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 so_o ill_o content_v and_o procure_v at_o home_n and_o can_v be_v support_v such_o a_o marriage_n can_v be_v no_o marriage_n whereto_o the_o most_o honest_a end_n be_v want_v and_o the_o aggrieve_a person_n shall_v do_v more_o manly_a to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o singular_a in_o claim_v the_o due_a right_n whereof_o he_o be_v frustrate_v then_o to_o piece_n up_o his_o lose_a contentment_n by_o visit_v the_o stew_n or_o step_v to_o his_o neighbour_n bed_n which_o be_v the_o common_a shift_n in_o this_o misfortune_n or_o else_o by_o suffer_v his_o useful_a life_n to_o waste_v away_o and_o be_v lose_v under_o a_o secret_a affliction_n of_o a_o unconscionable_a size_n to_o human_a strength_n how_o vain_a therefore_o be_v it_o and_o how_o preposterous_a in_o the_o canon_n law_n to_o have_v make_v such_o careful_a provision_n against_o the_o impediment_n of_o carnal_a performance_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o care_n about_o the_o unconverse_a inability_n of_o mind_n so_o defective_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o sacred_a end_n of_o matrimony_n and_o that_o the_o vessel_n of_o voluptuous_a enjoyment_n must_v be_v make_v good_a to_o he_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o trust_n without_o any_o caution_n when_o as_o the_o mind_n from_o whence_o must_v flow_v the_o act_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n a_o far_o more_o precious_a mixture_n than_o the_o quintessence_n of_o a_o excrement_n though_o it_o be_v find_v never_o so_o deficient_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v the_o best_a duty_n of_o marriage_n in_o a_o cheerful_a and_o agreeable_a conversation_n shall_v be_v think_v good_a enough_o how_o ever_o flat_a and_o melancholious_a it_o be_v and_o must_v serve_v though_o to_o the_o eternal_a disturbance_n and_o languish_v of_o he_o that_o complain_v he_o yet_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n weigh_v god_n own_o institution_n will_v think_v that_o the_o pine_n of_o a_o sad_a spirit_n wed_v to_o loneliness_n shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v free_v aswell_o as_o the_o impatience_n of_o 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 the_o marry_a life_n yet_o that_o nothing_o indeed_o be_v think_v worth_a regard_n therein_o but_o the_o prescribe_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o irrational_a heat_n which_o can_v be_v but_o ignominious_a to_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n dishonourable_a to_o the_o undervalue_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o even_o to_o christian_a doctrine_n itself_o while_o it_o seem_v more_o move_v at_o the_o disappoint_n of_o a_o impetuous_a nerve_n then_o at_o the_o ingenuous_a grievance_n of_o a_o mind_n unreasonable_o yoke_v and_o to_o place_v more_o of_o marriage_n in_o the_o channel_n of_o concupiscence_n then_o in_o the_o pure_a influence_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n whereof_o the_o soul_n lawful_a contentment_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n but_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o object_n that_o the_o disposition_n ought_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v before_o but_o let_v they_o know_v again_o that_o for_o all_o the_o wariness_n can_v be_v use_v it_o may_v yet_o befall_v a_o discreet_a man_n to_o be_v mistake_v 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
thereupon_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n permit_v usury_n and_o open_a stew_n and_o here_o with_o we_o adultery_n to_o be_v so_o slight_o punish_v which_o be_v punish_v by_o death_n to_o these_o hard-hearted_a jew_n why_o we_o shall_v strain_v thus_o at_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n which_o may_v stand_v so_o much_o with_o charity_n to_o permit_v and_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o allow_v usury_n esteem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o against_o charity_n but_o this_o it_o be_v to_o embroil_v ourselves_o against_o the_o righteous_a and_o all_o wise_a judgement_n and_o statute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o variable_a and_o contrarious_a as_o we_o will_v make_v they_o one_o while_o permit_v and_o another_o while_n forbid_v but_o be_v most_o constant_a and_o most_o harmonious_a each_o to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v the_o uncorrupt_a and_o majestic_a law_n of_o god_n bear_v in_o her_o hand_n the_o wage_n of_o life_n and_o death_n harbour_v such_o a_o repugnance_n within_o herself_o as_o to_o require_v a_o unexempt_v and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o all_o her_o decree_n either_o from_o we_o or_o from_o our_o mediator_n and_o yet_o debase_v herself_o to_o falter_v so_o many_o age_n with_o circumcise_a adultery_n by_o unclean_a and_o slubbeâ—ing_v permission_n yet_o beza_n opinion_n be_v that_o a_o politic_a law_n but_o what_o politic_a law_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o one_o of_o matchiavel_n may_v regulate_v sin_n may_v bear_v indeed_o i_o grant_v with_o imperfection_n for_o a_o time_n as_o those_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o ceremonial_a thing_n but_o as_o for_o sin_n the_o essence_n of_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o rule_n and_o if_o the_o law_n fall_v to_o regulate_v sin_n and_o not_o to_o take_v it_o utter_o away_o it_o necessary_o confirm_v and_o establish_v sin_n to_o make_v a_o regularity_n of_o sin_n by_o law_n either_o the_o law_n must_v straighten_v sin_n into_o no_o sin_n or_o sin_n must_v crook_v the_o law_n into_o no_o law_n the_o judicial_a law_n can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o be_v the_o protector_n and_o champion_n of_o religion_n and_o honest_a civility_n as_o be_v set_v down_o plain_o rom._n 13._o and_o be_v but_o the_o arm_n of_o moral_a law_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_a from_o justice_n then_o justice_n from_o virtue_n their_o office_n also_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n steer_n the_o same_o course_n the_o one_o teach_v what_o be_v good_a by_o precept_n the_o other_o unteach_v what_o be_v bad_a by_o punishment_n but_o if_o we_o give_v way_n to_o politic_a dispensation_n of_o lewd_a uncleanness_n the_o first_o good_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o relax_n will_v be_v the_o justify_n of_o papal_a stew_n join_v with_o