urgency_n the_o religious_a from_o the_o irreligious_a the_o fit_a from_o the_o unfit_a the_o willing_a from_o the_o wilful_a the_o abuse_v from_o the_o abuser_n such_o a_o separation_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o confusion_n but_o to_o bind_v and_o mix_v together_o holy_a with_o atheist_n heun_o with_o hellish_a fitness_n with_o unfitness_n light_n with_o darkness_n antipathy_n with_o antipathy_n the_o injure_a with_o the_o injurer_n and_o force_v they_o into_o the_o most_o inward_a neerne_n of_o a_o detest_a union_n this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o horrid_a the_o most_o unnatural_a mixture_n the_o great_a confusion_n that_o can_v be_v confuse_v thus_o by_o this_o plain_a and_o christian_a talmud_n vindicate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o irreverent_a and_o unwary_a exposition_n i_o trust_v where_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o intelligible_a perufer_n some_o stay_n at_o least_o of_o man_n thought_n will_v be_v obtain_v to_o consider_v these_o many_o prudent_a and_o righteous_a 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be_v speak_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n touch_v matrimony_n or_o divorce_n he_o who_o will_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v argue_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o all_o equity_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v edify_v how_o or_o by_o what_o rule_n of_o proportion_n that_o man_n virtue_n calculate_v what_o his_o element_n be_v not_o what_o his_o analytic_n confident_o to_o those_o who_o have_v read_v good_a book_n and_o to_o those_o who_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o illiterate_a book_n to_o themselves_o i_o appeal_v whether_o they_o will_v not_o confess_v all_o this_o to_o be_v the_o commentary_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o recite_v word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o they_o take_v not_o back_o that_o which_o they_o thus_o grant_v nothing_o soon_o may_v persuade_v they_o that_o christ_n here_o teach_v no_o new_a precept_n and_o nothing_o soon_o may_v direct_v they_o to_o find_v his_o meaning_n then_o to_o compare_v and_o measure_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o 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desended_a but_o to_o show_v we_o that_o if_o he_o prefer_v the_o slight_a occasion_n of_o man_n good_a before_o the_o observe_n of_o high_a and_o severe_a ordinance_n he_o give_v we_o much_o more_o easy_a leave_n to_o break_v the_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o a_o never_o well_o join_v wedlock_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o our_o heavy_a affliction_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o of_o evangelic_n precept_n be_v give_v we_o in_o proverbial_a form_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o letter_n though_o we_o love_v ever_o to_o be_v stick_v there_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n do_v christ_n assure_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o bind_v or_o slacken_v on_o earth_n be_v so_o in_o heaven_n but_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_n arbitrement_n of_o charity_n be_v supreme_a decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n and_o supreme_a resolver_n of_o all_o scripture_n not_o as_o the_o pope_n determine_v for_o his_o own_o tyranny_n but_o as_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o determine_v for_o its_o own_o true_a liberty_n hence_o eusebius_n not_o far_o from_o begin_v his_o history_n compare_v the_o state_n of_o christian_n to_o that_o of_o noah_n and_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o law_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o apostolic_a tradition_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v count_v nigh_o equal_a to_o the_o written_a word_n though_o it_o carry_v they_o at_o length_n awry_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v that_o tradition_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o be_v impose_v as_o law_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o that_o christian_a prudence_n and_o liberty_n which_o holy_a man_n by_o right_n assume_v of_o old_a which_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o find_v entrance_n even_o into_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n when_o the_o point_n of_o tradition_n come_v to_o be_v discu_v and_o marinaro_n a_o learned_a carmelite_n for_o approach_v too_o near_o the_o true_a cause_n that_o give_v esteem_v to_o tradition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o one_o punctual_o prescribe_v write_v law_n the_o other_o guide_v by_o the_o inward_a spirit_n be_v reprehend_v by_o cardinal_n poole_n as_o one_o that_o have_v speak_v more_o worthy_a a_o german_a collequie_n than_o a_o general_a council_n i_o omit_v many_o instance_n many_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o alone_o will_v compile_v a_o just_a volume_n and_o shall_v content_v i_o here_o to_o have_v show_v brief_o that_o the_o great_a and_o almost_o only_a commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o command_v nothing_o against_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o no_o civil_a command_n against_o his_o civil_a good_a if_o we_o understand_v not_o this_o we_o be_v but_o crack_v cymbal_n we_o do_v but_o tinkle_v we_o know_v nothing_o we_o do_v nothing_o all_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o toilsome_a obedience_n will_v but_o mock_v we_o and_o what_o we_o suffer_v superstitious_o return_v we_o no_o