of_o a_o christian_n which_o be_v inestimable_a shall_v be_v over-tempt_v and_o cast_v away_o consider_v also_o that_o many_o property_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o power_n of_o regeneration_n itself_o never_o alter_v may_v cause_v dislike_n of_o converse_v even_o between_o the_o most_o sanctify_a which_o continual_o grate_v in_o harsh_a tune_n together_o may_v breed_v some_o jar_n and_o discord_n and_o that_o end_n in_o rancour_n and_o strife_n a_o thing_n so_o opposite_a both_o to_o marriage_n and_o to_o christianity_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v less_o scandal_n to_o divorce_v a_o natural_a disparity_n then_o to_o link_v violent_o together_o a_o unchristian_a dissension_n commit_v two_o ensnare_v soul_n inevitable_o to_o kindle_v one_o another_o not_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n but_o with_o a_o hatred_n inconcileable_a who_o be_v they_o disseverd_v will_v be_v straight_a friend_n in_o any_o other_o relation_n but_o if_o a_o alphabetical_a servility_n must_v be_v still_o urge_v 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have_v allow_v smooth_o without_o any_o certain_a reprehension_n that_o which_o christ_n afterward_o declare_v to_o be_v adultery_n how_o can_v we_o free_v this_o law_n from_o the_o horrible_a endightment_n of_o be_v both_o impure_a unjust_a and_o fallacious_a neither_o will_v it_o serve_v to_o say_v this_o be_v permit_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o that_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o explain_v for_o the_o law_n be_v then_o but_o a_o corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a schoolmaster_n teach_v we_o to_o dash_v against_o a_o vital_a maxim_n of_o religion_n by_o do_v foul_a evil_n in_o hope_n of_o some_o uncertain_a good_a we_o can_v therefore_o with_o safety_n thus_o confine_v the_o free_a simplicity_n of_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o that_o which_o mere_o amount_v from_o so_o many_o letter_n whenas_o it_o can_v consist_v neither_o with_o his_o former_a and_o cautionary_a word_n nor_o with_o the_o scope_n of_o charity_n command_v by_o his_o express_a commission_n in_o a_o 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pain_n of_o loss_n in_o some_o degree_n like_o that_o which_o reprobate_n feel_v lest_o therefore_o so_o noble_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o incurable_o under_o a_o worse_o evil_n by_o a_o easy_a mistake_n in_o that_o ordinance_n which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o remedy_v a_o less_o evil_a reap_v to_o himself_o sorrow_n while_o he_o go_v to_o rid_v away_o solitariness_n it_o can_v avoid_v to_o be_v conclude_v that_o if_o the_o woman_n be_v natural_o so_o of_o disposition_n as_o will_v not_o help_v to_o remove_v but_o help_v to_o increase_v that_o same_o god-forbidd'n_a loneliness_n which_o will_v in_o time_n draw_v on_o with_o it_o a_o general_a discomfort_n and_o dejection_n of_o mind_n not_o beseem_v either_o christian_a profession_n or_o moral_a conversation_n unprofitable_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o household_n estate_n out_o of_o which_o must_v flourish_v forth_o the_o vigour_n and_o spirit_n of_o all_o public_a erterprise_n be_v 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a_o sensual_a desire_n so_o provident_o relieve_v it_o be_v read_v to_o we_o in_o the_o liturgy_n that_o we_o must_v not_o marry_v to_o satisfy_v the_o fleshly_a appetite_n like_o brute_n beast_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n but_o the_o canon_n so_o run_v as_o if_o it_o dream_v of_o no_o other_o matter_n then_o such_o a_o appetite_n to_o be_v satisfy_v for_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o nature_n have_v stop_v or_o extinguish_v the_o vein_n of_o sensuality_n that_o marriage_n be_v annul_v but_o though_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o converse_v part_n after_o trial_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o ill_a and_o so_o avers_o meet_v through_o nature_n unalterable_a work_n as_o that_o neither_o peace_n nor_o any_o sociable_a contentment_n can_v follow_v it_o be_v as_o nothing_o the_o contract_n shall_v stand_v as_o firm_a as_o ever_o betide_v what_o will_v what_o be_v this_o but_o secret_o to_o instruct_v we_o that_o however_o many_o grave_a reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o 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in_o his_o choice_n the_o sober_a and_o best_a govern_a man_n be_v lest_o practise_v in_o these_o affair_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o bashful_a mutenes_n of_o a_o virgin_n may_v ofttimes_o hide_v all_o the_o unlivelines_n and_o natural_a sloth_n which_o be_v real_o unfit_a for_o conversation_n nor_o be_v there_o that_o freedom_n of_o access_n grant_v or_o presume_v as_o may_v suffice_v to_o a_o perfect_a discern_n till_o too_o late_a and_o where_o any_o indisposition_n be_v suspect_v what_o more_o usual_a than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n that_o acquaintance_n as_o it_o increase_v will_v amend_v all_o and_o last_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a though_o many_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o youth_n chaste_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n not_o so_o quick-sighted_a while_o they_o have_v too_o eager_o to_o light_v the_o nuptial_a torch_n nor_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o for_o a_o modest_a error_n a_o man_n shall_v forfeit_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n and_o no_o charitable_a mean_n to_o release_v he_o since_o they_o who_o have_v live_v most_o loose_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o bold_a accustom_v prove_v most_o successful_a in_o their_o match_n because_o their_o wild_a affection_n unsettle_v at_o will_n have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o divorce_n to_o teach_v they_o experience_n when_o as_o the_o sober_a man_n honour_v the_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o hope_v well_o of_o every_o social_a virtue_n under_o that_o veil_n may_v easy_o chance_v to_o meet_v if_o not_o with_o a_o body_n impenetrable_a yet_o often_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o all_o other_o due_a conversation_n inaccessible_a and_o to_o all_o the_o more_o estimable_a and_o superior_a purpose_n of_o matrimony_n useless_a and_o almost_o lifeless_a and_o what_o a_o solace_n what_o a_o fit_a help_n such_o a_o consort_n will_v be_v through_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o man_n be_v less_o pain_n to_o conjecture_v then_o to_o have_v experience_n and_o that_o we_o may_v further_o see_v what_o a_o violent_a and_o cruel_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o force_v the_o continue_n of_o those_o together_o who_o god_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o gentle_a end_n of_o marriage_n never_o join_v divers_a evil_n and_o extremity_n that_o follow_v upon_o such_o a_o compulsion_n shall_v here_o be_v set_v in_o view_n of_o evil_n the_o first_o and_o great_a be_v that_o hereby_o a_o most_o absurd_a and_o rash_a imputation_n be_v fix_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a law_n of_o connive_v and_o dispense_v with_o open_a and_o common_a adultery_n among_o his_o choose_a people_n a_o thing_n which_o the_o rank_a politician_n will_v think_v it_o shame_n and_o disworship_n that_o his_o law_n shall_v countenance_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v