The gold[n] book of christen matrimony most necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that…The golde[n] boke of christen matrimonye moost necessary [and] profitable for all the[m], that…

The. xiii. Chapter.

Of the wedding.

Of the weddyng.

And to the intent that all inconveniences for to come which might afterward grow, either touching the goods or the promises) may circumspectly be prevented, therefore after y• handfasting & making of the contract y• church going & wedding should not be differed to long, lest the wicked sow his ungracious seed in the mean season. Likewise the wedding ⟨image 66⟩(& cohabitation of the parties) ought to be begun with God, & with the earnest prayer of yt whole church or congregation. But into this dish hath the devil put his foot, & mingled it with many wicked uses and customs. For in some places there is such a manner, well worthy to be rebuked that at the handfasting, there is made a great feast & superfluous banquet, & even the same night are the two handfasted persons brought & laid together, yea certain weeks afore they go to the church. Which is nothing else but a wicked lust, and a plain evidence, that thou little regardest the blessing, even as did Esau, & that in wedlock thou seekest nothing but carnal desire.

ANd to the intēt that all incōueniēces for to come which myght afterward growe, eyther touchyng the goodes or the promy ses) maye cyrcumspectlye be preuented, therfore after y• handfastynge & makyng of the contracte y• church goyng & weddyng shuld not be differred to long, lest the wickedde sowe hys vngracyous sede in the meane season. Likewyse the weddinge