wherewith_o the_o ancient_n be_v induce_v to_o make_v this_o constitution_n be_v not_o only_o now_o cease_v but_o be_v even_o become_v opposite_a for_o first_o we_o see_v that_o by_o this_o decree_n chastity_n and_o continence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v promote_v in_o the_o clergy_n that_o thereby_o a_o door_n be_v rather_o open_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o lust_n and_o villainy_n and_o covetousness_n in_o the_o clergy_n so_o far_o from_o be_v restrain_v by_o it_o that_o it_o seem_v hence_o to_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a increase_n ii_o to_o confute_v our_o adversary_n pretence_n of_o antiquity_n and_o establish_v my_o design_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o father_n who_o think_v the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n unlawful_a or_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n to_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o historian_n assure_v we_o that_o marriage_n be_v in_o their_o time_n use_v indifferent_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o some_o marry_a clergy_n although_o some_o father_n and_o writer_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n perhaps_o practise_v celibacy_n for_o this_o will_v undeniable_o prove_v that_o both_o marriage_n and_o celibacy_n be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o all_o that_o neither_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n a_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o universal_a practice_n whereas_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v herein_o to_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o age_n must_v to_o that_o end_n produce_v a_o perfect_a consent_n of_o all_o doctor_n historian_n and_o writer_n and_o a_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o time_n if_o any_o one_o writer_n occur_v not_o condemn_v or_o any_o one_o example_n not_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n the_o plea_n of_o tradition_n must_v fall_v some_o indeed_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o erasmus_n and_o cassander_n pretend_v not_o to_o so_o universal_a a_o tradition_n and_o practice_n but_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o defend_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o they_o be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o imposinion_n of_o celibacy_n however_o the_o dissent_n of_o ancient_a doctor_n and_o council_n and_o the_o diverse_a practice_n of_o private_a clergyman_n will_v manifest_o demonstrate_v that_o celibacy_n be_v neither_o universal_o impose_v nor_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o as_o well_o as_o marriage_n leave_v indifferent_a both_o to_o clergy_n and_o laity_n if_o not_o in_o some_o particular_a province_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o the_o universal_a church_n iii_o the_o number_n of_o the_o marry_a clergy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v estimate_v only_o from_o the_o account_n of_o they_o which_o we_o find_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o relation_n of_o wife_n or_o child_n add_v neither_o ornament_n nor_o use_n to_o history_n nor_o have_v any_o part_n in_o it_o unless_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n which_o rare_o happen_v it_o concern_v not_o posterity_n to_o know_v whether_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n be_v marry_v since_o neither_o marriage_n nor_o celibacy_n will_v enhance_v their_o virtue_n or_o diminish_v their_o worth._n and_o if_o mention_v of_o wife_n be_v rare_o find_v in_o civil_a much_o less_o will_v it_o in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n for_o woman_n sometime_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o civil_a matter_n but_o in_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v even_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o intermeddle_v so_o that_o if_o but_o a_o few_o example_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n can_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v thence_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o marry_a clergy_n be_v then_o very_o numerous_a iv._o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o almost_o all_o those_o place_n which_o we_o shall_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o against_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o be_v take_v either_o from_o their_o dogmatical_a treatise_n which_o be_v write_v deliberate_o and_o in_o a_o sedate_n temper_n of_o mind_n or_o from_o their_o harangue_n of_o virginity_n where_o the_o very_a force_n of_o truth_n extort_a from_o they_o those_o confession_n whereas_o the_o testimony_n make_v use_v of_o by_o our_o adversary_n for_o the_o necessity_n or_o convenience_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o clergy_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n draw_v either_o from_o these_o encomiastic_a discourse_n of_o virginity_n where_o they_o employ_v all_o the_o force_n of_o their_o eloquence_n to_o magnisie_v the_o merit_n of_o that_o state_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o from_o their_o polemic_a write_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o celibacy_n wherein_o they_o be_v more_o intent_n to_o destroy_v error_n than_o establish_v truth_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o both_o these_o occasion_n corrupt_v with_o prejudice_n or_o transport_v with_o passion_n they_o bend_v the_o bow_n to_o much_o and_o recede_v from_o that_o exactness_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o middle_a way_n to_o these_o observation_n i_o may_v add_v the_o confession_n of_o many_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o allow_v celibacy_n neither_o to_o have_v be_v impose_v nor_o universal_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o pass_v by_o then_o cassander_n erasmus_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a divine_n of_o that_o church_n i_o will_v produce_v only_a gratian_n and_o mendosa_n the_o last_o 66._o of_o which_o acknowledge_v that_o marriage_n be_v always_o allow_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o every_o where_o think_v indifferent_a till_o forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o illiberis_n in_o the_o four_o age_n the_o first_o go_v further_a in_o these_o word_n 13._o from_o this_o authority_n a_o epistle_n of_o pope_n pelagius_n in_o the_o six_o age_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o aforementioned_a order_n priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_a may_v then_o lawful_o use_v marriage_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n in_o the_o four_o age_n the_o continence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o altar_n be_v not_o yet_o introduce_v although_o perhaps_o by_o this_o last_o passage_n only_o deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n be_v understand_v however_o in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v more_o general_o 13._o when_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v promote_v to_o be_v pope_n or_o bishop_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o fornication_n but_o of_o lawful_a marriage_n which_o be_v every_o where_o