reserve_v till_o the_o course_n of_o method_n bring_v on_o the_o unfold_n of_o many_o scripture_n next_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v hereby_o make_v liable_a to_o more_o than_o one_o contradiction_n which_o i_o refer_v also_o thither_o last_o the_o supreme_a dictate_n of_o charity_n be_v hereby_o many_o way_n neglect_v and_o violate_v which_o i_o shall_v forthwith_o address_v to_o prove_v first_o we_o know_v st_n paul_n say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o marry_v then_o to_o burn_v marriage_n therefore_o be_v give_v as_o a_o remedy_n of_o that_o trouble_n but_o what_o may_v this_o burn_a mean_n certain_o not_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o carnal_a lust_n not_o the_o mere_a goad_n of_o a_o sensitive_a desire_n god_n do_v not_o principal_o take_v care_n for_o such_o cattle_n what_o be_v it_o then_o but_o that_o desire_n which_o god_n put_v into_o adam_n in_o paradise_n before_o he_o know_v the_o sin_n of_o incontinence_n that_o desire_n which_o god_n see_v it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v alone_o to_o burn_v in_o the_o desire_n and_o longing_n to_o put_v off_o a_o unkindly_a solitariness_n by_o unite_n another_o body_n but_o not_o without_o a_o fit_a
that_o command_n of_o isaiah_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o this_o command_n thus_o gospellize_v to_o we_o have_v the_o same_o force_n with_o that_o whereon_o ezra_n ground_v the_o pious_a necessity_n of_o divorce_v upon_o these_o principle_n i_o answer_v that_o a_o right_a believer_n ought_v to_o divorce_v a_o idolatrous_a heretic_n unless_o upon_o better_a hope_n however_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o believer_n choice_n to_o divorce_n or_o not_o the_o former_a part_n will_v be_v manifest_a thus_o first_o a_o apostate_n idolater_n whether_o husband_n or_o wife_n seduce_v be_v to_o die_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n deut._n 13._o 6._o 9_o that_o marriage_n therefore_o god_n himself_o disjoin_v for_o other_o bear_v idolater_n the_o moral_a reason_n of_o their_o dangerous_a keep_n and_o the_o incommunicable_a antagony_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o belial_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o commandment_n of_o those_o two_o inspire_v reformer_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o put_v a_o idolater_n away_o as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o latter_a part_n that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o seducement_n fear_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n give_v the_o divorce_n be_v lawful_a will_v appear_v by_o this_o that_o idolatrous_a marriage_n be_v still_o hateful_a to_o god_n therefore_o still_o it_o may_v be_v divorce_v by_o the_o pattern_n of_o that_o warrant_n that_o ezra_n have_v and_o by_o the_o same_o everlasting_a reason_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n give_v a_o account_n wherefore_o if_o those_o who_o god_n join_v no_o man_n may_v separate_v it_o shall_v not_o follow_v that_o who_o he_o join_v not_o but_o hate_v to_o join_v those_o man_n ought_v to_o separate_v but_o say_v the_o lawyer_n that_o which_o ought_v not_o have_v be_v do_v once_o don_n avail_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o crochet_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o bring_v against_o it_o be_v plain_a scripture_n as_o for_o what_o christ_n speak_v concerning_o divorce_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o know_a man_n he_o mean_v only_o between_o they_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v to_o bid_v we_o not_o divorce_v a_o infidel_n willing_a to_o stay_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v thus_o that_o wrong_a collection_n have_v be_v hitherto_o make_v out_o of_o those_o word_n by_o modern_a divine_n his_o drift_n as_o be_v hear_v before_o be_v plain_a not_o to_o command_v our_o stay_n in_o marriage_n with_o a_o infidel_n that_o have_v be_v a_o flat_a renounce_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o moral_a law_n but_o to_o inform_v the_o corinthian_n that_o the_o body_n of_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v not_o defile_v if_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v in_o christian_a wedlock_n show_v any_o likelihood_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o advice_n to_o forbear_v departure_n so_o long_o till_o nothing_o have_v be_v neglect_v to_o set_v forward_o a_o conversion_n this_o i_o say_v he_o advise_v and_o that_o with_o certain_a caution_n not_o command_n if_o we_o can_v take_v up_o so_o much_o credit_n for_o he_o as_o to_o get_v he_o believe_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n for_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o his_o counsel_n in_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o the_o rest_n speak_v i_o not_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o lord_n never_o speak_v it_o yet_o from_o st._n paul_n mouth_n we_o shall_v have_v take_v it_o as_o a_o command_n have_v not_o himself_o forewarn_v we_o and_o disclaim_v which_o notwithstanding_o if_o we_o shall_v still_o avouch_v to_o be_v a_o command_n he_o palpable_o deny_v it_o this_o be_v not_o to_o expound_v st._n paul_n but_o to_o out_o face_v he_o neither_o do_v it_o follow_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v interpose_v his_o judgement_n in_o a_o case_n of_o christian_a liberty_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o add_v to_o god_n word_n how_o do_v we_o know_v marriage_n or_o single_a life_n to_o be_v of_o choice_n but_o by_o such_o like_a word_n as_o these_o i_o speak_v this_o by_o permission_n not_o of_o commandment_n i_o have_v no_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o i_o give_v my_o judgement_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o like_a word_n have_v leave_v to_o signify_v a_o freedom_n in_o this_o our_o present_a question_n though_o beza_n deny_v neither_o be_v the_o scripture_n hereby_o less_o inspire_v because_o st._n paul_n confess_v to_o have_v write_v therein_o what_o he_o have_v not_o of_o command_n for_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thus_o to_o express_v himself_o to_o christian_a prudence_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o god_n think_v best_a to_o leave_v uncommanded_a beza_n therefore_o must_v be_v wary_o read_v when_o he_o tax_v st._n austin_n of_o blasphemy_n for_o hold_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v here_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o if_o it_o must_v be_v a_o command_n i_o shall_v yet_o the_o more_o evince_v it_o to_o be_v a_o command_n that_o we_o shall_v herein_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a word_n use_v in_o the_o 12._o v._n which_o instruct_v we_o plain_o there_o must_v be_v a_o joint_a assent_n and_o good_a like_n on_o both_o side_n he_o that_o will_v not_o deprave_v the_o text_n must_v thus_o render_v it_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v a_o unbelieving_a wife_n and_o she_o join_v in_o consent_n to_o dwell_v with_o he_o which_o can_v utter_v less_o to_o we_o then_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n let_v he_o not_o put_v she_o away_o for_o the_o mere_a surmise_n of_o judaical_a uncleanness_n and_o the_o reason_n follow_v for_o the_o body_n of_o a_o infidel_n be_v not_o pollute_v neither_o to_o benevolence_n nor_o to_o procreation_n moreover_o this_o note_n of_o mutual_a complacency_n forbid_v all_o