thanks_n thus_o medicine_v our_o eye_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o see_v more_o into_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o our_o saviour_n word_n than_o many_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o it_o have_v be_v say_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n our_o saviour_n be_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o his_o time_n suspect_v of_o intend_v to_o dissolve_v the_o law_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o wipe_v off_o this_o aspersion_n upon_o his_o accuser_n and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v the_o law_n brea_fw-mi ker_n in_o every_o common_a wealth_n when_o it_o decay_v corruption_n make_v two_o main_a step_n first_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o inward_a and_o uncompelled_a action_n of_o virtue_n care_v only_o to_o live_v by_o the_o outward_a constraint_n of_o law_n and_o turn_v the_o simplicity_n of_o real_a good_a into_o the_o craft_n of_o seem_v so_o by_o law_n to_o this_o
be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a as_o if_o wisdom_n have_v now_o forsake_v the_o thirsty_a and_o laborious_a inquirer_n to_o dwell_v against_o her_o nature_n with_o the_o arrogant_a and_o shallow_a babbler_n to_o what_o purpose_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o that_o continual_a search_v require_v of_o we_o by_o solomon_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o understanding_n why_o be_v man_n breed_v up_o with_o such_o care_n and_o expense_n to_o a_o life_n of_o perpetual_a study_n why_o do_v yourselves_o with_o such_o endeavour_n seek_v to_o wipe_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o intend_v to_o discourage_v the_o progress_n and_o advance_v of_o learning_n he_o therefore_o who_o heart_n can_v bear_v he_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o your_o noble_a enterprise_n may_v easy_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o prudence_n and_o farre-judging_a circumspectnesse_n of_o so_o grave_a a_o magistracy_n sit_v in_o parliament_n who_o have_v before_o they_o the_o prepare_v and_o purpose_a act_n of_o their_o most_o religious_a predecessor_n to_o imitate_v in_o this_o question_n can_v reject_v the_o clearness_n of_o these_o reason_n and_o these_o allegation_n both_o here_o and_o former_o offer_v they_o nor_o can_v overlook_a the_o necessity_n of_o ordain_v more_o wholesome_o and_o more_o human_o in_o the_o casualty_n of_o divorce_n than_o our_o law_n have_v yet_o establish_v if_o the_o most_o urgent_a and_o excessive_a grievance_n happen_v in_o domestic_a life_n be_v worth_a the_o lay_n to_o heart_n which_o unless_o charity_n be_v far_o from_o we_o can_v be_v neglect_v and_o that_o these_o thing_n both_o in_o the_o right_a constitution_n and_o in_o the_o right_a reformation_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n call_v for_o speedy_a redress_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o first_o consider_v anough_o be_v urge_v in_o what_o be_v prefaced_a to_o that_o monument_n of_o bucer_n which_o i_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n and_o the_o other_o time_n before_o hence_o forth_o except_o new_a cause_n be_v give_v i_o shall_v say_v less_o and_o less_o for_o if_o the_o law_n make_v not_o timely_a provision_n let_v the_o law_n as_o reason_n be_v bear_v the_o censure_n of_o those_o consequence_n which_o her_o own_o default_n now_o more_o evident_o produce_v and_o if_o man_n want_v manliness_n to_o expostulate_v the_o right_n of_o their_o due_a ransom_n and_o to_o second_v their_o own_o occasion_n they_o may_v sit_v hereafter_o and_o bemoan_v themselves_o to_o have_v neglect_v through_o faintness_n the_o only_a remedy_n of_o their_o suffering_n which_o a_o seasonable_a and_o well_o ground_v speak_v might_n have_v purchase_v they_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n to_o come_v other_o will_v know_v how_o to_o esteem_v what_o be_v not_o every_o day_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o have_v mark_v event_n and_o better_o weigh_v how_o hurtful_a and_o unwise_a it_o be_v to_o hide_v a_o secret_a and_o pernicious_a rupture_n under_o the_o ill_a counsel_n of_o a_o bashful_a silence_n but_o who_o will_v distrust_v aught_o or_o not_o be_v ample_a in_o his_o hope_n of_o your_o wise_a and_o christian_a determination_n who_o have_v the_o prudence_n to_o consider_v and_o shall_v have_v the_o goodness_n like_o god_n as_o you_o be_v call_v to_o find_v out_o ready_o and_o by_o just_a law_n to_o administer_v those_o redress_n which_o have_v of_o old_a not_o without_o god_n ordain_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o adversity_n of_o mankind_n ere_o they_o who_o need_v be_v put_v to_o ask_v certain_o if_o any_o other_o have_v enlarge_v his_o thought_n to_o expect_v from_o this_o government_n so_o just_o undertake_v and_o by_o frequent_a assistance_n from_o heaven_n so_o apparent_o uphold_v glorious_a change_n and_o renovation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n he_o among_o the_o foremost_a may_v be_v name_v who_o pray_v that_o the_o fate_n of_o england_n may_v tarry_v for_o no_o other_o deliverer_n john_n milton_n tetrachordon_n exposition_n upon_o the_o four_o chief_a place_n in_o scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o marriage_n or_o nullity_n in_o marriage_n gen._n 1._o 27._o so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o 28._o and_o god_n bless_v they_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o they_o be_v fruitful_a etc._n etc._n gen._n 2._o 18._o and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v