第208页 / 共1391页

The parents ought to be in the prime of life, which for a man may

be reckoned at thirty years-from twenty-five, when he has 'passed

the point at which the speed of life is greatest,' to fifty-five;

and at twenty years for a woman-from twenty to forty. Any one

above or below those ages who partakes in the hymeneals shall be

guilty of impiety; also every one who forms a marriage connexion

at other times without the consent of the rulers. This latter

regulation applies to those who are within the specified ages,

after which they may range at will, provided they avoid the

prohibited degrees of parents and children, or of brothers and

sisters, which last, however, are not absolutely prohibited, if a

dispensation be procured.