13
V.
[Since the preceding Letters were published, the following has been received from Dr. Hook, of Leeds. Like them it was the result of an application from a private friend, and not volunteered by Dr. Hook — nor originally intended for publication — like them it shows the opinion of one who has lived and laboured indefatigably among the poor.]
- Sir,
In answer to your Letter, I will place my view of the subject upon which you ask my opinion, — the proposed Repeal of the Law, which prohibits Marriage with the Sister of a deceased Wife, in as clear a light as I can.
The Church of England in the table of kindred and affinity, (if that be part of the Prayer Book)[1] prohibits Marriage between a man and the Sister of his deceased Wife.
If a bill were brought into Parliament to compel me to solemnize such marriages, I should resist it as an act of tyranny. But Mr. Wortley does not propose to compel the Church to solemnize such Marriages, Therefore, as a Churchman, I have no ground for complaint against his measure.
He proposes that, regarding Marriage as a civil
- ↑ It is proper to add, that Dr. Hook's doubt, whether Parker's Table be a part of the Prayer Book is well founded—it is not to be found in the Standard Copies, though of late years it has been bound up with both Bible and Prayer Book.