offer_n of_o seducement_n which_o to_o a_o person_n of_o zeal_n can_v be_v attempt_v without_o great_a offence_n if_o therefore_o seducement_n be_v fear_v this_o place_n hinder_v not_o divorce_n another_o caution_n be_v put_v in_o this_o suppose_a command_n of_o not_o bring_v the_o believer_n into_o bondage_n hereby_o which_o doubtless_o may_v prove_v extreme_a if_o christian_a liberty_n and_o conscience_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o pagan_a stay_n at_o pleasure_n to_o play_v with_o or_o to_o vex_v and_o wound_v with_o a_o thousand_o scandal_n and_o burden_n above_o strength_n to_o bear_v if_o therefore_o the_o conceive_a hope_n of_o gain_v a_o soul_n come_v to_o nothing_o than_o charity_n command_v that_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o weary_v out_o with_o endless_a wait_n under_o many_o grievance_n sore_o to_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o respect_n be_v have_v rather_o to_o the_o present_a suffering_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n than_o the_o uncertain_a win_n of_o a_o obdure_a heretic_n for_o this_o also_o must_v appertain_v to_o the_o precept_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n v._n 24._o that_o be_v so_o walk_v in_o his_o inferior_a call_n of_o marriage_n as_o not_o by_o dangerous_a subjection_n to_o that_o ordinance_n to_o hinder_v and_o disturb_v the_o high_a call_n of_o his_o christianity_n last_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o command_n or_o a_o advice_n we_o must_v look_v that_o it_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o not_o to_o contradict_v the_o least_o point_n of_o moral_a religion_n that_o god_n have_v former_o command_v otherwise_o what_o do_v we_o but_o set_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o gospel_n at_o civil_a war_n together_o and_o who_o then_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o serve_v those_o two_o master_n now_o whether_o idolatry_n or_o adultery_n be_v the_o great_a violation_n of_o marriage_n if_o any_o demand_n let_v he_o thus_o consider_v that_o among_o christian_a writer_n touch_v matrimony_n there_o be_v three_o chief_a end_n thereof_o agree_v on_o godly_a society_n next_o civil_a and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o marriage-bed_n of_o these_o the_o first_o in_o name_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a no_o baptise_v man_n can_v deny_v nor_o that_o idolatry_n smite_v direct_o against_o this_o prime_a end_n nor_o that_o such_o as_o the_o violate_a end_n be_v such_o be_v the_o violation_n but_o he_o who_o affirm_v adultery_n to_o be_v the_o high_a breach_n affirm_v the_o bed_n to_o be_v the_o high_a of_o marriage_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o gross_a and_o boorish_a opinion_n how_o common_a soever_o as_o far_o from_o the_o countenance_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o all_o clean_a philosophy_n or_o civil_a nature_n and_o out_o of_o question_n the_o cheerfu_a help_n that_o may_v be_v in_o marriage_n towards_o sanctity_n of_o life_n be_v the_o pure_a an_o so_o the_o noble_a end_n of_o that_o contract_n but_o if_o the_o
the_o law_n be_v unjust_a give_v grace_n of_o pardon_n without_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o give_v allowance_n without_o pardon_n it_o will_v be_v dissolute_a and_o deceitful_a say_v in_o general_a do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o yet_o deceive_v and_o damn_v with_o obscure_a and_o hollow_a permission_n we_o find_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v always_o more_o effectual_a in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n than_o in_o the_o move_n of_o our_o will_n to_o any_o excellence_n of_o virtue_n either_o above_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o heathen_a hence_o those_o indulgence_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o can_v receive_v this_o say_n every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n with_o strict_a charge_n not_o to_o lay_v on_o yoke_n which_o our_o father_n can_v not_o bear_v but_o this_o that_o moses_n suffer_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o suffer_v not_o by_o that_o enact_a dispensation_n far_o be_v it_o but_o by_o a_o mere_a accidental_a sufferance_n of_o undiscovered_a hypocrite_n who_o make_v ill_a use_n of_o that_o law_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v enact_v a_o dispensation_n for_o hard_a heart_n to_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o must_v live_v in_o privilege_a adultery_n however_o it_o go_v for_o the_o receive_a opinion_n i_o shall_v ever_o dissuade_v myself_o from_o so_o much_o hardihood_n as_o to_o believe_v certain_o this_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n who_o pure_a eye_n can_v behold_v much_o less_o his_o perfect_a law_n dispense_v with_o such_o impurity_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o dispensation_n be_v either_o to_o avoid_v worse_a inconvenience_n or_o to_o support_v infirm_a conscience_n for_o a_o time_n but_o that_o a_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v as_o long_o live_v as_o a_o law_n to_o tolerate_v adultery_n for_o hardness_n of_o heart_n both_o sin_n perhaps_o of_o like_a degree_n and_o yet_o this_o obdurate_a disease_n can_v be_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v the_o more_o amend_v by_o this_o unclean_a remedy_n be_v a_o notion_n of_o that_o extravagance_n from_o the_o sage_a principle_n of_o piety_n that_o who_o consider_v thorough_o can_v but_o admire_v how_o this_o have_v be_v digest_v all_o this_o while_n what_o may_v we_o do_v then_o to_o salve_v this_o seem_a inconsistence_n i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n then_o this_o moses_n deut._n 24_o 1._o establish_v a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a law_n full_a of_o moral_a equity_n full_a of_o due_a consideration_n towards_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v resist_v a_o law_n consent_v with_o the_o law_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o civil_a nation_n that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v marry_v a_o wife_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o can_v love_v she_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o displease_a natural_a quality_n or_o unfitness_n in_o she_o let_v he_o write_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n the_o intent_n of_o which_o law_n undoubted_o be_v this_o that_o if_o any_o good_a and_o peaceable_a man_n shall_v discover_v some_o helpless_a disagreement_n or_o dislike_n either_o of_o mind_n or_o body_n whereby_o he_o can_v not_o cheerful_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o husband_n without_o the_o perpetual_a dissemble_n of_o offence_n and_o disturbance_n to_o his_o spirit_n rather_o than_o to_o live_v uncomfortable_o and_o unhappy_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o wife_n rather_o than_o to_o continue_v undertake_v a_o duty_n which_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o discharge_v he_o may_v dismiss_v she_o who_o he_o can_v not_o tolerable_o and_o so_o not_o conscionable_o retain_v and_o this_o law_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o solomon_n pro._n 30._o 21._o 23._o testify_v to_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o necessary_a law_n by_o grant_v it_o that_o to_o dwell_v with_o a_o hate_a woman_n for_o hate_v the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o nature_n can_v endure_v