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

Let every godly woman therefore so frame the matter and manner of their words to their husbands, as knowing that God stands by; to whom they must give account of every idle word, much more of every irreverent and contemptuous word, at the day of Judgment, Mat. 12.36. It will be an unspeakable comfort at Death and Judgment to reflect upon the Victories which their Patience hath gotten; and how oft their quiet silence, and mild answers have kept the peace. In conjugal contests though each should be slow to passion, and swift to peace; yet where (k) one must yield, it is most reasonably to be expected from the^{(l) (l)}Inferior. No woman gets honour by the last word. Some will say, Their tongue is their only weapon: But the wise do know, That their tongues are not their own; That when they^(m) are set on fire of hell, they set on fire the course of nature; and that by ones very words they may be condemned. Look into the Scripture, and dress your selves by that glass. What did Rachel get by her passionate terms, Gen. 30.1. Give me children, or else I die: and as soon as ever she had children, lo she died, chap. 34.19. Whereas on the contrary, the discreet and mild behaviour of Abigail to her husband (though he were a Churl) gained her both quiet, comfort and honour. This is certain, if meekness and respect will not prevail⁽ⁿ⁾ anger and passion never can; if Duty work not our quiet, how should sin?

Let every godly woman therefore so frame the matter and manner of their words to their husbands, as knowing that God stands by; to whom they must give account of every idle word, much more of every irreverent and contemptuous word, at the day of Judgment, Mat. 12.36. It will be an unspeakable comfort at Death and Judgment to reflect upon the Victories which their Patience hath gotten; and how oft their quiet silence, and mild answers have kept the peace. In conjugal contests though each should be slow to passion, and swift to peace; yet where (k) one must yield, it is most reasonably to be expected from the