AN ACCOUNT OF MARRIAGE OR The Interests of Marriage considered and defended, against the unjust attacques of this Age.  
In a LETTER to a FRIEND.  Essig. Amor. Quid dixi? nemo moritur, nemo vivit suo nnmine. 
London Printed by B. G. for Allen Banks at the Sign of St. Peter at the West end of St. Paul's 1672.   

To the Reader.  
Reader,  
I Am the Person to who the following Letter was writ, and I am the Publisher of it; no man is obliged to give a reason of such actions; I only had an inclination to show thee some of our divertisements, who are not men of the town: I confess, those glorious Persons have sufficiently run us down, by continually supplying the World, with accounts of admirable Adventures, whilst we cannot possibly invent a taking Mode for our virtue, and grave tempers: we must take our fortune, till the Round brings such things again into esteem; We will not appeal to thy justice for a sentence to our advantage, we know in what nature the address is made, and we ignore not their captivating arts; this is not the first Age will be recorded for contemning virtue, though the extravagancies of such an humour, are only extant now. We have yet in our disgraces this satisfaction left us, (which we hope our Generous Adversaries will not deny us) that when experience, and time, have disabused the foppish Youth of this Generation, they will more revere the practice, and discretion of their Fathers; when their gallantry's will be as much despised, as our virtue now. I will say nothing for the following papers though I have both a Justice, and a Friendship to satisfy upon that account, but a thousand Eulogies will not incline a man to approve that which is against his humour, and one alone is superfluous, where the subject is agreeable; If thou dost not like it, I cannot help it, thou mayest possibly sometimes have spent more time, and money for an ill humour. If it is not suitable to thy intrigues, reserve it for thy Children, who may possibly prefer it, before the follies of their Father's practices.  
Farewell.   

AN ACCOUNT OF MARRIAGE.  
I Did not think Sir, that when we entertained ourselves with the little modern Philosopher▪ you would after have demanded those things from me in earnest, which were then our divertisement; but since you have been so inclined, I obey you readily, both, as I should blush to re●use any satisfaction to a Person who has so grandly obliged me, and also as I have a repugnance to abandon my declared Opinions: But I hope you consider, that you demand these things from a young man, who is uncapable of doing right to so grand and so important a Subject; and one besides, who can furnish the discourse with no experiencies of his own: but I know your ingenuity and candour are too great to expect a sufficiency from a man he has not about him; neither do I believe that you want any motives to assist you in your just resolutions: he that knows your love, also knows the object of it to be so glorious, and so accomplished, as hardly to be equalled within the compass of our Isle for excellent qualities; and I very much question, whether the most hardy of our Gallants, did they every day converse with those beautiful endowments which she possesses, would not willingly despise the Gallantry of contemning Marriage for such an enjoyment, and even be contented to be virtuous, rather than not be happy; no one will condemn you for such a design, nor decree your reason to submit to the fantastical definitions of the Malmsbury Philosopher. But since you will be amorous, and serious too, as you have received the pleasures of the first from your Mistress, so you shall now receive the entertainments of the second from your friend: but yet I must before hand tell you, that as in Pictures, so in so considerable draughts of humane interests and affairs, there must needs be wanting those graces and lovelinesses, that no description nor account can reach; and we can only lay the colours, and a symmetry of parts, whilst the sweetness, and the charm, are above the reach of pens. It will be necessary Sir (to keep your thoughts together) to pursue a method, and to decline the hunting mode of writing, now in use, of running remarks here and there, as the fancy of the Author leads him. Marriage is our Theme, and the justness, necessity, and advantages of it, the considerations to be enquired into; and we cannot raise this superstructure upon a better foundation than the Divine Declaration in Gen. 2. 18. where it is said, It is not good that the man should be alone: In which appears, that when the inferior Creatures had their beings for the use and service of man, than was he himself created as their Lord; and when he was made, and had received his Dominion, his glorious Creator judged something wanting very important for the happiness and pleasures of man, and that was a Helpmeet for him; It is not good that man should be alone: He had then Heaven to converse with, Earth ●o govern, Paradise to be his nome, and the pleasures of an Innocence copied fairly from his Maker; and yet in the possession of all these things▪ he was alone.  
First, He was alone in Paradise, that could not regale him equal to a virtuous ●ove; Empire and command were not so Noble as the affairs of a practical virtue: Adam was entertained with the freshness of a youthful world, to whose beauty he paid not then the tribute of his sweat and labour; he enjoyed only a pleasant spring, but those delights were not equal to the society of a woman.  
