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 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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
the_o law_n be_v unjust_a give_v grace_n of_o pardon_n without_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o give_v allowance_n without_o pardon_n it_o will_v be_v dissolute_a and_o deceitful_a say_v in_o general_a do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o yet_o deceive_v and_o damn_v with_o obscure_a and_o hollow_a permission_n we_o find_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v always_o more_o effectual_a in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n than_o in_o the_o move_n of_o our_o will_n to_o any_o excellence_n of_o virtue_n either_o above_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o heathen_a hence_o those_o indulgence_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o can_v receive_v this_o say_n every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n with_o strict_a charge_n not_o to_o lay_v on_o yoke_n which_o our_o father_n can_v not_o bear_v but_o this_o that_o moses_n suffer_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o suffer_v not_o by_o that_o enact_a dispensation_n far_o be_v it_o but_o by_o a_o mere_a accidental_a sufferance_n of_o undiscovered_a hypocrite_n who_o make_v ill_a use_n of_o that_o law_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v enact_v a_o dispensation_n for_o hard_a heart_n to_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o must_v live_v in_o privilege_a adultery_n however_o it_o go_v for_o the_o receive_a opinion_n i_o shall_v ever_o dissuade_v myself_o from_o so_o much_o hardihood_n as_o to_o believe_v certain_o this_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n who_o pure_a eye_n can_v behold_v much_o less_o his_o perfect_a law_n dispense_v with_o such_o impurity_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o dispensation_n be_v either_o to_o avoid_v worse_a inconvenience_n or_o to_o support_v infirm_a conscience_n for_o a_o time_n but_o that_o a_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v as_o long_o live_v as_o a_o law_n to_o tolerate_v adultery_n for_o hardness_n of_o heart_n both_o sin_n perhaps_o of_o like_a degree_n and_o yet_o this_o obdurate_a disease_n can_v be_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v the_o more_o amend_v by_o this_o unclean_a remedy_n be_v a_o notion_n of_o that_o extravagance_n from_o the_o sage_a principle_n of_o piety_n that_o who_o consider_v thorough_o can_v but_o admire_v how_o this_o have_v be_v digest_v all_o this_o while_n what_o may_v we_o do_v then_o to_o salve_v this_o seem_a inconsistence_n i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n then_o this_o moses_n deut._n 24_o 1._o establish_v a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a law_n full_a of_o moral_a equity_n full_a of_o due_a consideration_n towards_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v resist_v a_o law_n consent_v with_o the_o law_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o civil_a nation_n that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v marry_v a_o wife_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o can_v love_v she_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o displease_a natural_a quality_n or_o unfitness_n in_o she_o let_v he_o write_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n the_o intent_n of_o which_o law_n undoubted_o be_v this_o that_o if_o any_o good_a and_o peaceable_a man_n shall_v discover_v some_o helpless_a disagreement_n or_o dislike_n either_o of_o mind_n or_o body_n whereby_o he_o can_v not_o cheerful_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o husband_n without_o the_o perpetual_a dissemble_n of_o offence_n and_o disturbance_n to_o his_o spirit_n rather_o than_o to_o live_v uncomfortable_o and_o unhappy_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o wife_n rather_o than_o to_o continue_v undertake_v a_o duty_n which_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o discharge_v he_o may_v dismiss_v she_o who_o he_o can_v not_o tolerable_o and_o so_o not_o conscionable_o retain_v and_o this_o law_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o solomon_n pro._n 30._o 21._o 23._o testify_v to_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o necessary_a law_n by_o grant_v it_o that_o to_o dwell_v with_o a_o hate_a woman_n for_o hate_v the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o nature_n can_v endure_v what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o law_n must_v remedy_v what_o nature_n can_v undergo_v now_o that_o many_o licentious_a and_o hard_a hearted_a man_n take_v hold_v of_o this_o law_n to_o cloak_v their_o bad_a purpose_n be_v nothing_o strange_a to_o believe_v and_o these_o be_v they_o not_o for_o who_o moses_n make_v the_o law_n god_n forbid_v but_o who_o hardness_n of_o heart_n take_v ill_a advantage_n by_o this_o law_n he_o hold_v it_o better_a to_o suffer_v as_o by_o accident_n where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v detect_v rather_o than_o good_a man_n shall_v lose_v their_o just_a and_o lawful_a privilege_n of_o remedy_n christ_n therefore_o have_v to_o answer_v these_o tempt_a pharise_n according_a as_o his_o custom_n be_v not_o mean_v to_o inform_v their_o proud_a ignorance_n what_o moses_n do_v in_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o have_v ill_o cite_v suppress_v the_o true_a cause_n for_o which_o moses_n give_v it_o and_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o slight_a matter_n tell_v they_o their_o own_o what_o moses_n be_v force_v to_o suffer_v by_o their_o abuse_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a if_o we_o mark_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o fiâ—th_n of_o matth._n cite_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n false_o ground_v upon_o that_o law_n and_o in_o those_o other_o place_n chap._n 19_o and_o mark_n 10._o the_o pharise_n cite_v the_o law_n but_o conceal_v the_o wise_a and_o human_a reason_n there_o express_v which_o our_o saviour_n correct_v not_o in_o they_o who_o pride_n deserve_v not_o his_o instruction_n only_o return_v they_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o moses_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n suffer_v you_o that_o be_v such_o as_o you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n and_o to_o you_o he_o write_v this_o precept_n for_o that_o cause_n which_o to_o you_o must_v be_v read_v with_o a_o impression_n and_o understand_v limited_o of_o such_o as_o cover_v ill_a purpose_n under_o that_o law_n for_o it_o be_v seasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v hear_v their_o own_o unbounded_a licence_n rebuke_v but_o not_o seasonable_a for_o they_o to_o hear_v a_o good_a man_n requisite_a liberty_n explain_v and_o to_o amaze_v they_o the_o more_o because_o the_o pharise_n think_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n he_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o that_o unseparable_a institution_n which_o god_n ordain_v in_o the_o beginning_n before_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v both_o perfect_a and_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o separate_v just_a as_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n he_o stand_v not_o to_o contend_v with_o the_o arrogant_a young_a man_n who_o boast_v his_o observance_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n whether_o he_o have_v indeed_o keep_v it_o or_o not_o but_o skrue_v he_o up_o high_a to_o a_o task_n of_o that_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o in_o like_o manner_n that_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n he_o set_v before_o the_o opinionative_a pharise_n to_o dazzle_v they_o and_o not_o to_o bind_v we_o for_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a rule_n that_o every_o command_n give_v with_o a_o reason_n bind_v our_o obedience_n no_o otherwise_o then_o that_o reason_n hold_v of_o this_o sort_n be_v that_o command_n in_o eden_n therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n which_o we_o see_v be_v no_o absolute_a command_n but_o with_o a_o inference_n therefore_o the_o reason_n than_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v that_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o misobedience_n the_o first_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o single_a because_o the_o wife_n be_v to_o the_o husband_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o in_o the_o verse_n go_v before_o but_o this_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o for_o his_o wife_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o mother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v far_o more_o flesh_n of_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o bone_n as_o be_v make_v of_o their_o substance_n and_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o sorry_a and_o ignoble_a society_n of_o life_n who_o unseparable_a injunction_n depend_v mere_o upon_o flesh_n and_o bone_n therefore_o we_o must_v look_v high_a since_o christ_n himself_o recall_v we_o to_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o primitive_a reason_n of_o never_o divorce_a be_v that_o sacred_a and_o not_o vain_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o remedy_v man_n loneliness_n by_o make_v he_o a_o help_n meet_v for_o he_o though_o not_o now_o in_o perfection_n as_o at_o first_o yet_o still_o in_o proportion_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v and_o this_o be_v repeat_v ver._n 20._o when_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v fit_o associate_v and_o bring_v to_o adam_n as_o if_o the_o divine_a power_n have_v be_v in_o some_o care_n and_o deep_a
