The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

2. Next to Piety, Prudence and Discretion is to be looked at in a Wife. For wisdom exceeds folly, as much as light exceeds darkness, Eccles. 2. 13. And indeed what is Beauty without discretion, but as a Jewel of Gold in a Swines snout, Prov. 11. 22. And Solomon, by way of commendation, setteth forth a prudent Wife to be a special gift, and principal blessing of God, such as excelleth all other temporal blessings whatsoever.

2. Next to Piety, Prudence and Discretion is to be looked at in a Wife. For wisdom exceeds solly, as much as light exceeds darkness, Eccles. 2. 13. And indeed what is Beauty without discretion, but as a Iewel of Gold in a Swines snout, Prov. 11. 22. And Solomon, by way of commendation, setteth forth a prudent Wife to be a special gift, and principal blessing of God, such as excelleth all other temporal blessings whatsoever.

3. Marriage-affection requires some external amiableness, that she be a pleasing person in whom thou mayst delight: Though (as the Wise Man speaketh, Prov. 31. 30.) favour be deceitful, and beauty vain; because they are subject many ways to decay, and vanish away; yet favour and beauty may serve for the rooting, and settling of affection at the first.

4. In regard that Marriage is the Foundation of a Family and Posterity, a Portion is not to be contemned, though not chiefly to be desired. Therefore in seeking a Wife, let not wealth and riches be chiefly in thine eye, as if thou wert going about a Purchase, and wert to Wed not the Woman, but her Wealth: but look more to her inward goodness, than to her worldly goods.