VirginiaHuguenot
Puritanboard Librarian
The Westminster Directory of Public Worship says concerning the solemnization of marriage:
The Genevan Book of Church Order says:
This process of proclaiming the plans of a couple to marry over successive Lord's Days in order to make public their intentions is known as the banns of marriage.
This practice was required by the Church of Scotland, the Church of England and in New England, as well as other places like Geneva; but it is usually neglected today. Society has changed. The church has changed.
Perhaps this change should be examined.
Before the solemnizing of marriage between any persons, the purpose of marriage shall be published by the minister three several sabbath-days, in the congregation, at the place or places of their most usual and constant abode, respectively. And of this publication the minister who is to join them in marriage shall have sufficient testimony, before he proceed to solemnize the marriage.
The Genevan Book of Church Order says:
The Form of Marriage
After the banns or contract has been published three several days in the congregation (to the intent that if any persons have interest or title to either of the parties, they may have sufficient time to make their challenge), the parties assemble at the beginning of the sermon, and the minister, at time convenient, says as follows:
This process of proclaiming the plans of a couple to marry over successive Lord's Days in order to make public their intentions is known as the banns of marriage.
This practice was required by the Church of Scotland, the Church of England and in New England, as well as other places like Geneva; but it is usually neglected today. Society has changed. The church has changed.
Perhaps this change should be examined.
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