a_o toleration_n of_o epidemic_a whoredom_n justice_n must_v revolt_v from_o the_o end_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o become_v the_o patron_n of_o that_o whereof_o she_o be_v create_v the_o punisher_n the_o example_n of_o usury_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v make_v against_o the_o allegation_n which_o it_o bring_v as_o i_o touch_v before_o beside_o that_o usury_n so_o much_o as_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o demand_v with_o common_a equity_n be_v neither_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n as_o have_v be_v often_o discuse_v by_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o judgement_n there_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o other_o example_n find_v out_o to_o show_v we_o wherein_o civil_a policy_n may_v with_o warrant_n from_o god_n settle_v wickedness_n by_o law_n and_o make_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v lawless_a although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n that_o which_o be_v true_a in_o physic_n will_v be_v find_v as_o true_a in_o polity_n that_o as_o of_o bad_a pulse_n those_o that_o beat_v most_o in_o order_n be_v much_o worse_a than_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o most_o inordinate_a circuit_n so_o of_o popular_a vice_n those_o that_o may_v be_v commit_v legal_o will_v be_v more_o pernicious_a than_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o course_n at_o peril_n not_o under_o a_o stint_a privilege_n to_o sin_v orderly_o and_o regular_o which_o be_v a_o implicit_a contradiction_n but_o under_o due_a and_o fearless_a execution_n of_o punishment_n the_o political_a law_n since_o it_o can_v regulate_v vice_n be_v to_o restrain_v it_o by_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o root_v it_o out_o but_o if_o it_o suffer_v the_o weed_n to_o grow_v up_o to_o any_o pleasurable_a or_o content_a height_n upon_o what_o pretext_n soever_o it_o fasten_v the_o root_n it_o prune_n and_o dress_n vice_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plant_n last_o if_o divorce_n be_v grant_v as_o he_o say_v not_o for_o man_n but_o to_o release_v afflict_v wife_n certain_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o dispensation_n but_o a_o most_o merciful_a law_n and_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o yet_o be_v in_o force_n be_v whole_o as_o needful_a i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v in_o cause_n but_o senseless_a cruelty_n esteem_v therefore_o to_o have_v assert_v thus_o a_o injure_a law_n of_o moses_n from_o the_o unwarranted_a and_o guilty_a name_n of_o a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v again_o a_o most_o equal_a and_o requisite_a law_n we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o it_o and_o signify_v no_o small_a displeasure_n against_o he_o that_o shall_v teach_v to_o do_v so_o on_o which_o rely_v i_o shall_v not_o much_o waver_v to_o affirm_v that_o those_o word_n which_o be_v make_v to_o intimate_v as_o if_o they_o forbid_v all_o divorce_n but_o for_o adultery_n though_o moses_n have_v constitute_v otherwise_o those_o word_n take_v circumscript_o without_o regard_n to_o any_o precedent_a law_n of_o moses_n or_o attestation_n of_o christ_n himself_o or_o without_o care_n to_o preserve_v those_o his_o fundamental_a and_o superior_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o charity_n to_o which_o all_o other_o ordinance_n give_v up_o their_o seal_n be_v as_o much_o against_o plain_a equity_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o word_n of_o take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n elemental_o understand_v be_v against_o nature_n and_o excuse_n and_o sure_o the_o restore_n of_o this_o degrade_a law_n have_v well_o recompense_v the_o diligence_n be_v use_v by_o enlighten_v we_o further_a to_o find_v out_o wherefore_o christ_n take_v off_o the_o pharise_n from_o allege_v the_o law_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n not_o condemn_v alter_a or_o abolish_n this_o precept_n of_o divorce_n which_o be_v plain_o moral_a for_o that_o be_v against_o his_o truth_n his_o promise_n and_o his_o prophetic_a office_n but_o know_v how_o fallacious_o they_o have_v cite_v and_o conceal_v the_o particular_a and_o natural_a reason_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v justify_v any_o froward_a reason_n of_o their_o own_o he_o let_v go_v that_o sophistry_n unconvinced_a for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o teach_v they_o else_o which_o his_o purpose_n be_v not_o and_o since_o they_o have_v take_v a_o liberty_n which_o the_o law_n give_v not_o he_o amuse_v and_o repel_v their_o tempt_a pride_n with_o a_o perfection_n of_o paradise_n which_o the_o law_n require_v not_o not_o thereby_o to_o oblige_v our_o performance_n to_o that_o whereto_o the_o law_n never_o enjoin_v the_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n for_o if_o the_o first_o institution_n must_v make_v wedlock_n whatever_o happen_v inseparable_a to_o we_o it_o must_v make_v it_o also_o as_o perfect_v as_o meet_o helpful_a and_o as_o comfortable_a as_o god_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a or_o proportionable_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o such_o indissoluble_a bond_n to_o his_o assure_a misery_n if_o all_o the_o other_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v manifest_o alter_v next_o he_o say_v they_o must_v be_v one_o flesh_n which_o when_o all_o conjecture_v be_v do_v will_v be_v find_v to_o import_v no_o more_o but_o only_o to_o make_v legitimate_a and_o good_a the_o carnal_a act_n which_o else_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v something_o of_o pollution_n in_o it_o and_o infer_v thus_o much_o over_o that_o the_o fit_a union_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v such_o as_o may_v even_o incorporate_v they_o to_o love_v and_o amity_n but_o that_o can_v never_o be_v where_o no_o correspondence_n be_v of_o the_o mind_n nay_o instead_o of_o be_v one_o flesh_n they_o will_v be_v rather_o two_o carcase_n chain_v unnatural_o together_o or_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v a_o live_a soul_n bind_v to_o a_o dead_a corpse_n a_o punishment_n too_o like_o that_o inflict_v by_o the_o tyrant_n mezentius_n so_o little_a worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v as_o that_o remedy_n of_o loneliness_n which_o god_n mean_v we_o since_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o the_o join_n of_o
shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o with_o success_n to_o ease_n and_o set_v free_a the_o mind_n of_o ingenuous_a and_o apprehensive_a man_n from_o this_o needless_a thraldom_n he_o that_o can_v prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o just_a to_o claim_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o fit_a and_o matchable_a conversation_n no_o less_o essential_a to_o the_o prime_a scope_n of_o marriage_n than_o the_o gift_n of_o bodily_a conjunction_n or_o else_o to_o have_v a_o equal_a plea_n of_o divorce_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o corporal_a deficiency_n he_o that_o can_v but_o lend_v we_o the_o clue_n that_o wind_v out_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o servitude_n to_o such_o a_o reasonable_a and_o expedient_a liberty_n as_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v reck_v n_z among_o the_o public_a benefactor_n of_o civil_a and_o human_a life_n above_o the_o inventor_n of_o wine_n and_o oil_n for_o this_o be_v a_o far_o dear_a far_o noble_a and_o more_o desirable_a cherish_n to_o man_n life_n unworthy_o expose_v to_o sadness_n and_o mistake_n which_o he_o shall_v vindicate_v not_o that_o licence_n and_o levity_n and_o unconsent_v breach_n of_o faith_n shall_v herein_o be_v countenance_v but_o that_o some_o conscionable_a and_o tender_a pity_n may_v be_v have_v of_o those_o who_o have_v unwary_o in_o a_o thing_n they_o never_o practise_v before_o make_v themselves_o the_o bondman_n of_o a_o luckless_a and_o helpless_a matrimony_n in_o which_o argument_n he_o who_o courage_n can_v serve_v he_o to_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n must_v look_v for_o two_o several_a opposition_n the_o one_o from_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v themselves_o to_o long_a custom_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n will_v not_o out_o of_o the_o road_n the_o other_o from_o those_o who_o gross_a and_o vulgar_a apprehension_n conceit_n but_o low_a of_o matrimonial_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o male_a and_o female_a think_v they_o have_v all_o nevertheless_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o seek_v by_o due_a way_n to_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o those_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o institution_n promise_v a_o meet_a help_n against_o loneliness_n and_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n be_v not_o speak_v in_o vain_a for_o if_o the_o knot_n of_o marriage_n may_v in_o no_o case_n be_v dissolve_v but_o for_o adultery_n all_o the_o burd'n_n and_o service_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o so_o intolerable_a this_o only_a be_v desire_v of_o they_o who_o be_v mind_v to_o judge_v hardly_o of_o thus_o maintain_v that_o they_o will_v be_v still_o and_o hear_v all_o out_o nor_o think_v it_o equal_a to_o answer_v deliberate_a reason_n with_o sudden_a heat_n and_o noise_n remember_v this_o that_o many_o truth_n now_o of_o reverend_a esteem_n and_o credit_n have_v their_o birth_n and_o beginning_n once_o from_o singular_a and_o private_a thought_n while_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v otherwise_o possess_v and_o have_v the_o fate_n at_o first_o to_o be_v general_o explode_v and_o exclaim_v on_o by_o many_o violent_a opposer_n yet_o i_o may_v err_v perhaps_o in_o soothe_v myself_o that_o this_o present_a truth_n revive_v will_v deserve_v to_o be_v not_o ungentle_o receive_v on_o all_o hand_n in_o that_o it_o undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o inveterate_a disease_n creep_v into_o the_o best_a part_n of_o human_a society_n and_o to_o do_v this_o with_o no_o smart_a corrosive_n but_o with_o a_o smooth_a and_o please_a lesson_n which_o receive_v have_v the_o virtue_n to_o soften_v and_o dispel_v root_v and_o knotty_a sorrow_n and_o without_o enchantment_n or_o spell_n use_v have_v regard_n at_o once_o both_o to_o serious_a pity_n and_o upright_a honesty_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o redeem_n and_o restore_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o compassion_n have_v in_o a_o ill_a hour_n hamper_v themselves_o to_o the_o utter_a dispatch_n of_o all_o their_o most_o belove_a comfort_n and_o repose_n for_o this_o life_n term_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v obstinate_o dislike_v this_o new_a overture_n of_o unexpected_a ease_n and_o recovery_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o deplore_v the_o forwardness_n of_o our_o hopeless_a condition_n which_o neither_o can_v endure_v the_o estate_n we_o be_v in_o nor_o admit_v of_o remedy_n either_o sharp_a or_o sweet_a sharp_a we_o ourselves_o distaste_n and_o sweet_a under_o who_o hand_n we_o be_v be_v scruple_v and_o suspect_v as_o too_o luscious_a in_o such_o a_o posture_n christ_n find_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v neither_o win_v with_o the_o austerity_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o think_v it_o too_o much_o licence_n to_o follow_v free_o the_o charm_a pipe_n of_o he_o who_o sound_v and_o proclaim_v liberty_n and_o relief_n to_o all_o distress_n yet_o truth_n in_o some_o age_n or_o other_o will_v find_v her_o witness_n and_o shall_v be_v justify_v at_o last_o by_o she_o own_o child_n to_o remove_v therefore_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o great_a and_o sad_a oppression_n which_o through_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o literal_a interpret_n have_v invade_v and_o disturb_v the_o dear_a and_o most_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o household_n society_n to_o the_o overburden_v if_o not_o the_o over-whelming_a of_o many_o christian_n better_a worth_n then_o to_o be_v so_o desert_v of_o the_o church_n considerate_a care_n this_o position_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o first_o prove_v then_o answer_v what_o may_v be_v object_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o indisposition_n unfitness_n or_o contrariety_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o cause_n in_o nature_n unchangeable_a hinder_v and_o ever_o likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o main_a benefit_n of_o conjugal_a society_n which_o be_v solace_n and_o peace_n be_v a_o great_a reason_n of_o divorce_n then_o natural_a frigidity_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v no_o child_n and_o that_o there_o be_v mutual_a consent_n