A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

Again, men may thus sin by unjust dissolving of Marriages, by deserting, divorcing without the just cause of it, extruding, and such like acts, contrary to the nature of that strictest bond and covenant. I grant it is not always necessary to make divorce even where there is Adultery; the Lord is not offended with reconciliation, where the punishment of the sin is not executed by the Magistrate: But if the divorce be made, and the woman afterward married to another, her return to her first Husband, even after lawful dissolution of her second marriage, is an abomination and exceeding defiling, Jer. 3.1. Thus in dissolving marriages there may be guilt.

Again, men may thus sin by unjust dissolving of Marriages, by deserting, divorcing without the just cause of it, extruding, and such like acts, contrary to the nature of that strictest bond and covenant. I grant it is not alwayes necessary to make divorce even where there is Adultery; the Lord is not offended with reconciliation, where the punishment of the sin is not executed by the Magistrate: But if the divorce be made, and the woman afterward married to another, her return to her first Husband, even after lawful dissolution of her second marriage, is an abomination and exceeding defiling, Jer. 3.1. Thus in dissolving marriages there may be guilt.

Lastly, this uncleanness may be considered as it is in a solitary person, when alone, in their actions of darkness and abominable imaginations, which are to be loathed rather then named; yet these things which are done in secret are seen of God, though it be a shame to speak of them: see Ephes. 5.11, 12. This secret uncleanness, again, may be by a person, either walking, or sleeping, mentioned Lev. 15. which confessedly becometh men or women's guilt, according as they have drawn it on, or by unsuitable imaginations disposed themselves for it; yea, when it hath not ingrata recordatio, an unsavoury and displeasing remembrance, and a holy horror following thereupon, there is guilt: Of this we spoke somewhat in the Preface to the Commands.