what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o law_n must_v remedy_v what_o nature_n can_v undergo_v now_o that_o many_o licentious_a and_o hard_a hearted_a man_n take_v hold_v of_o this_o law_n to_o cloak_v their_o bad_a purpose_n be_v nothing_o strange_a to_o believe_v and_o these_o be_v they_o not_o for_o who_o moses_n make_v the_o law_n god_n forbid_v but_o who_o hardness_n of_o heart_n take_v ill_a advantage_n by_o this_o law_n he_o hold_v it_o better_a to_o suffer_v as_o by_o accident_n where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v detect_v rather_o than_o good_a man_n shall_v lose_v their_o just_a and_o lawful_a privilege_n of_o remedy_n christ_n therefore_o have_v to_o answer_v these_o tempt_a pharise_n according_a as_o his_o custom_n be_v not_o mean_v to_o inform_v their_o proud_a ignorance_n what_o moses_n do_v in_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o have_v ill_o cite_v suppress_v the_o true_a cause_n for_o which_o moses_n give_v it_o and_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o slight_a matter_n tell_v they_o their_o own_o what_o moses_n be_v force_v to_o suffer_v by_o their_o abuse_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a if_o we_o mark_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o fiâ—th_n of_o matth._n cite_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n false_o ground_v upon_o that_o law_n and_o in_o those_o other_o place_n chap._n 19_o and_o mark_n 10._o the_o pharise_n cite_v the_o law_n but_o conceal_v the_o wise_a and_o human_a reason_n there_o express_v which_o our_o saviour_n correct_v not_o in_o they_o who_o pride_n deserve_v not_o his_o instruction_n only_o return_v they_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o moses_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n suffer_v you_o that_o be_v such_o as_o you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n and_o to_o you_o he_o write_v this_o precept_n for_o that_o cause_n which_o to_o you_o must_v be_v read_v with_o a_o impression_n and_o understand_v limited_o of_o such_o as_o cover_v ill_a purpose_n under_o that_o law_n for_o it_o be_v seasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v hear_v their_o own_o unbounded_a licence_n rebuke_v but_o not_o seasonable_a for_o they_o to_o hear_v a_o good_a man_n requisite_a liberty_n explain_v and_o to_o amaze_v they_o the_o more_o because_o the_o pharise_n think_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n he_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o that_o unseparable_a institution_n which_o god_n ordain_v in_o the_o beginning_n before_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v both_o perfect_a and_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o separate_v just_a as_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n he_o stand_v not_o to_o contend_v with_o the_o arrogant_a young_a man_n who_o boast_v his_o observance_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n whether_o he_o have_v indeed_o keep_v it_o or_o not_o but_o skrue_v he_o up_o high_a to_o a_o task_n of_o that_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o in_o like_o manner_n that_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n he_o set_v before_o the_o opinionative_a pharise_n to_o dazzle_v they_o and_o not_o to_o bind_v we_o for_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a rule_n that_o every_o command_n give_v with_o a_o reason_n bind_v our_o obedience_n no_o otherwise_o then_o that_o reason_n hold_v of_o this_o sort_n be_v that_o command_n in_o eden_n therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n which_o we_o see_v be_v no_o absolute_a command_n but_o with_o a_o inference_n therefore_o the_o reason_n than_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v that_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o misobedience_n the_o first_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o single_a because_o the_o wife_n be_v to_o the_o husband_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o in_o the_o verse_n go_v before_o but_o this_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o for_o his_o wife_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o mother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v far_o more_o flesh_n of_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o bone_n as_o be_v make_v of_o their_o substance_n and_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o sorry_a and_o ignoble_a society_n of_o life_n who_o unseparable_a injunction_n depend_v mere_o upon_o flesh_n and_o bone_n therefore_o we_o must_v look_v high_a since_o christ_n himself_o recall_v we_o to_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o primitive_a reason_n of_o never_o divorce_a be_v that_o sacred_a and_o not_o vain_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o remedy_v man_n loneliness_n by_o make_v he_o a_o help_n meet_v for_o he_o though_o not_o now_o in_o perfection_n as_o at_o first_o yet_o still_o in_o proportion_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v and_o this_o be_v repeat_v ver._n 20._o when_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v fit_o associate_v and_o bring_v to_o adam_n as_o if_o the_o divine_a power_n have_v be_v in_o some_o care_n and_o deep_a
especial_o when_o he_o be_v frame_v their_o law_n and_o they_o to_o all_o possible_a perfection_n but_o they_o be_v to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o iustitution_n nay_o rather_o why_o be_v not_o that_o individual_a institution_n bring_v out_o of_o paradise_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o repeat_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o law_n that_o man_n may_v have_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v a_o command_n for_o that_o any_o sentence_n that_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o precept_n set_v there_o so_o out_o of_o place_n in_o another_o world_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o not_o once_o mention_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o oblige_a command_n to_o we_o be_v very_o disputable_a and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o command_n without_o further_a dispute_n however_o it_o command_v not_o absolute_o as_o have_v be_v clear_v but_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o precedent_a promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o his_o institution_n if_o that_o appear_v not_o in_o some_o tolerable_a sort_n how_o can_v we_o affirm_v such_o a_o matrimony_n to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o god_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o accident_n it_o will_v best_o behoove_v our_o soberness_n to_o follow_v rather_o what_o moral_a sinai_n prescribe_v equal_a to_o our_o strength_n then_o fond_o to_o think_v within_o our_o strength_n all_o that_o lose_a paradise_n relate_v another_o while_n it_o shall_v suffice_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o judicial_a law_n and_o so_o be_v abrogate_a nay_o rather_o be_v not_o abrogate_a because_o judicial_a which_o law_n the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o and_o who_o put_v it_o in_o man_n power_n to_o exempt_v where_o christ_n speak_v in_o general_a of_o not_o abrogate_a thou_o least_o jot_n or_o tittle_n and_o in_o special_a not_o that_o of_o divorce_n because_o it_o follow_v among_o those_o law_n which_o he_o promise_v express_o not_o to_o abrogate_v but_o to_o vindicate_v from_o abusive_a tradition_n