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XII.
As for Marrying ones Wifes Brothers Widow, Civility nor Decency will not permit it.
All the Cannons of the Councils of France, which I cited on the 9th. Article, and many others which I have not alledged, do absolutely forbid marrying ones Bro∣thers Widow; but I have not met with one that has spoke of marrying ones Wifes Brothers Widow; Our Discipline also says no more of such a Conjunction, but only that it is contrary to the Laws of Decency, and Gentility; ne∣vertheless because the Magistrate in these occasions, has power to overpass these Considerations, of Civility, and Decency; the National Synod, whereof I spake but now and whose direction I cited on the 10th. Article, does absolutely refer the decision of the Case to the Civil Ma∣gistrate, in these terms: The Churches shall make no diffi∣culty to confirm such Marriages, if it appears that the con∣tracts has been before duely authorised by the Magistrate.