15
for an alteration, in this regard, in the table of kindred and affinity. Until this be the case, I shall be glad to see such Marriages legalized by the Civil Rite,
- I have the honor to be, Sir,
- Your obedient servant,
- W F. Hook.
- Your obedient servant,
- I have the honor to be, Sir,
In addition to the above testimony may be quoted the following Petition which was signed by upwards of seven hundred Clergymen.
- The humble Petition of the undersigned Clergymen of the Church of England,
Sheweth,
That, in the opinion of your petitioners, the existing law which prohibits marriages between a widower and his deceased wife's sister is an inexpedient law, and ought to be repealed for the following reasons : —
1st. That there is no Divine command to be found in the Scriptures, either directly or indirectly, prohibiting such marriages.
2dly. That there is no consanguinity or kindred between the parties which makes such marriages undesirable in a physical point of view, or which disqualifies the parties according to any of the received notions of mankind upon such subjects.
3rdly. That it seems to your petitioners natural for a widower, who finds in his wife's sister congenial habits, feelings, and temper, to regard her as the most fitting substitute for the wife whom he has lost.
4thly. That, in many instances, no person is so well qualified to discharge the duties of the deceased mother towards her surviving children as the sister, who is already endeared to them by the ties of affection and kindred, who, in most instances, has acquired, as
