the mystical union that is betwixt Christ
| and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified
| with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of
| Galilee; and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among all
| men; and therefore is not by any to be taken in hand, unadvisedly,
| lightly or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly,
| soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the chief causes
| for which Matrimony was ordained.
|
| It was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will
| of God, and that children might be brought up in the fear and
| nurture of the Lord and to the praise of his holy Name.
|
| It was also ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort
| that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and
| adversity.
|
| Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be
| joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause why they
| may not lawfully be joined together, let him now declare it.

_And also, speaking unto the persons that shall be married, he
shall say_,

I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day
of judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,
that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be
lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For
be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise
than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither
is their Matrimony lawful.

_At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege and declare any
impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by
God's law, or the laws of this Realm; and will be bound, and
sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a
caution_ (_to the full value of such charges as the persons to be
married do thereby sustain_) _to prove his allegation: then the
solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be
tried_.

_If no impediment be alleged, then shall the Curate say unto the
man_,

_N_. Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together
after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou
love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in
health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long
as ye both shall live?

_The man shall answer_,

I will.

_Then shall the Priest say unto the woman_,

_N_. Wilt thou have this man to thy w