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Election) according to the foregoing Measures. 4. That it be with a temperate Affection, without violent transporting Desires, or too sensual Applications. Concerning which a Man is to make Judgment by proportion to other Actions, and the Severities of his Religion, and the Sentences of sober and wise Persons; always remembring, that Marriage is a Provision for supply of the natural Necessities of the Body, not for the artificial and procured Appetites of the Mind. And it is a sad truth, that many married Persons thinking that the Flood-gates of Liberty are set wide open without Measures or Restraints (so they sail in that Channel) have felt the final Rewards of their Intemperance and Lust, by their unlawful using of lawful Permissions. Only therefore let each of them be temperate, and both of them be modest.'
Thus far the Reverend Doctor, a Man whose Character gave him an undoubted Right to the Title of a true spiritual Guide, thorowly qualified in his time for a Teacher of Holy Living.
I add nothing, only that here is a Confirmation indeed unexpected of all the Principles which I have advanced in this Work.
Here is a full Concession to the real occasion and even necessity of my present Undertaking; the Doctor grants, that married Persons even at that time thought the Flood-gates of Liberty were let open to them, and that (as I said) Modesty and Decency was at an End after Marriage, and there was no more Restraint between a Man and his Wife.
But you will find the Doctor quite of another Opinion, as I also am; and I am very glad to have so unquestioned an Authority for my Opinion.