for_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o equity_n reclaim_v that_o any_o law_n or_o covenant_n how_o solemn_a or_o strait_a soever_o either_o between_o god_n and_o man_n or_o man_n and_o man_n though_o of_o god_n join_v shall_v bind_v against_o a_o prime_a and_o principal_a scope_n of_o its_o own_o institution_n and_o of_o both_o or_o either_o party_n cou'nant_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v of_o force_n to_o engage_v a_o blameless_a creature_n to_o his_o own_o perpetual_a sorrow_n mistake_v for_o his_o expect_a solace_n without_o suffer_v charity_n to_o step_n in_o and_o do_v a_o confess_v good_a work_n of_o part_v those_o who_o nothing_o hold_v together_o but_o this_o of_o god_n join_v false_o suppose_v against_o the_o express_a end_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o what_o his_o chief_a end_n be_v of_o create_v woman_n to_o be_v join_v with_o man_n his_o own_o institute_v word_n declare_v and_o be_v infallible_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o be_v marriage_n and_o what_o be_v no_o marriage_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v they_o set_v there_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o good_a say_v he_o 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 from_o which_o word_n so_o plain_a less_o can_v be_v conclude_v nor_o be_v by_o any_o learned_a interpreter_n then_o that_o in_o god_n intention_n a_o meet_a and_o happy_a conversation_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o noble_a end_n of_o marriage_n for_o we_o find_v here_o no_o expression_n so_o necessary_o imply_v carnal_a knowledge_n as_o this_o prevention_n of_o loneliness_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n from_o god_n more_o worthy_a so_o excellent_a a_o creatrue_a as_o man_n be_v and_o a_o high_a end_n to_o honour_n and_o sanctify_v the_o league_n of_o marriage_n whenas_o the_o solace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v regard_v and_o provide_v for_o before_o the_o sensitive_a please_n of_o the_o body_n and_o with_o all_o generous_a person_n marry_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o where_o the_o mind_n and_o person_n please_v apt_o there_o some_o unaccomplishment_n of_o the_o body_n delight_n may_v be_v better_o bear_v with_o than_o when_o the_o mind_n hang_v off_o in_o a_o unclose_a disproportion_n though_o the_o body_n be_v as_o it_o ought_v for_o there_o all_o corporal_a delight_n will_v soon_o become_v unsavoury_a and_o contemptible_a and_o the_o solitariness_n of_o man_n which_o god_n have_v namely_o and_o principal_o order_v to_o prevent_v by_o marriage_n have_v no_o remedy_n but_o lie_v under_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o lonely_a single_a life_n for_o in_o single_a life_n the_o absence_n and_o remoteness_n of_o a_o helper_n may_v enure_v he_o to_o expect_v his_o own_o comfort_n out_o of_o himself_o or_o to_o seek_v with_o hope_n but_o here_o the_o continual_a sight_n of_o his_o delude_a thought_n without_o cure_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o he_o if_o especial_o his_o complexion_n incline_v he_o to_o melancholy_n a_o daily_a trouble_n and_o
soul_n to_o his_o in_o the_o cheerful_a society_n of_o wedlock_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a before_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a in_o himself_o how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o needful_a now_o against_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o casualty_n of_o this_o life_n to_o have_v a_o intimate_a and_o speak_a help_n a_o ready_a and_o revive_a associate_n in_o marriage_n whereof_o who_o miss_v by_o chance_v on_o a_o mute_a and_o spiritless_a mate_n remain_v more_o alone_o than_o before_o and_o in_o a_o burn_a less_o to_o be_v contain_v then_o that_o which_o be_v fleshly_a and_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o be_v more_o deep_o root_v even_o in_o the_o faultless_a innocence_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o that_o other_o burn_v which_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o venom_n of_o a_o lusty_a and_o overabound_a concoction_n strict_a life_n and_o labour_n with_o the_o abatement_n of_o a_o full_a diet_n may_v keep_v that_o low_a and_o obedient_a enough_o but_o this_o pure_a and_o more_o inbred_a desire_n of_o join_v to_o itself_o in_o conjugal_a fellowship_n a_o fit_a converse_v soul_n which_o desire_n be_v proper_o call_v love_n be_v strong_a than_o death_n as_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n think_v many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o this_o be_v that_o rational_a burn_v that_o marriage_n be_v to_o remedy_n not_o to_o be_v allay_v with_o fast_v nor_o with_o any_o penance_n to_o be_v subdue_v which_o how_o can_v he_o assuage_v who_o by_o mishap_n have_v meet_v the_o unmeet_a and_o most_o unsuitable_a mind_n who_o have_v the_o power_n to_o struggle_v with_o a_o intelligible_a flame_n not_o in_o paradise_n to_o be_v resist_v become_v now_o more_o ardent_a by_o be_v fail_v of_o what_o in_o reason_n it_o look_v for_o and_o even_o then_o most_o unquenched_a when_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o provender_n burn_v be_v well_o enough_o appease_v and_o yet_o the_o soul_n have_v obtain_v nothing_o of_o what_o it_o just_o desire_v certain_o such_o a_o one_o forbid_v to_o divorce_n be_v in_o effect_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o compel_v to_o great_a difficulty_n then_o in_o a_o single_a life_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o human_a burn_n which_o marriage_n must_v satisfy_v or_o else_o may_v be_v dissolve_v then_o that_o of_o copulation_n marriage_n can_v be_v honourable_a for_o the_o mere_a reduce_n and_o terminate_n of_o lust_n between_o two_o see_v many_o beast_n in_o voluntary_a and_o choose_a couple_n live_v together_o as_o unadulterous_o and_o be_v as_o true_o marry_v in_o that_o respect_n but_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v see_v that_o the_o dignity_n and_o blessing_n of_o marriage_n be_v place_v rather_o in_o the_o mutual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o the_o want_a soul_n needful_o seek_v than_o of_o that_o which_o the_o plenteous_a body_n will_v jolly_o give_v away_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o plato_n in_o his_o festival_n discourse_n bring_v in_o socrates_n relate_v what_o he_o feign_v to_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o prophetess_n diotima_n how_o