Page:Cassell's Illustrated History of England vol 3.djvu/536

522 James, he began to show a firmness that surprised them. He would not admit the doctrine, and as little would he admit that he had committed any great sin in forsaking his wife, and attaching himself to Henrietta Wentworth. And in this respect the voice of nature spoke in him more convincingly than the ministers of a state religion could venture to admit, and which courts, kings, and others would do well to reflect upon.

Flight of Monmouth.

He contended that his marriage with the heiress of Bucclench was a mere political marriage, a marriage without any regard to the affections or fitness of the parties, but merely with regard to royal purposes; that in the sight of God it was no marriage at all; that he never could get up an attachment to the duchess; that his affections were unconcerned, his home was cold and unattractive, and that in consequence he had sought in idle and vicious amours an interest that he did not feel elsewhere; that from this wicked career lady Wentworth drew him, and led him to adopt a life of domestic order; that lady Wentworth was a woman of virtue and honour, and that he had been strictly constant to her; that they were united by mutual and ardent affection, and had prayed to God to be guided in the matter by him; that so far from feeling any condemnation, his affection had increased, and that had satisfied him that this was the true marriage in the sight of heaven, and that nothing would ever persuade him to the contrary. They who condemn the reasoning of Monmouth should be careful not to force their children into a like false position. They who are expected not to sin should not be sinned against.