and_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o 31._o ver._n of_o mat._n the_o 5._o he_o there_o cite_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o licentious_a gloss_n which_o traduce_v the_o law_n that_o therefore_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o he_o abrogate_a and_o not_o only_o abrogate_a but_o disallow_v and_o flat_o condemn_v which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o that_o have_v be_v foul_o to_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o great_a servant_n to_o abrogate_v a_o law_n make_v with_o god_n allowance_n have_v be_v to_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v now_o to_o cease_v but_o to_o refute_v it_o with_o a_o ignominious_a note_n of_o civilise_v adultery_n cast_v the_o reprooff_o which_o be_v mean_v only_o to_o the_o pharise_n even_o upon_o he_o who_o make_v the_o law_n but_o yet_o if_o that_o be_v judicial_a which_o belong_v to_o a_o civil_a court_n this_o law_n be_v less_o judicial_a than_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n for_o antiquary_n affirm_v that_o divorce_n proceed_v among_o the_o jew_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o magistrate_n only_o with_o hand_n and_o seal_n under_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o rabbi_n to_o be_v then_o present_a and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o pure_a moral_a economical_a law_n too_o hasty_o impute_v of_o tolerate_v sin_n be_v rather_o so_o clear_a in_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o man_n own_o arbitrement_n to_o be_v determine_v between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o take_v from_o the_o master_n of_o family_n but_o rectify_v only_o to_o a_o right_a and_o wary_a use_n at_o home_n that_o power_n the_o undiscerning_a canonist_n have_v improper_o usurp_v into_o his_o court-leet_n and_o bescribbled_a with_o a_o thousand_o trifle_a impertinency_n which_o yet_o have_v fill_v the_o life_n of_o man_n with_o serious_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n yet_o grant_v it_o be_v of_o old_a a_o judicial_a law_n it_o need_v not_o be_v the_o less_o moral_a for_o that_o be_v conversant_a as_o it_o be_v about_o virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v not_o here_o the_o judicature_n for_o that_o be_v not_o his_o office_n but_o the_o morality_n of_o divorce_n whether_o it_o be_v adultery_n or_o no_o if_o therefore_o he_o touch_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o all_o he_o touch_v the_o moral_a part_n thereof_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v reform_v the_o exact_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o work_n eternal_a and_o immutable_a or_o if_o he_o touch_v not_o the_o law_n at_o all_o then_o be_v not_o the_o allowance_n thereof_o disallow_v to_o we_o other_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o allege_v that_o this_o licence_n of_o divorce_v be_v give_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o accustom_a in_o egypt_n as_o if_o a_o ill_a custom_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v to_o all_o posterity_n for_o the_o dispensation_n be_v both_o universal_a and_o of_o time_n unlimited_a and_o so_o indeed_o no_o dispensation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o over-dated_a dispensation_n of_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o increase_v hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o make_v man_n but_o wax_n more_o incorrigible_a which_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o be_v say_v of_o any_o law_n or_o allowance_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o in_o these_o opinion_n it_o will_v be_v more_o religion_n to_o advise_v well_o lest_o we_o make_v ourselves_o just_a than_o god_n by_o censure_v rash_o that_o for_o sin_n which_o his_o unspotted_a law_n without_o rebuke_n allow_v and_o his_o people_n without_o be_v conscious_a of_o displease_v he_o have_v use_v and_o if_o we_o can_v think_v so_o of_o moses_n as_o that_o the_o jewish_a obstinacy_n can_v compel_v he_o to_o write_v such_o impure_a permission_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o judgement_n doubtless_o it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o have_v protest_v public_o what_o strait_n he_o be_v drive_v to_o and_o to_o have_v declare_v his_o conscience_n when_o he_o give_v any_o law_n against_o his_o mind_n for_o the_o law_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o conscience_n must_v not_o be_v intermix_v with_o corrupt_a indulgence_n for_o than_o it_o lose_v the_o great_a praise_n it_o have_v of_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a not_o lead_v into_o error_n as_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v lead_v by_o this_o connivance_n of_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v a_o connivance_n but_o still_o they_o fly_v back_o to_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o will_v have_v we_o re-enter_v paradise_n against_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v it_o who_o i_o again_o thus_o reply_v to_o that_o the_o place_n in_o genesis_n contain_v the_o description_n of_o a_o fit_a and_o perfect_a marriage_n with_o a_o interdict_v of_o ever_o divorce_v such_o a_o union_n but_o where_o nature_n be_v discover_v to_o have_v never_o join_v indeed_o but_o vehement_o seek_v to_o part_n it_o can_v be_v there_o conceive_v that_o god_n forbid_v it_o nay_o he_o command_v it_o both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o perkins_n upon_o this_o chap._n of_o mat._n deal_v plain_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o confute_v not_o moses_n law_n but_o the_o false_a gloss_n that_o deprave_v the_o law_n which_o be_v true_a perkins_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o something_o than_o be_v leave_v to_o that_o law_n which_o christ_n find_v no_o fault_n with_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o conscionable_a use_n of_o such_o liberty_n as_o the_o plain_a word_n import_v so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n christ_n do_v not_o absolute_o intend_v to_o restrain_v all_o divorce_n to_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o adultery_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_n that_o he_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o law_n concerning_o divorce_n shall_v look_v also_o back_o upon_o the_o first_o institution_n that_o he_o may_v endeavour_v what_o be_v perfect_a and_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o institution_n shall_v not_o refuse_v as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a those_o allowanee_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o his_o follow_a law_n lest_o he_o make_v himself_o pure_a than_o his_o maker_n and_o presume_v above_o strength_n slip_v into_o temptation_n irrecoverable_o for_o this_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o all_o those_o decree_n concerning_o marriage_n god_n shall_v never_o once_o mention_v the_o prime_a institution_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o divorce_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v small_a sin_n as_o opposite_a to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o let_v this_o adulterous_a matter_n of_o divorce_n pass_v ever_o unreproved_a this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o see_v christ_n do_v not_o condemn_v whatever_o it_o be_v that_o moses_n suffer_v and_o that_o
