Aristotle [pseud.]

Aristotle's Masterpiece, or, The Secrets of Generation Displayed in all the Parts Thereof

London

Printed for W.B. and are to be sold by most booksellers in London and Westminster

1694

A wife is another self, "one in whose Breast, as in a sage Cabinet, is reposed his inmost Secrets"

CErtainly, the joyning of Hearts in a Matrimonial State, is of all conditions the happiest; for then a Man has, whom to unravel his Thoughts to, as well as a sweet Companion in his Labour, he has an Internus Sensus, another self, one in whose Breast, as in a safe Cabinet, is reposed his inmost Secrets, especially where Reciprocal Love, and inviolate Faith is centered; for there no cares, fears, jealousies, Mistrust or Hatred, can never interpose; for what Man, as 'tis observed in Holy Writ, ever hated his own Flesh, and indeed a Wife is no less, if rightly cosidered; for as our grand parent well observed, she is or ought to be so esteemed of every honest Man, Bone of his Bone, and Flesh of his Flesh, &c. Nor was it the least care of the Almighty, to ordain so near a Union, and especially for two causes, the first for increase of Posterity, the second to bridle and bound Man's wandering Desires and Affection; nay, that they might be yet happier, when God had joyned them together he blessed them, as `tis in the 2 d. of Genesis. Colamela, no mean Author, considering and contemplating on this happy State, tells us out of the Occonomy of Xenophon , that Matrimonial Conjunction appointed by Nature, is not only the most pleasant, but profitable course of Life, that may be enterred on, for the preservation & increase of Posterity; wherefore, since the harbour of Marriage is most safe, and a sure and delightful station of Mankind, who is exceeding prone, by the dictates of Nature, to propagate his-like, he does in no wise provide amiss for his own Tranquility who enters it, especially when he comes to maturity of years, for there are many abuses and errors in Marriage, contrary to what is ordained; the which, in the ensuing Chapter I shall expose to view; but to proceed.
(pp. 55-7)

Architecture::Cabinet

EEBO

Aristotle's Masterpiece, or, The Secrets of Generation Displayed in all the Parts Thereof ... Very Necessary for all Midwives, Nurses, and Young Married Women (Printed for W.B. and are to be sold by most booksellers in London and Westminster, 1694).

01/08/2004