TO THE READER. V last, where duty was now fulfilled or transferred to more serviceable hands than mine it seemed not unfitting, not forbidden by the Church to one of her sons, that he should gather a wreath from her own garden planted in our land, nor that he should mix with her holy flowers others from the neighbouring meadows of Poesy and Philosophy, where, not without her life-giving influence, the flowers of English piety and wisdom and learning bloom with unfading beauty. Some of these I have plucked where they first grew, and caring less whether they were common than whether they were pleasant to the eye, and of fragrant smell; others from that ground whither I had before transplanted their roots, or sown their seeds. None can I call properly my own; and happy shall I be if it prove not that my rude hands have marred the delicate blossom or bud of some flower of which every stem and leaf is precious happier still, if this bridal wreath, : accepted by those for whom it was first twined, shall be deemed worthy of like honour by thee, Gentle Reader, whoever thou art, of my countrymen and countrywomen, to whom I now present it. 'If I have done well, and as is fitting, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.' Gentle Reader, I bid thee farewell: Thy loving servant, EDWARD STRACHEY. THE FORM OF SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. I First the Banns of all that are to be married together must be published in the Church three several Sundays, during the time of Morning Service, or of Evening Service, (if there be no Morning Service,) immediately after the Second Lesson; the Curate saying after the accustomed manner, publish the Banns of and N. of -. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is the first [second, or third] time of asking. ¶ And if the persons that are to be married dwell in divers Parishes, the Banns must be asked in both Parishes; and the Curate of the one Parish shall not solemnize Matrimony betwixt them, without a Certificate of the Banns being thrice asked, from the Curate of the other Parish. At the day and time ap- come into the body of the Church with their friends and neighbours : and there standing together, the Man on the right hand, and the Woman on the left, the Priest shall say, Dave gathered together EARLY beloved, we here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly,lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly,advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained. First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name. Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornica tion; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body. Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace. And also speaking unto the persons that shall be married, he shall say, Require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judge ment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful. ¶ At which day of Marriage, if any man do alledge and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of this Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a M. SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. ix Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation: then the solemnization must be de- The Woman shall answer, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? ferred, until such time as the truth be tried. If no impediment be al I will. Then shall the Minister say, ledged, then shall the Who giveth this Woman to Curate say unto the Man, W ILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? ¶ The Man shall answer, I will. ¶Then shall the Priest say unto the Woman, ILT thou have N. W be married to this Man? |