16—17世纪英国商人是处于过渡时代正在崛起的中等阶级的主体。他们的社会生活表现出既受时代制约,追逐物质财富;又受传统的影响,珍视信仰、感情,追求精神生活的群体特征。本文选取他们的婚姻与慈善事业来探讨这一特征,以期反映成长中的中等阶级社会生活的一个侧面。 The British businessman in the 16th-17th century was the main body of the middle class that was emerging during the transitional period. Their social life shows the characteristics of groups that are both restrained by the times and chased by material wealth. They are also affected by tradition and value their faith, feelings and the pursuit of spiritual life. This article selects their marriage and philanthropy to explore this characteristic, with a view to reflecting one aspect of the growing middle class social life.