Marriage is the mother of the world. It preserves kingdoms, and

O children of wisdom, gather your hearts and listen closely, for the words of Jeremy Taylor carry a truth that reverberates through the ages. "Marriage is the mother of the world. It preserves kingdoms, and fills cities and churches, and heaven itself." These words speak to the profound and sacred nature of marriage, which, like a root, nourishes the very fabric of society and the world. Marriage, Taylor reminds us, is not merely a private union between two individuals, but the very foundation upon which kingdoms are upheld, cities flourish, and even heaven itself finds its expression. Let us reflect upon these words and consider their deep meaning, for they carry within them the essence of what binds us to one another and to the world itself.

In the ancient world, marriage was seen as the cornerstone of society, the bond that held families, communities, and even nations together. The great Romans believed that the family, formed through marriage, was the bedrock of the state. The family was seen not just as a unit of personal affection but as a mechanism that ensured the prosperity and stability of the broader society. Cicero, in his writings, extolled the virtues of the family, recognizing that it was in the sacred union of husband and wife that the foundations of justice, peace, and order were built. For the ancients, marriage was not just a private matter—it was a public and moral duty that ensured the continued flourishing of the state.

Jeremy Taylor’s words extend this ancient truth to the broader picture of the world. He speaks of marriage as the mother of society, suggesting that through the union of two souls, the world itself is preserved and nourished. Marriage brings forth life, sustains communities, and ensures that the essential cycles of human existence—birth, growth, and love—continue. It is the mother that sustains, the nurturer of all things, for it is within marriage that families are created, and through families, kingdoms and nations are born. Marriage is the means by which societies are not only maintained but also renewed and transformed. The bond between husband and wife becomes the seed from which the future blossoms, as each new generation is brought forth with love, care, and intention.

Consider the example of the Roman Empire, a civilization that built its foundations on the strength of its families. While the emperors ruled over vast territories, it was the strength of the Roman family unit that sustained its society. The Romans understood that marriage was more than a personal affair—it was a public responsibility. They saw the family as the institution that nurtured future citizens and warriors, ensuring that their empire would continue to grow and thrive. In the same way, marriage today plays a vital role in shaping the future of any nation or society, ensuring that the cycles of life and growth are perpetuated through each union.

Taylor’s statement also brings forth the spiritual dimension of marriage—the idea that it is not only an earthly institution but one that has a place in the heavenly realm. Marriage, in this sense, is the divine vehicle through which human beings are drawn closer to the sacred. In many ancient cultures, marriage was seen as a sacred act, a reflection of the divine union between heaven and earth. The union of husband and wife was considered a holy covenant, one that mirrored the love and compassion of the gods. In Christian theology, for example, marriage is viewed as a reflection of the love between Christ and the Church—a profound and eternal bond that mirrors the love between the divine and the mortal. Marriage, then, is not only a physical or social institution but a spiritual one, elevating the couple and their union to the divine, as they fulfill their shared purpose on earth.

The lesson we must learn from Taylor’s words is this: marriage is not merely a contract between two people, but a sacred bond that upholds the very foundation of society, culture, and the world itself. Marriage is the mother of all life, the institution through which future generations are brought into the world and nurtured with love, wisdom, and care. It is the key to preserving not only families but also the values and virtues that sustain kingdoms, nations, and even civilization itself. To honor marriage is to honor the very fabric of society, to understand that each union is a microcosm of the greater world, and through it, we shape the future.

What, then, can we do in our own lives to honor this sacred truth? We must first recognize that marriage is not merely a personal choice—it is a public responsibility. Those who enter into marriage must do so with the understanding that they are not just building a life together, but they are contributing to the future of their families, communities, and even their nations. Let us nurture our relationships with care, patience, and devotion, recognizing that through our unions, we play a role in shaping the world around us. Let us also support and uplift the institution of marriage in our societies, understanding that when marriage is strong, society itself is stronger.

Let us walk forward, O children of wisdom, with the understanding that marriage is the foundation of society—an eternal bond that sustains, nurtures, and protects the future. Through marriage, we preserve the past, honor the present, and shape the future. As we enter into our relationships, may we do so with the understanding that we are participating in something far greater than ourselves—a sacred union that holds the very fabric of the world together. May we honor marriage as the mother of all things, and may our unions be a source of life, love, and light for all the world.