Secondly, He was alone in the possession of his Innocence; Adam was perfect, and so wanted not to be happy, but the degrees and consummations of it, which were designed him in the affairs and interests of Marriage; and the Standard of happiness by which it was measured, was not then a life of quiet and repose, but a power and sufficiency of communicating virtue and excellent qualities; and I shall represent to you how much▪ Marriage furnished mankind with that ability, by which will appear the Evidence of the Divine Assertion, it is not good that man should be alone: Some of which particulars, if they should not be comprehended in the direct intention of the words, they shall yet all be genuine to the nature of the thing.  
First, It was good to perpetuate Generations, and the variety of Ages; from this has sprung all those that have filled the world; it laid the foundations of glorious and sacred Churches, of vast and puissant Empires, gave births to successful and flourishing Arts▪ by that has the Church been furnished with Martyrs, and men famous for their Piety; it has s●ot up Stars to heaven, whose zeal and holiness did shine among the dark vices of the world, where they now sparkle in spheres of Eternal light and love: To this we owe the original and excellency of Learning, which has taught wisdom and civility to barbarous Nations; he was once rocked in the Cradle, whose Philosophy and Science after travelled to the confines of night and day; an indulgent Mother on her Lap first bound the tender head of a famous Conqueror, that after wore the Laurels of so many Victories. Whilst ambition, war, and distempers still emptied the world, Marriage supplied it with other inhabitants. When by the death of some excellent person the world has been deprived of great advantages and blessings, some others have rose up, and equalled, if not excelled the virtue of their Fathers: When Countries have been widowed, and drooped over the loss of an indulgent Prince, they have had restored in a Successor the freshness of their withered joys. When Moses was dead, Joshua the son of Nun takes the Conduct of Israel, and leads them to the conquest and possession of the promised Land: When some holy man, who by his convincing conversation, and his heavenly admonitions, propagated and increased the Church, is taken to his triumph above, God is pleased to open another Flood and spring of light, which though it may be of a different emanation, yet it serves those holy ends the other did: Moses excelled for meekness, David for sincerity, Job for patience, and Daniel for courage and magnanimity; yet all these declared the same duty, honour, and obedience that we owe to God▪ Saint Paul was admirably learned, S. Peter affectionately plain and earnest, Apollo sweetly eloquent, and all assisted in the propagating and confirming the same glorious Gospel. Elijah when he was mounted his Fiery Chariot, and through the Regions of the Sky travelled home to heaven, yet left his Spirit and his Mantle with Elisha. When Israel lost their mighty Parents, yet the favour of their God continued with them, and the blessings of Abraham's Faith was enjoyed by after Generations; and so power has been furnished with Successors from Marriage. The Assyrian Empire was succeeded by the Persian, which being supported by a slender virtue, fell, and on its ruins rose the Grecian; which was after broke to pieces by the violence of its Administrators: then rose the Roman, the best built and supported, and of the largest extent, spreading its wings over the face of the whole ●arth; having maintained (the Votaries of sacred Religion excepted) the bravest and most generous virtue, the most useful and pleasing arts that to the memory of man are known: But this Empire, so well maintained, and so strongly supported, by little and little declined, till at ●ast it lay neglected and despised in the languishing arms of Austria. In after Ages several Princes affecting that glorious Title spent much ●lood and Treasure to gratify those vain hopes, but with little success. So has learning been successively maintained. Plato left some excellent knowledge, with many fantastical opinions: Aristotle endeavoured better demonstration, but yet with that, left some Lordly Propositions, and barren terms. Then the followers of Learning ●anged themselves into several Sects, troubling the World with idle quarrels, and disputes. The Philosophy of Greece, was capricious, and affected, but when it traveled to Rome, they made it more sociable, and of a more pleasing conversation: one Age wro●e and disputed, another practised and convinced: From those times the adventures of Learning have been various, and not easily abridged: Thus have several Ages had several rencounters, and variety of action, all of which have been furnished with Administrators, from the Marriage bed.  
