sion of Synod, however, has peremptorily prevented consideration of the subject ecclesiastically, and those who have doubts, and whose conscience is aggrieved, have no course left, save to draw attention to the matter through the press.
In this manner to agitate the Church is far from desirable, especially in a matter as delicate as it is perplexing. But if a sufficient vindication of the position of the Church is thus evoked, we shall all rejoice in the result. If, on the other hand, it shall be found, that there is no scriptural basis for that position, then there cannot be a doubt that all who love God's word and believe our standards to be in accordance with that word, will, notwithstanding whatever prejudice or feeling, follow the light, and labour to have the standards conformed to Scripture.
Such is the only apology the writer has for laying before the public the following pages. He is seeking for truth. He believes others are also. He has carefully perused all the works within his reach, which he has been told settle the question against him. His doubts remain, and, as he hopes to make apparent, are scarcely noticed in the works referred to. His desire is to see the positions which he lays down fairly and calmly considered. And he will gratefully acknowledge his obligation to any father or brother who, bearing with his doubts, will patiently meet the points raised and show us the more excellent way.
I. — State of the Question.
That we may avoid unnecessary and irrelevant discussion, it may be well to state distinctly that the writer has no sympathy with the views of those who say, either that in the matter of marriage Holy Scripture is not to
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