The Covenant of Marriage

Franklin William Cox

and

Sarah Elizabeth Standish

Covenant of Sarah Elizabeth Standish

WHEREAS, the only true and living God, Jehovah of the Bible, Creator of heaven and earth, in infinite wisdom and providential mercy did design and ordain marriage for the blessing and prosperity of our father Adam and all his posterity; and

WHEREAS, the same LORD God did ordain marriage to be a permanent union in this life, between one man and one woman, grounded in a holy covenant, that should not be put asunder by man, except for severe violations such as fornication or desertion; and

WHEREAS, the same LORD God did require in the Bible those duties that will produce a successful marriage, and did also condemn those sinful actions that will destroy a marriage, and warned that I shall soon give an account of my marriage to Him; and

WHEREAS, the same LORD God, in a further display of His infinite wisdom and providential mercy did make me a woman, as a meet help for the man, in need of his leadership and protection, to be his loving, obedient, and reverent companion; and

WHEREAS, I love the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Jehovah God forever, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and greatly desire to be perfect before Him in all the will of God, to please Him well in all things, and live according to His pure doctrine; and

WHEREAS, marriage is under hostile assault by a fornicating generation, which glamorizes casual sex and easy cohabitation, despises the commitment and duties of marriage, violates it with adulteries, breaks it with easy and frivolous divorces, distorts it with dysfunctional relationships, and perverts it with same-sex unions; and

WHEREAS, I am under holy conviction to make this covenant before Him to be a godly wife, as He has defined in the Bible, to silence the reproaches of His enemies, save the Word of God from blasphemy, adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, keep the complaint of his soul from His altar, and unstop the ears of God for my prayers; and

WHEREAS, I freely choose with my parents’ blessing and without any compulsion before many witnesses to gladly be Adam Davis Greene’s wife, though knowing him to be a sinner and subject to all the temptations of the flesh, on this 6th day of October in the year of our LORD 2007; therefore

AS THE LORD LIVETH, I do hereby solemnly promise before God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, knowing the solemnity of such vows, to be the devoted and loving wife of Adam Davis Greene, according to the following Christian duties among others, as expressed in the Holy Bible:

1. To make my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a holy body and spirit my top priority, as this is the chief purpose for my existence and the primary means of maximizing my marital success and happiness (Psalm 73:25-26; 84:10; Matt 22:37-38; Luke 14:26; I Cor 7:34; 9:5; 16:22; II Cor 7:1; Gal 5:22-23; I Pet 1:15-16; Phil 1:21; 3:7-14; I Tim 2:9-10; I John 1:1-9),

2. To maintain such consecration to the Lord, knowledge of His will, and personal conviction and resolve to resist attempts by him to confuse my knowledge of the will of God or to lead me to sin (I Pet 3:6; I Sam 25:3-37; Acts 5:29),

3. To remember soberly and always, with daily consideration, I was created for him rather than he for me, and that my role is that of his helper, under his headship and rule, for his pleasure and profit (Gen 2:18; 3:16; I Cor 11:3,9; Prov 18:22; Eccl 9:9; Eph 5:27),

4. To submit to him cheerfully, as unto the Lord; to be in subjection, as the church is subject to Christ; to obey him in all things, without answering again; and to remember that long forbearing and a soft tongue can win an offended prince (Gen 3:16; I Cor 11:3; 14:34-35; Eph 5:22-23; Col 3:18; Titus 2:3-5,9-10; Prov 12:4; 15:1; 19:13; 25:15,24; 30:21-23; Eccl 10:4),

5. To reverence him from my heart, in the offices God has given him, as husband, lord, and head, rather than to seek a casual friendship with him as with a partner or peer; and to never speak or act disrespectfully toward him in public or private (Eph 5:33; I Pet 3:1-7; Gen 18:12; Eccl 10:20; I Kings 1:11-31; I Sam 25:39-42; I Cor 11:3; Luke 6:45),

6. To adorn myself at all times with a meek and quiet spirit, both at home and in public, which God values very highly, though it be a despised commandment in this rebellious generation (I Pet 3:3-4; I Tim 2:9-10; I Cor 14:34-35; Prov 9:13; 11:16; 21:19),