Secondly, It was good, as it was a model of the after Governments of the World: the dominion of a Parent in his Family, is a true representation of the government of a Virtuous Prince, who is the Father of his Country; men in this mirror might see the agreeableness of power, and Empire; and with better inclinations might become obedient to an universal Head, whilst they plainly could see the advantages of order and subjection in particular Families, had there been no distinction in Societies, in which, by the respect and obedience paid to some persons, the advantages of Rule might have been perceived and approved, men would never have been willing to have parted with the most extravagant parts of their liberty, but all desires of Sovereignty had been opposed, as injustice and tyranny, but by Marriage, and the issue of the bed, men had within themselves a Lordship, and Dominion, and the quiet and advantages of that, evidently appearing, the intention of some excellent person, and his desires to protect Countries, and Provinces, and be their universal Head, and Parent, was not received with that scorn and aversion, as they would have been, had there not been those advantageous Precedents: And I know not how to believe, that all the Dominions of the Earth were founded in absolute Tyranny, and that they had at first no design of the good of Nations, which was accidental, and found necessary, for the security and quiet of power, since it is impossible, that any Country can enjoy peace, riches, or profit without the Superiority of some or other.  
Thirdly, It was good, as it brought in the grand foundation of the peace and quiet of Kingdoms; for this (yet with no injury) fixes a man to a settlement, and a contented condition of living, who, if he should obey the force of no other Arguments, yet the just consideration of his Family, and Relations, would dispose him to peace, and subjection, many men are sometimes tempted to be the Instruments of fatal disorders to a Nation, whilst they have nothing to suffer, but themselves in the calamities of ill success; few are so brutish, as to have no regard to the welfare and condition of those they love; who would by treason, cut from his Children a brave estate, and leave them poverty and the reproaches of his crime to inherit: and though some have broke through all these considerations, and neglected their dearest interests, yet that does not disprove the force they usually have upon our minds: 'tis providing for those that come after us▪ that makes us industrious, and sometimes peaceable, and virtuous too: What man would not be shaken, and feel some remorse in his designs and projects of ruin, when he has a loving Wife leaning on his bosom, and innocent Children hanging about his knees; but he that lives alone, what design soever he drives at, he receives none of these regrets, and remorses; but setting all things in himself, cries, Let the world stand and fall with me. And I am of the opinion, that the unmarried lives of the Romish Priests, has been the cause of great calamities, and disorders in Kingdoms; men who have too much leisure, and too little dependence on a common interest, will freely play away their own share in any Kingdom, by its ●uin and destruction, whilst there are so many cloisters in other places, to protect and receive them, their Guardians and Superiors throwing about these fatal Firebrands, and Incendiaries to inflame and trouble the World, who, if they had a Family, and an interest settled to mind, would take a great deal less pleasure in the disorders of Christendom. Marriage makes men look upon the peace and prosperity of the World, with more concernment and pleasure than those, who care only for themselves, and their present satisfaction.  
Fourthly▪ It was good, to have the honour▪ and delight of a hopeful issue, nothing was esteemed of old, a greater aggrandizement than many children, the issue of a lawful bed, the promising youth of a child, returns a reputation to the Father, and many men had been forgotten in the Histories of Ages, had not they not been the Parents of Children, that were famous: Every Parent receives an honour by the virtues and celebrated qualities of their Children; 'tis an honour considerable enough, to have been the root that bore flowers, whose fairness and sweetness were pleasant to the whole world: Nor is the delight any thing inferior; if the excellent endowments of a Stranger are pleasing to us (as they doubtless are to every ingenious mind.) What must be the accomplishments of those, whom we have brought into the world ourselves to be the Parents of those that may prove successful instruments, for the instruction, and reformation of the Church, for the peace, and advantages of their Country, are blessings and contentments not to be equalled by little things: and the actions of many men, that have lived in the World would have none of the reputation they have yet acquired, if it had not been for the consideration of their Family; next to the interests of Religion, nothing is so noble, so good and commendable, as to prosecute in ways of justice and honour, the interests of their Family; in the pursuit of which has moreover been raised, all or most of those glorious Triumphs of virtue, courage, and industry, that the world has known; for who, only for the flashes of a short Fame, would with the hazard of his own life, have altered the Government of Kingdoms, have added remote, as well as neighbouring provinces, to the tribu●e of his Throne? who would have exposed himself to the various accidents of the deep, and have sought unknown treasures in Countries barbarous, unconquered, and remote, if he had not hoped to have left them as the patrimony of his Family: Thus on death beds, have great as well as serious men, left such excellent instructions to their Children, of keeping up the honour, and greatness of their names, as if the interest they should take in it remained beyond the Grave: Agrippina doted so much on the imperial dignity of her Son Nero, as to cry out, occidat, modo imperet. Let me die so he may reign.  
