This is, indeed, convincing evidence of the changed opinion of the English church. Nor can it be questioned that throughout nearly the whole of Elizabeth's reign popular practice was in harmony with the doctrine thus proclaimed.[244] New marriages were freely contracted after obtaining divorce from unfaithful partners.[245] Clear evidence of this fact is afforded by Bunny, himself strongly opposed to the liberal tendency.[246] As a matter of fact, popular custom, sustained by the profound sentiment of the Reformed clergy, was fast ripening into a law as valid as any which a legislature could enact. Such a tendency, however, could not fail to become more and more obnoxious to many of the leaders of the established clergy, as Elizabeth's reign progressed. Archbishop Whitgift defends the ancient divorce jurisdiction of the spiritual courts against Cartwright,[247] and the Puritan party is treated with ever-increasing rigor. Still the reactionary canons passed by the Chamber of Convocation in 1597, doubtless designed to check what was already looked upon as a dangerous abuse, bear witness to its continued existence; if indeed by implication, as is powerfully argued, they do not directly sanction the dissolution of marriage through divorce.[248] [Footnote 244: According to the _Report of the Commissioners, 1852-3_, 5, divorce was allowed during the period 1550-1602.] [Footnote 245: See, however, WOOLSEY, _Divorce_, 170, 171, 313, who, insisting that the ancient canon law was unchanged, remarks that "for a number of years, although remarriage after divorce was null and void, so that the issue would not be legitimate, no civil penalties were attached to it, and it was punishable only by ecclesiastical censures." Hence many married "without scruple." _Cf._ CRAIK, _Romance of the Peerage_, I, Appendix, upon whom Woolsey relies; and JEAFFRESON, _Brides and Bridals_, II, 323, 324, who holds that the decision of the delegates in the Northampton case was "good law" until 1602.]