permit_v to_o the_o clergy_n before_o the_o prohibition_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n permit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o eastern_a church_n have_v premise_v these_o few_o preliminary_a observation_n i_o proceed_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n than_o who_o none_o better_a know_v the_o intention_n of_o their_o master_n or_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o best_a pattern_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o all_o future_a age_n st._n basil_n seem_v to_o have_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v marry_v where_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o of_o marriage_n init_fw-la he_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o interpolater_n of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n who_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o age_n in_o like_a manner_n produce_v the_o example_n of_o peter_n paul_n and_o philadelph_n the_o other_o apostle_n or_o as_o the_o latin_a translator_n ancient_a than_o ado_n viennensis_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o year_n 875._o render_v it_o ibid._n the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o st._n ambrose_n work_n who_o be_v hilary_n a_o deacon_n of_o rome_n except_v 11._o st._n paul_n and_o st._n john_n and_o affirm_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v be_v marry_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v marry_v we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 14._o that_o he_o have_v a_o daughter_n by_o her_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o travel_n 1._o write_v before_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n manifest_a to_o who_o the_o latter_a legendary_a writer_n give_v the_o name_n of_o petronilla_n st._n peter_n be_v kniw_v to_o have_v have_v a_o wife_n and_o the_o begit_v of_o child_n hinder_v he_o not_o from_o obtain_v precedency_n among_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o abovementioned_a fin_n hilary_n in_o his_o question_n upon_o both_o testament_n false_o ascribe_v to_o st._n austin_n for_o that_o he_o be_v
unreasonable_o jealous_a of_o she_o for_o which_o be_v rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o may_v purge_v himself_o of_o all_o suspicion_n of_o jealousy_n he_o bring_v his_o wife_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o company_n and_o give_v up_o his_o right_n to_o she_o give_v free_a leave_n to_o any_o one_o to_o marry_v she_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o show_v by_o that_o bravado_n how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o jealousy_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o imprudent_a act_n which_o give_v neither_o example_n nor_o just_a occasion_n to_o those_o execrable_a thing_n which_o afterward_o the_o nicolaites_n practise_v and_o some_o credulous_a person_n believe_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o nicolas_n who_o cit_fw-la clemens_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v true_o chaste_a and_o have_v use_v the_o company_n of_o none_o but_o his_o own_o wife_n by_o who_o he_o have_v one_o son_n and_o several_a daughter_n all_o person_n of_o exemplary_a virtue_n and_o modesty_n 29._o eusebius_n 5._o st._n augustine_n and_o 1._o theodoret_n relate_v the_o story_n the_o same_o way_n only_o init_fw-la epiphanius_n relate_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n that_o nicolas_n have_v vow_v perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o his_o wife_n be_v allure_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o her_o beauty_n to_o return_v to_o her_o embrace_n and_o violate_v his_o vow_n and_o afterward_o not_o only_o become_v unreasonable_o jealous_a but_o fall_v into_o all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o found_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o nicolaites_n this_o relation_n epiphanius_n seem_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o impure_a gnostic_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v in_o his_o youth_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n infinite_o credulous_a and_o of_o weak_a judgement_n blind_o to_o have_v follow_v it_o however_o his_o authority_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n when_o oppose_v to_o clemens_n and_o eusebius_n judicious_a and_o more_o ancient_a writer_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o succeed_a age_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a of_o the_o two_o first_o age_n few_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o in_o they_o not_o the_o least_o foot-step_n of_o celibacy_n impose_v or_o general_o use_v by_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v sound_a rather_o clemens_n alex._n assure_v we_o that_o ibid._n every_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n may_v as_o himself_o please_v either_o choose_v or_o omit_v marriage_n that_o all_o none_o except_v have_v power_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o marriage_n which_o the_o gospel_n permit_v they_o first_o marriage_n where_o he_o plain_o speak_v of_o the_o clergy_n for_o second_o marriage_n be_v never_o forbid_v to_o the_o laity_n but_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v more_o remarkable_a the_o apostle_n very_o well_o approve_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n although_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n or_o a_o deacon_n or_o a_o layman_n if_o he_o use_v his_o marriage_n unblamable_o for_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o procreation_n of_o child_n and_o what_o will_v the_o condemner_n of_o marriage_n say_v to_o these_o precept_n since_o the_o apostle_n command_v he_o to_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n in_o quality_n of_o bishop_n who_o govern_v his_o own_o house_n well_o and_o the_o marriage_n of_o one_o wife_n represent_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n indeed_o about_o the_o year_n 170._o pinytus_n bishop_n of_o gnossus_n in_o crete_n have_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o purity_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o his_o clergy_n which_o when_o dionysius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o corinth_n hear_v he_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o he_o represent_v the_o injustice_n of_o his_o attempt_n and_o persuade_v he_o 23._o not_o to_o impose_v so_o heavy_a a_o burden_n as_o necessity_n of_o continence_n upon_o the_o brethren_n but_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o many_o that_o by_o the_o brethren_n in_o this_o place_n only_o the_o clergy_n be_v mean_v appear_v evident_o from_o the_o character_n which_o eusebius_n give_v of_o pinytus_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o orthodox_n person_n whereas_o have_v he_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o most_o erroneous_a heresy_n to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a 66._o mendoza_n and_o many_o other_o if_o so_o clear_a a_o matter_n want_v any_o further_a illustration_n that_o pinytus_n yield_v to_o the_o admonition_n of_o dionysius_n and_o quit_v his_o attempt_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o 