Chapter 26: Of Marriage

Marriage is to be between one Man and one Woman; neither is it lawful for any Man to have more than one Wife, nor for any Woman to have more than one Husband at the same Time.^a

1. a. Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:5–6

   Genesis 2:24

   Malachi 2:15

   Matthew 19:5–6

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Marriage was ordained for the mutual Help of Husband and Wife,^a for the Increase of Mankind with a legitimate Issue, and for^b preventing of Uncleanness.^c

1. a. Genesis 2:18

   Genesis 2:18

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Genesis 1:28

   Genesis 1:28

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9

   1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:9

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

It is lawful for all Sorts of People to Marry, who are able with Judgment to give their Consent; yet it is the Duty of Christians^a to Marry in the Lord; and therefore such as profess the true Religion, should not Marry with Infidels,^b or Idolaters; neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by Marrying with such as are wicked in their Life, or maintain damnable Heresie.^c

1. a. Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 4:3

   Hebrews 13:4

   1 Timothy 4:3

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. 1 Corinthians 7:39

   1 Corinthians 7:39

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Nehemiah 13:25–27

   Nehemiah 13:25–27

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Marriage ought not to be within the Degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity, forbidden in the Word; nor can such incestuous Marriage ever be made lawful, by any Law of Man or Consent of Parties,^a so as those Persons may live together as Man and Wife.^b

1. a. Leviticus 18

   Leviticus 18

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Mark 6:18; 1 Corinthians 5:1

   Mark 6:18

   1 Corinthians 5:1

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible