A02178:1626
The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…
The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: revised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as love the truth, and desire to know the power of godliness. By H.H.The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: reuised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as loue the truth, and desire to know the power of godlinesse. By H.H.
London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for William Welby, 1612London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for VVilliam VVelby, 1612
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
A TREATISE OF A CONTRACT BEFORE MARRIAGE.
A TREATISE OF A CONTRACT BEFORE MARIAGE.
After prayer he spake as followeth.
After prayer hee spake as followeth.
That none of us might doubt whether there be just occasion of this manner1 of our meeting or no; we are to call to mind even from the Heathen, that the light of nature taught them, that there was a solemn promise to be made of the parties that should be married, before they were to be joined in marriage, and that was called the espousage: and therefore ⟨p. 123⟩we were the more to be blamed, if we should neglect so good a custom, especially being commended to the chosen people of God, as we may gather of his words: for we read that the Lord God made a law concerning the espoused persons, that if they were unfaithful of their bodies, they should be condemned as adulterers, even as well as the married parties. Mary also was affianced unto Joseph, before the solemnising of their marriage. And the use of the Church standeth with good reason: for that the neglect of it is an occasion that many are disappointed of their purposed marriages, because some of them through inconstancy go back. It is very meet also, that they should have some instructions given them concerning the graces and duties that are required in that estate, that they may pray unto the Lord, and so be prepared and made fit to be publicly presented to the congregation afterwards.