7. To live as wife first and mother second, if the Lord graciously grants us children, so that my affection, doting, and priorities are for my husband before my children (Gen 2:18; I Cor 11:9; Prov 31:10-12; Eccl 9:9; Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4,6-7; I Sam 1:8),

8. To love our children, be sober, discreet, chaste, a keeper at home, a subordinate guide of the house, good, full of good works, and to live above reproach, that God’s word be not blasphemed (Tit 2:4-5; I Tim 5:10,13-14; Prov 31:10-30),

9. To follow and support him fully in the godly training of our children, according to the wisdom of God and the light of nature, without regard for human invention or foolish sentimentality (Prov 13:24; 19:18; 22:6; 23:13-14; 29:15; Eph 6:4; Deut 21:18-21),

10. To love him devotedly, tenderly, loyally, and passionately, as my nature and body were designed, by Scripture’s example and command, rather than by fickle feelings, changing circumstances, or his conduct (Titus 2:3-5; Pr 17:17; 31:12; Song of Solomon),

11. To look and think only upon him as the object of my love and lovemaking, and not to so look or think on any other man, and to avoid romance novels and other such temptations to discontentment (Num 5:11-31; Job 31:1; Titus 2:5; Pro 2:16-17; 31:11-12; Jer 3:3),

12. To cheerfully and often love him sexually, both actively and passively, in those benevolent ways he desires and needs, without any defrauding, remembering the wisdom of my physical design and purpose, the holy instruction of Solomon, and his burning need for such love (I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4; Song of Solomon; Prov 7:10-18; Gen 26:8),

13. To forgive him fully and finally without bitterness for failures or weaknesses, and never recall events from the past (Matt 6:12; I Cor 13:4-7; Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:13; Prov 17:9; I Cor 14:20),

14. To remember the purest definition and highest standard of love is that of Paul in his definition of Christian charity (I Cor 13:1-13; Col 3:14; Gal 5:14; I John 4:7-12),

15. To communicate openly, freely, gently, honestly, and respectfully, without compulsion, at all times and regarding all matters (Amos 3:3; Prov 29:19; 20:5; John 15:15),

16. To conduct myself with graciousness, discretion, and virtue, as his representative in public, so that honor will accrue to him (Proverbs 11:16; 12:4; 19:14; 27:15-16; 31:23; Eccl 10:1),

17. To maintain my appearance, figure, and female vitality, by diet and exercise, and also by carefully chosen apparel and accessories, both at home and in public, to promote his reputation and increase his delight (Prov 31:17,22; 7:10-18; Esth 2:12-13; Is 3:16-24),

18. To help him financially by not complaining, using funds frugally, denying myself, and/or working a job he approves, though caring for him, home, and children before any outside job, if at all possible (Prov 31:10-31; 14:1; Gen 3:16; Eccl 4:9-12; Titus 2:4-5),

19. To honor his parents and family as my own, and to encourage him in his affection and duties toward his larger family (Exodus 18:1-12; Eph 6:1-3; I Tim 5:3-8),

20. To remember marriage is permanent, so reconciliation and renewal are superior to separation or divorce, by the power of Christ (Rev 2:4-5; I Cor 7:10-11; Matt 5:21-26; Phil 4:13),

21. To use the Lord’s means for offences between us, rather than the flesh’s revenge and the world’s escapes (Prov 19:11; Matt 5:21-26; 18:15-17; Rom 12:17-21; I Cor 6:1-8; 7:10-11),

22. To remember his conduct, good or bad, does not justify my neglect or violation of these holy obligations to the Lord (I Pet 2:18-24; 3:1-6; Luke 6:31; Acts 20:35; Matt 23:1-3),

23. And to cheerfully submit to inquiries by my parents, his parents, loving and wise friends, or our pastor regarding my life, marriage, and family (Lev 19:17; Psalm 141:5; Pro 20:5; 25:2; 27:5-6; Gal 6:1-2; Rom 15:1-3; Heb 10:23-25; Jas 5:16,19-20),

