a_o treatise_n of_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n wherein_o its_o rise_n and_o progress_n be_v historical_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphan_n haeres_fw-la xliii_o in_o init_fw-la london_n print_v by_o h._n clark_n for_o james_n adamson_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1688._o the_o preface_n among_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v such_o which_o have_v neither_o any_o foundation_n nor_o show_n of_o antiquity_n but_o be_v the_o mere_a invention_n of_o latter_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a age_n other_o which_o obtain_v not_o indeed_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o arise_v from_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o some_o belief_n or_o corruptiin_n of_o some_o practice_n receive_v and_o use_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v transubstantiation_n half-communion_n supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o like_a groundless_a opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n never_o think_v of_o much_o less_o admit_v of_o the_o latter_a kind_n be_v invocation_n of_o saint_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o extraordinary_a veneration_n pay_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o relic_n of_o bless_a saint_n and_o martyr_n degenerate_v in_o latter_a age_n into_o downright_a superstition_n and_o impiety_n purgatory_n advance_v from_o a_o belief_n general_o receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o depart_a be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o beatisical_a vision_n before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o a_o fictitious_a place_n of_o torment_n which_o may_v receive_v they_o in_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n and_o infallibility_n of_o council_n raise_v from_o a_o external_a submission_n of_o ancient_a christian_n to_o their_o decree_n into_o a_o obligation_n of_o yield_v a_o internal_a assent_n to_o their_o definition_n the_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v unknown_a and_o uncertain_a as_o be_v found_v in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a age_n who_o action_n be_v now_o no_o less_o obscure_a than_o be_v then_o their_o notion_n but_o the_o latter_a sort_n admit_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n their_o several_a step_n progress_n and_o gradation_n may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n be_v trace_v out_o and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o have_v be_v often_o do_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o latter_a kind_n be_v the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o immoderate_a affection_n and_o reverence_n of_o virginity_n in_o the_o ancient_a universal_a church_n and_o example_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n have_v great_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v and_o justify_v it_o to_o the_o world_n than_o any_o other_o erroneous_a practice_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whatsoever_o many_o other_o indeed_o proceed_v from_o the_o imitation_n and_o advancement_n of_o some_o ancient_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n but_o then_o that_o practice_n degenerate_v into_o abuse_n and_o that_o doctrine_n be_v advance_v into_o error_n whereas_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n can_v plead_v not_o only_o the_o countenance_n and_o resemblance_n of_o ancient_a time_n but_o produce_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o pope_n council_n and_o doctor_n who_o ancient_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o urge_v the_o imposition_n of_o it_o with_o no_o less_o fervour_n than_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n however_o celibacy_n be_v confirm_v by_o these_o great_a authority_n and_o recommend_v by_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o undoubted_a antiquity_n few_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n have_v handle_v this_o controversy_n or_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o inclusiveness_n of_o those_o authority_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o antiquity_n some_o few_o have_v produce_v authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o contrary_a practice_n or_o in_o treat_v of_o other_o argument_n have_v brief_o touch_v of_o it_o and_o all_o have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o a_o few_o word_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n at_o lest_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v handle_v this_o controversy_n in_o a_o particular_a treatise_n nor_o show_v the_o beginning_n occasion_n advances_n and_o success_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n this_o enquiry_n have_v be_v omit_v not_o because_o truth_n be_v want_v to_o our_o side_n or_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o antiquity_n run_v contrary_a to_o we_o but_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o less_o momentous_a controversy_n and_o our_o clergy_n who_o peculiar_a glory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v less_o solicitous_a of_o their_o interest_n even_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a decline_v the_o controversy_n lest_o in_o plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o marriage_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v by_o a_o censorious_a world_n to_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o inclination_n and_o perhaps_o practise_v too_o to_o supply_v this_o defect_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o