of this dreadfull estate of marriage, have a horror for it. Shun a
woman much more than a Fish doth the hook. Remember that Solomon
amongst all women kind could not find one good. Observe by what hath
befallen those that went before you, what is approaching to your self,
if you follow their footsteps. And be most certainly assured that the
acutest pens are not able to expound the light & feasiblest troubles
and disasters of marriage, set then aside the most difficile and
ponderous. Do but read with a special observation the insuing Letter
of a Friends advice touching marriage; imprint it as with a Seal upon
your heart; and lay fast hold upon that golden expression of the
glorious Apostle, _It is good for man not to touch a woman._

THE END OF THE TEN PLEASURES OF MARRIAGE.

* * * * *

A LETTER

From one Friend to another,

_Desiring to know whether it be advisable to marry._

_SIR,_

I must acknowledge that the Letter which you have writ me hath given
me some incumbrance, and made me more then three times to ruminate
upon the question you propounded to me concerning Marriage; for it is
a matter of great importance, that ought to be well pondered and
considered of, before one should adventure to solemnize & celebrate
it. Several of my familiar friends have troubled me touching the very
same subject, and I gave them every one my advice according as they
were affected; but me-thinks I ought not to deal so loose and
unboundedly with you, by reason I dare speak unto you with more
freedom and truth. First, there are two things which bind me strictly
to you, Nature and the Affection; and moreover the great knowledge I
have of this so necessary an evil. I will tell you my opinion, then
you may use your own discretion, whether you will approve of my
meaning for advice or not. For my part, I beleeve that of all the
disasters we are subject to in our life time, that of Marriage takes
preference from all the rest: But for as much as it is necessary for
the multiplying the World, it is fit it should be used by such as are
not sensible of it, and can hardly judge of the consequences thereof.
Neither do I esteem any man unhappy, let whatsoever disasters there
will happen to him, if he doth not fall beyond his sence so far as to
take a Wife. Those troubles that may befall us otherwise, are alwaies
of so small a strength! that he who hath but the least magnanimity may
easily overpower th