23._o russinus_n who_o say_v that_o pinytus_n write_v back_o to_o he_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n of_o his_o better_a counsel_n in_o the_o three_o age_n origen_n plain_o insinuate_v that_o first_o marriage_n be_v in_o his_o time_n indifferent_o permit_v to_o the_o clergy_n sine_fw-la not_o only_o fornication_n say_v he_o but_o also_o second_n marriage_n exclude_v from_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n for_o neither_o a_o bishop_n nor_o priest_n nor_o deacon_n nor_o deaconness_n can_v be_v digamist_n himself_o indeed_o be_v agreat_a admirer_n of_o celibacy_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o hereafter_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o three_o first_o age_n not_o a_o few_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o deacon_n already_o mention_v sine_fw-la st._n polycarp_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o valens_n presbyter_n of_o philippi_n and_o his_o wife_n that_o tertullian_n presbyter_n of_o carthage_n be_v marry_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o abstain_v from_o his_o wife_n after_o his_o entrance_n into_o holy_a order_n be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o however_o contemn_v by_o some_o reform_a divine_n may_v be_v refute_v by_o tertullian_n own_o word_n for_o in_o his_o two_o book_n direct_v to_o she_o to_o persuade_v she_o to_o continue_v a_o widow_n after_o his_o death_n or_o if_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o marry_v none_o but_o a_o christian_a he_o have_v these_o word_n rhenanum_fw-la why_o shall_v we_o not_o love_v the_o perfection_n of_o continence_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v able_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o offer_v itself_o let_v we_o embrace_v it_o that_o what_o we_o be_v not_o now_o able_a to_o do_v while_o marry_v we_o may_v perform_v in_o widowhood_n that_o occasion_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v hold_n of_o which_o deprive_v we_o of_o those_o pleasure_n that_o necessity_n before_o command_v a_o little_a before_o tertullian_n time_n 9_o irenaeus_n relate_v how_o marcus_n the_o haeresiarch_n be_v entertain_v by_o a_o catholic_n deacon_n in_o asia_n who_o have_v a_o handsome_a wife_n debauch_v she_o both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o run_v away_o with_o she_o in_o the_o decian_a persecution_n chaeremon_n bishop_n of_o nile_n in_o egypt_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n of_o arabia_n a_o together_o with_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n or_o as_o valesius_fw-la 42._o true_o translate_v it_o fugiens_fw-la with_o his_o wife_n among_o the_o article_n of_o misdemeanour_n whereof_o cornelium_n st._n cyprian_n accuse_v novatus_n presbyter_n of_o carthage_n and_o author_n of_o the_o novatian_a schism_n in_o africa_n one_o be_v that_o he_o kick_v his_o wife_n great_a with_o child_n and_o cause_v she_o to_o miscarry_v that_o st._n cyprian_n himself_o be_v marry_v and_o live_v with_o his_o wife_n after_o the_o the_o receive_n of_o holy_a order_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o init_fw-la pontius_n his_o deacon_n who_o speak_v of_o his_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o extraordinary_a piety_n whilst_o yet_o presbyter_n say_v that_o neither_o want_n nor_o sorrow_n can_v discourage_v he_o neither_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o wife_n nor_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o own_o body_n can_v divert_v he_o from_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o religion_n caecilius_n presbyter_n of_o carthage_n who_o have_v convert_v st._n cyprian_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o his_o death_n ibid._n recommend_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n to_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n 18._o caldonius_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o st._n cyprian_n reckon_v faelix_fw-la a_o presbyter_n and_o victorin_n his_o wife_n among_o the_o confessor_n of_o africa_n in_o the_o dioclesian_n persecution_n phileas_n the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n of_o thmuis_n in_o egypt_n and_o philoromus_n be_v bring_v 9_o before_o the_o heathen_a judge_n to_o receive_v sentence_n of_o martyrdom_n be_v desire_v by_o he_o to_o take_v pity_n if_o not_o of_o themselves_o yet_o at_o least_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o their_o family_n by_o sacrisice_v to_o idol_n although_o those_o brave_a martyr_n slight_v his_o admonition_n and_o scorn_v such_o ignoble_a consideration_n however_o celibacy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o
the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o learned_a garnerius_n 8._o that_o he_o lead_v about_o his_o wife_n with_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n and_o preach_v st._n paul_n plain_o intimate_v in_o these_o word_n 5._o have_v we_o not_o power_n to_o lead_v about_o a_o sister_n a_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o as_o other_o apostle_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cephas_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o pretend_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o wife_n but_o a_o assistant_n woman_n common_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o more_o age_a sort_n carry_v about_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o necessity_n provide_v they_o maintenance_n and_o serve_v they_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o deaconess_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ancient_n do_v interpret_v it_o however_o i_o will_v oppose_v to_o that_o opinion_n some_o considerable_a and_o perhaps_o convictive_a argument_n as_o first_o the_o ordinary_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o name_n wife_n be_v never_o design_v by_o any_o other_o word_n second_o this_o interpretation_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n receive_v from_o tertullian_n who_o first_o propose_v it_o in_o his_o book_n of_o monogamy_n which_o he_o write_v after_o he_o be_v become_v a_o montanist_n three_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o catholic_n in_o tertullian_n time_n for_o in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o chastity_n write_v likewise_o after_o his_o fall_n decry_v the_o excellency_n of_o marriage_n he_o introduce_v the_o catholic_n thus_o object_v to_o he_o 8._o it_o be_v lawful_a even_o for_o the_o apostle_n to_o marry_v and_o to_o lead_v about_o their_o wife_n with_o they_o and_o indeed_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n of_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n express_o interpret_v 3._o this_o place_n of_o wife_n and_o further_o add_v that_o st._n peter_n have_v several_a child_n by_o his_o wife_n not_o to_o mention_v cardinal_n humbert_n in_o latter_a age_n who_o 720._o although_o a_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o priest_n marriage_n allow_v and_o follow_v this_o interpretation_n that_o be_v more_o considerable_a which_o eusebius_n 30._o relate_v from_o the_o same_o clemens_n that_o st._n peter_n see_v his_o wife_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o stand_v by_o she_o exhort_v she_o