vindicate_v the_o injure_a cause_n of_o marriage_n and_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a esteem_n of_o celibacy_n be_v neither_o rational_a nor_o universal_a that_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a imposition_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a nor_o necessary_a precedent_n of_o the_o modern_a practice_n of_o it_o to_o show_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o esteem_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o imposition_n and_o carry_v the_o history_n of_o the_o celibacy_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o have_v here_o undertake_v and_o as_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n perform_v perhaps_o with_o so_o much_o the_o better_a success_n because_o induce_v by_o no_o prejudices_fw-la nor_o plead_v for_o any_o peculiar_a interest_n for_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n have_v neither_o experience_v the_o pleasure_n of_o marriage_n nor_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o because_o our_o adversary_n common_o object_v to_o we_o falsify_v of_o citation_n and_o borrow_v they_o from_o one_o another_o a_o crime_n which_o the_o romish_a priest_n of_o england_n be_v true_o guilty_a of_o perhaps_o therein_o to_o be_v excuse_v because_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o cause_n require_v the_o former_a and_o their_o own_o ignorance_n necessitate_v the_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d far_o to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o of_o all_o the_o citation_n which_o he_o shall_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n no_o one_o be_v take_v up_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n for_o the_o first_o 1300._o year_n and_o after_o that_o time_n no_o more_o than_o three_o writer_n cite_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o viz._n alvarus_n pelagius_n panormitan_n and_o polydore_n virgil_n who_o write_n i_o have_v not_o then_o by_o i_o nor_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o consult_v a_o treatise_n of_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n wherein_o its_o rise_n and_o progress_n be_v historical_o consider_v virginity_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o plausible_a and_o if_o true_a so_o venerable_a so_o countenance_v by_o antiquity_n and_o admire_v by_o the_o unthinking_a multitude_n so_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secular_a interest_n and_o outward_a grandeur_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o among_o all_o the_o artifices_fw-la wherewith_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n uphold_v a_o sink_a and_o decay_a cause_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o she_o more_o especial_o make_v use_n of_o this_o it_o may_v just_o deserve_v our_o reverence_n and_o excite_v our_o emulation_n if_o her_o clergy_n make_v good_a their_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o virginity_n by_o a_o real_a and_o unspotted_a chastity_n but_o since_o when_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o resume_v that_o ancient_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n of_o believe_v our_o sense_n since_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n can_v and_o experience_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o do_v not_o enjoy_v a_o perfection_n so_o extraordinary_a since_o a_o enforce_a virtue_n and_o servile_a piety_n be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o venerable_a to_o man_n we_o slight_v their_o virginity_n because_o impose_v and_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o the_o plea_n indeed_o of_o antiquity_n be_v not_o only_o specious_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n true_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n they_o retain_v a_o infinite_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o virginity_n many_o extol_v it_o as_o the_o glory_n and_o
confirm_v by_o any_o pope_n or_o council_n to_o this_o day_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o evince_v that_o this_o canon_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o understand_v only_o of_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n of_o the_o clergy_n while_o they_o perform_v their_o office_n in_o their_o turn_n for_o the_o clergy_n have_v not_o then_o as_o now_o each_o one_o his_o parish_n assign_v he_o wherein_o to_o officiate_v but_o all_o of_o one_o city_n at_o least_o in_o the_o lesser_a city_n belong_v to_o one_o church_n supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n and_o relieve_v one_o the_o other_o by_o turn_n that_o this_o canon_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o understand_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o it_o where_o positis_fw-la in_o ministerio_fw-la must_v either_o signify_v this_o or_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a since_o all_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o their_o office_n be_v place_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o otherwise_o total_a abstinence_n will_v be_v enjoin_v to_o subdeacons_n reader_n exorcist_n and_o acolythi_a as_o well_o as_o to_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o albaspinaeus_n clericis_fw-la explain_v the_o word_n in_o totum_fw-la prohiberi_fw-la it_o be_v forbid_v say_v he_o to_o all_o clergyman_n whatsoever_o whereas_o subdeacons_n be_v never_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n till_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o age_n and_o the_o three_o inferior_a order_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n