86 The Growth of the Marriage Relation. 



far, and it was finally decided, therefore, in connection with 

 the system above referred to, that any persons may inter- 

 marry provided they are not more nearly related to each 

 other on either side tlian in the fourth degree. 



The Christian church, however, introduced a new series 

 of disabilities, by making affinity through marriage as 

 much a bar as blood-relationship itself. Such questions as 

 marriage with a deceased wife's sister or a deceased hus- 

 band's brother are not for the church to decide. They 

 should be treated as questions of social expediency, to be 

 settled by the State, in which light should be regarded also 

 all matters coming under the head of "social restraints" 

 on marriage, now represented by the simple requirement of 

 the consent of parents or guardians. 



A few words may be said, in conclusion, as to the future 

 of the marriage relation. We have seen that in tlie animal 

 kingdom, and therefore with primitive man, the chief 

 actions of life are directed toward self-preservation and the 

 perpetuation of the race. Where these interests came into 

 conflict the former necessarily prevailed, as the individual 

 always preferred himself to that of which he merely 

 formed a part. In these latter ages we may expect the 

 same result to follow from the antagonism between self 

 and race which always exists. It now takes, however, a 

 different form from what it had during primitive ages, at 

 least when man lives for something more than the supply 

 of mere physical wants or the gratification of the sensuous 

 side of his nature. Ever since man's thoughts came to be 

 elevated there has been a constant antagonism between the 

 lower and higher principles of his being. Christianity is 

 a phase of this conflict, concerned hitherto, however, chiefly 

 with the emotional element in man's nature, but the great 

 mental development which has taken place during recent 

 centuries is resulting in the subordination of the emotions 

 to the intellect. The consequence of this must be that the 

 marriage relation will be entered into with more delibera- 

 tion than formerly, and its conditions be regulated in 

 accordance with definite principles. It is quite possible, 

 indeed, that as a result of the development of the intel- 

 lectual faculties, which constitute the chief element in 

 individuality, the desire to escape the cares of a family 

 may lead to a disinclination for marriage, if even there is 

 not a repugnance to it. 