especial_o when_o he_o be_v frame_v their_o law_n and_o they_o to_o all_o possible_a perfection_n but_o they_o be_v to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o iustitution_n nay_o rather_o why_o be_v not_o that_o individual_a institution_n bring_v out_o of_o paradise_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o repeat_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o law_n that_o man_n may_v have_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v a_o command_n for_o that_o any_o sentence_n that_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o precept_n set_v there_o so_o out_o of_o place_n in_o another_o world_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o not_o once_o mention_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o oblige_a command_n to_o we_o be_v very_o disputable_a and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o command_n without_o further_a dispute_n however_o it_o command_v not_o absolute_o as_o have_v be_v clear_v but_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o precedent_a promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o his_o institution_n if_o that_o appear_v not_o in_o some_o tolerable_a sort_n how_o can_v we_o affirm_v such_o a_o matrimony_n to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o god_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o accident_n it_o will_v best_o behoove_v our_o soberness_n to_o follow_v rather_o what_o moral_a sinai_n prescribe_v equal_a to_o our_o strength_n then_o fond_o to_o think_v within_o our_o strength_n all_o that_o lose_a paradise_n relate_v another_o while_n it_o shall_v suffice_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o judicial_a law_n and_o so_o be_v abrogate_a nay_o rather_o be_v not_o abrogate_a because_o judicial_a which_o law_n the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o and_o who_o put_v it_o in_o man_n power_n to_o exempt_v where_o christ_n speak_v in_o general_a of_o not_o abrogate_a thou_o least_o jot_n or_o tittle_n and_o in_o special_a not_o that_o of_o divorce_n because_o it_o follow_v among_o those_o law_n which_o he_o promise_v express_o not_o to_o abrogate_v but_o to_o vindicate_v from_o abusive_a tradition_n and_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o 31._o ver._n of_o mat._n the_o 5._o he_o there_o cite_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o licentious_a gloss_n which_o traduce_v the_o law_n that_o therefore_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o he_o abrogate_a and_o not_o only_o abrogate_a but_o disallow_v and_o flat_o condemn_v which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o that_o have_v be_v foul_o to_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o great_a servant_n to_o abrogate_v a_o law_n make_v with_o god_n allowance_n have_v be_v to_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v now_o to_o cease_v but_o to_o refute_v it_o with_o a_o ignominious_a note_n of_o civilise_v adultery_n cast_v the_o reprooff_o which_o be_v mean_v only_o to_o the_o pharise_n even_o upon_o he_o who_o make_v the_o law_n but_o yet_o if_o that_o be_v judicial_a which_o belong_v to_o a_o civil_a court_n this_o law_n be_v less_o judicial_a than_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n for_o antiquary_n affirm_v that_o divorce_n proceed_v among_o the_o jew_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o magistrate_n only_o with_o hand_n and_o seal_n under_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o rabbi_n to_o be_v then_o present_a and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o pure_a moral_a economical_a law_n too_o hasty_o impute_v of_o tolerate_v sin_n be_v rather_o so_o clear_a in_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o man_n own_o arbitrement_n to_o be_v determine_v between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o take_v from_o the_o master_n of_o family_n but_o rectify_v only_o to_o a_o right_a and_o wary_a use_n at_o home_n that_o power_n the_o undiscerning_a canonist_n have_v improper_o usurp_v into_o his_o court-leet_n and_o bescribbled_a with_o a_o thousand_o trifle_a impertinency_n which_o yet_o have_v fill_v the_o life_n of_o man_n with_o serious_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n yet_o grant_v it_o be_v of_o old_a a_o judicial_a law_n it_o need_v not_o be_v the_o less_o moral_a for_o that_o be_v conversant_a as_o it_o be_v about_o virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v not_o here_o the_o judicature_n for_o that_o be_v not_o his_o office_n but_o the_o morality_n of_o divorce_n whether_o it_o be_v adultery_n or_o no_o if_o therefore_o he_o touch_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o all_o he_o touch_v the_o moral_a part_n thereof_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v reform_v the_o exact_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o work_n eternal_a and_o immutable_a or_o if_o he_o touch_v not_o the_o law_n at_o all_o then_o be_v not_o the_o allowance_n thereof_o disallow_v to_o we_o other_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o allege_v that_o this_o licence_n of_o divorce_v be_v give_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o accustom_a in_o egypt_n as_o if_o a_o ill_a custom_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v to_o all_o posterity_n for_o the_o dispensation_n be_v both_o universal_a and_o of_o time_n unlimited_a and_o so_o indeed_o no_o dispensation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o over-dated_a dispensation_n of_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o increase_v hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o make_v man_n but_o wax_n more_o incorrigible_a which_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o be_v say_v of_o any_o law_n or_o allowance_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o in_o these_o opinion_n it_o will_v be_v more_o religion_n to_o advise_v well_o lest_o we_o make_v ourselves_o just_a than_o god_n by_o censure_v rash_o that_o for_o sin_n which_o his_o unspotted_a law_n without_o rebuke_n allow_v and_o his_o people_n without_o be_v conscious_a of_o displease_v he_o have_v use_v and_o if_o we_o can_v think_v so_o of_o moses_n as_o that_o the_o jewish_a obstinacy_n can_v compel_v he_o to_o write_v such_o impure_a permission_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o judgement_n doubtless_o it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o have_v protest_v public_o what_o strait_n he_o be_v drive_v to_o and_o to_o have_v declare_v his_o conscience_n when_o he_o give_v any_o law_n against_o his_o mind_n for_o the_o law_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o conscience_n must_v not_o be_v intermix_v with_o corrupt_a indulgence_n for_o than_o it_o lose_v the_o great_a praise_n it_o have_v of_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a not_o lead_v into_o error_n as_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v lead_v by_o this_o connivance_n of_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v a_o connivance_n but_o still_o they_o fly_v back_o to_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o will_v have_v we_o re-enter_v paradise_n against_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v it_o who_o i_o again_o thus_o reply_v to_o that_o the_o place_n in_o genesis_n contain_v the_o description_n of_o a_o fit_a and_o perfect_a marriage_n with_o a_o interdict_v of_o ever_o divorce_v such_o a_o union_n but_o where_o nature_n be_v discover_v to_o have_v never_o join_v indeed_o but_o vehement_o seek_v to_o part_n it_o can_v be_v there_o conceive_v that_o god_n forbid_v it_o nay_o he_o command_v it_o both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o perkins_n upon_o this_o chap._n of_o mat._n deal_v plain_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o confute_v not_o moses_n law_n but_o the_o false_a gloss_n that_o deprave_v the_o law_n which_o be_v true_a perkins_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o something_o than_o be_v leave_v to_o that_o law_n which_o christ_n find_v no_o fault_n with_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o conscionable_a use_n of_o such_o liberty_n as_o the_o plain_a word_n import_v so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n christ_n do_v not_o absolute_o intend_v to_o restrain_v all_o divorce_n to_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o adultery_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_n that_o he_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o law_n concerning_o divorce_n shall_v look_v also_o back_o upon_o the_o first_o institution_n that_o he_o may_v endeavour_v what_o be_v perfect_a and_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o institution_n shall_v not_o refuse_v as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a those_o allowanee_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o his_o follow_a law_n lest_o he_o make_v himself_o pure_a than_o his_o maker_n and_o presume_v above_o strength_n slip_v into_o temptation_n irrecoverable_o for_o this_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o all_o those_o decree_n concerning_o marriage_n god_n shall_v never_o once_o mention_v the_o prime_a institution_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o divorce_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v small_a sin_n as_o opposite_a to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o let_v this_o adulterous_a matter_n of_o divorce_n pass_v ever_o unreproved_a this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o see_v christ_n do_v not_o condemn_v whatever_o it_o be_v that_o moses_n suffer_v and_o that_o