Sarah Elizabeth Standish _________________________________

Covenant of Franklin William Cox

WHEREAS, the same LORD God did require in the Bible those duties that will produce a successful marriage, condemned those sinful actions that will destroy a marriage, ordained me to be a representative to my wife and children of Him and His doctrine, and warned that I shall soon give an account of my marriage to Him; and

WHEREAS, the same LORD God, in a further display of His infinite wisdom and providential mercy did make me a man, needing and wanting the meet help of a woman, commanded me to love, lead, and protect her without bitterness, and realizing the greater example and responsibility of my role in this covenant; and

WHEREAS, I am under holy conviction to make this covenant before Him to be a godly husband, as He has clearly defined in the Holy Bible, to silence the reproaches of His enemies, save the Word of God from blasphemy, adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, keep the tears of her heart or eyes from His altar, and unstop the ears of God for my prayers; and

WHEREAS, I freely choose with my parents’ blessing and without any compulsion before many witnesses to take and have Kari Joy Taylor as my wife, though knowing her to be a sinner and subject to all the temptations of the flesh, on this 6th day of October in the year of our LORD 2007; therefore

AS THE LORD LIVETH, I do hereby solemnly promise before God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, knowing the solemnity of such vows, to be the devoted and loving husband of Kari Joy Taylor according to the following Christian duties among others, as expressed in the Holy Bible:

1. To make my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a holy body and spirit my top priority, as this is the chief purpose for my existence and the primary means of maximizing my marital success and happiness (Psalm 73:25-26; Matt 22:37-38; I Cor 7:34; 9:5; 16:22; II Cor 7:1; Gal 5:22-23; I Peter 1:15-16; Phil 1:21; 3:7-14; I Tim 2:9-10; I Pet 3:10-13; I John 1:1-9),

2. To lead her and any children that God may give by example, instruction, and training, in holiness, truth, and wisdom, for the glory of God and their profit and comfort (Gen 18:19; Josh 24:15; Deut 6:4-7; Ps 34:11; 127:3-5; Prov 19:18; 22:6; 29:15; Joel 1:3; Mal 2:15; Eph 6:4),

3. To remember a good wife is from the Lord, for my needed help and pleasure in this life, so she is on loan to me from her Father for safekeeping and nurturing in loving affection (Gen 2:18; Proverbs 18:22; 19:14; 31:31; Eccl 9:9; Mal 2:10-16; I Cor 9:5; I Pet 3:7),

4. To remember I am responsible for keeping a happy marriage by directing her as a loving leader, and managing our relationship to solve all differences in love (Gen 3:16; I Cor 14:34-35; Col 3:19; Rev 3:19; Prov 20:5; 25:2; 29:19,21; Rom 13:3-4; Eph 5:25-29; Col 3:21),

5. To despise and reject anger, bitterness, moodiness, hatred, threats, physical violence, and depression, as being works of the flesh I am to mortify (Gal 5:16-21; Col 3:5-15; Prov 10:12; 12:10; 15:18; 16:32; 29:22; James 1:19-20; 3:17; Eccl 7:8-9; II Samuel 3:39; Luke 9:55),

6. To reject any foolish, hurtful, or lustful comparisons to other women, and to make gentle comparisons only when necessary, in sober affection to identify a godly Christian example (Prov 5:19; 31:29; Solomon 4:7; 6:9; Lev 18:18; Phil 3:17; Tit 2:3-5; I Thess 2:7; I Cor 13:4-7),

7. To remember my job is a means to life, not its end; to make it serve my marriage, rather than my marriage serve it; and to oversee our finances wisely to build our estate (Deut 24:5; Prov 3:9-10; 6:6-11; 11:16; 13:22-23; 21:17; 30:25; Eccl 4:9; 9:9; I Thess 4:11-12; I Tim 6:6-10),

8. To love my wife sacrificially, in order to secure her perfection, and thereby my greatest pleasure, even as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, for Himself and His pleasure (Ephesians 5:25-33; I Cor 13:4-7; II Corinthians 11:2; Prov 29:21; I John 4:19),

9. To knowingly love my wife with gentleness, honor, and sensitivity, without any bitterness, remembering she is the weaker vessel, yet an equal heir of eternal life, and the girl who gave up her life to be my wife (Eph 5:25-32; Col 3:19; I Pet 3:7; Gal 3:28),

