The Imagery of “Matrimonial Yoke”
Astell elucidates, “Let us see then what is their Part, what must they do to make the Matrimonial Yoke tolerable to themselves as well as pleasing to their Lords and Masters? That the World is an empty and deceitful Thing, that those Enjoyments which appear’d so desirable at a Distance, which rais’d our Hopes and Expectations to such a mighty Pitch, which we so passionately coveted, and so eagerly pursued, vanish at our first Approach, leaving nothing behind them but the Folly of Delusion, and the Pain of disappointed Hopes, is a common Outcry; and yet, as common as it is, though we complain of being deceiv’d this Instant, we do not fail of contributing to the Cheat the very next.” The imagery of the ‘matrimonial yoke’ portrays the anguish that is existing in marriages. Distress is the definitive termination of the marriages which are founded on flawed judgments. Individuals weathering the yoke are apparently tormented and hollow for the yoke is deviating from all the outlooks they had concerning nuptial ecstasy.
“The Christian Institution of Marriage”
Astell observes, “The Christian Institution of Marriage provides the best that may be for Domestick Quiet and Content, and for the Education of Children; so that if we were not under the Tie of Religion, even the Good of Society and civil Duty, would oblige us to what Christianity requires: And since the very best of us are but poor frail Creatures, full of Ignorance and Infirmity, so that in Justice we ought to tolerate each other, and exercise that Patience towards our Companions to Day, which we shall give them occasion to shew towards us.” This imagery represents the Christian’s philosophy of marriage which is chiefly overseen by contentment and determination. Christianity authorizes durability in matrimony for it regards it as both a spiritual and civic enterprise. Additionally, forbearance and compassion are commended among Christians as principal components of love.