alone_o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o help_n meet_v for_o he_o 23._o and_o adam_n say_v this_o be_v now_o bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n she_o shall_v be_v call_v woman_n because_o she_o be_v take_v out_o of_o man._n 24._o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n gen._n 1._o 27._o so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v inform_v aright_o in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o marriage_n that_o we_o may_v know_v for_o certain_a not_o by_o a_o force_a yoke_n but_o by_o a_o impartial_a definition_n what_o marriage_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o marriage_n it_o will_v undoubted_o be_v lafe_a fair_a and_o most_o with_o our_o obedience_n to_o inquire_v as_o our_o saviour_n direction_n be_v how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o we_o begin_v so_o high_a as_o man_n create_v after_o god_n own_o image_n there_o want_v not_o earnest_a cause_n for_o nothing_o now_o adays_o be_v more_o degenerate_o forgott'n_v than_o the_o true_a dignity_n of_o man_n almost_o in_o every_o respect_n but_o especial_o in_o this_o prime_a institution_n of_o matrimony_n wherein_o his_o native_a pre-eminence_n ought_v most_o to_o shine_v although_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o just_a and_o natural_a privilege_n man_n neither_o can_v right_o seek_v nor_o dare_v full_o claim_v unless_o they_o be_v ally_v to_o inward_a goodness_n and_o steadfast_a knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o quell_v they_o to_o a_o servile_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o conscious_a unworthiness_n it_o may_v save_v the_o wonder_v why_o in_o this_o age_n many_o be_v so_o opposite_a both_o to_o human_a and_o to_o christian_a liberty_n either_o while_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o envy_v other_o that_o do_v content_v or_o rather_o pride_v themselves_o in_o a_o specious_a humility_n and_o strictness_n breed_v out_o of_o low_a ignorance_n that_o never_o yet_o conceive_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n rank_v with_o no_o better_a company_n than_o will-worship_n and_o the_o mere_a show_n of_o wisdom_n and_o how_o injurious_a herein_o they_o be_v if_o not_o to_o themselves_o yet_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o not_o to_o they_o only_o but_o to_o the_o alwise_a and_o bounteous_a grace_n offer_v we_o in_o our_o redemption_n will_v orderly_o appear_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o it_o be_v anough_o determine_v that_o this_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v be_v mean_v wisdom_n purity_n justice_n and_o rule_v over_o all_o creature_n all_o which_o be_v lose_v in_o adam_n be_v recover_v with_o gain_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o albeit_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v lordship_n over_o sea_n and_o land_n and_o air_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o law_n without_o he_o as_o a_o guard_n set_v over_o he_o but_o christ_n have_v cancel_v the_o hand_n write_v of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v against_o we_o coloss_n 2._o 14._o and_o interpret_v the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o through_o charity_n have_v in_o that_o respect_n set_v we_o overlaw_v in_o the_o free_a custody_n of_o his_o love_n and_o leave_v we_o victorious_a under_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o live_a spirit_n not_o under_o the_o dead_a letter_n to_o follow_v that_o which_o most_o edify_v most_o aide_n and_o furder_v a_o religious_a life_n make_v we_o holy_a and_o like_a to_o his_o immortal_a image_n not_o that_o which_o make_v we_o most_o conformable_a and_o captive_a to_o civil_a and_o subordinat_a precept_n whereof_o the_o strict_a observance_n may_v ofttimes_o prove_v the_o destruction_n not_o only_o of_o many_o innocent_a person_n and_o family_n but_o of_o whole_a nation_n although_o indeed_o no_o ordinance_n human_a or_o from_o heaven_n can_v bind_v against_o the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o that_o to_o keep_v they_o strict_o against_o that_o end_n be_v all_o one_o with_o to_o break_v they_o man_n of_o most_o renown_a virtue_n have_v sometime_o by_o transgress_v most_o true_o keep_v the_o law_n and_o wise_a magistrate_n have_v permit_v and_o dispense_v it_o while_o they_o look_v not_o peevish_o at_o the_o letter_n but_o with_o a_o great_a spirit_n at_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n if_o always_o not_o write_v in_o the_o character_n of_o law_n yet_o engrav'n_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o a_o divine_a impression_n this_o heathen_n can_v see_v as_o the_o well-read_a in_o
story_n can_v recount_v of_o solon_n and_o epaminondas_n who_o cicero_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o invention_n noble_o defend_v all_o law_n say_v he_o we_o ought_v refer_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o interpret_v by_o that_o not_o by_o the_o scroll_n of_o letter_n no_o man_n observe_v law_n for_o law_n sake_n but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o for_o who_o it_o be_v make_v the_o rest_n may_v serve_v well_o to_o lecture_n these_o time_n delude_v through_o belly-doctrine_n into_o a_o devout_a slavery_n the_o scripture_n also_o afford_v we_o david_n in_o the_o shewbread_n hezechiah_n in_o the_o passover_n sound_a and_o safe_a transgressor_n of_o the_o literal_a command_n which_o also_o dispense_v not_o seldom_o with_o itself_o and_o teach_v we_o on_o what_o just_a occasion_n to_o do_v so_o until_o our_o