education of their children, and destroy the happiness of the whole family; and
4. That they expose themselves to the danger of falling into disgrace and misery, and all sorts of sins and vices, and even of being severely chastised, and ultimately entirely rejected by God Himself.
'He that is an adulterer shall destroy his own soul; he gathereth to himself shame and dishonor, and his reproach shall not be blotted out' (Prov. vi. 32, 33).
In the Old Law adultery was, by God's command, punished with death, and, in the Primitive Church, with public penance of many years, like manslaughter.
10. What should these people bear in mind who intend to enter the married state?
1. They should not thoughtlessly, and without due reflection, enter into an engagement to marry.
2. They should be properly instructed, confirmed, and be free from impediments;
3. They should live innocently whilst they are engaged, and should not think that, during that time, they are allowed sinful liberties on that account.
4. They should enter the marriage state with a pure and holy intention; and
5. Before they marry, they should make a good Confession and worthily receive Holy Communion.
'We are the children of saints, and we must not be joined together like heathens, that know not God' (Tob. viii. 5).
11. Who may be said to espouse each other thoughtlessly?
1. All who neglect to have previous recourse to God, and disregard His will, the advice of their parents, and the salvation of their own soul in the affair (Prov. xix. 14);
2. Those who, in their choice, care less for religion and virtue than for temporal advantages, etc.; and
3. Those who do not first consider whether they will be able to fulfil the weighty duties of the married state.
