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Rh stone, and then recorded by the pen of Moses; how it was afterwards explained by the writings of the Prophets, by the teaching of the Redeemer, and in the writings of inspired Apostles; and considering also what particular instructions are given in regard to the Divine ordinance of human government; we felt it to be reasonable to infer from what God had done for our benefit in these matters, He had not withheld from us a written announcement of His will on a point relating to His own peculiar institution, which lies at the foundation of human society; an announcement so necessary to protect this institution against abuse, and to secure domestic purity, as well as to preserve good morals in the community.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters are devoted to the proof of the perpetuity of the Levitical law.

In establishing this point, beside offering direct proof, we reasoned on the Puritan's own principles. He assumes, without proof, that this law belongs to the Jewish civil or judicial code; and then admitting that some parts of this code are binding on Christians, he applies to this law