our_o choice_a home-blessing_n and_o coin_v they_o into_o cross_n for_o want_v whereby_o to_o hold_v commerce_n with_o patience_n if_o any_o therefore_o who_o shall_v hap_v to_o read_v this_o discourse_n have_v be_v through_o misadventure_n ill_o engage_v in_o this_o contract_a evil_a here_o complain_v of_o and_o find_v the_o fit_n and_o work_n of_o a_o high_a impatience_n frequent_o upon_o he_o of_o all_o those_o wild_a word_n which_o man_n in_o misery_n think_v to_o ease_v themselves_o by_o utter_v let_v he_o not_o open_a his_o lip_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o heaven_n or_o tax_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o be_v equal_a easy_a and_o not_o burdensome_a nor_o do_v they_o ever_o cross_v the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o man_n nor_o involve_v this_o our_o portion_n of_o mortal_a life_n into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sadness_n and_o malcontent_n by_o law_n command_v over_o the_o unreducible_a antipathy_n of_o nature_n soon_o or_o late_a find_v but_o allow_v we_o to_o remedy_n and_o shake_v off_o those_o evil_n into_o which_o human_a error_n have_v lead_v we_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o best_a intention_n and_o to_o support_v our_o incident_a extremity_n by_o that_o authentic_a precept_n of_o sovereign_a charity_n who_o grand_a commission_n be_v to_o do_v and_o to_o dispose_v over_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o man_n that_o love_n and_o truth_n may_v advance_v each_o other_o to_o everlasting_a while_o we_o literal_o superstitious_a through_o customary_a faintness_n of_o heart_n not_o venture_v to_o pierce_v with_o our_o free_a thought_n into_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n abandon_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o usurp_a opinion_n suffer_v those_o ordinance_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o our_o solace_n and_o revive_v to_o trample_v over_o we_o and_o hale_v we_o into_o a_o multitude_n of_o sorrow_n which_o god_n never_o mean_v we_o and_o where_o he_o set_v we_o in_o a_o fair_a allowance_n of_o way_n with_o honest_a liberty_n and_o prudence_n to_o our_o guard_n we_o never_o leave_v subtilize_v and_o casuist_v till_o we_o have_v straiten_v and_o pare_v that_o liberal_a path_n into_o a_o razor_n edge_n to_o walk_v on_o between_o a_o precipice_n of_o unnecessary_a mischief_n on_o either_o side_n and_o start_v at_o every_o false_a alarm_n we_o do_v not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o set_v a_o foot_n forward_o with_o manly_a confidence_n and_o christian_a resolution_n through_o the_o confuse_a ring_v in_o our_o ear_n of_o panic_n scruple_n and_o amazement_n another_o act_n of_o papal_a encroachment_n it_o be_v to_o pluck_v the_o power_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o divorce_n from_o the_o master_n of_o family_n into_o who_o hand_n god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v put_v it_o and_o christ_n so_o leave_v it_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o not_o authorise_v a_o judicial_a court_n to_o toss_v about_o and_o divulge_v the_o unaccountable_a and_o secret_a reason_n of_o disaffection_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o improper_o answerable_a to_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o trial_n but_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n perceive_v the_o great_a revenu_fw-la and_o high_a authority_n it_o will_v give_v they_o even_o over_o prince_n to_o have_v the_o judge_v and_o decide_v of_o such_o a_o main_a consequence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n as_o be_v divorce_n wrought_v so_o upon_o the_o superstition_n of_o those_o age_n as_o to_o divest_v they_o of_o that_o right_n which_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v entrust_v to_o the_o husband_n by_o which_o mean_v they_o subject_v that_o ancient_a and_o natural_o domestic_a prerogative_n to_o a_o external_a and_o unbefitting_a judicature_n for_o although_o difference_n in_o divorce_n about_o dowry_n jointure_n and_o the_o like_a beside_o the_o punish_n of_o adultery_n ought_v not_o to_o pass_v without_o refer_v if_o need_v be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o he_o to_o interpose_v his_o jurisdictive_a power_n upon_o the_o inward_a and_o irremediable_a disposition_n of_o man_n to_o command_v love_n and_o sympathy_n to_o forbid_v dislike_n against_o the_o guiltless_a instinct_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o within_o the_o province_n of_o any_o law_n to_o reach_v and_o be_v indeed_o a_o uncommodious_a rudeness_n not_o a_o just_a power_n for_o if_o nature_n resistless_a sway_n in_o love_n or_o hate_v be_v once_o compel_v it_o grow_v careless_a of_o itself_o vicious_a useless_a to_o friend_n unserviceable_a and_o spiritless_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o moses_n right_o foresee_v and_o all_o wise_a lawgiver_n that_o ever_o know_v man_n what_o kind_n of_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o parliament_n also_o and_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o when_o they_o consent_v that_o harry_n the_o 8_o may_v put_v away_o his_o q._n anne_n of_o cleve_n who_o he_o can_v not_o like_o after_o he_o have_v be_v wed_v half_o a_o year_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o contrary_a to_o the_o proverb_n they_o make_v a_o necessity_n of_o that_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o virtue_n in_o they_o to_o do_v for_o even_o the_o freedom_n and_o eminence_n of_o man_n creation_n give_v he_o to_o be_v a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o other_o sex_n which_o be_v make_v for_o he_o who_o therefore_o though_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o injure_v yet_o neither_o shall_v he_o be_v force_v to_o retain_v in_o society_n to_o his_o own_o overthrow_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o judge_n therein_o above_o himself_o it_o be_v also_o a_o unseemly_a affront_n to_o the_o sequester_a and_o vail_a modesty_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o have_v her_o unpleasingnes_n and_o other_o concealment_n bandy_v up_o and_o down_o and_o aggravate_v in_o open_a court_n by_o those_o hire_a master_n of_o tongue-fence_n such_o uncomely_a exigence_n it_o befall_v no_o less_o a_o majesty_n than_o henry_n the_o 8_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o who_o find_v just_a reason_n in_o his_o conscience_n to_o forgo_v his_o brother_n wife_n after_o many_o indignity_n of_o be_v delude_v and_o make_v a_o boy_n of_o by_o those_o his_o two_o cardinal_a judge_n be_v constrain_v at_o last_o for_o want_v of_o other_o prooff_o that_o she_o have_v be_v carnal_o know_v by_o prince_n arthur_n even_o to_o uncover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o that_o virtuous_a lady_n and_o to_o recite_v open_o the_o obscene_a evidence_n of_o his_o brother_n chamberlain_n yet_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v he_o see_v all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n by_o discover_v this_o which_o they_o exercise_v over_o divorce_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o beginner_n of_o a_o reformation_n to_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o first_o assert_v into_o his_o familiary_a power_n the_o right_n of_o just_a divorce_n it_o be_v true_a a_o adultre_n can_v be_v shame_v enough_o by_o any_o public_a proceed_n but_o that_o woman_n who_o honour_n be_v not_o appeach_v be_v less_o injure_v by_o a_o silent_a dismission_n be_v otherwise_o not_o illiberal_o deal_v with_o then_o to_o endure_v a_o clamour_a debate_n of_o utterles_a thing_n in_o a_o business_n of_o that_o civil_a secrecy_n and_o difficult_a discern_a as_o not_o to_o be_v overmuch_o question_v by_o near_a friend_n which_o draw_v that_o answer_n from_o the_o great_a and_o worthy_a roman_a of_o his_o time_n paulus_n emilius_n be_v demand_v why_o he_o will_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n for_o no_o visible_a reason_n this_o shoe_n say_v he_o and_o hold_v it_o out_o on_o his_o foot_n be_v a_o neat_a shoe_n a_o new_a shoe_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o you_o know_v where_o it_o wring_v i_o much_o less_o by_o the_o unfamiliar_a cognisance_n of_o a_o feeed_a gamester_n can_v such_o a_o private_a difference_n be_v examine_v neither_o ought_v it_o last_o all_o law_n be_v for_o some_o good_a that_o may_v be_v frequent_o attain_v without_o the_o admixture_n of_o a_o worse_a inconvenience_n but_o the_o law_n forbid_v divorce_n never_o attain_v to_o any_o good_a end_n of_o such_o prohibition_n but_o rather_o multiply_v evil_a if_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o establishment_n of_o matrimony_n we_o know_v that_o can_v thrive_v under_o a_o loathe_a and_o force_a yoke_n but_o be_v daily_o violate_v if_o it_o seek_v to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n of_o divorce_v that_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o law_n to_o prevent_v for_o he_o that_o will_v divorce_v and_o marry_v again_o but_o for_o the_o law_n have_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n do_v it_o already_o civil_a or_o political_a sin_n it_o never_o be_v neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a nor_o by_o any_o judicial_a intendment_n of_o christ_n only_o culpable_a as_o it_o transgress_v the_o allowance_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n which_o not_o any_o law_n but_o conscience_n only_o can_v evince_v the_o law_n can_v only_o look_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o the_o divorce_v which_o