love_n be_v the_o son_n of_o penury_n beget_v of_o plenty_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o jupiter_n which_o divine_o sort_v with_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n moses_n tell_v we_o that_o love_n be_v the_o son_n of_o loneliness_n beget_v in_o paradise_n by_o that_o sociable_a and_o helpful_a aptitude_n which_o god_n implant_v between_o man_n and_o woman_n towards_o each_o other_o the_o same_o also_o be_v that_o burnine_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n whereof_o marriage_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o remedy_n the_o flesh_n have_v other_o natural_a and_o easy_a curb_n which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o temperate_a man_n when_o therefore_o this_o original_a and_o sinless_a penury_n or_o loneliness_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v lay_v itself_o down_o by_o the_o side_n of_o such_o a_o meet_a and_o acceptable_a union_n as_o god_n ordain_v in_o marriage_n at_o least_o in_o some_o proportion_n it_o can_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o love_n but_o remain_v utter_o unmarried_a under_o a_o formal_a wedlock_n and_o still_o burn_v in_o the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n then_o enter_v hate_n not_o that_o hate_n that_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o only_o be_v natural_a dissatisfaction_n and_o the_o turn_v aside_o from_o a_o mistake_a object_n if_o that_o mistake_n have_v do_v injury_n it_o fail_v not_o to_o dismiss_v with_o recompense_n for_o to_o retain_v still_o and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o love_v be_v to_o heap_v more_o injury_n thence_o that_o wise_a and_o pious_a law_n of_o dismission_n deut._n 24._o 1._o take_v beginning_n of_o which_o anon_o he_o therefore_o who_o lack_v of_o his_o due_a in_o the_o most_o native_a and_o human_a end_n of_o marriage_n think_v it_o better_a to_o part_v then_o to_o live_v sad_o and_o injurious_o to_o that_o cheerfu_a covenant_n for_o not_o to_o be_v belove_v and_o yet_o retain_v be_v the_o great_a injury_n to_o a_o gentle_a spirit_n he_o i_o say_v who_o therefore_o seek_v to_o part_n be_v one_o who_o high_o honour_v the_o marry_a life_n and_o will_v not_o stain_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n which_o now_o move_v he_o to_o divorce_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o best_a of_o those_o that_o can_v first_o warrant_v he_o to_o marry_v for_o as_o be_v plain_o show_v both_o the_o hate_n which_o now_o divert_v he_o and_o the_o loneliness_n which_o lead_v he_o still_o powerful_o to_o seek_v a_o fit_a help_n have_v not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o a_o sin_n in_o it_o if_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o understand_v himself_o three_o yet_o it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v fear_v if_o he_o must_v be_v still_o bind_v without_o reason_n by_o a_o deaf_a rigor_n that_o when_o he_o perceive_v the_o just_a expectance_n of_o his_o mind_n defeat_v he_o will_v begin_v even_o against_o law_n to_o cast_v about_o where_o he_o may_v find_v his_o satisfaction_n more_o complete_a unless_o he_o be_v a_o thing_n heroical_o virtuous_a and_o that_o be_v not_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o man_n for_o who_o chief_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v though_o not_o to_o then_o sin_n yet_o to_o their_o unsirm_a weakness_n it_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n to_o endure_v the_o lonely_a estate_n which_o while_o they_o shun_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o there_o follow_v upon_o this_o a_o worse_a temptation_n for_o if_o he_o be_v such_o as_o have_v spend_v his_o youth_n unblamable_o and_o lay_v up_o his_o chief_a earthly_a comfort_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o content_a marriage_n nor_o do_v neglect_v that_o furderance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v herein_o by_o constant_a prayer_n when_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o bind_v fast_o to_o a_o uncomply_a discord_n of_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o oft_o happen_v to_o a_o image_n of_o earth_n and_o phlegm_n with_o who_o he_o look_v to_o be_v the_o copartner_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o gladsome_a society_n and_o see_v withal_o that_o his_o bondage_n be_v now_o inevitable_a though_o he_o be_v almost_o the_o strong_a christian_n he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o despair_v in_o virtue_n and_o mutin_n against_o divine_a providence_n and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o lapse_n and_o that_o melancholy_a despair_n which_o we_o see_v in_o many_o wed_a person_n though_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o or_o pretend_v other_o cause_n because_o they_o know_v no_o remedy_n and_o be_v of_o extreme_a danger_n therefore_o when_o human_a frailty_n surcharge_v be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n charity_n ought_v to_o venture_v much_o and_o use_v bold_a physic_n lest_o a_o over-tost_a faith_n endanger_v to_o shipwreck_n four_o marriage_n be_v a_o covenant_n the_o very_a be_v whereof_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o force_a cohabitation_n and_o counterfeit_a performance_n of_o duty_n but_o in_o unfeigned_a love_n and_o peace_n thence_o say_v solomon_n in_o ecclesiastes_n live_v joyful_o with_o the_o wife_n who_o thou_o love_v all_o thy_o day_n for_o that_o be_v thy_o portion_n how_o then_o where_o we_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o rejoice_v or_o to_o love_v can_v we_o obey_v this_o precept_n how_o miserable_o do_v we_o defraud_v ourselves_o of_o that_o comfortable_a portion_n which_o god_n give_v we_o by_o strive_v vain_o to_o glue_v a_o error_n together_o which_o god_n and_o nature_n will_v not_o join_v add_v but_o more_o vexation_n and_o violence_n to_o that_o blissful_a society_n by_o one_o importunate_a superstition_n that_o will_v not_o heark'n_v to_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7._o who_o speak_v of_o marriage_n and_o divorce_n determine_v plain_a enough_o in_o general_a that_o god_n therein_o have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o not_o to_o bondage_n yea_o god_n himself_o command_v in_o his_o law_n more_o than_o once_o and_o by_o his_o prophet_n malachy_n as_o calvin_n and_o the_o best_a translation_n read_v that_o he_o who_o hate_v let_v he_o divorce_v
