[ 217 ]
Let those then that esteem those Inequalities to be Trifles, and that think the hazard nothing but what may be ventured upon; let them, I say, rush on like the Horse into the Battle: But let them remember 'tis with Solomon's Fool, Tanquam Boves, like an Ox to the Slaughter, and knows not that it is for his Life.
Household Strife is a terrestrial Hell, at least, 'tis an Emblem of real Hell; 'tis a Life of Torment, and without Redemption. Matrimony is an irreversible Decree; 'tis a Grave from whence there is no return; nothing but the King of Terrors can open the Jayl; and 'tis then but an even lay between the Man and his Wife, who goes out first; and if when the Jaylor comes, the Devil comes with him, 'tis but one to one who he calls for, nay, if they have lived the Life I speak of, as is very probable, they may even do what they never did, that is to say, agree for a Moment, and go together.
What then can the Man or Woman be said to be doing, that ventures upon Matrimony without studiously considering and consulting the Suitabilities that offer in the Case, without sitting down and judging sedately, at least from what is apparent, what may probably be the Case afterwards? If they are sensible of their own Infirmities, let them calculate for themselves, as doubtless any Man or Woman might do, what will be their Case: As every one that looks into his own Conscience may, if he will be impartial to himself, make a Judgment of his eternal State, so every one that will look into their own Temper, and impartially compare it with the Circumstances and Disposition ofthe