the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o divorce_n restore_v to_o the_o good_a of_o both_o sex_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o canon_n law_n and_o other_o mistake_n to_o christian_a freedom_n guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n wherein_o also_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n have_v recover_v their_o long-lost_a meaning_n seasonable_a to_o be_v now_o think_v on_o in_o the_o reformation_n intend_v matth._n 13._o 52._o every_o scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o the_o master_n of_o a_o house_n which_o bring_v out_o of_o his_o treasury_n thing_n old_a and_o new_a london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n in_o goldsmith_n alley_n 1643._o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o divorce_n restore_v to_o the_o good_a of_o both_o sex_n many_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o fate_n or_o fond_a opinion_n easy_o persuade_v themselves_o if_o god_n will_v but_o be_v please_v a_o while_n to_o withdraw_v his_o just_a punishment_n from_o we_o and_o to_o 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and_o yet_o the_o misinterpret_a of_o some_o scripture_n direct_v main_o against_o the_o abuser_n of_o the_o law_n for_o divorce_v give_v they_o by_o moses_n have_v change_v the_o blessing_n of_o matrimony_n not_o seldom_o into_o a_o familiar_a and_o coinhabit_a mischief_n at_o least_o into_o a_o droop_a and_o disconsolate_a household_n captivity_n without_o refuge_n or_o redemption_n so_o ungoverned_a and_o so_o wild_a a_o race_n do_v superstition_n run_v we_o from_o one_o extreme_a of_o abuse_a liberty_n into_o the_o other_o of_o unmerciful_a restraint_n for_o although_o god_n in_o the_o first_o ordain_v of_o marriage_n teach_v we_o to_o what_o end_n he_o do_v it_o in_o word_n express_o imply_v the_o apt_a and_o cheerful_a conversation_n of_o man_n with_o woman_n to_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v he_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o solitary_a life_n not_o mention_v the_o purpose_n of_o generation_n till_o afterwards_o as_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a end_n in_o dignity_n though_o not_o in_o necessity_n yet_o now_o if_o any_o two_o be_v but_o once_o hand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v taste_v in_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n let_v they_o find_v themselves_o never_o so_o mistake_v in_o their_o disposition_n through_o any_o error_n concealment_n or_o misadventure_n that_o through_o their_o different_a temper_n thought_n and_o constitution_n they_o can_v neither_o be_v to_o one_o another_o a_o remedy_n against_o loneliness_n nor_o live_v in_o any_o union_n or_o contentment_n all_o their_o day_n yet_o they_o shall_v so_o they_o be_v but_o find_v suitable_o weapon_v to_o the_o lest_o possibility_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n bemade_v spite_n of_o antipathy_n to_o fadge_v together_o and_o combine_v as_o they_o may_v to_o their_o unspeakable_a wearisomeness_n and_o despair_n of_o all_o sociable_a delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o god_n establish_v to_o that_o very_a end_n what_o a_o calamity_n be_v this_o and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n if_o he_o be_v alive_a will_v sigh_v out_o in_o his_o own_o phrase_n what_o a_o sore_a evil_n be_v this_o under_o the_o sun_n all_o which_o we_o can_v refer_v just_o to_o no_o other_o author_n then_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o her_o adherent_n not_o consult_v with_o charity_n the_o interpreter_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o rest_v in_o the_o mere_a element_n of_o the_o text_n doubtless_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v that_o gracious_a ordinance_n become_v unsupportable_a that_o what_o with_o man_n not_o dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o wedlock_n and_o what_o with_o man_n weary_v out_o of_o it_o all_o inordinate_a licence_n may_v abound_v it_o be_v for_o many_o age_n that_o marriage_n lie_v in_o disgrace_n with_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n as_o a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n almost_o a_o defilement_n whole_o deny_v to_o priest_n and_o the_o second_o time_n dissuade_v to_o all_o as_o he_o that_o read_v tertullian_n or_o jerom_n may_v see_v at_o large_a afterwards_o it_o be_v think_v so_o sacramental_a that_o no_o adultery_n can_v dissolve_v it_o yet_o there_o remain_v a_o burden_n on_o it_o as_o heavy_a as_o the_o other_o two_o be_v disgraceful_a or_o superstitious_a and_o of_o as_o much_o iniquiry_n cross_v a_o law_n not_o only_o write_v by_o moses_n but_o character_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o deep_a ground_n than_o marriage_n itself_o which_o law_n be_v to_o force_v nothing_o against_o the_o faultless_a propriety_n of_o nature_n yet_o that_o this_o may_v be_v colourable_o do_v our_o saviour_n word_n touch_v divorce_n be_v as_o it_o be_v congeal_v into_o a_o stony_a rigor_n inconsistent_a both_o with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o office_n and_o that_o which_o he_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o conscience_n be_v by_o canonical_a tyranny_n snatch_v into_o the_o compulsive_a censure_n of_o a_o judicial_a court_n where_o law_n be_v impose_v even_o against_o the_o venerable_a and_o secret_a power_n of_o nature_n impression_n to_o love_v what_o ever_o cause_n be_v find_v to_o loathe_v which_o be_v a_o heinous_a barbarism_n both_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o marriage_n the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o his_o soul_n the_o goodness_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o human_a respect_n of_o civility_n notwithstanding_o that_o some_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a among_o the_o christian_a emperor_n who_o have_v about_o they_o to_o consult_v with_o those_o of_o the_o father_n then_o live_v who_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v still_o with_o we_o in_o great_a renown_n have_v make_v their_o statute_n and_o edict_n concerning_o this_o debate_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o relent_a in_o many_o necessary_a case_n wherein_o the_o canon_n be_v inflexible_a and_o hugo_n grotius_n a_o man_n of_o these_o time_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a seem_v not_o obscure_o to_o adhere_v in_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o equity_n of_o those_o imperial_a decree_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o evangelist_n much_o allay_v the_o outward_a roughness_n of_o the_o text_n which_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v too_o immoderate_o expound_v and_o excite_v the_o diligence_n of_o other_o to_o inquire_v further_o into_o this_o question_n as_o contain_v many_o point_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v explain_v by_o which_o and_o by_o my_o own_o apprehension_n of_o what_o public_a duty_n each_o man_n owe_v i_o conceive_v myself_o exhort_v among_o the_o rest_n to_o communicate_v such_o thought_n as_o i_o have_v and_o offer_v they_o now_o in_o this_o general_a labour_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o candid_a view_n both_o of_o church_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o because_o i_o see_v it_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n that_o those_o irregular_a and_o unspiritual_a court_n have_v spin_v their_o utmost_a date_n in_o this_o land_n and_o some_o better_a course_n must_v now_o be_v constitute_v he_o therefore_o that_o by_o adventure_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
