ADVERTISEMENT.

THIS Compilation originated in the circumstance of the pastors of two Independent Churches consulting together on the mode of solemnizing matrimony. It occurred to them that a form would be preferable to an extemporary performance, and that it would be desirable to adhere, as closely as possible, to the one which has been in use for so many years, and to which many are attached by prejudice and habit: besides which, there is much in it peculiarly solemn, and admirably suitable to the occasion: they have therefore adopted it, omitting a few passages which they judged superfluous or improper, and adding what the new marriage act requires.

It was thought best to print it, though intended only for their own congregations, that those persons who applied to them to be married might have an opportunity of perusing it previously to the performance of the ceremony; and that those who think it worth while to enquire, may see a specimen of the manner in which they intend to make use of that privilege which a wise and liberal government has conferred upon them.

REGULATIONS

&c.

In every case of marriage in England, after the last day of June, 1837, (unless it be by licence or special licence, or after publication of banns, according to the rights of the Church of England,) one of the parties must give notice, according to a form prescribed by the act, to the Superindendent Registrar of the District, within which the parties shall have dwelt for not less than seven days next preceding the date and delivery of such notice; and if the parties dwell in the Districts of different Superindendent Registrars, they must give the like notice to the Superintendent Registrar of each District.

Blank forms for such notices may be had and filled up at the office of the Superintendent Registrar, who will enter the notice in a book kept by him, for which he will receive one shilling.

After seven days from the entry of the notice, (if the marriage be by licence,) or of twenty-one days, (if without licence,) the Superintendent Registrar will, upon request, issue a certificate according to a form in the act, if he see no lawful impediment; for which certificate he will also receive one shilling.

The Superintendent Registrar may grant licences for marriage in any registered building within his District, or in his office; and for every such licence he will be entitled to receive three pounds, in addition to the value of the stamps used.

Before the licence is granted, one of the parties must appear personally before the Superintendent Registrar, and (in case the marriage notice was not given to him) must deliver to him the certificate of the Superintendent Registrar to whom such notice was given;

and the party so appearing must make oath, or a solemn affirmation or declaration, that he or she believes there is not any impediment to the marriage, by reason of kindred or alliance; and that one of the parties intending marriage has had his or her usual place of abode within the District for at least fifteen days, previously; and where either of the parties, not being a widower or widow, shall be under twenty-one years of age, he or she must also make oath or a solemn declaration or affirmation, that the consent, required by law, has been obtained, or that there is no person having authority to give such consent.

Every licence must be on a ten shilling stamp; and every affidavit, affirmation, or declaration, on a stamp of two shillings and sixpence. Stamped forms for licences and declarations will be kept by the Superintendent Registrar.

No marriage (unless it be by licence) can be solemnized or registered until after twenty-one clear days from the entry of the notice; and whenever a marriage shall not have been solemnized within three calendar months after the entry of notice, such notice, and all the proceedings thereon, will be void; and no marriage can take place until a new notice shall have been given, an entry made, and a certificate issued in the manner before mentioned.

The Registrar of marriages will, on receiving notice that his presence is required, go to the place where a marriage is to be solemnized (if within the district duly registered, or at the Superintendent Registrar's office) and require of the parties the certificate, or licence, to be delivered to him. If one of the parties live in another district, there must be a certificate from each Superintendent Registrar; the Registrar will then allow the marriage to be performed in such manner as the parties may see fit.

It must be with open doors, between eight and twelve o'clock in the forenoon, in a place duly registered in the manner prescribed by the act, and there must be present two credible witnesses, at least.

In some part of the ceremony, the declarations and words of the act set out in pages 10 and 11, must be used, or the Registrar cannot register the marriage.

The marriage being solemnized, the Registrar will immediately

enter it in his book, and the parties married, the officiating Minister, the Registrar, and the two witnesses will sign the entry with their names and surnames at full length.

The Registrar will, for every marriage solemnized in his presence, be entitled to ten shillings, if by licence, and five shillings, if not by licence.

It is incumbent on the minister who performs the ceremony, to see that the building in which the marriage is solemnized, be registered, and that it be the same building mentioned in the notice and certificate, and that a Registrar be present; for if these requisites be wanting, or if the twenty-one days, or seven days, as the case may be, from the entry of the notice, shall not have expired, or if more than three months shall have elapsed, the officiating minister will be guilty of felony.