another_o body_n will_v remove_v loneliness_n but_o the_o unite_n of_o another_o compliable_a mind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o blessing_n but_o a_o torment_n nay_o a_o base_a and_o brutish_a condition_n to_o be_v one_o flesh_n unless_o where_o nature_n can_v in_o some_o measure_n fix_v a_o unity_n of_o disposition_n last_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v asunder_o namely_o those_o who_o god_n have_v join_v a_o plain_a solution_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n if_o man_n will_v but_o use_v their_o eye_n for_o when_o be_v it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o join_v when_o the_o party_n and_o their_o friend_n consent_v no_o sure_o for_o that_o may_v concur_v to_o lewd_a end_n or_o be_v it_o when_o church-rite_n be_v finish_v neither_o for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o depend_v upon_o the_o presuppose_a fitness_n of_o either_o party_n perhaps_o after_o carnal_a knowledge_n lest_o of_o all_o for_o that_o may_v join_v person_n who_o neither_o law_n nor_o nature_n dare_v join_v it_o be_v leave_v that_o only_o then_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v fit_o dispose_v and_o enable_v to_o maintain_v a_o cheerfu_a conversation_n to_o the_o solace_n and_o love_n of_o each_o other_o according_a as_o god_n intend_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o very_a first_o foundation_n of_o matrimony_n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o help_n meet_v for_o he_o for_o sure_o what_o god_n intend_v and_o promise_v that_o only_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o his_o join_v and_o not_o the_o contrary_a so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 15._o that_o in_o marriage_n god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o doubtless_o in_o what_o respect_n he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o marriage_n in_o that_o also_o he_o have_v join_v we_o the_o rest_n who_o either_o disproportion_n or_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n or_o something_o distasteful_a and_o aver_v in_o the_o immutable_a bent_n of_o nature_n render_v unconjugal_a error_n may_v have_v join_v but_o god_n never_o join_v against_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o if_o he_o join_v they_o not_o then_o be_v there_o no_o power_n above_o their_o own_o consent_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o unjoyn_v when_o they_o can_v reap_v the_o sober_a end_n of_o be_v together_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sort_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v proper_o that_o such_o twain_o be_v ever_o divorce_v but_o only_o part_v from_o each_o other_o as_o two_o person_n unconjunctive_a and_o unmariable_a together_o but_o if_o who_o god_n have_v make_v a_o fit_a help_n forwardness_n or_o private_a injury_n have_v make_v unfit_a that_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o marriage_n god_n can_v better_o judge_v then_o man_n neither_o be_v man_n indeed_o fit_a or_o able_a to_o decide_v this_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v undoubted_o a_o peaceful_a divorce_n be_v a_o less_o evil_a and_o less_o in_o scandal_n than_o a_o hateful_a hard_a hearted_a and_o destructive_a continuance_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o justify_v he_o in_o choose_v the_o less_o evil_a which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o civil_a prudence_n in_o the_o law_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o legal_a wisdom_n though_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o common_a expositor_n have_v thus_o unfold_v those_o ambiguous_a reason_n wherewith_o christ_n as_o his_o wont_n be_v give_v to_o the_o pharise_n that_o come_v to_o sound_v he_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o deserve_v it_o will_v not_o be_v uneasy_a to_o explain_v the_o sentence_n itself_o that_o now_o follow_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n and_o shall_v marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o be_v observe_v by_o grotius_n upon_o this_o point_n a_o man_n of_o general_a learning_n next_o i_o produce_v what_o my_o own_o thought_n give_v i_o before_o i_o have_v see_v his_o annotation_n origen_n say_v he_o note_n that_o christ_n name_v adultery_n rather_o as_o one_o example_n of_o other_o like_a case_n then_o as_o one_o only_a exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_a not_o only_o in_o human_a but_o in_o divine_a law_n to_o express_v one_o kind_n of_o fact_n whereby_o other_o cause_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v have_v the_o like_a plea_n as_o exod._n 21._o 18_o 19_o 20._o 26._o deut._n 19_o 5._o and_o from_o the_o maxim_n of_o civil_a law_n he_o show_v that_o even_o in_o sharp_a penal_a law_n the_o same_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o right_n and_o in_o gentle_a law_n that_o from_o like_o cause_n to_o like_v the_o law_n interpret_v right_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v say_v he_o that_o nothing_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o wedlock_n so_o much_o as_o adultery_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o marriage_n be_v not_o ordain_v only_o for_o copulation_n but_o for_o mutual_a help_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o mark_v diligent_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n command_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o both_o their_o beginning_n and_o their_o end_n consist_v in_o charity_n who_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o be_v good_a to_o other_o as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cruel_a to_o ourselves_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v why_o mark_n and_o luke_n and_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o cor._n mention_v this_o precept_n of_o christ_n add_v no_o exception_n because_o exception_n that_o arise_v from_o natural_a equity_n be_v include_v silent_o under_o general_a term_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v therefore_o whether_o the_o same_o equity_n may_v not_o have_v place_n in_o other_o case_n less_o frequent_a thus_o far_o he_o from_o hence_o be_v what_o i_o add_v first_o that_o this_o say_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o expound_v can_v be_v no_o law_n at_o all_o that_o man_n for_o no_o cause_n shall_v separate_v but_o for_o adultery_n except_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a law_n not_o bind_v we_o as_o we_o now_o be_v have_v it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o the_o jew_n or_o some_o other_o wise_a and_o civil_a nation_n will_v have_v press_v it_o or_o let_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o law_n deut._n 24._o 1._o whereby_o a_o man_n have_v leave_v to_o part_n whenas_o for_o just_a and_o natural_a cause_n discover_v he_o can_v love_v be_v a_o law_n ancient_a and_o deep_a engrave_v in_o blameless_a nature_n than_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o inspire_a lawgiver_n moses_n take_v care_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v specify_v and_o allow_v the_o other_o he_o let_v vanish_v in_o silence_n not_o once_o repeat_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o his_o law_n even_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vanish_v with_o paradise_n second_o this_o can_v be_v no_o new_a command_n for_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v no_o new_a morality_n save_v only_o the_o infinite_a enlargement_n of_o charity_n