06. 17.,0c Panitottpof tie tDibine2fttributez Chap. i 7, thefeaf1, with theunleavened bread of ncerity and truth. J We are obliged topreferve our felves undefiled from the moral imperfeUions, the vices and paffions, which were reprefented by the natural qualities of thofe Creatures which were forbidden tò the Jews, and to purify the heart infteadof the frequent wafflings under the 'Law. But the Gofpel frees us from the intolerable yokeof the legal abftinences, obfervations and difciplines, the a- mufements oflow and fervile Spirits, wherewith they would compenfate their deeds in real Holinefs,and ex- change the fubftance of Religion for the fhadow and colours ofit. For this reafon the Apoftle is fevere a- gainft thofe,' who would joyn thefringes ofMVMofes to the robe ofChrift. 3. The indulgence of Polygamy and Divorce that was granted to the Jews, is taken away byChrift, and Marriage reftored to the purityof-its firft Inftitution. The permiffionofthefe was by a political'Law, and the effed was temporal Impunity. For God is tobe confi.. dered not only in the relation ofa Creator, and univer- fal Governour,that gave Laws to regulate Confcience ; but in a fpecial relation to the Jews as their King by Covenant. Befides his general Right and Dominion, he had a peculiar Sovereigntyoverthem. Andas in a"Ci- vil State a prudent Governour permits a lefs evil for the prevention ofa greater, without an approbation ofit; So God was pleated in his Wifdom to tolerate thole ata1. Z.10 is, things, in condefcenfion to their carnal and perverfehu- Mat, 19. s. mors; for the hardnefs oftheir Hearts, left worfe incon- veniences fhould follow. But our Saviourreduces Mar- riage to the Sanctity of its original, when man was formedaccording to the Image ofGod's Holinefs : He matt. 19.4,5,6. that made them at the beginning,made themmale and fe- male : forthis caufe(hall a man leave father an I mother, and cleave to hid Wife, and they twain (hall be one flef> What
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