of_o a_o christian_n which_o be_v inestimable_a shall_v be_v over-tempt_v and_o cast_v away_o consider_v also_o that_o many_o property_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o power_n of_o regeneration_n itself_o never_o alter_v may_v cause_v dislike_n of_o converse_v even_o between_o the_o most_o sanctify_a which_o continual_o grate_v in_o harsh_a tune_n together_o may_v breed_v some_o jar_n and_o discord_n and_o that_o end_n in_o rancour_n and_o strife_n a_o thing_n so_o opposite_a both_o to_o marriage_n and_o to_o christianity_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v less_o scandal_n to_o divorce_v a_o natural_a disparity_n then_o to_o link_v violent_o together_o a_o unchristian_a dissension_n commit_v two_o ensnare_v soul_n inevitable_o to_o kindle_v one_o another_o not_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n but_o with_o a_o hatred_n inconcileable_a who_o be_v they_o disseverd_v will_v be_v straight_a friend_n in_o any_o other_o relation_n but_o if_o a_o alphabetical_a servility_n must_v be_v still_o urge_v it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o true_a church_n may_v unwitting_o use_v as_o much_o cruelty_n in_o forbid_v to_o divorce_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antichrist_n do_v wilful_o in_o forbid_v to_o marry_v but_o what_o be_v all_o these_o reason_n worth_a will_v some_o reply_n when_o as_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_o against_o all_o divorce_n except_o in_o case_n of_o fornication_n let_v such_o remember_v as_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o just_a reason_n of_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o letter_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o consider_v upon_o what_o occasion_n every_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o and_o by_o compare_v other_o text_n the_o occasion_n which_o induce_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v of_o divorce_n be_v either_o to_o convince_v the_o extravagance_n of_o the_o pharise_n in_o that_o point_n or_o to_o give_v a_o sharp_a and_o vehement_a answer_n to_o a_o tempt_a question_n and_o in_o such_o case_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o repose_v all_o upon_o the_o literal_a term_n of_o so_o many_o word_n many_o instance_n will_v teach_v we_o wherein_o we_o may_v plain_o discover_v how_o christ_n mean_v not_o to_o be_v take_v word_n for_o word_n but_o like_o a_o wise_a physician_n administer_a one_o excess_n against_o another_o to_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o perfect_a mean_a where_o the_o pharise_n be_v strict_a there_o christ_n seem_v remiss_a where_o they_o be_v too_o remiss_a he_o see_v it_o needful_a to_o seem_v most_o severe_a in_o one_o place_n he_o censure_v a_o unchaste_a look_n to_o be_v adultery_n already_o commit_v another_o time_n he_o pass_v over_o actual_a adultery_n with_o less_o reproof_n then_o for_o a_o unchaste_a look_n not_o so_o heavy_o condemn_v secret_a weakness_n as_o open_a malice_n so_o here_o he_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o have_v give_v this_o rigid_a sentence_n against_o divorce_n not_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o remedy_n from_o a_o good_a man_n who_o find_v himself_o consume_v away_o in_o a_o disconsolate_a and_o uninjoy_v matrimony_n but_o to_o lay_v a_o bridâ—e_n upon_o the_o bold_a abuse_n of_o those_o overween_a rabbi_n which_o he_o can_v not_o more_o effectual_o do_v than_o by_o a_o countersway_n of_o restraint_n curb_v their_o wild_a exorbitance_n almost_o into_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o when_o we_o bow_v thing_n the_o contrary_a way_n to_o make_v they_o come_v to_o their_o natural_a straitness_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a intention_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o evident_a if_o we_o attend_v but_o to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o protestation_n make_v in_o the_o same_o sermon_n not_o many_o verse_n before_o he_o treat_v of_o divorce_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o abrogate_v from_o the_o law_n one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n and_o denounce_v against_o they_o that_o shall_v so_o teach_v so_o that_o the_o question_n of_o divorce_n follow_v upon_o this_o his_o open_a profession_n must_v needs_o confirm_v we_o that_o what_o ever_o else_o in_o the_o political_a law_n of_o more_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o jew_n may_v cease_v to_o we_o yet_o that_o of_o those_o precept_n concerning_o divorce_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v repeal_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o these_o our_o saviour_n word_n inveigh_v against_o all_o divorce_n and_o condemn_v it_o as_o adultery_n except_o it_o be_v for_o adultery_n and_o be_v not_o rather_o understand_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o divorce_n permit_v in_o the_o law_n then_o be_v that_o law_n of_o moses_n deut._n 24._o 1._o not_o only_o repeal_v and_o whole_o annul_v against_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o know_a prfession_n not_o to_o meddle_v in_o matter_n judicial_a but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a the_o very_a substance_n and_o purpose_n of_o that_o law_n be_v contradict_v and_o convince_v both_o of_o injustice_n and_o impurity_n as_o have_v authorise_a and_o maintain_v legal_a adultery_n by_o statute_n moses_n also_o can_v escape_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unequal_a and_o unwise_a decree_n punish_v one_o act_n of_o secret_a adultery_n by_o death_n and_o permit_v a_o whole_a life_n of_o open_a adultery_n by_o law_n and_o albeit_o lawyer_n write_v that_o some_o political_a edict_n though_o not_o approve_v be_v yet_o allow_v to_o the_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n these_o excuse_n have_v but_o a_o weak_a pulse_n for_o first_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o scoundrel_n people_n but_o the_o choice_a the_o wise_a the_o holy_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v frequent_o use_v these_o law_n or_o such_o as_o these_o second_o be_v it_o yield_v that_o in_o matter_n not_o very_o bad_a or_o impure_a a_o human_a lawgiver_n may_v slacken_v something_o of_o that_o which_o be_v exact_o good_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n but_o if_o the_o perfect_a the_o pure_a the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v all_o his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v find_v to_o have_v allow_v smooth_o without_o any_o certain_a reprehension_n that_o which_o christ_n afterward_o declare_v to_o be_v adultery_n how_o can_v we_o free_v this_o law_n from_o the_o horrible_a endightment_n of_o be_v both_o impure_a unjust_a and_o fallacious_a neither_o will_v it_o serve_v to_o say_v this_o be_v permit_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o that_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o explain_v for_o the_o law_n be_v then_o but_o a_o corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a schoolmaster_n teach_v we_o to_o dash_v against_o a_o vital_a maxim_n of_o religion_n by_o do_v foul_a evil_n in_o hope_n of_o some_o uncertain_a good_a we_o can_v therefore_o with_o safety_n thus_o confine_v the_o free_a simplicity_n of_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o that_o which_o mere_o amount_v from_o so_o many_o letter_n whenas_o it_o can_v consist_v neither_o with_o his_o former_a and_o cautionary_a word_n nor_o with_o the_o scope_n of_o charity_n command_v by_o his_o express_a commission_n in_o a_o high_a strain_n but_o all_o rather_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o only_o against_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o wise_a and_o ingenuous_a liberty_n which_o moses_n give_v and_o to_o terrify_v a_o rove_a conscience_n from_o sin_v under_o that_o pretext_n other_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o matter_n by_o not_o grant_v any_o law_n of_o divorce_n but_o only_o a_o dispensation_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o himself_o call_v it_o a_o law_n mark_n 10._o 5._o but_o i_o answer_v admit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dispensation_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n remain_v the_o dispensation_n ought_v let_v it_o be_v show_v therefore_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o man_n why_o this_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v make_v void_a the_o gospel_n indeed_o exhort_v to_o high_a perfection_n but_o bear_v with_o weak_a infirmity_n more_o than_o the_o law_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o weak_a and_o yet_o as_o hard_o and_o that_o weakness_n and_o hardness_n as_o unfit_a and_o as_o unteachable_a to_o be_v harsh_o deal_v with_o as_o ever_o i_o but_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o spirit_n pour_v upon_o the_o gospel_n which_o require_v perfect_a obedience_n but_o that_o consequence_n be_v deceavable_a for_o it_o be_v the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o exact_a of_o our_o obedience_n even_o under_o the_o gospel_n how_o can_v it_o then_o exact_a concerning_o divorce_n that_o which_o it_o never_o exact_v before_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n revel_a grace_n not_o command_v a_o new_a morality_n but_o assure_v justification_n by_o faith_n only_o content_v if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o square_v our_o moral_a duty_n by_o those_o wise_a and_o equal_a mosaic_a rule_n which_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o strict_a and_o as_o unpardonable_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o we_o otherwise_o
