The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 257

HOMILIES BY V.ARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 3-9.-Divorce. The readiness with which the marriage tie is dissolved in some countries, and the daring questions on the subject that have been raised in Eng- land, make it important for ua to see clearly how divorce should be regardedJn the light of the teachings of Christ. Plainly he sets his face against any divorce except in the most extreme case. Let us consider some of the pleas for a laxer rule, and then look at the duty of resisting them. L PLEAS FOB A GREATER FREEDOM OF DIVORCE. 1. The happiness of the home. It. is urged that some hll.Bbands and wives are hopelessly at variance. Though married outwardly, in soul they are not wedded at all. They live together as enemies compelled to occupy the same prison, which a miserable couventione.lity falsely names. home. Undoubtedly, this may be so. But then happiness is not the chief end of life. More- over, the immediate relief of freedom would have to be purchased. at the cost of an. invasion of the settled social order. 2. The riyhts of liberty. A more daring position is taken up by those who claim liberty to dissolve the marriage bond. These people deny that we have any right to enter into a lifelong contract of marriage; or rather, they plead that such a contract should be subject to revision. IL THE OBLIGATIONS OF IBBEVOCABLE MABB.LA.GE TIEB. Jesus Christ saw the terrible evils that resulted from great freedom of divorce in his day, and he distinctly opposed this dangerous licence. Let us consider some of the grave objections to it. 1. Ith contrary to natwre. On the surface of it, marriage may seem to be an artificial arrange- ment, and absolute freedom the state of nature. But our Lord pointed out that marriage wBB instituted at the Creation, and that it was associated with the very con- stitution of human life. There is a higher nature than that of the anima,l world. There is a certain best arrangement which only those who have intelligence to perceive it and conscience to follow it can enter into. This corresponds to Nature, not in her lowest instincts, but in her highest aspirations. 2. It is contrary to the law of God. The arran,gement of nature was supplemented by the word of revelation. In marriage men aud women carry out a law that God has revealed. In free divorce they break 'C.Lat law. This is of no consequence, perhaps, to people who are "emancipated; " bull h ahould be all-authoritative for Christians. 3. It leads to numberless evils. (1) H cu. xix. 1-30,] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 261