saviour_n for_o who_o that_o great_a and_o godlike_a work_n be_v reserve_v redeem_v we_o to_o a_o state_n above_o prescription_n by_o dissolve_v the_o whole_a law_n into_o charity_n and_o have_v we_o not_o the_o soul_n to_o understand_v this_o and_o must_v we_o against_o this_o glory_n of_o god_n transcendent_a love_n towards_o we_o be_v still_o the_o servant_n of_o a_o literal_a indightment_n create_v he_o he_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v why_o he_o say_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o not_o they_o as_o well_o as_o male_a and_o female_a they_o especial_o since_o that_o image_n may_v be_v common_a to_o they_o both_o but_o male_a and_o female_n can_v not_o however_o the_o jew_n fable_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o plato_n wit_n as_o if_o man_n at_o first_o have_v be_v create_v hermaphrodite_n but_o than_o it_o must_v have_v be_v male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o he_o so_o have_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o common_a to_o they_o both_o it_o have_v no_o doubt_n be_v say_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n end_v the_o controversy_n by_o explain_v that_o the_o woman_n be_v not_o primary_o and_o immediate_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o man_n the_o head_n of_o the_o woman_n say_v he_o 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v the_o man_n he_o the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n she_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o man_n he_o not_o for_o she_o but_o she_o for_o he_o therefore_o his_o precept_n be_v wife_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o husband_n as_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o lord_n coloss_n 3._o 18._o in_o every_o thing_n eph._n 5._o 24._o nevertheless_o man_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v she_o as_o a_o servant_n but_o receive_v she_o into_o a_o part_n of_o that_o empire_n which_o god_n proclaim_v he_o to_o though_o not_o equal_o yet_o large_o as_o his_o own_o image_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v no_o small_a glory_n to_o he_o that_o a_o creature_n so_o like_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v subject_n to_o he_o not_o but_o that_o particular_a exception_n may_v have_v place_n if_o she_o exceed_v her_o husband_n in_o prudence_n and_o dexterity_n and_o he_o content_o yield_v for_o then_o a_o superior_a and_o more_o natural_a law_n come_v in_o that_o the_o wise_a shall_v govern_v the_o less_o wise_a whether_o male_a or_o female_a but_o that_o which_o far_o more_o easy_o and_o obedient_o follow_v from_o this_o verse_n be_v that_o see_v woman_n be_v purposely_o make_v for_o man_n and_o he_o her_o head_n it_o can_v stand_v before_o the_o breath_n of_o this_o divine_a utterance_n that_o man_n the_o portraiture_n of_o god_n join_v to_o himself_o for_o his_o intend_a good_a and_o solace_n a_o inferior_a sex_n shall_v so_o become_v her_o thrall_n who_o wilfulness_n or_o inability_n to_o be_v a_o wife_n frustrate_v the_o occasional_a end_n of_o her_o creation_n but_o that_o he_o may_v acquitt_v himself_o to_o freedom_n by_o his_o natural_a birthright_n and_o that_o indelible_a character_n of_o priority_n which_o god_n crown_v he_o with_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o sin_n have_v lose_v he_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o far_o to_o seek_v that_o from_o her_o the_o sin_n first_o proceed_v which_o keep_v she_o just_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n still_o beneath_o she_o be_v not_o to_o gain_v by_o be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n that_o man_n shall_v further_a loose_v to_o she_o because_o already_o he_o have_v lose_v by_o her_o mean_n oft_o it_o happen_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v without_o fault_n so_o that_o his_o punishment_n herein_o be_v causeless_o and_o god_n have_v the_o praise_n in_o our_o speech_n of_o he_o to_o sort_v his_o punishment_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o offence_n suppose_v he_o err_v it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o hunt_v a_o error_n so_o to_o the_o death_n with_o a_o revenge_n beyond_o all_o measure_n and_o proportion_n but_o if_o we_o argue_v thus_o this_o affliction_n be_v befall_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n therefore_o he_o must_v bear_v it_o without_o seek_v the_o only_a remedy_n first_o it_o will_v be_v false_a that_o all_o affliction_n come_v for_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o joh_n and_o of_o the_o man_n bear_v blind_a joh._n 9_o 3_o be_v evident_a next_o by_o that_o reason_n all_o misery_n come_v for_o sin_n we_o must_v let_v they_o all_o lie_n upon_o we_o like_o the_o vermin_n of_o a_o indian_a catharist_n which_o his_o fond_a religion_n forbid_v he_o to_o molest_v be_v it_o a_o particular_a punishment_n inflict_v through_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o person_n or_o upon_o a_o land_n no_o law_n hinder_v we_o in_o that_o regard_n no_o law_n but_o bid_v we_o remove_v it_o if_o we_o can_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a temptation_n withal_o much_o more_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o temptation_n and_o not_o certain_o a_o punishment_n though_o a_o pain_n as_o for_o what_o they_o say_v we_o must_v bear_v with_o patience_n to_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o to_o seek_v effectual_a remedy_n imply_v no_o contradiction_n it_o may_v no_o less_o be_v for_o our_o disobedience_n our_o unfaithfulnes_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o