generous_o to_o undergo_v it_o which_o alone_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o she_o accompany_v he_o in_o all_o his_o travel_n since_o except_v st._n stephen_n and_o st._n james_n the_o great_a none_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n till_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o nero_n reign_n when_o st._n peter_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o the_o west_n the_o marriage_n of_o st._n paul_n however_o common_o deny_v by_o the_o ancient_n and_o universal_o by_o the_o modern_n be_v attest_v by_o great_a authority_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o disciple_n of_o pantaenus_n who_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o photius_n 118._o have_v those_o for_o his_o master_n who_o have_v see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o himself_o write_v within_o 125_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o have_v travel_v into_o palestine_n express_o affirm_v 3._o it_o from_o he_o euseâ—…ius_n 30._o receive_v this_o tradition_n transcribe_v and_o approve_v it_o these_o two_o authority_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o create_v a_o probability_n however_o i_o will_v observe_v that_o many_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o opinion_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o age._n so_o st._n hierom_n eustocâ—…ium_fw-la assure_v we_o some_o believe_v in_o his_o time_n st._n chrysostom_n philipp_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o add_v that_o many_o in_o his_o time_n maintain_v st._n paul_n direct_v those_o word_n to_o his_o wife_n philipp_n 4._o 3._o i_o entreat_v thou_o also_o true_a yoke-fellow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o those_o word_n in_o the_o attic_a dialect_n the_o most_o elegant_a of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v be_v translate_v my_o faithful_a wife_n nay_o in_o the_o six_o age_n the_o interpolator_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n have_v these_o word_n philadelph_n in_o praise_v virginity_n i_o do_v not_o blame_v all_o other_o holy_a man_n because_o they_o use_v marriage_n for_o i_o desire_v only_o to_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v place_v at_o their_o foot_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o of_o abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n joseph_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n as_o of_o peter_n and_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o use_v marriage_n this_o place_n the_o ancient_a latin_a interpreter_n who_o live_v about_o the_o eight_o age_n have_v retain_v and_o translate_v with_o advantage_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o impudent_a pretence_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n allege_v to_o defeat_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o testimony_n they_o maintain_v that_o the_o name_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v foist_v in_o by_o the_o fraud_n of_o some_o latter_a greek_n at_o least_o reform_a printer_n and_o therefore_o the_o index_n expurgatorius_fw-la command_v his_o name_n to_o be_v wipe_v out_o of_o all_o edition_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o other_o foundation_n for_o this_o confident_a calumny_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o two_o manuscript_n copy_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o ancient_a the_o one_o of_o mathias_n corvinus_n king_n of_o hungary_n the_o other_o of_o magdalen_n college_n in_o oxford_n take_v up_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o irish_a â—…ugitive_a whereas_o the_o first_o be_v never_o see_v since_o the_o day_n of_o ambrose_n camaldulensis_fw-la who_o live_v 250_o year_n since_o the_o other_o bishop_n Ê‹sher_n 17._o see_v and_o find_v to_o be_v no_o old_a than_o the_o year_n 1490._o that_o the_o reform_a printer_n corrupt_v not_o this_o place_n appear_v from_o all_o the_o edition_n before_o the_o reformation_n particular_o those_o of_o fabor_n stapulensis_n paris_n 1498._o strasbourg_n 1502._o and_o jod_a clichtovaus_fw-la paris_n 1515._o and_o many_o edition_n set_v forth_o by_o papist_n since_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v find_v the_o greek_n be_v no_o less_o clear_v from_o all_o fraud_n herein_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o latin_a copy_n particular_o of_o one_o 800._o year_n old_a in_o balliol_n college_n in_o oxford_n mention_v by_o dr._n james_n 57_o wherein_o although_o some_o zealous_a romanist_n have_v blot_v out_o the_o name_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o so_o slight_o that_o the_o word_n be_v still_o easy_o legible_a now_o whether_o st._n peter_n lead_v about_o his_o wife_n with_o he_o or_o st._n paul_n be_v marry_v be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o our_o case_n as_o be_v the_o conclusion_n which_o may_v be_v evident_o draw_v from_o the_o belief_n entertain_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o for_o even_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v their_o opinion_n to_o have_v be_v erroneous_a yet_o it_o manifest_o demonstrate_v that_o in_o their_o time_n the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v neither_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n nor_o universal_o practise_v by_o the_o precede_a age_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n inconvenient_a much_o less_o incompatible_a to_o the_o priesthood_n have_v any_o of_o these_o opinion_n be_v general_o receive_v in_o their_o time_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n have_v do_v a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o their_o own_o institution_n or_o the_o laudable_a practice_n of_o succeed_a age_n or_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o office._n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n st._n philip_n have_v three_o daughter_n who_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o 3._o clemens_n alex._n he_o marry_v to_o so_o many_o husband_n of_o the_o four_o virgin_n daughter_n of_o philip_n the_o deacon_n we_o read_v in_o the_o 9_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o marriage_n of_o nicholas_n the_o deacon_n be_v famous_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o because_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o many_o error_n and_o the_o imposer_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o eleven_o age_n constant_o traduce_v the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n with_o the_o title_n of_o nicolaite_n heresy_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o rectify_v clemens_n alex._n the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o who_o mention_v it_o for_o 27._o st._n irenaeus_n say_v only_o that_o the_o nicolaites_n come_v from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n relate_v it_o it_o thus_o 3._o nicolas_n have_v a_o very_a beautiful_a wife_n become_v
