Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. II. How Marriage is prohibited for the Cause of Religion.

Here the Doctrine of the Baptized Churches is this; That it is unlaw∣ful by the positive Law of God, for those that are Members of the Visible Church of Christ, to marry with those that are not. And for this we have the consent of the Old and New Testaments, as well as the most Authors which have written upon this Subject.

The Scripture timely shews the Mind of God herein, Gen. 6. 2, 6, 7. by recording his revengeful stroke on those his Sons, who in the days of Noah, took to themselves Wives of those that were not his Children, but only termed the Daughters of Men. Which Transgression being re∣membred by our Saviour, Luke 17. 27, to 30. He premonisheth his Fol∣lowers of the Sin of the last times, and foreshews it would be like the Sin of those in the days of Noah; and particularizeth their Sin, in mar∣rying Wives contrary to the Will of God. For it cannot be supposed, that our Saviour did there speak against Marriage as Instituted of God, any more than against Eating and Drinking lawfully; but it is the Sins of Men committed in these Actions respectively which he speaks against, to the end he might fortifie his Servants against the like abuses.

How much the Lord disallowed such Marriages in the time of the Law, is evident Exod. 34. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Deut. 7. 3. 1 King. 11. 1, 2. Nehem. 13. And that the same Transgression in the time of the Gospel ought to be avoided, cannot be denyed, 1 Cor. 7. 39. & 10. 8. 2 Cor. 6. 14. The reason of the Law in this case being still the same, which is the danger of being drawn away from following the Lord. Deut. 7. 3, 4. Neither shalt thou make Marriages with them; &c. For they will turn away thy Son from following me, that he may serve other Gods: so will the Anger of the Lord be kindled against you. Thus for the Israelite. And hath the Christian no limit here? Yes; They are at liberty to marry with whom they will; Only in the Lord, 1 Cor. 7. 39. They may not be unequally yoaked with Unbelievers, 2 Cor. 6. 14. Here is a most profitable restraint; and for more particular direction, we refer to Levit. 8 & 20 Chapters, and the Section preceding. Nor shall we need to be copious in this Point, all Christians assenting to it. Of the many Testimonies that might be brought, I will only set down a few; and first the University of Basil.

Marriage (say they) * 1.1 is not only grounded on the Law of Nature and Nations, but also on the Law of God; For it was Instituted and Commanded by God, and was by Christ Vindicated from Abuses and Corruptions. In which, regard must be had to Religion, that Marriage be not made between

Persons of different Religions. It is one thing to speak of Marriages already made, and of such as are to be made. Of the former the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 7. but the latter is most severely prohibited, Exod. 34. 12. Deut. 7. 3. where a Reason is rendred, taken from the danger of seducing. To which Paul's saying agrees, Be not unequally yoked with the Wicked, or bear not the strange Yoke with Unbelievers. Sad Examples we have of the Events of such Marriages of the Old World, Gen. 6. Of Solomon, 1 Kings 22. Of Ahab, 1 Kings 21. 15. Of Jehoshaphat, 2 Kings 8. Of Valence the Emperor, who by his Wife was seduced and drawn to Arrianism.

And the Rhemists give this positive determination; * 1.2 It is not lawful for Catholicks to marry with Hereticks or Infidels. Where they also refer to St. Jerome contra Jovinian, Lib. 1. And to the Council of Laodicea, Can. 10, 31.

As clear for this is Diodat Annot. in 1 Cor. 7. 39. By these words, In the Lord, he understands, In the Communion of Christ and his Church; not that Christians should Apostatize for Marriage with a Hus∣band or Wife who is not a Christian. * 1.3 We see then, that he that goeth out of the Visible Church of Christ to seek a Spouse, is condemned in that Act by the Scriptures, and the consent of all that profess any thing of Christianiry.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ʋniversity of Basil.
• * 1.2

  Rhem. Test. 2 Cor. 6.
• * 1.3

  The only diffi∣culty here is, to know the due Bounds of the Church; which we suppose to be sufficiently shewed above.