It has been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
All Commentaries on Matthew 5:31 Go To Matthew 5
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
For He who gave the commandment that a writing of divorcement should be given, did not give the commandment that a wife should be put away; but whosoever shall put away, says He, let him give her a writing of divorcement, in order that the thought of such a writing might moderate the rash anger of him who was getting rid of his wife. And, therefore, He who sought to interpose a delay in putting away, indicated as far as He could to hard-hearted men that He did not wish separation.