from_o marry_a priest_n but_o much_o far_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n and_o once_o again_o advance_v into_o the_o formal_a heresy_n of_o the_o eustathian_o from_o the_o montanist_n the_o catholic_n receive_v their_o dislike_n of_o second_o marriage_n one_o of_o the_o most_o palpable_a error_n of_o antiquity_n since_o what_o the_o apostle_n express_o allow_v and_o in_o some_o case_n advise_v most_o of_o the_o ancient_n decry_v as_o scandalous_a and_o inconvenient_a ofttimes_o as_o a_o tolerable_a evil_n and_o sometime_o even_o as_o a_o grievous_a sin_n tertullian_n have_v write_v whole_a book_n against_o it_o athenagoras_n fin_n call_v it_o a_o decent_a adultery_n origen_n sin_n maintain_v that_o a_o digamist_n however_o otherwise_o a_o person_n of_o good_a conversation_n and_o adorn_v with_o all_o other_o virtue_n not_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v many_o other_o father_n and_o council_n who_o impose_v a_o tedious_a penance_n upon_o digamist_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v sufficient_o notorious_a this_o prejudice_n against_o digamy_n be_v first_o take_v up_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o age._n before_o that_o time_n second_o marriage_n be_v think_v indifferent_a and_o whole_o innocent_a hermes_n 4._o in_o â—…he_n first_o age_n have_v determine_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n 3._o in_o the_o next_o plead_v large_o for_o it_o from_o the_o gnostic_n the_o catholic_n receive_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o some_o impurity_n and_o sinfulness_n or_o at_o least_o imperfection_n in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n they_o scruple_v not_o to_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o book_n forge_v by_o those_o heretic_n in_o prejudice_n of_o marriage_n such_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o act_n of_o paul_n and_o tecla_n and_o the_o like_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n adopt_v their_o error_n thus_o origen_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o early_a favourer_n of_o celibacy_n write_v thus_o of_o marriage_n num._n although_o i_o will_v not_o positive_o pronounce_v yet_o i_o suppose_v these_o be_v some_o ordinary_a action_n of_o man_n which_o however_o they_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v with_o tbe_n presence_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n for_o instance_n lawful_a marriage_n be_v not_o indeed_o sinful_a yet_o while_o conjugal_a act_n be_v perform_v the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o be_v present_a although_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n who_o perform_v they_o st._n hierom_n the_o great_a patron_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o next_o age_n go_v far_a and_o dispute_v against_o jovinian_a do_v in_o some_o place_n make_v marriage_n not_o only_o sinful_a but_o even_o damnable_a if_o it_o be_v good_a say_v he_o ibid._n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n than_o it_o be_v evil_a to_o touch_v she_o for_o nothing_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a but_o evil._n while_o i_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o husband_n i_o do_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o shall_v always_o pray_v if_o so_o we_o must_v never_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o marriage_n for_o as_o often_o as_o i_o do_v that_o i_o can_v pray_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o end_n of_o marriage_n be_v eternal_a death_n the_o earth_n indeed_o be_v fill_v by_o marriage_n but_o paradise_n by_o virginity_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n permit_v not_o those_o who_o be_v already_o marry_v to_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n so_o he_o forbid_v virgin_n to_o marry_v marriage_n be_v permit_v only_o as_o a_o remedy_n of_o lust_n it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o one_o man_n than_o many_o nor_o do_v this_o error_n expire_v with_o those_o heresy_n from_o whence_o they_o rise_v about_o the_o year_n 600._o when_o augustin_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n desire_v of_o pope_n gregory_n some_o instruction_n for_o his_o new_a convert_v in_o england_n and_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n he_o give_v he_o this_o for_o one_o 27._o a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v with_o his_o own_o wife_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n till_o he_o have_v wash_v himself_o with_o water_n nor_o must_v then_o immediate_o enter_v whereas_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n 3._o praise_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n instance_v in_o this_o very_a ceremony_n which_o although_o use_v of_o old_a by_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v be_v no_o where_o practise_v in_o his_o time_n by_o the_o christian_n many_o other_o erroneon_n opinion_n obtain_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o this_o i_o will_v observe_v but_o one_o more_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o self-murder_n to_o prevent_v the_o loss_n of_o virginity_n imagine_v somewhat_o of_o sinfulness_n and_o impurity_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v even_o to_o the_o natural_a act_n of_o generation_n so_o eusebius_n alibi_fw-la bestow_v large_a encomium_n upon_o some_o virgin_n and_o matron_n who_o have_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o lust_n of_o heathen_n and_o aldhelmus_fw-la 1694._o cit_v a_o sentence_n of_o some_o father_n more_o ancient_a than_o himself_o self-murder_n be_v unlawful_a unless_o when_o chastity_n be_v endanger_v which_o he_o consirm_v and_o illustrate_v with_o many_o reason_n and_o example_n such_o weakness_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v deserve_v indeed_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n if_o they_o have_v not_o influence_v their_o practice_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o error_n which_o continue_v even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o marriage_n be_v a_o state_n unbefitting_a and_o celibacy_n therefore_o necessary_a to_o the_o clergy_n a_o opinion_n first_o take_v up_o upon_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o we_o have_v just_a now_o mention_v and_o maintain_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o these_o mistake_v so_o that_o to_o take_v away_o the_o plea_n of_o antiquity_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o case_n of_o celibacy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_n receive_v and_o embrace_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v which_o we_o have_v already_o do_v for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a argument_n of_o celibacy_n for_o the_o first_o thousand_o year_n while_o none_o be_v yet_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n the_o preconceived_n opinion_n of_o the_o impurity_n of_o marriage_n in_o all_o and_o great_a indecency_n of_o it_o in_o those_o who_o administer_v holy_a thing_n tend_v direct_o to_o introduce_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o these_o reason_n num._n origen_n and_o fine_a eusebius_n who_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n writer_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o open_o prefer_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o their_o marriage_n desire_v it_o may_v be_v introduce_v for_o they_o rather_o faint_o wish_v the_o thing_n than_o dogmatical_o use_v it_o and_o