which_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o new_a commandment_n by_o st._n john_n as_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o command_n three_o it_o be_v no_o command_n of_o perfection_n further_o than_o it_o partake_v of_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n those_o command_v therefore_o which_o compel_v we_o to_o self-cruelty_n above_o our_o strength_n so_o hardly_o will_v help_v forward_o to_o perfection_n that_o they_o hinder_v and_o set_v backward_o in_o all_o the_o common_a rudiment_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v prove_v it_o be_v thus_o clear_a that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v no_o kind_n of_o command_n as_o they_o be_v vulgar_o take_v we_o shall_v now_o see_v in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v a_o command_n and_o that_o a_o excellent_a one_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o no_o other_o moses_n have_v grant_v that_o only_a for_o a_o natural_a annoyance_n defect_n or_o dislike_n whether_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n plain_o note_v which_o a_o man_n can_v not_o force_v himself_o to_o live_v with_o he_o may_v give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n thereby_o forbid_v any_o other_o cause_n wherein_o amendment_n or_o reconciliation_n may_v have_v place_n this_o law_n the_o pharise_n deprave_v extend_v to_o any_o slight_a contentious_a cause_n whatsoever_o christ_n therefore_o see_v where_o they_o halt_v urge_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v necessary_o understand_v for_o the_o determinate_a permission_n of_o moses_n bind_v they_o from_o further_a licence_n and_o check_v their_o supercilious_a drift_n declare_v that_o no_o accidental_a temporary_a or_o reconciliable_a offence_n except_o fornication_n can_v justify_v a_o divorce_n he_o touch_v not_o here_o those_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a hindrance_n of_o society_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v a_o unchangeable_a offence_n so_o be_v they_o not_o capable_a of_o reconcilement_n because_o not_o of_o amendment_n thus_o be_v
in_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v none_o as_o a_o mere_a separation_n for_o if_o she_o consent_v wherein_o have_v the_o law_n to_o right_v she_o or_o consent_v not_o then_o be_v it_o either_o just_a and_o so_o deserve_v or_o if_o unjust_a such_o in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v the_o divorcer_n and_o to_o part_n from_o a_o unjust_a man_n be_v a_o happiness_n and_o no_o injury_n to_o be_v lament_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o injury_n the_o law_n be_v not_o able_a to_o amend_v it_o unless_o she_o think_v it_o other_o than_o a_o miserable_a redress_n to_o return_v back_o from_o whence_o she_o be_v expel_v or_o but_o entreat_v to_o be_v go_v or_o else_o to_o live_v apart_o still_o marry_v without_o marriage_n a_o marry_a widow_n last_o if_o it_o be_v to_o chast'n_v the_o divorcer_n what_o law_n punish_v a_o deed_n which_o be_v not_o moral_a but_o natural_a a_o deed_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o injury_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v punish_v by_o prohibit_v the_o divorce_n but_o that_o the_o innocent_a must_v equal_o partake_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o law_n can_v to_o no_o rational_a purpose_n forbid_v divorce_n it_o can_v only_o take_v care_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o divorce_n be_v not_o injurious_a but_o what_o shall_v than_o the_o disposal_n of_o that_o power_n return_v again_o to_o the_o master_n of_o family_n wherefore_o not_o since_o god_n there_o put_v it_o and_o the_o presumptuous_a canon_n thence_o bereave_v it_o this_o only_a must_v be_v provide_v that_o the_o ancient_a manner_n be_v observe_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o grave_a select_a elder_n who_o after_o they_o shall_v have_v admonish_v and_o press_v upon_o he_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v protest_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o eternal_a gospel_n and_o the_o hope_v he_o have_v of_o happy_a resurrection_n that_o otherwise_o then_o thus_o he_o can_v do_v and_o think_v himself_o and_o this_o his_o case_n not_o contain_v in_o that_o prohibition_n of_o divorce_n which_o christ_n pronounce_v the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o malice_n but_o of_o nature_n and_o so_o not_o capable_a of_o reconcile_a to_o constrain_v he_o surde_a be_v to_o unehristen_v he_o to_o unman_v he_o to_o throw_v the_o mountain_n of_o sinai_n upon_o he_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n to_o boot_v flat_a against_o the_o liberty_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o nothing_o available_a either_o to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o marriage_n the_o good_a of_o husband_n wife_n or_o child_n nothing_o profitable_a either_o to_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n but_o this_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n it_o will_v not_o it_o wrought_v so_o little_a disorder_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o from_o moses_n till_o after_o the_o captivity_n not_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n think_v it_o worth_a rebuke_v for_o that_o of_o malachy_n well_o look_v into_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o against_o divorce_v but_o rather_o against_o keep_v strange_a concubine_n to_o the_o vexation_n of_o their_o hebrew_a wife_n if_o therefore_o we_o christian_n may_v be_v think_v as_o good_a and_o tractable_a as_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o certain_o the_o prohibiter_n of_o divorce_n presume_v we_o to_o be_v better_a then_o less_o confusion_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v for_o this_o among_o we_o than_o be_v among_o they_o if_o we_o be_v worse_a or_o but_o as_o bad_a which_o lamentable_a example_n confirm_v we_o be_v then_o have_v we_o more_o or_o at_o least_o as_o much_o need_n of_o this_o permit_a law_n as_o they_o to_o who_o god_n express_o give_v it_o under_o a_o harsh_a covenant_n let_v not_o therefore_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n go_v on_o thus_o invent_v needless_a trouble_n to_o itself_o to_o groan_v under_o the_o false_a imagination_n of_o a_o strictness_n never_o impose_v from_o above_o enjoin_v that_o for_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o impossible_a and_o vain_a supererogate_a be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o shoulà _v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o let_v we_o not_o be_v thus_o overcurious_a to_o strain_v at_o atom_n and_o yet_o to_o stop_v every_o vent_n and_o cranny_n of_o permissive_a liberty_n lest_o nature_n want_v those_o needful_a pore_n and_o breathe_a place_n which_o god_n have_v not_o debar_v our_o weakness_n either_o sudden_o break_v out_o into_o some_o wide_a rupture_n of_o open_a vice_n and_o frantic_a heresy_n or_o else_o inward_o fester_v with_o repine_v and_o blasphemous_a thought_n under_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o fruitless_a rigor_n of_o unwarranted_a law_n against_o which_o evil_n nothing_o can_v more_o beseem_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n then_o to_o consider_v timely_a and_o provide_v and_o in_o so_o do_v let_v they_o not_o doubt_v but_o they_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o misreputed_a honour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o great_a