forbid_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o when_o a_o total_a abstinence_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a all_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o council_n express_v it_o by_o say_v some_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o law_n and_o paphnutius_fw-la oppose_v it_o plead_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v burden_v with_o new_a imposition_n but_o that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v now_o if_o this_o total_a abstinence_n have_v twenty_o year_n before_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n all_o those_o historian_n have_v mistake_v and_o hosius_n bishop_n of_o corduba_n who_o have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n and_o preside_v in_o that_o of_o nice_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v the_o father_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o paphnutius_fw-la celibacy_n be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o its_o crisis_n universal_o indeed_o applaud_v but_o no_o where_o impose_v yet_o have_v the_o unreasonable_a affection_n of_o it_o in_o many_o clergyman_n and_o a_o immoderate_a ambition_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o virginity_n in_o many_o lay_v person_n already_o introduce_v two_o of_o the_o most_o enormous_a scandal_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n i_o mean_v emasculation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v unmarried_a woman_n common_o those_o who_o have_v vow_v perpetual_a virginity_n take_v into_o the_o house_n as_o domestic_a assistant_n by_o clergyman_n who_o have_v either_o never_o marry_v or_o bury_v their_o wife_n or_o unmarried_a man_n common_o of_o the_o clergy_n take_v into_o the_o house_n in_o the_o same_o quality_n by_o woman_n or_o virgin_n who_o have_v vow_v continence_n we_o want_v a_o proper_a english_a word_n to_o express_v they_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v content_a to_o call_v they_o housekeeper_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o most_o common_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o name_n be_v first_o give_v 30._o by_o the_o people_n of_o antioch_n to_o the_o housekeeper_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la their_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n by_o the_o latin_n they_o be_v term_v subintroductae_fw-la adscititiae_fw-la extraneae_fw-la alienae_n dilectae_fw-la sorores_n commanentes_fw-la and_o focariae_n they_o be_v take_v in_o by_o most_o under_o pretence_n of_o piety_n to_o encourage_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o by_o spiritual_a conference_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o all_o upon_o pretence_n of_o domestic_a assistance_n that_o the_o man_n may_v defend_v the_o woman_n from_o all_o injury_n to_o which_o otherwise_o that_o weak_a sex_n be_v expose_v and_o the_o woman_n may_v provide_v necessary_n for_o the_o man_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n some_o perhaps_o make_v good_a their_o pretence_n by_o a_o sober_a and_o prudent_a conversation_n but_o the_o great_a part_n indulge_v to_o themselves_o the_o most_o inward_a familiarity_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n and_o make_v they_o even_o the_o companion_n of_o their_o sleep_n where_o they_o use_v all_o the_o embrace_n caress_n and_o allurement_n of_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n save_v only_o carnal_a knowledge_n and_o all_o this_o they_o open_o maintain_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o think_v it_o not_o injurious_a to_o their_o profession_n of_o virginity_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o chastity_n but_o some_o proceed_v far_a and_o by_o visible_a effect_n discover_v the_o approach_n of_o a_o near_a familiarity_n and_o more_o â—…lose_a embrace_n to_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o church_n other_o find_v or_o fear_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a temptation_n for_o can_v a_o man_n take_v fire_n into_o his_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 27._o as_o the_o father_n frequent_o apply_v to_o this_o case_n emasculate_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v at_o least_o prevent_v all_o visible_a scandal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o extinguish_v the_o fire_n of_o their_o mind_n thus_o do_v fuga_fw-la leontius_n the_o arian_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n for_o the_o love_n of_o eustolium_fw-la his_o paramour_n and_o that_o the_o abuse_n be_v frequent_a even_o among_o the_o catholic_n appear_v from_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr singularitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la and_o st._n basil_n treatise_n of_o true_a virginity_n where_o he_o eloquent_o describe_v and_o bewail_v the_o scandalous_a familiarity_n of_o these_o eunuch_n and_o housekeeper_n see_v two_o egregious_a scandal_n the_o immediate_a effect_n even_o of_o a_o voluntary_a celibacy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n great_a than_o any_o which_o the_o church_n now_o suffer_v in_o the_o dregs_o of_o time_n we_o need_v not_o say_v any_o more_o of_o they_o if_o the_o unreasonable_a will_n of_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o necessitate_v we_o to_o clear_v the_o matter_n a_o little_a far_o they_o maintain_v that_o by_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v also_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o clergy_n a_o pretence_n which_o however_o shameless_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o main_a engine_n