wife_n become_v adulterous_a to_o the_o bed_n and_o questionless_a we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o affliction_n as_o patient_o as_o christian_n prudence_n will_v wish_v yet_o hereby_o be_v not_o lose_v the_o right_n of_o divorce_v for_o adultery_n no_o you_o say_v because_o our_o saviour_n except_v that_o only_o but_o why_o if_o he_o be_v so_o bend_v to_o punish_v our_o sin_n and_o try_v our_o patience_n in_o bind_v on_o we_o a_o disastrous_a marriage_n why_o do_v he_o except_o adultery_n certain_o to_o have_v be_v bind_v from_o divorce_n in_o that_o case_n also_o have_v be_v as_o plentiful_a a_o punishment_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o too_o little_a work_n for_o the_o patient_a nay_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o sufferance_n and_o with_o as_o slight_v a_o reason_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n but_o will_v soon_o pardon_v the_o act_n of_o adultery_n once_o and_o again_o commit_v by_o a_o person_n worth_a pity_n and_o forgiune_n then_o to_o lead_v a_o wearisome_a life_n of_o unloving_a &_o unquiet_a conversation_n with_o one_o who_o neither_o affect_v nor_o be_v affect_v much_o less_o with_o one_o who_o exercise_v all_o bitterness_n and_o will_v commit_v adultery_n too_o but_o for_o envy_v lest_o the_o persecute_a condition_n shall_v thereby_o get_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o freedom_n it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o god_n enjoin_v not_o this_o suppose_a strictness_n of_o not_o divorce_v either_o to_o punish_v we_o or_o to_o try_v our_o patience_n moreover_o if_o man_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o woman_n ought_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o be_v the_o image_n and_o companion_n of_o man_n in_o such_o wise_a to_o belove_v as_o the_o church_n be_v belove_v of_o christ_n and_o if_o as_o god_n be_v the_o head_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o man_n so_o man_n be_v the_o head_n of_o woman_n i_o can_v see_v by_o this_o golden_a dependence_n of_o headship_n and_o subjection_n but_o that_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o main_a tie_n of_o christian_a matrimony_n so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v find_v between_o the_o pair_n a_o notorious_a disparity_n either_o of_o wickedness_n or_o heresy_n the_o husband_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o right_n be_v disengage_v from_o a_o creature_n not_o make_v and_o inflict_v on_o he_o to_o the_o vexation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o wife_n also_o as_o her_o subjection_n be_v terminate_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v herself_o the_o redeem_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o still_o bind_v to_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n she_o be_v now_o neither_o the_o image_n nor_o the_o glory_n of_o such_o a_o person_n nor_o make_v for_o
the_o reason_n so_o that_o either_o in_o this_o regard_n or_o in_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v be_v manifest_a in_o a_o middle_a fortune_n to_o meet_v the_o praise_n or_o dispraise_v of_o be_v something_o first_o but_o i_o defer_v not_o what_o i_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o church_n both_o primitive_a and_o reform_a the_o word_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v understand_v to_o grant_v divorce_n for_o other_o cause_n than_o adultery_n and_o that_o the_o word_n fornication_n in_o marriage_n have_v a_o large_a sense_n than_o that_o common_o suppose_v justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o first_o apology_n write_v within_o 50._o year_n after_o st._n john_n die_v relate_v a_o story_n which_o eusebius_n transcribe_v that_o a_o certain_a matron_n of_o rome_n the_o wife_n of_o a_o vicious_a husband_n herself_o also_o former_o vicious_a but_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o persuade_v the_o same_o to_o her_o husband_n at_o lest_o the_o amendment_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n upon_o his_o not_o yield_v to_o her_o daily_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n in_o this_o behalf_n procure_v by_o law_n to_o be_v divorce_v from_o he_o this_o be_v neither_o for_o adultery_n nor_o desertion_n but_o as_o the_o relation_n say_v esteem_v it_o a_o ungodly_a thing_n to_o be_v the_o consort_n of_o bed_n with_o he_o who_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o right_n seek_v out_o voluptuous_a way_n suppose_v he_o endeavour_v some_o unnatural_a abuse_n as_o the_o greek_a admit_v that_o meaning_n it_o can_v yet_o be_v call_v adultery_n it_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o divorce_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o equivalent_a or_o worse_a and_o other_o vice_n will_v appear_v in_o other_o respect_n as_o much_o divorsive_n next_o it_o be_v say_v her_o friend_n advise_v she_o to_o stay_v a_o while_n and_o what_o reason_n give_v they_o not_o because_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a what_o she_o purpose_v but_o because_o they_o think_v she_o may_v long_o yet_o hope_v his_o repentance_n she_o obey_v till_o the_o man_n go_v to_o alexandria_n and_o from_o thence_o report_v to_o grow_v still_o more_o impenitent_a not_o for_o any_o adultery_n or_o desertion_n whereof_o neither_o can_v be_v gather_v but_o say_v the_o martyr_n and_o speak_v it_o like_v one_o approve_v lest_o she_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o unrighteous_a and_o ungodly_a deed_n remain_v in_o wedloc_n the_o communion_n of_o bed_n and_o board_n