Fifthly, It was good, to perpetuate the memory and dignity of virtue, it is true, it sometimes happens, that a Son is not only unlike his Father; but so different, as to be a shame and reproach to his memory; but yet usually the great qualities of the Parent lives in the Children, having the advantages of their example and instructions, and at least if their virtue is much weaker and fainter, yet supported by the Father's memory, it becomes strangely useful, beloved, and respected in the world. The children of some men, that have been the Authors of great benefits, and good offices to Countries, and Nations, have served many great and happy occasions in the world, who yet have had no great, merit of their own to boast of▪ Nothing is so much idolised nor respected by the generality of people, as a mighty name, and a virtue possibly in itself much the greater, that is found in a person not famous, cannot do those things, which the bare reputations of some persons is able to perform: In the civil wars of France, the Authority of a Prince of the Blood, would easily hush those commotions and produce that obedience to discipline, which all the courage, arts, and persuasions of inferior Captains could never do.  
Sixthly, It was good to enlarge the Sphere and establish occasions of practical virtue. He that is married has more compass, and a larger field of action; he usually procures more benefits to the World, at least more substantial and better grounded. He that is alone lives to this Age, but he that is married (by the force of imbraceing causes) lives to that Age which stands next the world's last calenture, and burning fit. Pompey did not only fight himself for the liberty of Rome, till he was its greatest, and mighty Sacrifice, but left those gallant Sons, who bravely endeavoured to revive it, when saint and dying. The practical virtues that belong to the affairs of this life, is they are more, so they are more considerable in the married state; Speculation, however pleasing to some tempers, yet if it be not altogether divine, is a thing of little advantage, especially to the world, and that is the measure of every excellent quality, the advantage of the general World: Infinite thinking, that designs no other benefit, but the private satisfaction of him that is busied in it, is but an ingenious sort of idleness; and moreover, the mischief the world has received by those strange opinions invented by men, who enjoyed a perpetual vacation from affairs, remains too great a reproach of idle speculation: the thoughts of men are perpetually working, and wanting the entertainments of good, and useful objects pursue pleasant and agreeable ideas▪ that were never yet altered by action, and which are equally unprofitable to themselves and others, but he that has the interests of a Family to mind, bound● with those happy limits the● extravagancies of his fancy● and the province he has to manage consists in mos● things of the best virtue, and most practical advantages▪ ihat are found in humane society; how many glorious actions, and instances of bravery of mind have took their original from the calamities of a Parent, or the distresses of a Child; and without doubt the world had wanted the greatest part of its illustrious Precedents of virtue, had not the affectiones & tendernesses of these relations, ●een the motives & powerful ●nducements to them. Many ●ndeed (but unjustly) cry out of marriage, as a condition ●f care and perplexities, and celebrated single living, for ●t's freedom and repose; but ●irst let us ask them, who ever ●ound in a mortal state that tranquillity they have preten●ed to admire? who can ●how us that condition of ●●fe under the Sun, that is ●ven and undisturbed? if marriage has cares, it has no more than other conditions, ●ut then let us tell them, that ●t has advantages, blessings & society's, that they have not attained; if they can show us the life of some rude Philosopher, that in his retirements from the world boasted of quiet, and repose, we can show him many examples of glorious men, living not one●y contentedly, bu● admired, and beloved, in the ties of Matrimony; spreading their useful qualities over the universe, whilst the Stoic has permitted his virtue to droop and wither, in the shade of his own humour▪ besides difficult and hard acquests are the triumphs of virtue: The mind shines with no lustre at all, that has not been brightened by difficult affairs; owing (as the body) ●ts vigour and strength to ●otion, and labour: moreover the triumph is the sweetest that is purchased with the most industry; ●he ambitious looks on ●hose acquirements with contempt, that are easily got, ●nd loves the highest steps, because it is the hardest coming there: and such motives ●ave we received from above ●o procure advantages to the world, that nothing relishes ●etter to the mind, nor is ●eceived with greater esteem ●nd applause, than difficult ●ervices: so that to speak ill of marriage, out of a humour of repose and sluggishness is ●o own the greatest repr●●●● and scandal in the world.  
