ABSTRACT
Among the proofs of the dignity and sanctity of marriage adduced by Puritan writers, especially among those used to refute the Papists, it was rare for the argument to be omitted that God Himself had ordained the first marriage which was that between Adam and Eve. The problem of portraying family life as one aspect of the pilgrimage to eternity is tackled in a rather curious way. From Becon onwards the same sentiment is to be found throughout Puritan literature though with certain very sensible reservations. The sincerity, depth and delicacy of feeling that had been made possible by centuries of the spiritual culture generated by Puritanism— culture which, by reason of the ruthless rejection of the arts, had never before been reflected in literature—this same depth and delicacy of feeling now suddenly acquires literary flesh and blood.