thought_n because_o there_o be_v not_o yet_o find_v a_o help_n meet_v for_o man_n and_o can_v we_o so_o slight_o depress_v the_o all-wise_a purpose_n of_o a_o deliberate_v god_n as_o iâ—_z his_o consultation_n have_v produc'â—_z no_o other_o good_a for_o man_n but_o to_o join_v he_o with_o a_o accidental_a companion_n of_o propagation_n which_o his_o sudden_a word_n have_v already_o make_v for_o every_o beast_n nay_o a_o far_o less_o good_a to_o man_n it_o will_v be_v find_v if_o she_o must_v at_o all_o aventure_n be_v fasten_v upon_o he_o individual_o and_o therefore_o even_o plain_a sense_n and_o equity_n and_o which_o be_v above_o they_o both_o the_o all-interpreting_a voice_n of_o charity_n herself_o cry_v loud_a that_o this_o primitive_a reason_n this_o consult_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o meet_a help_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n that_o give_v authority_n to_o this_o command_n of_o not_o divorce_v to_o be_v a_o command_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o if_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o wife_n be_v ask_v in_o good_a earnest_n this_o clause_n of_o be_v a_o meet_a help_n will_v show_v itself_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o essential_a in_o that_o demonstrative_a argument_n that_o it_o may_v be_v logical_o conclude_v therefore_o she_o who_o natural_o and_o perpetual_o be_v no_o meet_a help_n can_v be_v no_o wife_n which_o clear_o take_v away_o the_o difficulty_n of_o dismiss_v such_o a_o one_o hence_o be_v manifest_a that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o institution_n as_o our_o saviour_n mention_v for_o he_o mention_v not_o all_o be_v but_o to_o quell_v and_o put_v to_o nonplus_n the_o tempt_a pharise_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o ignorance_n and_o shallow_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o have_v you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n which_o these_o blind_a usurper_n of_o moses_n chair_n can_v not_o gainsay_v as_o if_o this_o single_a respect_n of_o male_a and_o female_n be_v sufficient_a against_o a_o thousand_o inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n to_o clog_n a_o rational_a creature_n to_o his_o endless_a sorrow_n unrelinquishable_o what_o if_o they_o have_v thus_o answer_v master_n if_o thou_o intend_v to_o make_v wedlock_n as_o inseparable_a as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n let_v it_o be_v make_v also_o a_o fit_a society_n as_o god_n intend_v it_o which_o we_o shall_v soon_o understand_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o thou_o recite_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o the_o law_n doubtless_o our_o saviour_n have_v applaud_v their_o just_a answer_n for_o than_o they_o have_v expound_v this_o command_n of_o paradise_n even_o as_o moses_n himself_o expound_v it_o by_o his_o law_n of_o divorce_n that_o be_v with_o due_a and_o wise_a regard_n have_v to_o the_o premise_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o command_n according_a to_o which_o without_o unclean_a and_o temporize_a permission_n he_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n what_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v about_o divorce_n but_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o disciple_n offend_v at_o the_o rigor_n of_o christ_n answer_n couâ—d_fw-mi yet_o obtain_v no_o mitigation_n of_o the_o former_a sentence_n pronounce_v to_o the_o pharise_n it_o may_v be_v full_o answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n continue_v the_o same_o reply_n to_o his_o disciple_n as_o man_n leaven_v with_o the_o same_o customary_a licence_n which_o the_o pharise_n maintain_v and_o displease_v at_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o traditional_a abuse_n whereto_o they_o have_v so_o long_o not_o unwilling_o be_v use_v it_o be_v no_o time_n then_o to_o contend_v with_o then_o flow_v and_o prejudicial_a belief_n in_o a_o thing_n wherein_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o scripture_n with_o some_o attention_n may_v afterwards_o inform_v they_o well_o enough_o after_o these_o consideration_n to_o take_v a_o law_n out_o of_o paradise_n give_v in_o time_n of_o original_a perfection_n and_o to_o take_v it_o bare_o without_o those_o just_a and_o equal_a inference_n and_o reason_n which_o main_o establish_v it_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v those_o needful_a and_o safe_a allowance_n wherewith_o moses_n himself_o interpret_v it_o to_o the_o fall_a condition_n of_o man_n argue_v nothing_o in_o we_o but_o rashness_n and_o contempt_n of_o those_o mean_n that_o god_n leave_v we_o in_o his_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o strict_a imposition_n of_o this_o command_n or_o if_o we_o strive_v beyond_o our_o strength_n we_o shall_v strive_v to_o obey_v it_o otherwise_o then_o god_n command_v it_o and_o lament_a experience_n daily_o teach_v the_o bitter_a and_o vain_a fruit_n of_o this_o our_o presumption_n force_v man_n in_o a_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v either_o of_o their_o strength_n or_o their_o sufferance_n who_o neither_o one_o vice_n nor_o other_o by_o natural_a addiction_n but_o only_o marriage_n ruin_n which_o doubtless_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o that_o ordinance_n for_o god_n give_v it_o as_o a_o blessing_n nor_o always_o of_o man_n mischoose_n it_o be_v a_o error_n above_o wisdom_n to_o prevent_v as_o example_n of_o wise_a man_n so_o mistake_v manifest_a it_o be_v the_o fault_n therefore_o of_o a_o perverse_n opinion_n that_o will_v have_v it_o continue_v in_o despite_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o true_o join_v all_o those_o expositor_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o mat._n confess_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n wherein_o no_o addition_n or_o diminution_n have_v place_n yet_o come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o divorce_n as_o if_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o be_v call_v lest_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n any_o slight_a evasion_n will_v content_v they_o to_o reconcile_v those_o contradiction_n which_o they_o make_v between_o christ_n and_o moses_n between_o christ_n and_o christ_n some_o will_v have_v it_o no_o law_n but_o the_o grant_a premise_n of_o another_o law_n follow_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mark_n 10._o 5._o and_o all_o other_o translation_n of_o grave_a authority_n who_o render_v it_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n agreeable_a to_o malach._n 2._o 16._o as_o it_o be_v most_o ancient_o and_o modern_o expound_v beside_o the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v orderly_o and_o legal_a and_o what_o avail_v this_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n more_o righteous_a if_o such_o a_o adulterous_a condition_n shall_v be_v mention_v to_o build_v a_o law_n upon_o without_o either_o punishment_n or_o so_o much_o as_o forbid_v they_o pretend_v it_o be_v implicit_o reprove_v in_o these_o word_n deut._n 24._o 4._o after_o she_o be_v defile_v but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o defilement_n be_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o return_v to_o her_o 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shall_v be_v direct_o forbid_v but_o it_o be_v not_o approve_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a that_o it_o be_v allow_v as_o if_o sin_n have_v over_o master_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o conform_v her_o steady_a and_o strait_a rule_n to_o sin_n crookedness_n which_o be_v impossible_a beside_o what_o need_v a_o positive_a grant_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o approve_v it_o restrain_v no_o liberty_n to_o he_o that_o can_v but_o use_v a_o little_a fraud_n it_o have_v be_v better_o silence_v unless_o it_o be_v approve_v in_o some_o case_n or_o other_o can_v we_o conceive_v without_o vile_a thought_n that_o the_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n can_v endure_v so_o many_o age_n to_o gratify_v a_o stubborn_a people_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o foul_a pollute_a sin_n and_o can_v he_o expect_v they_o shall_v abstain_v he_o not_o signify_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o plain_a command_n at_o such_o time_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 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and_o of_o christ_n that_o justify_v he_o in_o choose_v the_o less_o evil_a which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o civil_a prudence_n in_o the_o law_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o legal_a wisdom_n though_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o common_a expositor_n have_v thus_o unfold_v those_o ambiguous_a reason_n wherewith_o christ_n as_o his_o wont_n be_v give_v to_o the_o pharise_n that_o come_v to_o sound_v he_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o deserve_v it_o will_v not_o be_v uneasy_a to_o explain_v the_o sentence_n itself_o that_o now_o follow_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n and_o shall_v marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o