Seventhly. It was good, to have a mind vigorous, and constant in the circles of Marriage. Virtue loses its lustre and strength, when it is loosened by various entertainments. Marriage gives the thoughts a home, and an employment that would else be traversing the ends of the Earth: neither shall we find any men of a more manly gallantry, and a nobleness all of a piece, as amongst those who have been happy in their marriages, and great lovers of the interests of it. Some men may have exceeded in politic arts, and the stratagems of conquests, but 〈◊〉 very much question, whither ever any age● (in the Heathen world) brought ●orth any thing Superior ●o, or more beloved than the virtue of Pompey, and Bru●us; men not only religiously prising the married state, but such as were blessed with the society of those women, that for returns of love and gallantry were famous to all ages. We choose friendship, as a field for virtue ro reap advantages in, and none but retired, and treacherous natures, will be without the pleasures of that, but without all question, that friendship is the noblest, bound in the surest ligaments, and penetrates more the recesses of the heart, that is commenced in marriage, than any took up on other scores: Some are pleased to cry down that Sex, as foolish, and unfit for the conversation of men; but they seem in that too much to overvalue themselves▪ and to set strange prizes on their own worth; what if there are not found women, whose heads are filled with the crabbed notions of Philosophy; who have no great insight into insignificant, and unsociable arts, the knowledge of these things could constitute nothing, but barren▪ and ridiculous Friendships; that which is more generous, more pleasant, and useful, is as well to be found in that Sex as in our own.  
Eigthly, It was good for the education of mankind: This bred men at first to modesty, respect, and subjection; taught the mind the sense of shame, and the fear of vice: besides it laid an obligation on Parents to look after the education of their Children; for if there had not been such an Institution, in which it was both our duty, and our reputation too, to look after our Children, the issue of many in the world had been neglected, and perished without a name, or any considerable acquirements: But now those men who have strangely overcome and worn ou● the impressions of what they owe to God, and their ow● affections, yet are so careful of their reputation, as to educate their children i● those ways by which the● may live with credit, an● be capable of serving th● Commonwealth; Had no● Marriage been instituted when the lustful youth ha● satisfied his appetite, 'tlikely he would have abandoned the wretched Mothe● with her Infant, to the rencounters of various sorrows; and the children of the Great, and the Noble, had been rocked in Cottages, and all their days followed the Plough, but now there are sacred Channels cut, in which one stream of blood perpetually runs, from one Generation to an other.  
Ninthly, It was good to prevent the inconveniences and extravagancies of a rambling love. What disorders and distractions had there been in the world, if an impetuous and lawless appetite had been subject to no conduct; the fancy placing itself on any object pleasing and agreeable to it, had presently transported the owner to all manner of violent actions for the obtaining of it; Cities had been consumed to ashes, houses left desolate, or filled with groans, only for the ravishment of a beauteous prey; the affairs of the State had been neglected, or readily wounded, for the acquirements of an idle love; for such is the violence of that passion, and such its extravagancies, when it is taught no moderation by Religion and excellent Laws; the power of Conquest had been a sufficient title to the objects we had covered, and we had no felt no remorse, to have taken them from between the arms where they had spent many years in endearments of love: no Nation could have flourished, nor have been successful in its affairs, if a wanton flame had thus consumed the manly temper and vigour of the youth; or if their passions had not transported them to such violent actions, yet the gentlest concernments of those flames had made them uncapable of serving the Commonwealth, and the interests of Humane Society; and what with running to public houses of lust, the contriving secret Cabals, and private assignations, had took up all that time with which th●y should have served their Generations: Whilst they had followed these designs, ill humour, restlessness of the thoughts, and inconsiderate actions, had been the necessary companions to them; therefore there was great wisdom in that Law amongst the Jews, that none should live unmarried after such an Age. All wise and prudent Nations knew they should have little order, and less industry, where the affairs of an idle passion possessed the hearts and heads of their Subjects. Marriage more inclines the mind to serious, and necessary business, than the wand'ring lusts of Stews and Concubines; and even in those Countries, where Polygamy, and many Loves have been allowed, the serious, and the wise, are grown weary of their liberty, as producing those distractions as unfit the mind for other things: besides, there are the prejudices the body receives in those fatal distempers, that bring rottenness, ●pain, and infamy. which are left to Posterity; and it's not to be doubted, but that the next Age will curse their Fathers, for leaving them poverty and rottenness for their Patrimonies.  
