that one ought to take of them that are indifferently or reasonably well qualified.  But I will surge a little higher, and tell you plainly, that that will be just like one who fearing to drown himself at the brinks of a River, goeth into the middle, to be the higher above water.  You see now, why I cannot advise you to marry.  Yet I would not have you to beleeve, tho I so much discommend it, that it is no waies usefully profitable.  I esteem it to be a holy institution ordained by God Almighty.  That which makes it bad is the woman, in whom there is no good.  If you will marry, you must then conclude never to be any thing for your self again; but to subject your self to the toilsom will and desires of a Wife, most difficult to be born with; to pass by all her deficiences; to assist her infirmities; to satisfie her insatiable desires; to approve of all her pleasures, & whatsoever she also will you must condescend to.  Now you have heard and understood all my reasons and arguments, you may then tell me, that you have a fine estate, and that you would willingly see an heir of your own that might possess it; and that it would be one of your greatest delights, to see your own honour and vertues survive in your children.  But as to that I’l answer you, and say, that your reward shall be greater in relieving the poor and needy; then to leave rich remembrances to Heirs; and procure you an everlasting blessing, that you might otherwise leave for a prey to your children; who it may be are so bastardized in their birth, that they are both Spendthrifts and Vagabonds; for it happens oft that good trees do not alwaies bring forth good fruit.  If, when you have seriously perused this my Letter, you are not affrighted at your intention; marry:  but if you take it indifferently; marry not.  And beleeve me, that a man who is free from the troubles & vexations of marriage, is much happier and hath more content to himself in one day, then another in the whole scope of his Wedlock.  And what’s more, a single man may freely and resolutely undertake all things, to Travel, go to battell, be solitary, & live according to his own delight; without fearing that at his death he shall leave a Widow and Fatherless children, who must be delivered over to the Fates, for their friends will never look after them.  Hitherto I have kept you up, concerning your intention; and further I give you no other advice, then what by your self you may take to your self.  If you marry, you do well:  but not marrying, you do better.  And if you will incline to me, rather then to marry, you shall alwaies find me to be

SIR

Your very humble servant

A.B.

* * * * *

THE

CONFESSION

OF THE

NEW MARRIED COUPLE.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  THE CONFESSION OF THE NEWLY MARRIED COUPLE
               LONDON,
               PRINTED in the JEAR 1683.
               Published by The Navarre Society, London.]