be_v observe_v by_o grotius_n upon_o this_o point_n a_o man_n of_o general_a learning_n next_o i_o produce_v what_o my_o own_o thought_n give_v i_o before_o i_o have_v see_v his_o annotation_n origen_n say_v he_o note_n that_o christ_n name_v adultery_n rather_o as_o one_o example_n of_o other_o like_a case_n then_o as_o one_o only_a exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_a not_o only_o in_o human_a but_o in_o divine_a law_n to_o express_v one_o kind_n of_o fact_n whereby_o other_o cause_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v have_v the_o like_a plea_n as_o exod._n 21._o 18_o 19_o 20._o 26._o deut._n 19_o 5._o and_o from_o the_o maxim_n of_o civil_a law_n he_o show_v that_o even_o in_o sharp_a penal_a law_n the_o same_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o right_n and_o in_o gentle_a law_n that_o from_o like_o cause_n to_o like_v the_o law_n interpret_v right_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v say_v he_o that_o nothing_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o wedlock_n so_o much_o as_o adultery_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o marriage_n be_v not_o ordain_v only_o for_o copulation_n but_o for_o mutual_a help_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o mark_v diligent_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n command_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o both_o their_o beginning_n and_o their_o end_n consist_v in_o charity_n who_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o be_v good_a to_o other_o as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cruel_a to_o ourselves_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v why_o mark_n and_o luke_n and_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o cor._n mention_v this_o precept_n of_o christ_n add_v no_o exception_n because_o exception_n that_o arise_v from_o natural_a equity_n be_v include_v silent_o under_o general_a term_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v therefore_o whether_o the_o same_o equity_n may_v not_o have_v place_n in_o other_o case_n less_o frequent_a thus_o far_o he_o from_o hence_o be_v what_o i_o add_v first_o that_o this_o say_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o expound_v can_v be_v no_o law_n at_o all_o that_o man_n for_o no_o cause_n shall_v separate_v but_o for_o adultery_n except_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a law_n not_o bind_v we_o as_o we_o now_o be_v have_v it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o the_o jew_n or_o some_o other_o wise_a and_o civil_a nation_n will_v have_v press_v it_o or_o let_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o law_n deut._n 24._o 1._o whereby_o a_o man_n have_v leave_v to_o part_n whenas_o for_o just_a and_o natural_a cause_n discover_v he_o can_v love_v be_v a_o law_n ancient_a and_o deep_a engrave_v in_o blameless_a nature_n than_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o inspire_a lawgiver_n moses_n take_v care_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v specify_v and_o allow_v the_o other_o he_o let_v vanish_v in_o silence_n not_o once_o repeat_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o his_o law_n even_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vanish_v with_o paradise_n second_o this_o can_v be_v no_o new_a command_n for_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v no_o new_a morality_n save_v only_o the_o infinite_a enlargement_n of_o charity_n which_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o new_a commandment_n by_o st._n john_n as_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o command_n three_o it_o be_v no_o command_n of_o perfection_n further_o than_o it_o partake_v of_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n those_o command_v therefore_o which_o compel_v we_o to_o self-cruelty_n above_o our_o strength_n so_o hardly_o will_v help_v forward_o to_o perfection_n that_o they_o hinder_v and_o set_v backward_o in_o all_o the_o common_a rudiment_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v prove_v it_o be_v thus_o clear_a that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v no_o kind_n of_o command_n as_o they_o be_v vulgar_o take_v we_o shall_v now_o see_v in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v a_o command_n and_o that_o a_o excellent_a one_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o no_o other_o moses_n have_v grant_v that_o only_a for_o a_o natural_a annoyance_n defect_n or_o dislike_n whether_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n plain_o note_v which_o a_o man_n can_v not_o force_v himself_o to_o live_v with_o he_o may_v give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n thereby_o forbid_v any_o other_o cause_n wherein_o amendment_n or_o reconciliation_n may_v have_v place_n this_o law_n the_o pharise_n deprave_v extend_v to_o any_o slight_a contentious_a cause_n whatsoever_o christ_n therefore_o see_v where_o they_o halt_v urge_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v necessary_o understand_v for_o the_o determinate_a permission_n of_o moses_n bind_v they_o from_o further_a licence_n and_o check_v their_o supercilious_a drift_n declare_v that_o no_o accidental_a temporary_a or_o reconciliable_a offence_n except_o fornication_n can_v justify_v a_o divorce_n he_o touch_v not_o here_o those_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a hindrance_n of_o society_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v a_o unchangeable_a offence_n so_o be_v they_o not_o capable_a of_o reconcilement_n because_o not_o of_o amendment_n thus_o be_v
in_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v none_o as_o a_o mere_a separation_n for_o if_o she_o consent_v wherein_o have_v the_o law_n to_o right_v she_o or_o consent_v not_o then_o be_v it_o either_o just_a and_o so_o deserve_v or_o if_o unjust_a such_o in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v the_o divorcer_n and_o to_o part_n from_o a_o unjust_a man_n be_v a_o happiness_n and_o no_o injury_n to_o be_v lament_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o injury_n the_o law_n be_v not_o able_a to_o amend_v it_o unless_o she_o think_v it_o other_o than_o a_o miserable_a redress_n to_o return_v back_o from_o whence_o she_o be_v expel_v or_o but_o entreat_v to_o be_v go_v or_o else_o to_o live_v apart_o still_o marry_v without_o marriage_n a_o marry_a widow_n last_o if_o it_o be_v to_o chast'n_v the_o divorcer_n what_o law_n punish_v a_o deed_n which_o be_v not_o moral_a but_o natural_a a_o deed_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o injury_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v punish_v by_o prohibit_v the_o divorce_n but_o that_o the_o innocent_a must_v equal_o partake_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o law_n can_v to_o no_o rational_a purpose_n forbid_v divorce_n it_o can_v only_o take_v care_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o divorce_n be_v not_o injurious_a but_o what_o shall_v than_o the_o disposal_n of_o that_o power_n return_v again_o to_o the_o master_n of_o family_n wherefore_o not_o since_o god_n there_o put_v it_o and_o the_o presumptuous_a canon_n thence_o bereave_v it_o this_o only_a must_v be_v provide_v that_o the_o ancient_a manner_n be_v observe_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o grave_a select_a elder_n who_o after_o they_o shall_v have_v admonish_v and_o press_v upon_o he_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v protest_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o eternal_a gospel_n and_o the_o hope_v he_o have_v of_o happy_a resurrection_n that_o otherwise_o then_o thus_o he_o can_v do_v and_o think_v himself_o and_o this_o his_o case_n not_o contain_v in_o that_o prohibition_n of_o divorce_n which_o christ_n pronounce_v the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o malice_n but_o of_o nature_n and_o so_o not_o capable_a of_o reconcile_a to_o constrain_v he_o surde_a be_v to_o unehristen_v he_o to_o unman_v he_o to_o throw_v the_o mountain_n of_o sinai_n upon_o he_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n to_o boot_v flat_a against_o the_o liberty_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o nothing_o available_a either_o to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o marriage_n the_o good_a of_o husband_n wife_n or_o child_n nothing_o profitable_a either_o to_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n but_o this_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n it_o will_v not_o it_o wrought_v so_o little_a disorder_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o from_o moses_n till_o after_o the_o captivity_n not_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n think_v it_o worth_a rebuke_v for_o that_o of_o malachy_n well_o look_v into_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o against_o divorce_v but_o rather_o against_o keep_v strange_a concubine_n to_o the_o vexation_n of_o their_o hebrew_a wife_n if_o therefore_o we_o christian_n may_v be_v think_v as_o good_a and_o tractable_a as_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o certain_o the_o prohibiter_n of_o divorce_n presume_v we_o to_o be_v better_a then_o less_o confusion_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v