with_o such_o a_o person_n she_o leave_v he_o by_o a_o lawful_a divorce_n this_o can_v but_o give_v we_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o pure_a and_o next_o to_o apostolic_a time_n for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o woman_n have_v be_v permit_v or_o here_o not_o reprehend_v and_o if_o a_o wife_n may_v then_o do_v this_o without_o reprooff_o a_o husband_n certain_o may_v no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o tertullian_n in_o the_o same_o age_n write_v his_o 4._o book_n against_o martion_n witness_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n protect_v the_o constitution_n of_o moses_n as_o his_o own_o and_o direct_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o creator_n for_o i_o alter_v not_o his_o carthaginian_a phrase_n he_o excuse_v rather_o than_o destroy_a the_o constitution_n of_o moses_n i_o say_v he_o forbid_v conditional_o if_o any_o one_o therefore_o put_v away_o that_o he_o may_v marry_v another_o so_o that_o if_o he_o prohibit_v conditional_o than_o not_o whole_o and_o what_o he_o forbadd_n not_o whole_o he_o permit_v otherwise_o where_o the_o cause_n cease_v for_o which_o he_o prohibit_v that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o put_v away_o mere_o that_o he_o may_v marry_v again_o christ_n teach_v not_o contrary_a to_o moses_n the_o justice_n of_o divorce_n have_v christ_n the_o asserter_n he_o will_v not_o have_v marriage_n separat_fw-la nor_o keep_v with_o ignominy_n permit_v then_o a_o divorce_n and_o guess_n that_o this_o vehemence_n of_o our_o saviour_n sentence_n be_v chief_o bend_v against_o herod_n as_o be_v cite_v before_o which_o leau_v it_o evident_a how_o tertullian_n interpret_v this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o whereas_o the_o text_n be_v whosoever_o put_v away_o and_o marry_v another_o wherefore_o shall_v tertullian_n explain_v it_o whosoever_o put_v away_o that_o he_o may_v marry_v another_o but_o to_o signify_v his_o opinion_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v divorce_n from_o a_o unworthy_a yoke_n but_o forbid_v the_o malice_n or_o the_o lust_n of_o a_o needle_n change_n and_o chief_o those_o plot_a divorce_n then_o in_o use_n origen_n in_o the_o next_o century_n testify_v to_o have_v know_v certain_a who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o church_n in_o his_o time_n who_o permit_v some_o to_o marry_v while_o yet_o their_o former_a husband_n live_v and_o excuse_n the_o deed_n as_o don_v not_o without_o cause_n though_o without_o scripture_n which_o confirm_v that_o cause_n not_o to_o be_v adultery_n for_o how_o then_o be_v it_o against_o scripture_n that_o they_o marry_v again_o and_o a_o little_a beneath_o for_o i_o cite_v his_o 7._o homily_n on_o matthew_n say_v he_o to_o endure_v fault_n worse_a than_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n seem_v a_o thing_n unreasonable_a and_o dispute_v therefore_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o precept_n but_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o which_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n origen_n declare_v his_o mind_n far_o from_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n confine_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o divorce_n to_o actual_a adultery_n lactantius_n of_o the_o age_n that_o succeed_v speak_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o his_o institution_n have_v these_o word_n but_o lest_o any_o think_v he_o may_v circumscribe_v divine_a precept_n let_v this_o be_v add_v that_o all_o misinterpreting_a and_o occasion_n of_o fraud_n or_o death_n may_v be_v remove_v he_o commit_v adultery_n who_o marry_v the_o divorce_v wife_n and_o beside_o the_o crime_n of_o adultery_n divorce_v a_o wife_n that_o he_o may_v marry_v another_o to_o divorce_v and_o marry_v another_o and_o to_o divorce_v that_o he_o may_v marry_v another_o be_v two_o different_a thing_n and_o imply_v that_o lactantius_n think_v not_o this_o place_n the_o forbid_v of_o all_o necessary_a divorce_n but_o such_o only_a as_o proceed_v from_o the_o wanton_a desire_n of_o a_o future_a choice_n not_o from_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o present_a affliction_n about_o this_o time_n the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n in_o spain_n decree_v the_o husband_n excommunicate_a if_o he_o keep_v his_o wife_n be_v a_o adulteress_n but_o if_o he_o leave_v she_o he_o may_v after_o ten_o year_n be_v receive_v into_o communion_n if_o he_o retain_v she_o any_o while_n in_o his_o house_n after_o the_o adultery_n know_v the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n in_o the_o year_n 314._o decree_v that_o if_o the_o wife_n of_o any_o laic_a be_v convict_v of_o adultery_n that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n if_o after_o ordination_n it_o be_v commit_v he_o be_v to_o divorce_v she_o if_o not_o he_o can_v not_o hold_v his_o ministry_n the_o council_n of_o nantes_n condemn_v in_o 7._o year_n penance_n the_o husband_n that_o will_v reconcile_v with_o a_o adulteress_n but_o how_o prove_v this_o that_o other_o cause_n may_v divorce_v it_o prove_v thus_o there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o cause_n why_o these_o counsel_n enjoin_v so_o strict_o the_o divorse_v of_o a_o adulteress_n either_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o god_n or_o against_o the_o husband_n in_o the_o latter_a respect_n they_o can_v not_o impose_v on_o he_o to_o divorce_v for_o every_o man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o forgiveness_n who_o shall_v hinder_v he_o to_o pardon_v