Marriage and divorce
Nor may marriage itself, holy and honorable (Hebrews 13:4) as it is, be used as a pretext for giving free rein to our desires. Indeed, it has been said, Whoever puts away his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. And then all was well, though he alleged no cause except that he did not like her, or liked another better. But I say to you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, that is, adultery, the word meaning unchastity in general, whether in the married or the unmarried state, causes her to commit adultery if she marries again. And whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery. Matthew 5:31. Matthew 5:32.
1771 text
5. Nor may marriage itself, holy and honourable as it is, be used, as a pretence for giving a loose to our desires. Indeed, It hath been said, Whosoever will put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. And then all was well, tho’ he alledged no cause, but that he did not like her; or liked another better. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication (that is, adultery; the word πορνεία signifying unchastity in general, either in the married or unmarried state) causeth her to commit adultery; if she marry again; and whosoever shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery, ver. 31, 32.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 23 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:8-12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.