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

2. The Husband demonstrates his Love by gentle Reproof of his wife, when she doth amiss. He must indeed overlook many Infirmities, […] Love covereth a multitude of sins: and as he that is always using his sword, will make it dull at length; so he that is continually reproving, shall have the less regard given to his reproofs. But yet he cannot love her, if he do not, when need is, reprove her: but then, let it be with all the wisdom and tenderness imaginable. Not before strangers, and rarely before the family; not for natural defects, seldom for inadvertencies: and when he does it, let him make way for his reproof by commending in her what is good; and when he hath done, back it with a^(y) Reason. He must be sure to mingle the oil of kindness with the myrrh of reproof; for if he give her this potion too hot, the operation is hindered, and his labour worse than lost. Admirable was the carriage of Job, Job 2.10. when his wife had highly offended him with her words, yet hear how mildly he rebukes her. Not thou wicked Caitiff, but thou speakest like one of the foolish women. Sooner or later (if she be not brutish) she will be thankful and amend.

2. The Husband demonstrates his Love by gentle Reproof of his wife, when she doth amiss. He must indeed overlook many Infirmities, 〈…〉 Love covereth a multitude of sins: and as he that is always using his sword, will make it dull at length; so he that is continually reproving, shall have the less regard given to his reproofs. But yet he cannot love her, if he do not, when need is, reprove her: but then, let it be with all the wisdom and tenderness imaginable. Not before strangers, and rarely before the family; not for natural defects, seldom for inadvertencies: and when he does it, let him make way for his reproof by commending in her what is good; and when he hath done, back it with a^(y) Reason. He must be sure to mingle the oyl of kindness with the myrrhe of reproof; for if he give her this potion too hot, the operation is hindred, and his labour worse than lost. Admirable was the carriage of Job, Job 2.10. when his wife had highly offended him with her words, yet hear how mildly he rebukes her. Not thou wicked Caitiff, but thou speakest like one of the foolish women. Sooner or later (if she be not brutish) she will be thankful and amend.