I was looking through the Speymouth Parish Register and came across the following: I found it both instructive and amusing. Things don't change much! Directions anent matrimonial contracts in the parish of Speymouth. 1. No contracts are to be allowed on Saturdays. 2. No elder is to contract except in absence of the Session Clerk. 3. The bride-groom and the bride shall each of them consign three pounds Scots money or pledge to that value for which the Session Clerk shall be accountable to the Session, and if he neglect this it shall be accounted in part payment of his fee and the pledge shall be consigned the very day of the contract. 4. Before the second proclamation the bridegroom and bride, if they have lived out of the parish, are to deliver their testimonials and also to concert with the minister anent the place and time of their marriage (which must be within forty days after the day of contract) and this ought to be done before the day of marriage be determined to avoid fixing it on a day when the Synod or Presbytery do meet. 5. Any unseemly and scandalous behaviour betwixt persons contracted forfeits the pledge to the Session. 6. If there be any drinking after ten o'clock at night in a publick [sic] house, or where ale is sold, the day of the contract or marriage, the pledges will be forfeit and it will be no excuse to the married persons to alledge [sic] that this was done by the fault of the owners of the house or persons invited since the bridegroom and bride should take care where they have their entertainment and whom they invite so as to answer for their behaviour. 7. The first Session that meets after the marriage is over will appoint the pledges to be given up if they are not forfeit. 8. These directions are to be read over to the bridegroom and bride at every contract and the minister acquainted the first opportunity. Novr 24, 1742 At marriages and contracts where meat is given for nothing abd aftewards drink sold for money the pledges will be forfeit but allowed of meat for money and drink for nothing. Anne Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never fail to be amused (Joachim Verhagen)