by_o their_o wish_n manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o introduce_v as_o for_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o digamy_n that_o contribute_v no_o less_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n than_o the_o other_o mistake_v for_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o digamy_n once_o suppose_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o marriage_n to_o all_o who_o can_v not_o contain_v become_v whole_o enervate_a since_o a_o man_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o incontinence_n after_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o wife_n for_o some_o few_o year_n perhaps_o day_n than_o he_o be_v before_o he_o ever_o marry_v beside_o all_o the_o patron_n of_o celibacy_n fail_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o second_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a or_o indecent_a to_o the_o laity_n even_o first_o marriage_n will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o clergy_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o they_o who_o disallow_v second_o marriage_n in_o all_o to_o think_v first_o marriage_n only_o a_o tolerable_a evil_n and_o permit_v in_o some_o as_o divorce_n be_v former_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n of_o superstition_n first_o to_o forbid_v second_o and_o then_o all_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o age_n 7._o tertullian_n affirm_v digamy_n to_o have_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n both_o by_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v general_o discuss_v by_o they_o in_o his_o time_n as_o a_o scandalous_a imperfection_n if_o not_o a_o crime_n but_o we_o no_o where_o find_v marriage_n forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n first_o publish_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o or_o beginning_n of_o the_o next_o age._n these_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o reason_n of_o celibacy_n found_v upon_o they_o be_v common_a to_o both_o
church_n but_o there_o be_v one_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o the_o western_a church_n which_o however_o it_o may_v seem_v light_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n and_o that_o be_v the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o tertullian_n into_o montanism_n that_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n natural_o endow_v with_o a_o ardent_a genius_n of_o a_o severe_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o mind_n infinite_o zealous_a for_o all_o outward_a appearance_n of_o religious_a mortification_n and_o after_o his_o fall_n prompt_v with_o that_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o montanist_n set_v himself_o to_o advance_v the_o opinion_n of_o his_o sect_n with_o all_o imaginable_a vigour_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o digamy_n be_v the_o chief_a tenet_n of_o that_o sect_n and_o that_o found_v upon_o a_o erroneous_a supposition_n of_o some_o imperfection_n in_o the_o use_v even_o of_o first_o marriage_n in_o maintain_v and_o recommend_v these_o error_n to_o the_o world_n tertullian_n employ_v all_o the_o force_n of_o his_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o marriage_n and_o extol_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o single-life_n whether_o widowhood_n or_o virginity_n the_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v which_o his_o great_a learning_n and_o apparent_a zeal_n procure_v to_o he_o in_o succeed_a age_n mighty_o propagate_v his_o error_n and_o corrupt_v his_o reader_n with_o false_a prejudices_fw-la and_o notion_n of_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n for_o although_o it_o have_v be_v reasonable_a and_o sufficient_a to_o say_v of_o he_o what_o st._n helvid_n hierome_n once_o say_v when_o press_v hard_o with_o his_o authority_n he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a no_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o few_o consider_v that_o the_o persuasive_a force_n of_o his_o eloquence_n be_v more_o sensible_a than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o schism_n and_o then_o few_o inquire_v which_o book_n he_o write_v before_o and_o which_o after_o his_o fall_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o common_a error_n that_o he_o write_v very_o few_o after_o and_o almost_o all_o before_o his_o fall._n whereas_o in_o truth_n he_o write_v before_o his_o fall_n only_o the_o three_o little_a treatise_n of_o baptism_n repentance_n and_o prayer_n not_o the_o twenty_o part_n of_o his_o work_n now_o extant_a to_o this_o reputation_n of_o tertullian_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o contribute_v not_o a_o little_a the_o infinite_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n which_o st._n cyprian_n have_v for_o his_o write_n while_o unwary_a person_n imagine_v that_o the_o deference_n which_o that_o bless_a martyr_n pay_v to_o his_o learning_n and_o zeal_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o soundness_n and_o orthodoxy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o fall_v of_o tertullian_n advance_v and_o increase_v the_o former_a prejudices_fw-la and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o celibacy_n ever_o prevail_v more_o in_o the_o western_a than_o in_o the_o eastern_a church_n all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n of_o prefer_v celibacy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v if_o not_o attend_v with_o such_o fatal_a consequence_n and_o first_o many_o catholic_n open_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n and_o other_o wink_v at_o their_o policy_n mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o delusion_n of_o more_o simple_a catholic_n by_o the_o no_o less_o glorious_a than_o fraudulent_a pretence_n of_o the_o encratites_n virgin._n who_o to_o use_v st._n hierome_n word_n because_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o virginity_n be_v venerable_a cover_v the_o wolf_n under_o sheeps-clothing_n antichrist_n pretend_v to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o veil_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o their_o life_n with_o the_o false_a honour_n of_o that_o usurp_a name_n they_o esteem_v it_o a_o laudable_a policy_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n by_o propose_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n that_o very_a perfection_n which_o the_o heretic_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o the_o multitude_n be_v apt_a to_o admire_v as_o be_v always_o casy_o lead_v with_o great_a pretence_n than_o sober_a truth_n a_o not_o unlike_a policy_n with_o this_o be_v afterward_o use_v by_o 8._o st._n chrysostome_n against_o the_o arian_n when_o fear_v the_o people_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o their_o enthusiastical_a sing_n of_o hymn_n he_o set_v up_o the_o same_o way_n of_o sing_v of_o hymn_n among_o the_o catholic_n and_o thereby_o prevent_v the_o design_n of_o the_o arian_n a_o stratagem_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d historian_n observe_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o case_n which_o however_o specious_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o