of_o advance_v celibacy_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o council_n which_o have_v forbid_v housekeeper_n to_o the_o clergy_n be_v produce_v against_o their_o marriage_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o age_n have_v sit_v they_o for_o a_o miserable_a delusion_n by_o such_o imposture_n to_o pass_v by_o then_o the_o confession_n of_o some_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n which_o always_o forbid_v housekeeper_n but_o never_o wife_n to_o the_o clergy_n i_o will_v only_o oppose_v a_o few_o passage_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n st._n cyprian_n lament_v the_o folly_n of_o many_o consecrate_a virgin_n who_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o family_n and_o even_o into_o the_o bed_n of_o unmarried_a clergyman_n say_v pomponium_n last_o how_o grievous_a fall_v of_o many_o do_v we_o see_v hereby_o produce_v and_o with_o extreme_a grief_n behold_v the_o corruption_n of_o many_o virgin_n by_o these_o unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a familiarity_n wherefore_o if_o they_o desire_v the_o reward_n of_o virginity_n let_v they_o be_v virgin_n in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v contain_v let_v they_o marry_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr singularitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la have_v these_o word_n med_n why_o have_v he_o take_v a_o housekeeper_n who_o scorn_v to_o marry_v a_o wife_n so_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n and_o yet_o retain_v the_o familiarity_n of_o woman_n although_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o pollute_v yet_o enjoy_v they_o by_o imagination_n sight_n conversation_n and_o society_n st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n profess_v virginit_fw-la he_o know_v not_o whither_o to_o call_v they_o marry_v or_o unmarried_a person_n since_o in_o a_o unmarried_a state_n they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n st._n chrysostom_n in_o like_a manner_n say_v they_o be_v neither_o wife_n nor_o concubine_n but_o a_o middle_n kind_a unknown_a to_o former_a age_n and_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o desire_v to_o have_v man_n
clergy_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ten_o age_n and_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o till_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o twelve_o age._n elfric_n 1003._o indeed_o a_o great_a zealot_n of_o the_o monastic_a order_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o dislike_v and_o oppose_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n yet_o so_o that_o from_o his_o word_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n general_o obtain_v in_o england_n and_o himself_o rather_o wish_v than_o hope_v for_o a_o abolition_n of_o it_o in_o oppose_v it_o he_o join_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o antiquity_n to_o the_o imposture_n of_o latter_a age_n from_o hence_o he_o receive_v the_o poor_a pretence_n of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o three_o canon_n from_o thence_o his_o detestation_n of_o second_o marriage_n against_o which_o he_o have_v conceive_v such_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n that_o he_o forbid_v 9_o priest_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o those_o marriage_n or_o even_o to_o bestow_v a_o blessing_n on_o they_o nay_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoy_v at_o that_o time_n so_o great_a a_o liberty_n of_o marriage_n that_o even_o the_o monk_n enjoy_v the_o same_o freedom_n and_o as_o the_o old_a manuscript_n chronicle_n of_o winchester_n relate_v 434._o all_o the_o monastery_n of_o england_n except_o glastenbary_n and_o abendon_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o college_n of_o marry_a priest_n till_o king_n edgar_n drive_v they_o thence_o and_o plant_v monk_n in_o they_o this_o be_v do_v by_o king_n edgar_n about_o the_o year_n 974_o at_o the_o instigation_n and_o by_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o dunstan_n who_o hold_v divers_a synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o have_v sharp_a dispute_n with_o the_o marry_a clergy_n possess_v the_o monastery_n where_o his_o frequent_a recur_v to_o trick_n and_o imposture_n relate_v by_o the_o monkish_a historian_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n manifest_a that_o reason_n and_o justice_n fail_v he_o and_o that_o in_o both_o he_o be_v overpower_v by_o the_o marry_a clergy_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o prince_n give_v to_o dunstan_n the_o advantage_n of_o obtain_v his_o design_n who_o as_o malmsbury_n relate_v 1._o when_o he_o give_v the_o clergy_n their_o choice_n either_o to_o quit_v their_o wife_n or_o their_o monastery_n forsake_v their_o place_n and_o leave_v they_o empty_a to_o the_o monk_n alferus_n indeed_o prince_n of_o mercia_n drive_v out_o the_o monk_n again_o and_o replace_v the_o marry_a clergy_n but_o they_o soon_o lose_v their_o recover_a possession_n with_o the_o fall_n of_o that_o prince_n however_o this_o violence_n of_o edgar_n and_o constitution_n of_o dunstan_n touch_v not_o the_o secular_a clergy_n whether_o parochial_a priest_n or_o prebendary_n of_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n they_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n with_o no_o less_o perfect_a freedom_n than_o before_o and_o therefore_o among_o king_n edgar_n canon_n one_o be_v lambâ—…rdum_fw-la that_o if_o a_o mass-priest_n commit_v fornication_n or_o violate_v his_o marriage_n he_o fast_o 10_o year_n and_o always_o bewail_v his_o crime_n if_o a_o