for_o this_o among_o we_o than_o be_v among_o they_o if_o we_o be_v worse_a or_o but_o as_o bad_a which_o lamentable_a example_n confirm_v we_o be_v then_o have_v we_o more_o or_o at_o least_o as_o much_o need_n of_o this_o permit_a law_n as_o they_o to_o who_o god_n express_o give_v it_o under_o a_o harsh_a covenant_n let_v not_o therefore_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n go_v on_o thus_o invent_v needless_a trouble_n to_o itself_o to_o groan_v under_o the_o false_a imagination_n of_o a_o strictness_n never_o impose_v from_o above_o enjoin_v that_o for_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o impossible_a and_o vain_a supererogate_a be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o shoulà _v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o let_v we_o not_o be_v thus_o overcurious_a to_o strain_v at_o atom_n and_o yet_o to_o stop_v every_o vent_n and_o cranny_n of_o permissive_a liberty_n lest_o nature_n want_v those_o needful_a pore_n and_o breathe_a place_n which_o god_n have_v not_o debar_v our_o weakness_n either_o sudden_o break_v out_o into_o some_o wide_a rupture_n of_o open_a vice_n and_o frantic_a heresy_n or_o else_o inward_o fester_v with_o repine_v and_o blasphemous_a thought_n under_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o fruitless_a rigor_n of_o unwarranted_a law_n against_o which_o evil_n nothing_o can_v more_o beseem_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n then_o to_o consider_v timely_a and_o provide_v and_o in_o so_o do_v let_v they_o not_o doubt_v but_o they_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o misreputed_a honour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o great_a lawgiver_n by_o suffer_v he_o to_o give_v his_o own_o law_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n nature_n best_o know_v to_o he_o without_o the_o unsufferable_a imputation_n of_o dispense_v legal_o with_o many_o age_n of_o ratify_a adultery_n they_o shall_v recover_v the_o misattended_a word_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o true_a sense_n from_o manifold_a contradiction_n and_o shall_v open_v they_o with_o the_o key_n of_o charity_n many_o helpless_a christian_n they_o shall_v raise_v from_o the_o depth_n of_o sadness_n and_o distress_n utter_o unfit_a as_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o man_n many_o they_o shall_v reclaim_v from_o obscure_a and_o giddy_a sect_n many_o regain_v from_o dissolute_a and_o brutish_a licence_n many_o from_o desperate_a hardness_n if_o ever_o that_o be_v just_o plead_v they_o shall_v set_v free_a many_o daughter_n of_o israel_n not_o want_v much_o of_o her_o sad_a plight_n who_o satan_n have_v bind_v eighteen_o year_n man_n they_o shall_v restore_v to_o his_o just_a dignity_n and_o prerogative_n in_o nature_n prefer_v the_o soul_n free_a peace_n before_o the_o promiscuous_a drain_n of_o a_o carnal_a rage_n marriage_n from_o a_o perilous_a hazard_n and_o snare_n they_o shall_v reduce_v to_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a haven_n and_o retirement_n of_o happy_a society_n when_o they_o shall_v judge_v according_a to_o god_n and_o moses_n and_o how_o not_o then_o according_a to_o christ_n when_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o more_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o break_v that_o covenant_n seem_o and_o keep_v it_o real_o then_o by_o compulsion_n of_o la_fw-fr w_o to_o keep_v it_o seem_o and_o by_o compulsion_n of_o blameless_a nature_n to_o break_v it_o real_o at_o least_o if_o it_o be_v ever_o true_o join_v the_o vigour_n of_o discipline_n they_o may_v then_o turn_v with_o better_a success_n upon_o the_o prostitute_n looseness_n of_o the_o time_n when_o man_n find_v in_o themselves_o the_o infirmity_n of_o former_a age_n shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v above_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o they_o to_o unprofitable_a and_o impossible_a observance_n never_o require_v from_o the_o civil_a the_o wise_a the_o holy_a nation_n who_o other_o excellency_n in_o moral_a virtue_n they_o never_o yet_o can_v equal_v last_o of_o all_o to_o those_o who_o mind_n still_o be_v to_o maintain_v textual_a restriction_n whereof_o the_o bare_a sound_n can_v consist_v sometime_o with_o humanity_n much_o less_o with_o charity_n i_o will_v ever_o answer_v by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n of_o a_o command_n above_o all_o command_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v and_o who_o speak_v it_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o this_o which_o they_o so_o exalt_v be_v but_o a_o petty_a and_o subordinate_a precept_n let_v they_o go_v therefore_o with_o who_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o couple_v they_o yet_o they_o will_v needs_o run_v into_o the_o same_o blindness_n with_o the_o pharise_n let_v they_o go_v therefore_o and_o consider_v well_o what_o this_o lesson_n mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v for_o on_o that_o say_n all_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n depend_v much_o more_o the_o gospel_n who_o end_n and_o excellence_n be_v mercy_n and_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o can_v learn_v that_o how_o will_v they_o hear_v this_o which_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o leave_v with_o they_o as_o a_o conclusion_n that_o god_n the_o son_n have_v put_v all_o other_o thing_n under_o his_o own_o foot_n but_o his_o commandment_n he_o have_v leave_v all_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o charity_n the_o end_n omit_v pa._n 19_o lin._n 28._o who_o thus_o to_o shut_v up_o and_o immure_v together_o the_o one_o with_o a_o mischosen_a mate_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_a calling_n be_v not_o a_o course_n etc._n etc._n omit_v pa._n 24._o lin._n 22._o uncertain_a good_a this_o only_a text_n not_o to_o be_v match_v again_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n whereby_o god_n in_o his_o perfect_a law_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o the_o hard_a heart_n of_o his_o holy_a people_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o civil_a immunity_n and_o free_a charter_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o long_a successive_a adultery_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n till_o the_o messiah_n and_o then_o that_o indulgent_a permission_n to_o be_v strict_o deny_v by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n beside_o the_o incoherence_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v must_v not_o be_v thus_o interpret_v to_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o paradox_n never_o know_v till_o then_o only_o hang_v by_o the_o twine_a thread_n of_o one_o doubtful_a scripture_n against_o so_o many_o other_o rule_n and_o lead_a principle_n of_o religion_n of_o justice_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n for_o what_o can_v be_v grant_v more_o either_o to_o the_o fear_n or_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o any_o tyrant_n or_o politician_n than_o this_o authority_n of_o moses_n thus_o expound_v which_o open_v he_o a_o way_n at_o will_n to_o dam_v up_o justice_n and_o not_o only_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o romish_a or_o austrian_a dispense_v but_o to_o enact_v a_o statute_n of_o that_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o seem_v to_o approve_v even_o to_o legitimate_a vice_n to_o make_v sin_n itself_o a_o free_a citizen_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n pretend_v only_o these_o or_o these_o plausible_a reason_n and_o well_o he_o may_v all_o the_o while_n that_o moses_n shall_v be_v allege_v to_o have_v do_v as_o much_o without_o show_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o yet_o this_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o david_n psal_n 94._o 20._o how_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o endeavour_n to_o fashion_n wickedness_n by_o law_n shall_v derive_v itself_o from_o god_n and_o isaiah_n lay_v woe_n upon_o they_o that_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n 10._o 1._o now_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o better_a lawgiver_n and_o which_o deseru_v most_o a_o woe_n he_o that_o give_v out_o a_o edict_n single_o unjust_a or_o he_o that_o confirm_v to_o generation_n a_o fix_a and_o unmolested_a impunity_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o hold_v to_o be_v unjust_a but_o also_o unclean_a and_o both_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n not_o only_o as_o they_o themselves_o affirm_v a_o injurious_a expulsion_n of_o one_o wife_n but_o also_o a_o unclean_a freedom_n by_o more_o than_o a_o patent_n to_o wed_v another_o adulterous_o how_o can_v we_o therefore_o with_o safety_n thus_o dangerous_o confine_v the_o free_a simplicity_n of_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o that_o which_o mere_o amount_v from_o so_o many_o letter_n whenas_o it_o can_v consist_v neither_o with_o his_o former_a and_o cautionary_a word_n nor_o with_o other_o more_o pure_a and_o holy_a principle_n nor_o final_o with_o the_o scope_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n
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