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Nay, Sir, says the Gentleman, I have repented enough, if that will help me; I have repented from the first Moment. But as to reforming, I don't know what to say to that.
Why then, says the Minister, you have ruined your self, God help you, and assist you to change your Thoughts.
No, no. Sir, replies he, 'twas my Uncle ruined me; he knows it by this time; he murthered me; he suffers for it, I doubt not, before now. I am undone indeed, but I had no hand in it my self.
But, Sir, says the Minister, be pleased to consider the manner of Life you lead now. These Things are sad, and I lament your Condition heartily. But a bad Wife is no excuse for a bad Life.
I tell you, says the Gentleman, there's no living a good Life with her, so I should be damn'd if I stayed at home; for I must be always fighting and raging; I must live as some Drunkards do, with their Heads always hot. Who can stay at home with the Devil?
But, Sir, says the Minister, even living abroad, as you call it, you need not live an immoral Life; there are Gentlemen who have disagreeable Families, that do not presently run out into Excesses of Vice and Immorality.
What, says the Gentleman, about Women, you mean, I suppose that's all.
But that is Adultery, Sir, says the Minister, which is a dreadful thing to be thought of.
Why as to that, says the Gentleman, my Uncle must answer for it; he made me commit Adultery, I could not help it.
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