10. To adoringly cherish my wife as very special, for as long as we shall live, and to particularly do so during our first year together (Prov 18:22; Eccl 9:9; Eph 5:29; Deut 24:5),

11. To nourish my wife and promote her growth and development, by all necessary and wise means, to be a fulfilled, honored, and productive woman, and a virtuous and fruitful Christian (Eph 5:25-30; Prov 31:31; I Cor 14:34-35; Ezekiel 16:8-14),

12. To look and think only on her as the object of my love and sexual desire, and not to look or think on any other woman, whether in person or otherwise, remembering the addicting and damning nature of all forms of pornography, before an omniscient God (Gen 20:16; 39:9; Job 31:1; Proverbs 5:15-23; 6:25,30-35; Matthew 5:28-30),

13. To gently, unselfishly, and often love her sexually, in those benevolent ways she desires and needs, without any defrauding, remembering the wisdom of her physical design, the holy instruction of Solomon, and the growing needs of a happy and loved woman (I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4; Eph 5:28-29; Song of Solomon 2:4-7; 8:3-4; Exodus 21:10),

14. To forgive her fully and finally, without bitterness, for her failures, faults, or weaknesses, and never recall events from the past at anytime (Matt 6:12; I Cor 13:4-7; Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:13; Prov 17:9; I Cor 14:20),

15. To remember the purest definition and highest standard of love is that of Paul in his definition of Christian charity (I Cor 13:4-7; Col 3:14; Isaiah 55:8-9; Gal 5:14),

16. To communicate openly, freely, gently, kindly, and honestly with her about all things that would satisfy her soul and promote her confidence and security (Prov 16:24; 20:5; 27:9; 29:19; I Cor 13:4-7; Amos 3:3; John 15:15),

17. To allow her liberty to meekly correct me by the Word of God, when I intend to sin, and when needed, to solicit parental, pastoral, or other Christian help in such matters, without fear of reprisal (I Sam 25:1-37; Gal 6:1-4; James 5:19-20; Acts 5:29; I Pet 3:6; I Cor 9:5),

18. To go to bed together each night without bitterness or wrath, but rather with peaceful and godly contentment, which is great marital gain, and which is helped by praying together and holding one another (Ecc 9:7-9; I Tim 6:6; Eph 4:26; Col 3:19; Prov 17:1),

19. To remember marriage is permanent, so reconciliation and renewal are superior to separation or divorce, by the power of Christ, and such renewal can surely occur by following the Bible’s wisdom (Rev 2:4-5; I Cor 7:10-11; Matt 5:21-26; Mark 10:9; Phil 4:13),

20. To use the Lord’s means for solving offences between us rather than the flesh’s revenge or the world’s escapes or the terrible growth of bitterness (Prov 19:11; 25:9; 15:1; Matt 5:21-26; 18:15-17; I Cor 6:1-8; 13:4-7; Rom 12:17-21; Eph 4:31-32; James 3:17-18),

21. To honor her parents and family as my own, and to encourage her liberally in her affection and duties toward her family (Exodus 18:1-12; Eph 6:1-3; I Tim 5:3-8),

22. To remember my love and care of her should always reflect the mystery of our Lord’s love for His church, which is a sacrificial and wise love for the benefit of both (Eph 5:25-33; Psalm 45:1-17; Song of Solomon 8:6-7; Isaiah 54:5; Ezekiel 16:1-14; II Cor 11:2; Rev 19:5-9),

23. To remember her conduct, good or bad, does not justify my neglect or violation of these holy obligations to the Lord and her (I Pet 2:18-24; Luke 6:31-36; Acts 20:35; Rom 5:7-8),

24. And to cheerfully submit to inquiries by my parents, her parents, loving friends, or our pastor regarding my life, marriage, and family (Lev 19:17; Psalm 141:5; Prov 20:5; 25:2; 27:5-6; Rom 15:1-3; Gal 6:1-2; I Thess 5:14; Heb 10:23-25; James 5:16,19-20).

Franklin William Cox _________________________________