A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

The same Faithfulness is necessary in the wise concealment of each others secrets, whether Natural, Moral, or Civil, unless in such cases wherein a superior Obligation doth release them. For there cannot be a more unnatural treachery, than when Husband or Wife (the nearest of Friends) make one another obnoxious to shame or harm. Bad, when it is done by Inadvertence; worse, when in their Passion; worst of all, when it is through ill will and malice.

4. Mutual Helpfulness. Hence they are called Yokefellows. And of the Woman it was said at her Creation, that she should be an^(g) Help meet for him, which may be rendered, an Help like him: for they should be both of them Helps to each other. There are Three Yokes which they must jointly carry, 1. The Yoke of Cares. This all people must expect to bear in a married condition, and (for the most part) that of Labour also. And these lying always on one shoulder will overload; but when some help comes in, the husband takes care without, the wife takes care within; the husband travels abroad, the wife is busy at home, then the burden is easier. To this end, it behoves the Wife to read often the last Chapter of Proverbs, and the husband the rest of that Book, for their quickening hereunto. 2. The Yoke of Crosses and troubles. For such as are married, though they expect nothing but pleasure, yet^(h) must have trouble in the flesh, losses in their estates, afflictions in their children, crosses both from friends and enemies. Now every man and woman should choose such yoke-fellows as may be Friends as well as Relations; and may comfort, support and advise each other with all faithfulness and sympathy. 3. The Yoke of Jesus Christ. For they should⁽ⁱ⁾ live as heirs together of the Grace of Life. And it is the highest end of their Relation, to promote one the others everlasting happiness. The Knowledge of the husband must help the wife, and the Zeal of the wife must help the husband. When