particular_a of_o each_o person_n be_v consider_v then_o of_o those_o three_o end_n which_o god_n appoint_v that_o to_o he_o be_v great_a which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o marriage_n be_v then_o most_o break_v to_o he_o when_o he_o utter_o want_v the_o fruition_n of_o that_o which_o he_o most_o seek_v therein_o whether_o it_o be_v religious_a civil_a or_o corporali_fw-la society_n of_o which_o want_v to_o do_v he_o right_o by_o divorce_n only_o for_o the_o last_o and_o mean_a be_v a_o perverse_n injury_n and_o the_o pretend_a reason_n of_o it_o as_o frigid_a as_o frigidity_n itself_o which_o the_o code_n and_o canon_n be_v only_o ser_z sible_a of_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o controversy_n i_o now_o return_v to_o the_o former_a argument_n and_o have_v show_v that_o disproportion_n contrariety_n or_o numbness_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v divorce_v by_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o prohibition_n thereof_o oppose_v the_o express_a end_n of_o god_n institution_n suffer_v not_o marriage_n to_o satisfy_v that_o intellectual_a and_o innocent_a desire_n which_o god_n himself_o kindle_a in_o man_n to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o wedlock_n but_o only_o to_o remedy_v a_o sublunary_a and_o bestial_a burn_a which_o frugal_a diet_n without_o marriage_n will_v easy_o chast'n_v next_o that_o it_o drive_v many_o to_o transgress_v the_o conjugal_a bed_n while_o the_o soul_n wander_v after_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o it_o have_v hope_n to_o find_v at_o home_n but_o have_v miss_v or_o else_o it_o sit_v repine_v even_o to_o atheism_n find_v itself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o but_o misdeem_n the_o cause_n to_o be_v in_o god_n law_n which_o be_v in_o man_n unrighteous_a ignorance_n i_o have_v show_v also_o how_o it_o untie_v the_o inward_a knot_n of_o marriage_n which_o be_v peace_n and_o love_n if_o that_o can_v be_v untie_v which_o be_v never_o knit_v while_o it_o aim_v to_o keep_v fast_o the_o outward_a formality_n how_o it_o let_v perish_v the_o christian_a man_n to_o compel_v impossible_o the_o marry_a man_n the_o six_o place_n declare_v this_o prohibition_n to_o be_v as_o respectless_a of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o teach_v that_o a_o unlawful_a marriage_n may_v be_v lawful_o divorce_v and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v thorough_o discern_v each_o other_o disposition_n which_o ofttimes_o can_v be_v till_o after_o matrimony_n shall_v then_o find_v a_o powerful_a reluctance_n and_o recoil_v of_o nature_n on_o either_o side_n blast_v all_o the_o content_a of_o their_o mutual_a society_n that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o lawful_o marry_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n say_v i_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n or_o say_v not_o the_o law_n also_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v write_v deut._n 22._o thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o vineyard_n with_o divers_a seed_n lest_o thou_o defile_v both_o thou_o shall_v not_o plow_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n together_o and_o the_o like_a i_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v do_v god_n care_n for_o ass_n and_o ox_n how_o ill_o they_o yoke_v together_o or_o be_v it_o not_o say_v altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o sake_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v write_v yea_o the_o apostle_n himself_o in_o the_o forecited_a 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o allude_v from_o that_o place_n of_o deut._n to_o forbid_v misyok_a marriage_n as_o by_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v evident_a though_o he_o instance_n but_o in_o one_o example_n of_o mismatch_a with_o a_o infidel_n yet_o next_o to_o that_o what_o can_v be_v a_o soule_a incongruity_n a_o great_a violence_n to_o the_o reverend_a secret_n of_o nature_n then_o to_o force_v a_o mixture_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v unite_v and_o to_o sow_v the_o furrow_n of_o man_n nativity_n with_o seed_n of_o two_o incoherent_a and_o uncombine_a disposition_n sure_o if_o any_o noysomnes_n of_o body_n soon_o destroy_v the_o sympathy_n of_o mind_n to_o that_o work_n much_o more_o will_v the_o antipathy_n of_o mind_n infuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o act_n of_o the_o body_n to_o render_v they_o invalid_a unkind_o and_o even_o unholy_a against_o the_o fundamental_a law_n book_n of_o nature_n which_o moses_n never_o thwart_v but_o reverence_v therefore_o he_o command_v we_o to_o force_v nothing_o against_o sympathy_n or_o natural_a order_n no_o not_o upon_o the_o most_o abject_a creature_n to_o show_v that_o such_o a_o indignity_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o man_n without_o a_o impious_a crime_n and_o when_o he_o forbid_v all_o unmatchable_a and_o unmingle_v nature_n to_o consort_n doubtless_o by_o all_o due_a consequence_n if_o they_o chance_v through_o misadventure_n to_o be_v miscouple_v he_o bid_v they_o part_v asunder_o as_o person_n who_o god_n never_o join_v seven_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o divine_n consent_n that_o if_o either_o party_n be_v find_v contrive_v against_o the_o other_o life_n they_o may_v be_v sever_v by_o divorce_n for_o a_o sin_n against_o the_o life_n of_o marriage_n be_v great_a than_o a_o sin_n against_o the_o bed_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o other_o but_o defile_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v touch_v those_o person_n who_o be_v of_o a_o pensive_a nature_n and_o course_n of_o life_n have_v sum_v up_o all_o their_o solace_n in_o that_o free_a and_o lightsome_a conversation_n which_o god_n and_o man_n intend_v in_o marriage_n whereof_o when_o they_o see_v themselves_o deprive_v by_o meet_v a_o unsociable_a consort_n they_o ofttimes_o resent_v one_o another_o mistake_n so_o deep_o that_o long_o it_o be_v not_o ere_o grief_n end_v one_o of_o they_o when_o therefore_o this_o danger_n be_v foresee_v that_o the_o life_n be_v in_o peril_n by_o live_v together_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o helpless_a grief_n or_o wilful_a practice_n be_v the_o cause_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o compulsory_a keep_n of_o marriage_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o cruelty_n to_o force_v a_o man_n to_o remain_v in_o that_o state_n as_o the_o