PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

220 ()f Di'lJoree.
er, I say, such a law would not re:tder ~male virtue
in higher life less vincible, as well as the seducers of
that virtue less urgent in their suit, we recommend
to the deliberation of those, who art: willing to attempt
the reformation of this important, but most
incorrigible class of the ~ommunity. A pa~sion for
splendour, for expensive amusements and distinctions,
is commonly found, in that description of women
who would become the objects of such a law, not
less inordinate than their other appetites. A severi.
ty of the kind we propose applies immediately to
that passion. And there is no room for any com~
plaint of injustice, since the provisions above stated,
with others which might be contrived, cOllune the
punishment, so far as it ~s possible, to the person of
the offender; suffering the e~tate to remain (0 the
heir, or within the family, of the ancestor from
whom it came, or to attend the appoiiltments of his
wil!~
Sentepces of the ecclesiastical courts, which release
-the parties a 'Vinculo matrimonjj by reason of impuber ~
ty, frigidity, con~-anguinity within the prohibited degrees,
prior marriage, or want of the requisite con­
'sent of parents or guardians, are not dissolutions of
the marriage contract, but judicial declarations, that
there never was CiIly marriage; such impediment
subsisting at the time, as rendered the celebration of
the marriage rite a mere nullity. And the rite itself
contains an exception of these inlpediments. The
~an ap.d woman to be married are charged, "if
they know· any impediment why they may not be
lawfully joined together, to confess it;" and assured
"that so many as are coupltd together, otherwise
than God~s word doth allow, are not joined together
by God, neither is their matrimony lawful;"
all which i~ intended by w?-y of solemn notke to t~e
parties that the vow they are about to make wdl
billd their con~ciences and autllorize their cohabita ..
tion only upon the supposition that no legal impedi ..
•
ment eXlsts,