Tenthly, It was good to have the society, of a Sex that should once be the passage of the Son of God into the World; and that was of a Virgin too, though not deflowered, yet betrothed: that man as he had once reproached that Sex, as the first yeilder to that temptation, which ruined mankind, so they might receive a benefit, and an advantage by it, that might make them forget the memory of former injuries: Did She present us with the fruit, the eating of which lost Paradise, and an innocence more sweet and agreeable? from Her Womb rose the morning of eternal redemption, spreading its light and blessings over the World: Man has no reason to nourish ancient resentments, that has her for the companion of his virtuous Love, whose aboades the veiled Divinity did not dispute.  
I know nothing can be objected to all this, but that of St. Paul he that lives unmarried does best, to which it is easily answered: that that, as some other things in the Scripture, were chiefly calculated for that Age, as a time of great persecution, and calamity to the Christian Faith; then were the powers of the World armed against the Doctrine of Christ, and the professors of it, were forced to remove from one City, and Country to another, and to live with great difficulty, and those especially who were the Ministers, traveled to Regions distant and far remote, to plant the Christian Doctrine; and it was more convenient for them that were continually in journeys, in perils, on the Land and Sea, to have small and little Families. But many things may not be so proper for some times, that are both convenient, and necessary for others: and it was but just, that some of the outward advantages, as well as the lives themselves, of some Persons, should be yielded up, to the important considerations, of propogating & confirming the Gospel: so our Saviour speaking of the severity of those calamities, that should make their visits to the last ages of the world; pronounces a ●●ae lactantibus, & parturientibus, per illos dies; when nevertheless, those were not only the necessary, but most excellent affairs of humane life. If upon all these considerations, Sir marriage appears so convenient and necessary for the World, they must have slender pleas who admire unsociable and solitatary tempers; no man was to be taken up with the contemplation of his own excellencies, like that fantastic Youth, who made love to, and died for him-himself, the only way to take a right view of our own good qualities, is to see them in other mirrors, to have them drawn by those advantages and benefits we communicate to others: he that gathers all his great endowments into his own breast, and keeps them there, like Roses that grow in deserts, he dies uncommended, and uninjoyed. But less Sir have they to say for themselves, who contemn and reproach marriage; scrupling not all, to despise so sac●ed, an institution▪ and yet into such an age we are fallen, where it is reckoned not only innocent enough, but a peculiar piece of gallantry, and good breeding, to divert ourselves with holy wedlock, thinking that ridiculous, that was confirmed in Innocence and Paradise, certainly they make strangely bold with God, and Religion: they have struck our of the Calendars of all respect, men grave and serious, thinking nothing so comical, as that man that obeys the power of virtue; but we will not wonder at it▪ whilst we see them throwing all Religion, and all the prudence of their Fathers out of the World. They have found out a new wit, and a new discretion of their own, and will be obliged to none of their Ancestors, and those who first taught them to speak sense, they will not n●w allow to speak sense themselves. The World might yet allow them their Province, but they will not be contented with it, nothing will serve their ambition, but to rule the universal monarchy of wit; all the Regions of several arts, must pay a tribute to their power. But we ought first to understand their sufficiency, before we permit them so proud▪ an usurpation! their chief strength is Drammat●q●e Wit, to which are added their Courtship, their dresses, and their oaths: and yet this is the learning and the wit, that must cry down sacred Religion, and these the prodigious parts that must basfle the experience of so many generations? without doubt, never any age was so much abused by such unknowing Pretenders. But this is part of a digression Sir, since our discourse ought only to lead us to examine their sentiments of marriage, and the justice of them: which we shall now do. It is not sure because they live chastely and severely themselves, without the society of a woman? nothing less! their aversion, for the Pales and fences of marriage, is because they love their ranges, and a vicious chase: they despise the society of a virtuous wife, that they may gad abroad to seek Love, spending their wealth, their strength, and their time, in the embraces of a Stronger, their heads and their hearts, are perpetually full of new designs, of debauching innocent Virgins, of dishonouring the marriage bed of their friend, and of ridding themselves of an enjoyment of which they are tired: neither is it their earnestness of serving their Country, that makes them neglect marriage; no all their time is spent in their dresses, their Courtship, and their pleasures; it can be nothing but their violent inclinations to vice, which are assisted from below, that makes them do this injustice to sacred things: and it is strange to consider, that those who have no better characters should yet win any thing upon the tempers of men: they are those who as they prodigally spend the estates of ancient and noble Families, so they will in all probability, leave the next generation nothing but sorrows, distempers, and french consumptions, neither are they content with enjoying a wild liberty, and to bring into contempt those things that have so long worn the characters of honour and respect, but they endeavour to remove all reverence to Religion out of the world; not only owning, but triumphing in Atheism; having in contempt the persons of those that would instruct them, such a Sect of Philosophers the Christian world could not show; and we may think, that it had not been troubled with them now, had they not been the forerunners either of its dissolution, or some Times of dreadful events: the glorious Creator of the world, when he permits to be owned, and practised, principles so fatal and pernicious to all Religion, all Laws, Interests, and societies in the world, forewarns us of mighty revolutions: and I am apt to believe, that they have reached the highest steps, that the baseness and the degeneracy of man can go; it is impossible any age should be more wicked, or triumph more in their vices, and their crimes. But there are others besides these Dons that do injuries to marriage, especially those.  
