Examination of Conscience for Wives
From Devotions for Confession, compiled by John O'Hanlon, 1866 Tools
Special duties of Wife
Source
| Printed in | Devotions for Confession |
|---|---|
| Imprint | London (imprint also lists Dublin and Derby: 26 Paternoster Row, London; 9 Capel Street, Dublin; and Derby), Thomas Richardson and Son, 1866 |
| Scan | the Internet Archive copy |
| Transcription | Transcribed from the scan of the 1866 edition. |
| Rights | Public domain in the United States. |
- For
- married people, parents
Noël Bellemare, King David in Prayer, leaf from a book of hours, about 1530–35. Cleveland Museum of Art.
“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord.” (Col. iii. 18.)
A wife is obliged, under penalty of mortal sin, not to greatly vex, grieve, mock, or aggravate her husband by using injurious or reproachful words, not to become habitually contumacious or disobedient, nor by sullenness to provoke his wrath, nor urge him to blasphemy or imprecation.
During the time of child-bearing, a knowledge of possible danger or anticipated responsibility should cause a wife to be regular and fervent in prayer. She should frequently go to Confession, and direct her Communions for the obtaining of some spiritual good or blessing suitable to her existing condition. Through dislike or fear of child-bearing, a wife should never excite or expose her husband to the danger of Onanism or incontinency. She ought always endeavour to prevent and to turn his mind from every evil indulgence, especially when probably imminent, by affectionate admonition, prayers, and lawful inducements. Theologians generally allow that mothers whilst child-bearing are guilty of mortal sin, when the life of an unborn child is imperiled by carrying great burdens, by excessive dancing, exercise, over travelling and fatigue, by passion or vehement grief. After birth, if excused from the duty of suckling and nursing her own child, a mother should procure a nurse who will take care of its health and morals.
Have I contracted debts without my husband’s knowledge, or beyond his means of paying?
Have I indulged in extravagance of dress or household expenses?
Have I applied money, without my husband’s knowledge or against his will, for a purpose different to the one intended by him?
Have I been surly, sullen, stubborn, disobedient and disrespectful, when spoken to in a reasonable manner?
Have I made his home and my society disagreeable to him, by ill manners, ill temper, bad management, fault-finding, capriciousness, pleasure-seeking, or by improper connections or actions?
Have I imprudently revealed his faults or private affairs to others? 1
- See note p. 75. Also, refer for further Special Examination of Conscience, to questions at pp. 90 to 93.
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