Page:The Hardships of the English Laws in Relation to Wives. Bodleian copy.pdf/18

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or loved, might make a Woman in ſuch Circumſtances deſtoy herſelf. I believe it requires almoſt as much Fortitude and Reſignation as that of a Martyr or Confeſſor, patiently to acquieſce under ſuch Uſage.

If I could hope to find Pardon for the arrogant Thought, I would for once ſuppoſe that a Wife might poſſibly find means to confine her Huſband in his own Home, and to prevent any Attempt for his Releaſement, give out that he had croſt the Seas, and was in foreign Countries upon his Buſneſs or Diverſion. Methinks I already hear the Reſentment and Indignation of the whole Sex, upon the inſolent Suppoſition! Women were deſigned for Domeſtick Animals, 'tis but allotting them their proper Place; give them Needles and Prayer Books there, and there's no great harm done. But to think to confine the Lords of the Creation, is Inſolence beyond a Parallel. It may be ſo, yet as a Chriſtian? I cannot but think it an excellent Rule to ſuppoſe our ſelves capable of receiving the Treatment we give Others, and then to reflect upon the Reſentments we ſhould make upon it. Do unto all men as thou wouldeſt they ſhould do unto thee, is an univerſal Precept given to both Sexes, and all Conditions from the Prince upon the

Throne,