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

3. The husbands Love must be demonstrated by ready encouragement of his wife, when she doth well. Prov. 31.28. Her Husband also, he praiseth her. He that is discreet and faithful herein, perhaps taketh the readiest way to do her good. For such is the weakness of many, that they ever think that reproof proceeds either from an ill Opinion or want of Affection in the husband; but when they shall find that he is as ready to encourage ⟨p. 375⟩them when they do well, they are convinced and reformed.

3. The husbands Love must be demonstrated by ready incouragement of his wife, when she doth well. Prov. 31.28. Her Husband also, he praiseth her. He that is discreet and faithful herein, perhaps taketh the readiest way to do her good. For such is the weakness of many, that they ever think that reproof proceeds either from an ill Opinion or want of Affection in the husband; but when they shall find that he is as ready to incourage ⟨p. 375⟩them when they do well, they are convinc'd and reformed.

4. The husbands Love is seen by seasonable comforting his wife in affliction; whether it be in mind or body. So did Elkanah (1 Sam. 1.8.) Hannah: why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am I not better to thee then ten Sons? and this brought her to her meat, as you may see in the next verse. And generally a kind word from an husbands mouth doth good like a medicine. And that Husband is worse than a Tiger, that supports not his poor Wife at such a time. In her troubles of mind he must be her Casuist; in weakness of body he must be her Comforter.