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THE PREFACE.
IT is not usual to send single Sermons abroad; without the Recommen∣dation of a publick Command; nor is it customary to preach at a Mar∣riage, which was the Occasion of the following Sermon. But as ther•• is no Law nor Reason to hinder the one▪ so it would seem that th•• other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been formerly done, and still our Liturgy supposes that it may and will be done: For the Exhortation after Marriage, is appointed to be used only in case there should be no Sermon on the Subject.
Having obtain'd from the most Venerable Burgomasters of Amsterdam, amongst other Privileges, that of Marrying according to the Manner pre∣scribed by our Church▪ I judged my self obliged to preach on the first occa∣sion of doing so. Here is the Discourse I then had, and I yield to the desire of publishing it, for the same Reasons I first preach'd it; that I may give my small help towards retrieving the Honour of Marriage, which has been so often burlesqu'd, and run down by the Licenciousness of the Stage. The Impious Railleries and profane Witticisms which have been uttered about this matter, are regarded as Maxims of undoubted Truth; those are laugh∣ed at who make Marriage their Choice, as they are pity'd who are under any necessity of engaging into it.
This Mockery and Contempt of Marriage, as it is most prejudicial to the Civil State; so it has contributed very much to the growth of Atheism: for it has encouraged those unlawful Liberties, which are taken both in and without Wedlock, which cannot be defended otherwise than by denying a God, or the Authority of Sacred Scripture▪ When Men are byasi'd, weak Arguments prevail, and any thing is readily received which flatters their Lusts and vicious Inclinations. Debauchees think it their Interest that there be no God, that Religion be discarded, and so are easily drawn to deny and disown them. And for this cause it is necessary, as to maintain the Foundation of Religion, so to vindicate its holy Institutions from the blasphemous Aspersions cast upon them; which beget a Prejudice both against them and all Religion in general. I have not that Opinion of my-self, or of my performances, as to think that they alone can stop the Mouths of Gain∣sayers: I only desire to shew my Good-will, and offer my Endeavours. It is not absolutely necessary that all of an Army be Heroes, a Victory may be, and is often forwarded by many who cannot pretend to that Character. I have not said all that might; but what is said, is certain and evident: Yet I should not be surpris'd if the Truth of it be not admitted; nay, if many entertain our Attempt with Scorn. The Corruption of this Age is too deeply rooted, to be plucked up at the very first: But, Whether they will hear, or whether they forbear, they should know, that there have have been Prophets among them▪