the relation was indissoluble. The Mosaic provision for divorce was a
concession to the low moral level of the people. The ideal was the "one
man, one woman" provision of the Creator. (See Matt. 19:3-8). The
disciples ruefully remarked that such a strengthening of the bond did not
add to the attractiveness of marriage--for the male (19:10).
Where do we draw the line between the rightful, natural desire of sex and
lawless predatory lust?
Sixth Day: The Sins of Words
Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou
shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine
oaths: but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by the
heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is
the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of
the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou
canst not make one hair white or black. But let your speech be,
Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the
evil one.--Matt. 5:33-37.
Current morality had reached the point of insisting on truthfulness when a
man was under oath. Solemnly to call God to witness a statement and yet to
fool your neighbor by it, was downright wicked. But it was very handy. So
they developed a joyful lot of casuistical distinctions as to which kind
of oaths were binding and which didn't count. See how Jesus ridiculed this
(Matt. 23:16-22). Here he proposed that the obligation of veracity be
extended to all statements. A truthful man needs no oaths to assure a
doubting world that this time he is really telling what is so. Oaths are a
device of the devil to limit the amount of truth in the world.
How about oaths for legal purposes? Could they be dispensed with? Have
they done more good or harm?
Seventh Day: The Sins of Strife
Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for
a tooth: but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but
whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other
also. And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy
coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee
to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him that asketh thee, and
from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and
hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, Love your enemies
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