the_o injury_n do_v against_o himself_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o divorce_n of_o a_o adulteress_n be_v command_v by_o these_o three_o counsel_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o by_o all_o consequence_n they_o can_v not_o but_o believe_v that_o other_o sin_n as_o heinous_a might_n with_o equal_a justice_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o divorce_n basil_n in_o his_o 73._o rule_n as_o chamier_n number_v it_o thus_o determin_n that_o divorce_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v unless_o for_o adultery_n or_o the_o hindrance_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n what_o do_v this_o but_o proclaim_v aloud_o more_o cause_n of_o divorce_n then_o adultery_n if_o by_o other_o sin_n beside_o this_o in_o wife_n or_o husband_n the_o godliness_n of_o the_o better_a person_n may_v be_v certain_o hinder_v and_o endanger_v epiphanius_n no_o less_o ancient_a write_v against_o heretic_n &_o therefore_o shall_v himself_o be_v orthodoxal_a above_o other_o acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n tom._n 1_o not_o that_o his_o private_a persuasion_n be_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o his_o time_n general_o think_v other_o cause_n of_o divorce_n lawful_a beside_o adultery_n as_o
comprehend_v under_o that_o name_n if_o say_v he_o a_o divorce_n happen_v for_o any_o cause_n either_o fornication_n or_o adultery_n or_o any_o heinous_a fault_n the_o word_n of_o god_n blame_v not_o either_o the_o man_n or_o wife_n marry_v again_o nor_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o congregation_n or_o from_o life_n but_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n not_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v both_o wife_n but_o that_o leave_v the_o former_a he_o may_v be_v lawful_o join_v to_o the_o latter_a the_o holy_a word_n and_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n commiserate_v this_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v otherwise_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o live_v according_a to_o god_n law_n this_o place_n be_v clear_a than_o exposition_n and_o needs_o no_o comment_n ambrose_n on_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n teach_v that_o all_o wedloc_n be_v not_o god_n join_v and_o to_o the_o 19_o of_o pro._n that_o a_o wife_n be_v prepare_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o old_a latin_a translate_v it_o he_o answer_v that_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o a_o wife_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o temper_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o harmony_n and_o where_o that_o harmony_n be_v there_o god_n join_v where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o dissension_n reign_v which_o be_v not_o from_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n this_o he_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o marry_n of_o christian_a with_o gentile_a to_o be_v no_o marriage_n and_o consequent_o divorce_v without_o sin_n but_o he_o who_o see_v not_o this_o argument_n how_o plain_o it_o serve_v to_o divorce_v any_o untuneable_a or_o unattonable_a matrimony_n see_v little_a on_o the_o 1_o to_o the_o cor_n 7_o he_o grant_v a_o woman_n may_v leave_v her_o husband_n not_o for_o only_a fornication_n but_o for_o apostasy_n and_o invert_v nature_n though_o not_o marry_v again_o but_o the_o man_n may_v here_o be_v cause_n of_o divorce_n assign_v other_o then_o adultery_n and_o go_v on_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o cause_n of_o matrimony_n that_o the_o reverence_n of_o wedloc_n be_v not_o due_a to_o he_o who_o hate_v the_o author_n thereof_o that_o no_o matrimony_n be_v firm_a without_o devotion_n to_o god_n that_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n acquitt_v the_o other_o be_v desert_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o marriage_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o such_o if_o these_o contort_a sentence_n be_v aught_o worth_a it_o be_v not_o the_o desertion_n that_o break_v what_o be_v break_v but_o the_o impiety_n and_o who_o then_o may_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n better_a divorce_n then_o tarry_v to_o be_v desert_v or_o these_o grave_a say_n of_o st._n ambrose_n be_v but_o knack_n jerom_n on_o the_o 19_o of_o matthew_n explain_v that_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o fornication_n or_o the_o suspicion_n thereof_o a_o man_n may_v free_o divorce_v what_o can_v breed_v that_o suspicion_n but_o sundry_a fault_n lead_v that_o way_n by_o jeroms_n consent_n therefore_o divorce_n be_v free_a not_o only_o for_o actual_a adultery_n but_o for_o any_o cause_n that_o may_v incline_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o just_a suspicion_n thereof_o austin_n also_o must_v be_v remember_v among_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o this_o instance_n offornication_n give_v equal_a inference_n to_o other_o fault_n equal_o hateful_a for_o which_o to_o divorce_v &_o therefore_o in_o his_o book_n to_o pollentius_fw-la he_o dispute_v that_o infidelity_n as_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o adultery_n ought_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o cause_v a_o divorce_n and_o on_o the_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n under_o the_o name_n of_o fornication_n will_v have_v idolatry_n or_o any_o harmful_a superstition_n contain_v which_o be_v not_o think_v to_o disturb_v matrimony_n so_o direct_o as_o some_o other_o obstinacy_n and_o dissaffection_n more_o against_o the_o daily_a