The Glorious Revolution and small ‘c’ conservatism

From a dialogue  between a non-juring clergyman and his wife by Edward ‘Ned’ Ward

Wife: Why will you prove so obstinate, my dear,
And rather choose to starve, than yield to swear?
Why give up all the comforts of your life,
Expose to want your children and your wife;
Hug your own ruin through a holy pride,
Which interest calls you now to lay aside;
And common safety, that prevailing plea,
Justifies those who wisely do agree?
Consider, therefore, and in time comply,
You may, perhaps, on some mistakes rely;
And then, how fatal ‘twould hereafter be,
That error should beget our misery?
Secure the living first you’ve long possessed,
And then discuss the point within your breast;
Postpone your conscience till you’ve once complied,
Then if you ‘gainst your self the cause decide,
You’ll find your error on the safest side.
Husband: Thou talk’st, alas! like Job ‘s unhappy wife,
Who bid him curse the God that gave him life;
Or like unhappy Eve, whose ill advice
Lost Adam and herself their Paradise.