The essence of incest is in the Holy Scriptures ascribed to the presence in each of the two parties, respectively, of the "remainder" of one and the same flesh ; or, as the same word in the Hebrew language may be taken to denote, the "leaven" in the flesh of the one of them in the flesh of the other. The import and meaning of the term will be grasped by the mind most readily, perhaps, when it is contemplating the relationship which exists between parent and offspring. This particular relationship, the closest of all relationships, being taken as the centre of an imaginary circle, incestuousness of connexion will be viewed as gradually shaded off upon every side to a circumferential line, where it will pass from that which is incest to that which is not incest. The question for decision in any controverted instance is this. Whether it lies within the circumferential line, or outside it. In the Divine Scriptures, in the eighteenth chapter of the book Leviticus, is inserted a schedule of marriages which lie within the boundary-line, and so have in them the taint of incest. Some of the specifications there given are found repeated elsewhere in the Volume ; but there are no supplementary additions, neither is there a revocation of any of these statutory enactments ; that is to say, there is none in express words. There is, indeed, in one instance an exception apparently, if not really, made ; but an opinion whether it is really so or not must be reserved until after examination shall have been made of the place where it is found. It will have to be considered whether the catalogue is meant to be complete ; that is, to contain within it