very_a ill_a consequence_n while_o celibacy_n thus_o gain_v ground_n by_o the_o artisice_n of_o heretic_n and_o connivance_n of_o catholic_n few_o interpose_v themselves_o to_o undeceive_v mankind_n and_o stop_v the_o torrent_n of_o these_o vulgar_a prejudices_fw-la as_o well_o because_o the_o immoderate_a esteem_n of_o celibacy_n seem_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n while_o it_o be_v forcible_o impose_v upon_o none_o nor_o make_v necessary_a to_o any_o as_o because_o the_o disfavour_n and_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o multitude_n will_v probable_o have_v attend_v such_o a_o undertake_n while_o unreasonable_a man_n will_v have_v esteem_v such_o a_o person_n as_o a_o libertine_n a_o enemy_n of_o refine_a and_o more_o severe_a religion_n and_o think_v he_o to_o have_v therein_o plead_v only_o for_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o inclination_n and_o when_o celibacy_n become_v once_o universal_o esteem_v and_o great_a number_n of_o layman_n vow_v virginity_n voluntary_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n who_o by_o their_o suppose_a sanctity_n and_o specious_a abstinence_n draw_v to_o themselves_o the_o eye_n and_o admiration_n of_o all_o man_n the_o clergy_n also_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v some_o advance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o celibacy_n that_o they_o may_v not_o suffer_v loss_n of_o reputation_n and_o seem_v less_o virtuous_a and_o spiritual_a than_o layman_n hence_o st._n hierome_n frequent_o urge_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o example_n of_o lay-virgin_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v high_o indecent_a that_o the_o laity_n shall_v exceed_v the_o clergy_n even_o in_o voluntary_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o mortification_n this_o reason_n afterward_o receive_v great_a advantage_n from_o the_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o monkery_n and_o vow_n of_o continence_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n insomuch_o that_o 30._o faustus_n the_o manichee_n object_v to_o st._n austin_n that_o the_o immoderate_a commendation_n of_o virginity_n have_v among_o the_o catholic_n produce_v this_o effect_n that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a virgin_n than_o marry_v woman_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o reverence_n attend_v the_o unmarried_a and_o contempt_n the_o marry_a clegry_n celibacy_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o marriage_n by_o be_v dis-esteeemed_n become_v also_o dis-used_n especial_o since_o ambition_n contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o it_o for_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o age_n the_o bishop_n and_o great_a clergy_n be_v general_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o monk_n and_o thereby_o celibacy_n become_v the_o near_a way_n to_o preferment_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o three_o age_n the_o frequent_a persecution_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o a_o little_a advance_v the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n it_o be_v high_o convenient_a to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v show_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o all_o other_o christian_n which_o it_o be_v believe_v they_o will_v more_o ready_o perform_v when_o free_v from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o a_o marry_a state_n and_o not_o withheld_a with_o the_o temptation_n of_o wife_n and_o child_n for_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n general_o fall_v most_o heavy_a upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o sometime_o be_v direct_v against_o they_o only_o so_o that_o to_o be_v promote_v to_o any_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o certain_a martyrdom_n for_o this_o reason_n as_o eusebius_n somewhere_o relate_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o bishop_n single_a person_n be_v common_o prefer_v before_o marry_v man_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o then_o celibacy_n be_v no_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n when_o attend_v with_o a_o continual_a expectation_n of_o death_n and_o be_v hurry_v away_o to_o execution_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o few_o be_v then_o receive_v into_o the_o priesthood_n but_o age_a man_n who_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o virtue_n have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o continence_n and_o unspotted_a chastity_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boys_n be_v admit_v to_o profess_v or_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n at_o fourteen_o girl_n at_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n till_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o reduce_v it_o
shall_v have_v his_o own_o wife_n and_o express_o teach_v all_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n that_o the_o apostle_n advice_n of_o virginity_n be_v temporary_a himself_o profess_v that_o he_o cast_v no_o snare_n upon_o we_o that_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o profess_v they_o can_v not_o contain_v without_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o right_a to_o marry_v that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o false_a pretence_n that_o this_o indulgence_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o to_o the_o laity_n and_o not_o to_o the_o clergy_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o celibacy_n be_v unlawful_a and_o intolerable_a condemn_v of_o old_a by_o dionysius_n corinthius_n and_o paphnutius_fw-la lay_v not_o therefore_o we_o beseech_v you_o this_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v nor_o violate_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o holy_a order_n and_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n for_o our_o sake_n certain_o you_o render_v both_o contemptible_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n whilst_o you_o forbid_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o our_o hand_n a_o prohibition_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n which_o define_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v not_o their_o efficacy_n by_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o by_o these_o authority_n and_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o neither_o remove_v we_o from_o the_o sacred_a office_n nor_o deprive_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n conclude_v with_o a_o protestation_n that_o they_o can_v not_o contain_v without_o marriage_n nor_o obtain_v continence_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god._n thus_o the_o marry_a clergy_n want_v neither_o learning_n nor_o courage_n to_o defend_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o however_o they_o be_v overbear_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n and_o prevail_a interest_n of_o the_o monastic_a order_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o retain_v their_o wife_n for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n although_o from_o his_o popedom_n the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n