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
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
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
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
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
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