First who spoke of it with little respect; thereby begetting strange fears, and prejudices in the minds of the Youth, if there are those whose inclinations are for a single life, and they live in that with chastity, and discretion, no one ought to accuse them for such a manner of life, but why should they mock at all practices that are contrary to their own? such ●leight discourses I know will weigh very little with wise and prudent persons, but unexperienced Youth, is apt to be affected with things confidently delivered, though there be some times little sense in them; if they have a mind to exercise their wit, let them choose a subject more agreeable to the interests and the complexion of mankind; and let them think it to be a little rude to reproach the practice of their Fathers, and the greatest part of the world, which they do in speaking against marriage. Never any age had more trifling gallantries than this has, and▪ yet none was ever more in love with them; great capacities were of o●d, serious, modest, and unaffected; but now▪ he that owns a little wit, makes such a noise with it, as to disturb the quiet and the serious affairs of the world. But there are those, who have done greater injuries to marriage and they are,  
Secondly those who dishonour it by their own practices. If we should here examine all those several things, that prove a discredit to that condition we should undertake a task too long and difficult, since there are so many little affairs, which (like the small heads of Rivers) by the covered adventures of a long course, open themselves at last in great floods of discontents, and injuries: there are causes of injustice in marriage, that pretend a privilege from disputes; but this we may say with freedom enough, that the indiscretions alone of many in this condition have been the causes of considerable miscarriages, and that not in the first choice, but after management; and as it sometimes happens in greatest Empires, that an injury done to an inconsiderable person, (as lately in Muscovy,) has, through unknown ways, produced effects, as have shaken the puissance of those Empires themselves. So little pieces of imprudence, have been the first causes of great discontents in marriage▪ and we may plainly see, that as in all the concernments of the whole world, if there had been, but half that discretion, and prudence in the management of them, as there has been of other pretences, the world had known much more repose, satisfaction, and prosperity, than it now can show; so if those in the state of marriage, had trusted more to such safe endowments, than to their little gallantries, and pretended sufficiencies, we had seen fewer instances of ill-betrothed pairs. Many presume upon their own good qualities, or trust too much to their being loved, even whilst they withdraw the causes of that affection. Others love to railly with imagined injuries, not taking right measures of the tempers they so accost. Some expect, that the comforts and blessings of marriage, should cost them no industry and prudent management. Others give causes of real wrongs, by foolishly hunting for imagined: and much of the scandal, that lies upon that Sex, is originally owing to the folly of Husbands: without doubt, the smallest disgusts, and weaknesses in families should be concealed from the whole world, and therefore the first prudence, distinguished mankind into particular dwellings, that none might be witnesses of such things, which are often increased, and r●vell'd into greater quarrels, when they are known and revealed. There art others, who assist themselves to the ruin of that virtue, they ought to maintain; the mind is not a thing hard and impenetrable, but subject to the impressions of what stands next it; and many by their own folly, unperceiveably create those inclinations, in that relation, which may in time prove fatal to their repose; and it happens often privately, as in public converses, where that virtue, which was strong, & perfect, in places of serious, and modest living, has insensibly declined (and unperceived by the owner) where amours intrigues, and vices are publicly owned; and that conversation, which is the Mode, those inclinations do they embrace, who have an interest in it. This does not deny, but that many persons of great virtue, may live amongst those who are vicious: but we speak only, of what is general. Others are too careless of their love affairs; and I scruple not at all to affirm, that though jealousy is a very ill thing, yet a prudent conduct and care, is absolutely necessary for the preservation of virtue: I understand not those, who call neglects of this nature, a good disposition and much love, since those are much greater, that endeavour to remove temptations from the valued object, then to expect unseasonably a victorious virtue in the midst of assaults. Sir, I have pointed at but very few of those things, that prove the first grounds of discontents