Page:Dissertationonma00livi.djvu/17

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MARRIAGE.
11

ion and affords contentment and happiness, without the collision of separate interests.

It is an acceptable institution and universally adopted. The sacred ordinance has forever remained in force, and been received with veneration and gratitude. In every age and in all nations it has prevailed, and will continue to the end of the world. Both sexes have cheerfully submitted to it; they always have and always will be "marrying and giving in marriage."

It is as honourable as it is benevolent and acceptable. The propagation of mankind, and the first principles of society are hereby established upon a respectable and virtuous basis; and human nature is dignified by the prohibition of promiscuous and unlawful cohabitation.

God honours marriage. "The Lord God said it is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a help meet for him — and the rib which the Lord had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man — so God created man in his own image, male and female created