick Lords and Maters: Had they a real Care for the Sex, they would not grant uch an Impunity, which might be a Temptation to commit uch Facts, upon which everlating Damnation is denounced. But they teach us whom to fear. What are their judgments, if their Mercies are thus Cruel!

That this is their real meaning, give me leave to produce one notable Intance, as it was related in one of the publick Papers ome time ago. A