in marriage, and so by consequence of the reproaches are flung upon that condition. There are besides a thousand more; some that might be named, and others that are better concealed. But there is one thing that proves the greatest ground of after discontents, and that is imprudent choices: either unsuitable to our humours, education, condition, or affairs; this indeed is a very great prejudice to marriage, but ought not to be reckoned, as a discredit to that condition; since, though our Creator has given us useful, happy, and agreeable institutions, yet our own follies, and want of brains, is a reproach to ourselves alone: if we by indiscretion, covetousness, or other vain inclinations, will throw ourselves into strange unions, we ought to bear the scandal of inconsiderate fops; and not expect that the prudence, or lovely order of things, should be broken, to repair our weaknesses; marriage is free from the miscarriages, that follow the actions of these men. Besides the most excellent enjoyments of humane life, are the most nice, and critical; and where the advantages are extraordinary, an ill management must needs make the prejudices the same: and the greatest justice these men can do the world, and the greatest prudence, and nobleness they are capable of showing, is by an invincible discretion, and patience, to do right to that condition, their first follies had wronged. We have now inquired of discretion; next we may celebrate Religion, as a foundation of virtuous unions. This should have been the first, but the other has a larger sway; yet if this had the power it ought, all would be happy loves; but the degeneracy of Man has thrust it out of these, as well as other affairs: yet without this, it is possible, that Time (if no other accidents should happen may bring decays upon the strongest passions; and neglects may take● the S●ate of Love; but this adds a perpetual greeneness, and freshness to Love; this is used to carry those tendernesses, and endearments to fifty, and threescore, that were known at twenty; and it is the greatest, and most sure conservor of Love. There are Sir, two things, that may pretend an interest in this discourse. Divorce, and Polygamy▪ to the first, we may say in short, that it is (one case excepted) forbidden by unanswerable Scriptures: and the best prudence of Mankind: for, it would be the inlet to the greatest disorders, disingenuities, and extravagancies that the World could know. And for Polygamy, 'tis enough to discredit it, that the first institution of the married life, and that in the possession of all the advantages and pleasures, that innnocence, and Paradise could bestow, was but of two; which proves the divine intention and the original benefits, and happinesses of that state, to consist in one Love: besides the practices of the new Testament: and the inconveniences of the contrary, in Countries where it is allowed, where nothing but an insatiable, (not quenched but inflamed by variety) and furiously sottish lust, reigns in the generality; and amongst the wise, there are either the perplexities of unreconcilable domestic quarrels; or else that liberty laid down, for the pleasures of repose, and contentment. And now Sir, after we have been so long serious, 'tis agreeable to our Youth, to divert ourselves, with opening the gay and pleasant scenes of Love, and describe a little the felicities of that passion: it would be but just, something to loosen a mind bound up to grave and serious considerations, by celebrating a love, that has so large a Dominion in the Earth; but I consider Sir, that this is the province of greater men, and our Masters the Gallants, will not allow us this freedom; as they alone pretend to make Love, with glory, and success; so they alone will record their adventures: besides we cannot furnish the harangue with ends of French, without which paint Love cannot look beautifully; we submit to them, and as we cannot ma●e Love, so we cannot relate it so modishly as they. Unhappy Albion whose beggarly, and scanty language, is not able to contain, nor render pleasing the mighty conceptions of thy Youth, but they must borrow dresses from their neighbours, for their victorious passions: yet the capricio of thy Fortune is something strange, whilst it is scandalous to beg an Alms at a Romans door, (to whose Gallantry thou yet hast owed so much) but a high reputation to cringe and bow, to a leight Monsi●ur, untie thy faltering tongue, and let no greatness, Gallantry, nor felicity of thy own, be too big or too happy for thy expressions. But this is something pedantical, and against the humour, in short, Sir, I have furnished you with the serious considerations of Marriage: the amorous you must take from the Age, or rather from your own Love, in which, as you will be better furnished, than from our Gallants, so it will be an entertainment, and an account, more perfect, and agreeable, than this of  
Sir, Your most humble Servant.  
FINIS.