lawgiver_n by_o suffer_v he_o to_o give_v his_o own_o law_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n nature_n best_o know_v to_o he_o without_o the_o unsufferable_a imputation_n of_o dispense_v legal_o with_o many_o age_n of_o ratify_a adultery_n they_o shall_v recover_v the_o misattended_a word_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o true_a sense_n from_o manifold_a contradiction_n and_o shall_v open_v they_o with_o the_o key_n of_o charity_n many_o helpless_a christian_n they_o shall_v raise_v from_o the_o depth_n of_o sadness_n and_o distress_n utter_o unfit_a as_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o man_n many_o they_o shall_v reclaim_v from_o obscure_a and_o giddy_a sect_n many_o regain_v from_o dissolute_a and_o brutish_a licence_n many_o from_o desperate_a hardness_n if_o ever_o that_o be_v just_o plead_v they_o shall_v set_v free_a many_o daughter_n of_o israel_n not_o want_v much_o of_o her_o sad_a plight_n who_o satan_n have_v bind_v eighteen_o year_n man_n they_o shall_v restore_v to_o his_o just_a dignity_n and_o prerogative_n in_o nature_n prefer_v the_o soul_n free_a peace_n before_o the_o promiscuous_a drain_n of_o a_o carnal_a rage_n marriage_n from_o a_o perilous_a hazard_n and_o snare_n they_o shall_v reduce_v to_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a haven_n and_o retirement_n of_o happy_a society_n when_o they_o shall_v judge_v according_a to_o god_n and_o moses_n and_o how_o not_o then_o according_a to_o christ_n when_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o more_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o break_v that_o covenant_n seem_o and_o keep_v it_o real_o then_o by_o compulsion_n of_o la_fw-fr w_o to_o keep_v it_o seem_o and_o by_o compulsion_n of_o blameless_a nature_n to_o break_v it_o real_o at_o least_o if_o it_o be_v ever_o true_o join_v the_o vigour_n of_o discipline_n they_o may_v then_o turn_v with_o better_a success_n upon_o the_o prostitute_n looseness_n of_o the_o time_n when_o man_n find_v in_o themselves_o the_o infirmity_n of_o former_a age_n shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v above_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o they_o to_o unprofitable_a and_o impossible_a observance_n never_o require_v from_o the_o civil_a the_o wise_a the_o holy_a nation_n who_o other_o excellency_n in_o moral_a virtue_n they_o never_o yet_o can_v equal_v last_o of_o all_o to_o those_o who_o mind_n still_o be_v to_o maintain_v textual_a restriction_n whereof_o the_o bare_a sound_n can_v consist_v sometime_o with_o humanity_n much_o less_o with_o charity_n i_o will_v ever_o answer_v by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n of_o a_o command_n above_o all_o command_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v and_o who_o speak_v it_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o this_o which_o they_o so_o exalt_v be_v but_o a_o petty_a and_o subordinate_a precept_n let_v they_o go_v therefore_o with_o who_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o couple_v they_o yet_o they_o will_v needs_o run_v into_o the_o same_o blindness_n with_o the_o pharise_n let_v they_o go_v therefore_o and_o consider_v well_o what_o this_o lesson_n mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v for_o on_o that_o say_n all_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n depend_v much_o more_o the_o gospel_n who_o end_n and_o excellence_n be_v mercy_n and_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o can_v learn_v that_o how_o will_v they_o hear_v this_o which_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o leave_v with_o they_o as_o a_o conclusion_n that_o god_n the_o son_n have_v put_v all_o other_o thing_n under_o his_o own_o foot_n but_o his_o commandment_n he_o have_v leave_v all_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o charity_n the_o end_n omit_v pa._n 19_o lin._n 28._o who_o thus_o to_o shut_v up_o and_o immure_v together_o the_o one_o with_o a_o mischosen_a mate_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_a calling_n be_v not_o a_o course_n etc._n etc._n omit_v pa._n 24._o lin._n 22._o uncertain_a good_a this_o only_a text_n not_o to_o be_v match_v again_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n whereby_o god_n in_o his_o perfect_a law_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o the_o hard_a heart_n of_o his_o holy_a people_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o civil_a immunity_n and_o free_a charter_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o long_a successive_a adultery_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n till_o the_o messiah_n and_o then_o that_o indulgent_a permission_n to_o be_v strict_o deny_v by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n beside_o the_o incoherence_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v must_v not_o be_v thus_o interpret_v to_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o paradox_n never_o know_v till_o then_o only_o hang_v by_o the_o twine_a thread_n of_o one_o doubtful_a scripture_n against_o so_o many_o other_o rule_n and_o lead_a principle_n of_o religion_n of_o justice_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n for_o what_o can_v be_v grant_v more_o either_o to_o the_o fear_n or_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o any_o tyrant_n or_o politician_n than_o this_o authority_n of_o moses_n thus_o expound_v which_o open_v he_o a_o way_n at_o will_n to_o dam_v up_o justice_n and_o not_o only_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o romish_a or_o austrian_a dispense_v but_o to_o enact_v a_o statute_n of_o that_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o seem_v to_o approve_v even_o to_o legitimate_a vice_n to_o make_v sin_n itself_o a_o free_a citizen_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n pretend_v only_o these_o or_o these_o plausible_a reason_n and_o well_o he_o may_v all_o the_o while_n that_o moses_n shall_v be_v allege_v to_o have_v do_v as_o much_o without_o show_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o yet_o this_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o david_n psal_n 94._o 20._o how_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o endeavour_n to_o fashion_n wickedness_n by_o law_n shall_v derive_v itself_o from_o god_n and_o isaiah_n lay_v woe_n upon_o they_o that_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n 10._o 1._o now_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o better_a lawgiver_n and_o which_o deseru_v most_o a_o woe_n he_o that_o give_v out_o a_o edict_n single_o unjust_a or_o he_o that_o confirm_v to_o generation_n a_o fix_a and_o unmolested_a impunity_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o hold_v to_o be_v unjust_a but_o also_o unclean_a and_o both_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n not_o only_o as_o they_o themselves_o affirm_v a_o injurious_a expulsion_n of_o one_o wife_n but_o also_o a_o unclean_a freedom_n by_o more_o than_o a_o patent_n to_o wed_v another_o adulterous_o how_o can_v we_o therefore_o with_o safety_n thus_o dangerous_o confine_v the_o free_a simplicity_n of_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o that_o which_o mere_o amount_v from_o so_o many_o letter_n whenas_o it_o can_v consist_v neither_o with_o his_o former_a and_o cautionary_a word_n nor_o with_o other_o more_o pure_a and_o holy_a principle_n nor_o final_o with_o the_o scope_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n