any instrument of music, except the drum, trumpet, and jews-harp.[18]
“No Gospel Minister shall join people in marriage; the Magistrates only shall join in marriage, as they may do it with less scandal to Christ’s Church.[19]
“When parents refuse their children convenient marriages, the Magistrates shall determine the point.
“The selectmen, on finding children ignorant, may take them away from their parents, and put them into better hands, at the expence of their parents.
“Fornication shall be punished by compelling marriage, or as the Court may think proper.
“Adultery shall be punished with death.
“A man that strikes his wife shall pay a fine of 10l.; a woman that strikes her husband shall be punished as the Court directs.
“A wife shall be deemed good evidence against her husband.
“No man shall court a maid in person, or by letter, without first obtaining consent of her parents: 5l. penalty for the first offence; 10l. for the second; and, for the third, imprisonment during the pleasure of the Court.
“Married persons must live together, or be imprisoned.