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is —

I. A SAD EVIDENCE OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY. Except in the case of confirmed lunacy —

1. It originates —

(1)  In marrying out of impure motives.

(2)  In the loss of affection,

(3)  In the unfaithfulness of one or both parties.

2. Is opposed —

(1) To the express command of our Lord (Matthew 5:31; Matthew 19:1-12), which is founded on the deep significance of the marriage bond (Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 5:32).

(2) To the diffusion of the kingdom of God, as exerting a deleterious influence on the general welfare of mankind.

II. CANNOT BE ENTIRELY DISALLOWED.

1. The Lord permits it in certain instances (Matthew 5:39), and the apostle extends the permission m an exceptional case (ver. 15).

2. Yet so long as there is hope of reconciliation, every means must be used to maintain an unbroken union.

3. Separation is therefore allowable when it is evident that a perpetuated union will only be a source of sin, or that it will prove perilous to the salvation of the innocent party.

(J. Lyth, D. D.)

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KJV: And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

WEB: But to the married I command—not I, but the Lord—that the wife not leave her husband