gradual_o decrease_v and_o at_o last_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o a_o universal_a celibacy_n for_o some_o time_n after_o that_o the_o priest_n of_o germany_n public_o cohabit_v with_o their_o wife_n say_v aventinus_n 1554._o as_o other_o christian_n do_v and_o beget_v child_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o record_n of_o grant_n make_v by_o they_o to_o church_n priest_n or_o monk_n wherein_o their_o wife_n by_o name_n subscribe_v as_o witness_n together_o with_o their_o husband_n and_o be_v call_v by_o the_o honest_a name_n of_o priestesses_z presbytâ—…rissae_n this_o constancy_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o retain_v their_o wife_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a renovation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n of_o the_o 12_o and_o 13_o age_n these_o law_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v introduce_v into_o dalmatia_n till_o the_o year_n 1199._o when_o a_o council_n be_v hold_v there_o by_o the_o pope_n legate_n this_o canon_n 2._o be_v make_v whereas_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o live_v continent_o they_o be_v say_v to_o hold_v both_o their_o wife_n and_o church_n in_o the_o part_n of_o dalmatia_n and_o dioclia_n wherefore_o we_o enact_v that_o clergyman_n have_v wife_n marry_v before_o ordination_n live_v with_o they_o and_o resign_v their_o benefice_n but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v wife_n marry_v after_o ordination_n dismiss_v their_o wife_n and_o retain_v their_o benefice_n to_o pass_v by_o other_o council_n i_o will_v produce_v only_o the_o great_a lateran_n council_n under_o innocent_a the_o three_o in_o the_o year_n 1215._o which_o not_o only_o allow_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n when_o contract_v to_o be_v valid_a but_o also_o permit_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o some_o province_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v receive_v the_o first_o appear_v from_o the_o 31_o canon_n conceive_v in_o these_o word_n to_o abolish_v a_o great_a corruption_n which_o 31._o have_v be_v introduce_v in_o divers_a church_n we_o straight_o forbid_v that_o the_o son_n of_o prebendary_n especial_o their_o bastard_n son_n be_v make_v prebendary_n in_o the_o secular_a church_n wherein_o their_o father_n be_v institute_v where_o by_o exclude_v especial_o the_o bastard_n son_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o child_n bear_v in_o marriage_n be_v not_o bastard_n the_o latter_a be_v no_o less_o evident_a from_o the_o 14_o canon_n which_o enjoin_v continence_n to_o the_o clergy_n add_v this_o proviso_n but_o whereas_o 14._o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n have_v not_o renounce_v their_o wife_n if_o any_o of_o these_o commit_v fornication_n or_o adultery_n let_v they_o be_v more_o severe_o punish_v because_o they_o can_v make_v use_n of_o lawful_a marriage_n the_o latter_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o â—…lude_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n so_o much_o reverence_v by_o they_o declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n will_v have_v this_o clause_n understand_v of_o the_o greek_a clergy_n but_o produce_v not_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o pretence_n no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o greek_a clergy_n either_o before_o or_o after_o nor_o do_v the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n in_o form_v this_o canon_n any_o more_o dream_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o abyssine_a church_n last_o almost_o the_o whole_a 17_o title_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o decretal_n of_o gregory_n the_o nine_o be_v make_v up_o of_o epistle_n write_v by_o alexander_n the_o second_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n about_z admitting_z or_o not_o admit_v the_o son_n of_o priest_n into_o the_o benefice_n of_o their_o father_n without_o any_o intermediate_v successor_n in_o these_o epistle_n bastardy_n be_v nowhere_o object_v to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o only_o the_o danger_n which_o may_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n if_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n shall_v descend_v like_o a_o lay_v inheritance_n from_o father_n to_o son._n and_o this_o danger_n the_o pope_n sometime_o dispense_v with_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n that_o he_o have_v give_v a_o faculty_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n of_o induct_v the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o benefice_n of_o their_o father_n immediate_o after_o the_o death_n or_o session_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o 12_o chapter_n have_v these_o word_n clement_n iii_o possunt_fw-la to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cassels_n whereas_o your_o brotherhood_n inquire_v of_o we_o the_o son_n of_o priest_n or_o bishop_n may_v be_v promote_v to_o holy_a order_n if_o they_o be_v adorn_v with_o knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n know_v that_o if_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o lawful_a marriage_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o canonical_a impediment_n they_o may_v lawful_o ascend_v to_o holy_a order_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o son_n of_o which_o pope_n clement_n speak_v be_v bear_v after_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o father_n for_o none_o be_v ever_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o son_n of_o clergyman_n bear_v before_o their_o ordination_n be_v capable_a of_o holy_a order_n but_o if_o any_o scruple_n remain_v the_o 14_o chapter_n will_v remove_v it_o which_o be_v this_o we_o understand_v that_o n._n beget_v in_o priesthood_n bear_v conceptus_fw-la and_o conceive_v of_o a_o lawful_a wife_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o holy_a order_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v do_v thus_o do_v pope_n general_a council_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n and_o connive_v at_o it_o till_o the_o papal_a ambition_n draw_v the_o disposition_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n to_o themselves_o and_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o concubine_n to_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o more_o advantageous_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o fornication_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o speak_v somewhat_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o state_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o more_o peculiar_o concern_v we_o and_o probable_o the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o west_n submit_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a patriarchate_n nor_o intervening_a by_o her_o bishop_n in_o those_o western_a council_n which_o enjoin_v celibacy_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o nor_o give_v any_o obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n or_o constitution_n of_o council_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o allow_v a_o uninterrupted_a freedom_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o her_o