Note 263 — Chapter XI · HISTORY OF SEPARATION AND DIVORCE UNDER ENGLISH AND ECCLESIASTICAL LAW (continued 2)

However, chap. xxxiv of Bucer's work, entitled "That it is lawful for a wife to leave an adulterer, and to marry another husband," Milton disposes of with the remark that "this is generally granted, and therefore excuses me the writing out": "The Judgment of Martin Bucer," Prose Works, III, 300. But this must be considered in connection with his positive claim of entire jurisdiction for the man in divorce causes, below referred to. Occasionally he drops a word from which possibly it may be inferred that he believes in a reciprocal right of the sexes; but it is amazing how adroitly he avoids a direct statement to that effect. Cf., for example, "Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce," Prose Works, III, 182, where he seems to approve the liberal laws of the Christian emperors; ibid., 247-49, where he refers to Beza's view that divorce is for the benefit of the woman; "Tetrachordon," Prose Works, III, 359, 372, where he touches lightly upon the mutual rights of husband and wife.