Censure.
Although you may think that government wise, because it fits your Appetite, yet well-tempred men, 'tis likely, will be of another opini∣on, as to think the strict Canon-Laws of Europe are better for the good of Common-wealths, and every particular Family, by restraining one man to one woman, than to let them have more, or as many as they will.
Sensuality.
If well-temperd men be of that opinion, they are fools, which I will soon prove them to be. As first for the Common-wealth, there is no∣thing more disadvantagious; for those Commonwealths flourish with great∣est glory, that are fullest populated, by reason populated Kingdomes are strongest, both for their own defence, and against Forein Enemies, as being able to conquer others by Invasions, inlarging their Dominions with their numbers, increasing their numbers with their numerous issues, begot and born from their many Wives, Concubines, and Slaves: when by our niggardly laws Kingdoms become uninhabited and barren for want of men to till and manure the ground: And as for our Wars, they'd seem as private Chal∣lenges, and our Armies as particular Duellers, being met with their Se∣conds to decide their petty quarrels, and to shew their valour by the ha∣zard of their lives, and our Battels seem slight Skirmishes, or like a Company or Rout that kill each other in an idle Fruy. Thus in comparison of other Em∣pires, all Europe is but as one Kingdom, for numbers of men, and Martial Forces, when by the Extent it may be accounted the fourth part of the known World. And as for particular Families, want of children breeds discontent, and not only destroys industry, but makes spoil and unthrifts; for those that have no children, they care not what becomes of their goods, lands, or livings, spending them through cluelesness, or through riot: And as for Women, it spoils them from being good wives; for being sole Mi∣strisses, having no Co-partners, nor Shares, neither of their Husbands, chil∣dren, or estates, and being the only She that is served or attended, imbraced, loved, or maintained, grows proud, imperious, insults and domineers, and disputes with her Husband for preheminency, and the truth is, for the most part, obtains it. Thus men become slaves to the distaff for quietness sake, o∣therwise there is such quarrels and brawleries, that his house and home, that should be his Couch of Ease, his Bed of Rest, his peaceable Haven, or haven of Peace, is for the most part his couch of thorns, his bed of cares, his hell of torments, or tormenting hell, and his whole Family are like a tempestuous Sea, where Passions hurl into Factions, and rise in waves of discontent: But when men have an absolute power over their wives, they force them into quiet obedience; and where men have many Wives, Con∣cubines, and Slaves, the women are humbled into a submission, each woman striving which should be most serviceable, and who can get most love and favour; and as for Bastards, they are as much the Fathers children, as those that are got in Wedlock.