The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

Lastly, concerning Marriage, this one thing is to be added, that it is convenient that a solemn contract of the parties married should go before.

Lastly, concerning Marriage, this one thing is to bee added, that it is conuenient that a solemne contract of the parties married should goe before.

By contract, I mean a promise of both the parties to marry the one with the other, if in the mean time there appear no just cause to the contrary: whereby it is easy to discern, what is the right use and end of a contract, namely, that before that indissoluble knot do come, the parties may thoroughly acquaint themselves together, that so any lawful impediment to hinder their meeting, may in time be discovered, before it proceed further; and this is convenient;

By contract, I meane a promise of both the parties to marrie the one with the other, if in the meane time there appeare no iust cause to the contrarie: whereby it is easie to discerne, what is the right vse and end of a contract, namely, that before that indissoluble knot doe come, the parties may thorowly acquaint themselues together, that so any lawfull impediment to hinder their meeting, may in time be discouered, before it proceed further; and this is conuenient;

First, Because it is warranted by the example of Gods Children ⁱin all times, and by the light of Nature among the very Heathen.

1. iAs may be seen, Deut. 22. 23.