Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments unduly to put asunder those whom God has joined together in marriage: yet, nothing but adultery, or such willful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church, or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage: wherein, a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case.
The Confession recognizes in several places the depravity of sinful man, including the many ways we try to get around God's word. Men are constantly inventive as they try to justify their own sins. Here is stated emphatically that the sole grounds permitted for divorce are adultery and willful desertion that cannot be put right by either the church or the civil authorities--in other words, a decent attempt is to be made to avoid divorce, and not to make it easier as we have. Keep in mind Hebrews 13:4. Marriage should be in every way upheld and encouraged and divorce discouraged. We seem to be running in the opposite direction these days.
Tomorrow: Some summary statements on marriage and divorce.
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