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CHAP. XII.
Of a Husband knowing his Wife after Conception, or after she is known to be with Child. Of the Reasonableness and of the Lawfulness of it. And whether this may not come under the just Denomination of Matrimonial Whoredom.
S the Procreation of Children is the only, or at least the chief Reason of Matrimony; so when the Woman has once conceived, it is the Opinion of the learned and modest World, her Husband ought to know her no more till she has brought forth, and is delivered of her Burthen.
Some will have this be called a rigid Law; that there is nothing in the Laws of God to direct such a Restraint, and that therefore 'tis what the Text calls binding heavy Burthens; like the Pharisees imposing Severities on others, which they would not be bound by themselves; and, as the same Text hints, would not touch them with one of their Fingers, that is to say, would not observe, or be under the Obligation ofthose
