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The Author to the Christian Reader.
IF the Question proposed be resolved Negatively by the Scriptures, and practised contrarily by many Profes∣sors, doth not the Lord seek for a man to make up the hedge for preserving the distinct bounds of his honoura∣ble Ordinance? The candle of this Negative resolution was long since lighted to give light to some of Gods hous∣hold, that had removed the bounds; but put under a bushel in expecta∣tion of some greater Lamp that might give light to all in the house of God for a more full illumination. But not finding that to appear (as he hoped) in all the Orthodox Treatises concerning Marriage, he stayed so long upon Moses his pretences, Who am I? and I am not eloquent, &c. and Send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send, till the anger of the Lord made this poor candle like fire shut up in his bones, and now con∣straineth him to set it on a candlestick, lest if he tarry longer, mischief come upon some of Gods Family, and on himself too for not giving warning.
And therefore I most humbly beseech all the houshold of God (whom it may concern) especially those that seem to be Pillars in his House; that as they reade they will so consider and try, that if instead of gold, sil∣ver, precious stones, there be built any wood, hay, stubble on the Foun∣dation of the Prophets and Apostles by me alleadged, that by the spirit of judgement and of burning they will afford their helping hand to burn it so, that whatsoever losse I may suffer, may turn to the gain of Gods people. But if the work abide trial, that then they will vouchsafe to give unto me the right hand of fellowship, that none of Gods House be edified to perdition (as the Apostle speaks in another case) by the different Judgement or Practice of any in reputation for Knowledge or con∣science:
So prayeth the least of Gods Servants in the Work of the Ministry A. L.