Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/361

 Things sincere, and Things shameful and hypocritical.

Matrimony is pretended, let it be as it ought to be, according to its Institution, according to s holy Ordinance; and as after joining Christians are still bound by the Laws of Decency and Modesty, let their coming together be so too; let it be without the Reproach of Crime, without the Brand of Indecent and Immodest, which are the Offspring of a most infamous Principle. They that fix the Blame upon themselves thus at first, may depend that the Brand of it, like burning in the Hand, will be Indelible, the Blot never wears out; whatever their Characters are afterward, the History is told with this Hesitation, But He or But She did so or so, married in a most scandalous Way, immediately after the Death of the former Wife or Husband; and with this Reproach they must be content to go on to their Graves.

easily may People avoid these Reproaches? And how much is it every Christian Man's Duty to avoid them, if possible? A little mortifying of the Flesh, with its Affections and Lusts, would do it, especially as to the religious Part; a little Prudence in restraining their Inclination; a little Government of the corrupt Flame; a little Concern for Reputation, for Character, and for the Honour of Posterity, would smooth the Way; that's the civil Part.

wretched Conduct! How are all these Things laugh'd at? How are all the Obligations of Decency and Modesty forgot? When the Vice prompts, when the sensual Part stirs, the Voice of Reason is drown'd and still'd by the