§. 55. Of the Extent of Marriage in all.
THis phrase [in all] is so indefinite, as it may be referred to any of the Genders,* 1.1 and to persons, or to things.
They who apply it to persons, thus translate it, Among all, or among all men: meaning all sorts, degrees, conditions or sexes; as Males and Females, Kings and Subjects, Nobles and meaner, Rich and poor, Minister and Lay-people, or of what calling and estate so ever they be.
They who apply it to things, thus take it, every way, or in every thing that apper∣tain to marriage: or in all estates, whether of peace or trouble.
But it appears that the Apostle here intends it of persons, because he opposeth it to these persons, whoremongers and adulterers. For in that Marriage is honourable in among all men, God will judge whoremongers and adulterers: who might have used this remedy of marriage.
This general is to be limited to such as are fit for marriage, and to whom marri∣age is lawfull: Such are persons of different Sexes, male and female, and of ripe years, not children; and free, not married nor contracted to another then living: and beyond the degrees of consanguinity and affinity forbidden in Gods Word: and are able to yield due bene volence to their yoke-fellow, not being born Eunuchs, nor by any occasion impotent, in reference to the main marriage duty. All such marri∣ages are no true marriages; but plain nullities.
Papists rank amongst these such as enter into religious Orders (as they call them) but for this they have no warrant from Gods Word. See Dom. Dut. Tr. 2. Par. 1. §. 6.