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[50]
When the woman had said thus, and even with tears in her eyes, neither
did pity dissuade Joseph from his chastity, nor did fear compel him to
a compliance with her; but he opposed her solicitations, and did not yield
to her threatenings, and was afraid to do an ill thing, and chose to undergo
the sharpest punishment rather than to enjoy his present advantages, by
doing what his own conscience knew would justly deserve that he should
die for it. He also put her in mind that she was a married woman, and that
she ought to cohabit with her husband only; and desired her to suffer these
considerations to have more weight with her than the short pleasure of
lustful dalliance, which would bring her to repentance afterwards, would
cause trouble to her, and yet would not amend what had been done amiss.
He also suggested to her the fear she would be in lest they should be caught;
and that the advantage of concealment was uncertain, and that only while
the wickedness was not known [would there be any quiet for them]; but that
she might have the enjoyment of her husband's company without any danger.
And he told her, that in the company of her husband she might have great
boldness from a good conscience, both before God and before men. Nay, that
she would act better like his mistress, and make use of her authority over
him better while she persisted in her chastity, than when they were both
ashamed for what wickedness they had been guilty of; and that it is much
better to a life, well and known to have been so, than upon the hopes of
the concealment of evil practices.
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