solace_n of_o his_o life_n which_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n know_v will_v be_v either_o the_o undo_n or_o the_o dishearten_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o be_v life_n without_o the_o vigour_n and_o spiritful_a exercise_n of_o life_n how_o can_v it_o be_v useful_a either_o to_o private_a or_o public_a employment_n shall_v it_o be_v therefore_o quite_o deject_v though_o never_o so_o valuable_a and_o leave_v to_o moulder_v away_o in_o heaviness_n for_o the_o superstitious_a and_o impossible_a performance_n of_o a_o ill_n drive_a bargain_n nothing_o more_o inviolable_a than_o vow_v make_v to_o god_n yet_o we_o read_v in_o number_n that_o if_o a_o wife_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vow_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o authority_n of_o her_o husband_n may_v break_v it_o how_o much_o more_o may_v he_o break_v the_o error_n of_o his_o own_o bond_n with_o a_o unfit_a and_o mistake_v wife_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o welfare_n his_o life_n yea_o his_o faith_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o hazard_n of_o overstrong_a temptation_n for_o if_o man_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o fevor_n can_v he_o be_v less_o than_o lord_n of_o marriage_n in_o such_o important_a cause_n as_o these_o eight_o it_o be_v most_o sure_a that_o some_o even_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o plain_o defective_a in_o body_n be_v yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o other_o mariagable_a gift_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o the_o calling_n to_o marry_v unless_o nothing_o be_v requisite_a thereto_o but_o a_o mere_a instrumental_a body_n which_o to_o affirm_v be_v to_o that_o unanimous_a covenant_n a_o reproach_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o sure_a that_o many_o such_o not_o of_o their_o own_o desire_n but_o by_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n or_o not_o know_v themselves_o do_v often_o enter_v into_o wedlock_n where_o find_v the_o difference_n at_o length_n between_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o marry_a life_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o single_a life_n what_o unfitness_n of_o mind_n what_o wearisomeness_n what_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n to_o a_o incredible_a offence_n and_o displeasure_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v between_o may_v be_v soon_o imagine_v who_o thus_o to_o shut_v up_o and_o immure_v in_o a_o unequal_a and_o mischosen_a match_n be_v not_o a_o course_n that_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n ought_v to_o use_v as_o for_o the_o custom_n that_o some_o parent_n and_o guardian_n have_v of_o force_v marriage_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o say_v nothing_o of_o such_o a_o savage_a inhumanity_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o law_n which_o give_v not_o all_o freedom_n of_o divorce_n to_o any_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n so_o assassinate_v be_v next_o in_o cruelty_n nine_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v we_o that_o marriage_n be_v a_o human_a society_n and_o that_o all_o human_a society_n must_v proceed_v from_o
the_o mind_n rather_o than_o the_o body_n else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o animal_n or_o beastish_n meeting_n if_o the_o mind_n therefore_o can_v have_v that_o due_a company_n by_o marriage_n that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o and_o humanly_a desire_n that_o marriage_n can_v be_v no_o human_a society_n but_o a_o certain_a formality_n or_o gild_v over_o of_o little_a better_o than_o a_o brutish_a congress_n and_o so_o in_o very_a wisdom_n and_o pureness_n to_o be_v dissolve_v but_o marriage_n be_v more_o than_o human_a the_o covenant_n of_o god_n pro._n 2._o 17._o therefore_o man_n can_v dissolve_v it_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v more_o than_o human_a so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o argue_v the_o chief_a society_n thereof_o to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o great_a breach_n thereof_o to_o be_v unfitness_n of_o mind_n rather_o than_o defect_n of_o body_n for_o the_o body_n can_v have_v left_a affinity_n in_o a_o covenant_n more_o than_o human_a so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o dissolve_v hold_v good_a the_o rather_o again_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o high_a institution_n a_o command_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o the_o breach_n whereof_o god_n have_v far_o more_o and_o often_o testify_v his_o anger_n then_o for_o divorce_n which_o from_o moses_n till_o after_o the_o captivity_n he_o never_o take_v displeasure_n at_o nor_o then_o neither_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o text_n and_o yet_o as_o oft_o as_o the_o good_a of_o man_n be_v concern_v he_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o command_v to_o break_v the_o sabbath_n what_o covenant_n more_o contract_v with_o god_n and_o less_o in_o man_n power_n then_o the_o vow_n which_o have_v once_o past_o his_o lip_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v find_v rash_a if_o offensive_a if_o unfruitful_a either_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o the_o good_a of_o man_n our_o doctrine_n force_v not_o error_n and_o unwillingness_n irksom_o to_o keep_v it_o but_o counsel_v wisdom_n and_o better_a thought_n bold_o to_o break_v it_o therefore_o to_o enjoin_v the_o indissoluble_a keep_n of_o a_o marriage_n find_v unfit_a against_o the_o good_a of_o man_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o have_v be_v evidence_v be_v to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o marriage_n to_o advance_v it_o above_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n to_o make_v it_o a_o transcendent_a command_n above_o both_o the_o second_o and_o the_o first_o table_n which_o be_v a_o most_o prodigious_a doctrine_n next_o whereas_o they_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o proverb_n that_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o human_a that_o consequence_n be_v manifest_o false_a for_o so_o the_o covenant_n which_o zedeckiah_n make_v with_o the_o infidel_n king_n of_o babel_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n ezech._n 17._o 19_o which_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o hear_v count_v more_o than_o a_o