The following quotation from Luther appears in Der Lutheraner, vol 42, p. 86.
Monica, a Model for Women.
One reads of Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, who had a strange, peculiar husband who was also a pagan. What did she do? She conducted herself in such a way that he did her no harm. The other Christian women were greatly astonished by this and went to her, complaining about their husbands, saying that even though they were Christians, they could do nothing to please them and were scolded and beaten by them. They asked her how she managed, since her husband was not only a peculiar man but also a pagan, to remain unbeaten by him. The dear Monica answered them and said: I suspect you give your husbands cause for it. If you were submissive to them, did not argue back or answer every word, but patiently yielded to them and obeyed, or reconciled with kind words, you would likely remain unbeaten. For this is how I deal with him: when my husband scolds, I pray; when he is angry, I yield to him or give him kind words. In this way, I have not only calmed his anger but also brought him to the point where he was converted and became a Christian. Behold, this fine fruit came from the fact that the dear Monica was merciful toward her husband, did not condemn or judge him, etc. Thus, it can often happen, as St. Paul says, that an unbelieving spouse may be converted through the other, who is faithful. Luther, Erl. A. 13, 77.