duty_n of_o that_o covenant_n &_o in_o the_o eastern_a tongue_n not_o unfrequent_o call_v fornication_n as_o have_v be_v show_v hence_o be_v understand_v faith_n he_o that_o not_o only_o for_o bodily_a fornication_n but_o for_o that_o which_o draw_v the_o mind_n from_o god_n law_n and_o foul_o corrupt_v it_o a_o man_n may_v without_o fault_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o a_o wife_n her_o husband_n because_o the_o lord_n except_v the_o cause_n of_o fornication_n which_o fornication_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o interpret_v in_o a_o general_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n chap._n 16._o he_o retract_v not_o this_o his_o opinion_n but_o commend_v it_o to_o serious_a consideration_n and_o explain_v that_o he_o count_v not_o there_o all_o sin_n to_o be_v fornication_n but_o the_o more_o detestable_a sort_n of_o sin_n the_o cause_n of_o fornication_n therefore_o be_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n new_o interpret_v to_o signify_v other_o fault_n infringe_v the_o duty_n of_o wedloc_n beside_o adultery_n last_o the_o council_n of_o agatba_n in_o the_o year_n 506._o can_n 25._o decree_v that_o if_o lay_v man_n who_o divorce_v without_o some_o great_a fault_n or_o give_v no_o probable_a cause_n therefore_o divorce_v that_o they_o may_v marry_v some_o unlawful_a person_n or_o some_o other_o man_n if_o before_o the_o provincial_a bishop_n be_v make_v acquaint_v or_o judgement_n past_a they_o presume_v this_o excommunication_n be_v the_o penalty_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o divorce_n be_v some_o great_a offence_n or_o that_o they_o give_v probable_a cause_n for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o do_v not_o therefore_o divorce_v that_o they_o may_v presume_v with_o some_o unlawful_a person_n or_o what_o be_v another_o man_n the_o censure_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n do_v not_o touch_v they_o thus_o have_v allege_v anough_o to_o show_v after_o what_o manner_n the_o primitive_a church_n for_o above_o 500_o year_n understand_v our_o saviour_n word_n touch_v divorce_n i_o shall_v now_o with_o a_o labour_n less_o disperse_v and_o soon_o dispatch_v bring_v under_o view_n what_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o those_o time_n constitute_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o say_v the_o civil_a law_n which_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o every_o true_a civilian_n to_o stand_v for_o rather_o than_o to_o count_v that_o for_o law_n which_o the_o pontificial_a canon_n have_v enthrall_v they_o to_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o interpret_n a_o generous_a and_o elegant_a law_n make_v they_o the_o drudge_n of_o a_o blockish_a rubric_n theodosius_n and_o valentinian_n pious_a emperor_n both_o ordain_v that_o as_o by_o consent_n lawful_a marriage_n be_v make_v so_o by_o consent_n but_o not_o without_o the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n they_o may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o dissolve_v be_v the_o more_o difficult_a only_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o child_n we_o see_v the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o that_o age_n one_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o learnede_a since_o christ_n conceive_v no_o hindrance_n in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o that_o a_o divorce_n mutual_o consent_v may_v be_v suffer_v by_o the_o law_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v no_o child_n or_o if_o there_o be_v careful_a provision_n be_v make_v and_o further_o say_v that_o law_n suppose_v there_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o either_o we_o design_v the_o cause_n of_o divorce_n by_o this_o most_o wholesome_a law_n for_o as_o we_o forbid_v the_o dissolve_v of_o marriage_n without_o just_a cause_n so_o we_o desire_v that_o a_o husband_n or_o a_o wife_n distress_v by_o some_o advers._fw-la necessity_n shall_v be_v free_v though_o by_o a_o unhappy_a yet_o a_o necessary_a relief_n what_o dramm_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o charity_n be_v true_a religion_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o know_a age_n which_o be_v not_o virtual_o sum_v up_o in_o this_o most_o just_a law_n as_o for_o those_o other_o christian_a emperor_n from_o constantine_n the_o first_o of_o they_o find_v the_o roman_a law_n in_o this_o point_n so_o answerable_a to_o the_o mosaic_a it_o may_v be_v the_o likely_a cause_n why_o they_o alter_v nothing_o to_o restraint_n but_o if_o aught_o rather_o to_o liberty_n for_o the_o help_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o weak_a sex_n according_a as_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o wife_n more_o equal_a to_o her_o husband_n in_o these_o conjugal_a respect_n then_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v therefore_o if_o a_o man_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o wife_n four_o year_n and_o in_o that_o space_n not_o hear_v of_o though_o go_v to_o war_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o empire_n she_o may_v divorce_v and_o marry_v another_o by_o the_o edict_n of_o constantine_n to_o dalmatius_n co._n l._n 5._o tit_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v a_o age_n of_o the_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o cry_v up_o still_o for_o the_o most_o flourish_a in_o knowledge_n and_o pious_a government_n since_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o return_v to_o this_o law_n of_o theodosius_n with_o this_o observation_n by_o