human_a covenant_n so_o every_o covenant_n between_o man_n and_o man_n bind_v by_o oath_n may_v be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n because_o god_n therein_o be_v attest_v so_o of_o marriage_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o witness_n yet_o hence_o will_v not_o follow_v any_o divine_a astriction_n more_o than_o what_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o main_a good_a of_o either_o party_n for_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o esteem_a fitness_n one_o for_o the_o other_o be_v the_o motive_n which_o lead_v they_o both_o at_o first_o to_o think_v without_o other_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v join_v they_o together_o so_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v by_o their_o apparent_a unfitness_n that_o their_o continue_n to_o be_v man_n and_o wife_n be_v against_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a happiness_n it_o may_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n never_o join_v they_o who_o have_v revel_v his_o gracious_a will_v not_o to_o set_v the_o ordinance_n above_o the_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v ordain_v not_o to_o canonize_v marriage_n either_o as_o a_o tyranness_n or_o a_o goddess_n over_o the_o enfranchised_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o wherein_o can_v god_n delight_v wherein_o be_v worship_v wherein_o be_v glorify_v by_o the_o forcible_a continue_n of_o a_o improper_a and_o ill-yok_a couple_n he_o that_o love_v not_o to_o see_v the_o disparity_n of_o several_a cattle_n at_o the_o plow_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o vast_a unmeetnes_n in_o marriage_n where_o can_v be_v the_o peace_n and_o love_n which_o must_v invite_v god_n to_o such_o a_o house_n may_v it_o not_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o not_o divorce_v of_o such_o a_o helpless_a disagreement_n will_v be_v the_o divorce_n of_o god_n final_o from_o such_o a_o place_n but_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n they_o say_v i_o grant_v it_o but_o which_o of_o job_n affliction_n be_v send_v he_o with_o that_o law_n that_o he_o may_v not_o use_v mean_n to_o remove_v any_o of_o they_o if_o he_o can_v and_o what_o if_o it_o subvert_v our_o patience_n and_o our_o faith_n too_o who_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o perish_n of_o all_o those_o soul_n perish_v by_o stubborn_a exposition_n of_o particular_a and_o inferior_a precept_n against_o the_o general_a and_o supreme_a rule_n of_o charity_n they_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o marriage_n be_v either_o a_o sacrament_n or_o a_o mystery_n though_o all_o those_o sacred_a thing_n give_v place_n to_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o invest_v it_o with_o such_o a_o awful_a sanctity_n and_o give_v it_o such_o adamantine_a chain_n to_o bind_v with_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v like_o some_o indian_a deity_n when_o it_o can_v confer_v no_o blessing_n upon_o we_o but_o work_v more_o and_o more_o to_o our_o misery_n to_o such_o teacher_n the_o say_n of_o st._n peter_n at_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v do_v well_o to_o be_v apply_v why_o tempt_v you_o god_n to_o put_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a man_n which_o neither_o the_o jew_n god_n ancient_a people_n nor_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o nothing_o but_o unwary_a expound_v have_v bring_v upon_o we_o to_o these_o consideration_n this_o also_o may_v be_v add_v as_o no_o improbable_a conjecture_n see_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o follow_v anabaptism_n famelism_n antinomianism_n and_o other_o fanatic_a dream_n be_v such_o most_o common_o as_o be_v by_o nature_n addict_v to_o a_o zeal_n of_o religion_n of_o life_n also_o not_o debauch_v and_o that_o their_o opinion_n have_v full_a swing_n do_v end_n in_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v come_v with_o reason_n into_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n whether_o all_o this_o proceed_v not_o partly_o if_o not_o chief_o from_o the_o restraint_n of_o some_o lawful_a liberty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v man_n and_o be_v deny_v they_o as_o by_o physic_n we_o learn_v in_o menstruous_a body_n where_o nature_n current_n have_v be_v stop_v that_o the_o suffocation_n and_o upward_o force_v of_o some_o low_a part_n affect_v the_o head_n and_o inward_a sense_n with_o dotage_n and_o idle_a fancy_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o the_o rest_n of_o vulgar_a man_n not_o so_o religious_o profess_v do_v not_o give_v themselves_o much_o the_o more_o to_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n love_v the_o corrupt_a and_o venial_a discipline_n of_o clergy_n court_n but_o hate_v to_o hear_v of_o perfect_a reformation_n when_o as_o they_o foresee_v that_o then_o fornication_n shall_v be_v austere_o censute_v adultery_n punish_v and_o marriage_n the_o appoint_a refuge_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o hap_v to_o be_v never_o so_o incongruous_a and_o displease_a must_v yet_o of_o force_n be_v wear_v out_o when_o it_o can_v be_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o of_o strife_n and_o hatred_n a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n this_o may_v be_v worth_a the_o study_n of_o skilful_a man_n in_o theology_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o last_o to_o examine_v whether_o some_o undue_a and_o ill_a ground_a strictness_n upon_o the_o blameless_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o those_o place_n where_o already_o reformation_n be_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o and_o so_o unavoidable_o break_v be_v bring_v into_o contempt_n and_o derision_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o let_v those_o who_o be_v still_o bend_v to_o hold_v this_o obstinate_a literality_n so_o prepare_v themselves_o as_o to_o share_v in_o the_o account_n for_o all_o these_o transgression_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v demand_v at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o one_o who_o will_v scan_v and_o sift_v thing_n with_o more_o than_o a_o literal_a wisdom_n of_o enquiry_n for_o if_o these_o reason_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o jealous_a of_o lay_v on_o excessive_a burden_n then_o ever_o the_o law_n be_v lest_o the_o soul_n
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