The good wife is one, who, ever mindful of the solemn contract which she
has entered into, is strictly and conscientiously virtuous, constant,
and faithful to her husband; chaste, pure, and unblemished in every
thought, word, and deed; she is humble and modest, from reason and
conviction; submissive from choice, and obedient from inclination; what
she acquires by love and tenderness, she preserves by prudence and
discretion; she makes it her business to serve, and her pleasure to
oblige her husband; as conscious that every thing which promotes his
happiness, must in the end contribute to her own: her tenderness
relieves his cares, her affection softens his distress, her good humour
and complacency lessen and subdue his affliction; she openeth her mouth,
as Solomon says, “with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness;
she looketh well to the ways of her husband, and eateth not the bread of
idleness: her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also,
and he praiseth her.” Lastly, as a good and pious Christian, she looks
up with an eye of gratitude to the great dispenser and disposer of all
things, to the husband of the widow, and father of the fatherless,
intreating his divine favour and assistance in this and every other
moral and religious duty; well satisfied, that if she duly and
punctually discharges her several offices and relations in this life,
she shall be blessed and rewarded for it in another.
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