Matrimonial Honor

This rare puritan treatise on marriage is finally back in print after over 350 years. The great importance of godly marriages is emphasized by Daniel Rogers. “Marriage is the preservative of chastity, the seminary of the commonwealth, seed-plot of the church, pillar (under God) of the world, right-hand of providence, supporter of laws, states, orders, offices, gifts, and services: the glory of peace, the sinews of war, the maintenance of policy, the life of the dead, the solace of the living, the ambition of virginity, the foundation of countries, cities, universities, succession of families, crowns, and kingdoms; truly (besides the being of these) it is the wellbeing of them being made, and whatsoever is excellent in them, or any other thing, the very furniture of heaven (in a kind) depending thereupon.”

Rogers begins the treatise by showing that marriage is honorable. He then instructs the reader on what is necessary for a good entrance into marriage. It is necessary that one marries in the Lord and that there is aptness and suitableness to the match. Rogers then digresses to handle two points, which are consent of parents and the marriage contract. Returning to the main point of the treatise, he discusses three joint duties of the married, which are unity in religion, chastity, and mutual consent. Rogers then proceeds to handle the respective duties of the husband and the wife. Starting with the husband, he instructs the husband in three duties, namely, that he should be a man of understanding, providence, and given to honor and respect his wife. He then handles the reflective duties of the wife in response to the three duties of the husband. Her subjection to her husband is a response to his understanding. The helpfulness of the wife is in response to the husband’s providence. Finally, the husband’s giving of honor or respect to the wife is reflected back on him by the wife’s gracefulness. Rogers has added a lengthy appendix to the treatise regarding God’s terrible judgments against the defilers of marriage, with sundry means and counsels to pursue chastity.

The book has been retypeset and modernized.