deacon_n 7_o year_n if_o a_o inferior_a clergyman_n 6_o year_n if_o a_o layman_n 5_o year_n not_o only_o the_o secular_a clergy_n but_o even_o many_o regulars_n who_o live_v separately_z out_o of_o monastery_n enjoy_v then_o the_o benefit_n of_o marriage_n as_o many_o nun_n do_v alarviz_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o abyssine_a church_n whence_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n 530._o observe_v that_o their_o wife_n be_v frequent_o call_v monachae_n and_o moniales_n nun_n afterward_o pope_n gregory_n the_o seven_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o whole_a clergy_n and_o second_v his_o imposition_n with_o reiteratâ—…d_a command_n to_o all_o bishop_n to_o execute_v his_o decree_n lanfranc_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n endeavour_v to_o introduce_v celibacy_n into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o perceive_v the_o attempt_n to_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o unanimous_a opposition_n of_o the_o clergy_n he_o be_v content_v in_o the_o council_n of_o winchester_n in_o the_o year_n 1076._o to_o make_v this_o decree_n only_o 351._o let_v no_o prebendary_a have_v a_o wife_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n who_o live_v in_o town_n and_o village_n those_o who_o have_v wife_n shall_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o put_v they_o away_o those_o who_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o marry_v any_o thus_o lanfranc_n prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o more_o resolute_a undertake_n of_o his_o successor_n anselm_n who_o not_o content_v with_o a_o partial_a celibacy_n attempt_v to_o debar_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n from_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o enjoy_v so_o common_a and_o general_a be_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o that_o time_n that_o pope_n paschal_n the_o second_o in_o a_o epistle_n 91._o to_o anselm_n give_v he_o a_o dispensation_n to_o admit_v the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o holy_a order_n assign_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o they_o make_v up_o the_o great_a and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o indeed_o many_o great_a and_o illustrious_a member_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o son_n of_o priest_n who_o live_v at_o this_o time_n in_o england_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o history_n herebertus_n losinga_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n be_v 2._o the_o son_n of_o robert_n losinga_n a_o clergyman_n afterward_o abbot_n of_o winchester_n rithmarch_n be_v 605._o son_n and_o successor_n of_o sulgheim_n bishop_n of_o st._n david_n thomas_n archbishop_n of_o york_z be_v 23._o the_o son_n of_o a_o norman_a priest_n as_o also_o 23._o his_o brother_n samson_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n who_o son_n thomas_n succeed_v 23._o his_o uncle_n in_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o york_n henry_n archdeacon_n of_o huntingdon_n the_o historian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o nicolas_n priest_n of_o lincoln_n who_o for_o his_o great_a piety_n and_o learning_n be_v call_v 7._o the_o star_n of_o the_o clergy_n richard_n archdeacon_n of_o coventry_n be_v the_o son_n and_o successor_n of_o robert_n bishop_n of_o chester_n or_o of_o coventry_n and_o lichfield_n which_o see_v be_v then_o place_v at_o chester_n upon_o which_o radulphus_fw-la de_fw-fr diceto_fw-la make_v this_o observation_n 1161._o not_o therefore_o either_o from_o sacred_a order_n or_o from_o parochial_a cure_n or_o from_o bishopric_n or_o from_o the_o popedom_n itself_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v debar_v if_o they_o be_v of_o a_o honest_a life_n it_o can_v be_v here_o imagine_v that_o all_o these_o person_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o father_n for_o first_o clergyman_n be_v then_o ordain_v young_a and_o then_o the_o contrary_n can_v be_v plain_o demonstrate_v of_o many_o of_o they_o for_o eadmerus_n 7._o relate_v that_o lanfranc_n go_v to_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n 1071._o implead_v thomas_n archbishop_n of_o york_n and_o remigius_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n before_o the_o pope_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v canonical_o promote_v to_o their_o bishopric_n because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o priest_n and_o consequent_o make_v incapable_a of_o holy_a order_n by_o the_o canon_n which_o incapacity_n be_v never_o extend_v to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n bear_v before_o their_o ordination_n beside_o the_o learned_a selden_n 195._o observe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o express_a canon_n then_o make_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o the_o council_n of_o clermont_n in_o the_o year_n 1095._o and_o therefore_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o holy_a order_n can_v arise_v only_o from_o their_o suppose_a bastardy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n after_o ordination_n which_o the_o hildebrandine_n pope_n and_o council_n have_v define_v to_o be_v fornication_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n till_o the_o time_n of_o anselm_n who_o be_v educate_v in_o a_o monastery_n and_o a_o dependent_a of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o papal_a law_n of_o celibacy_n into_o england_n his_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o will_v represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o historian_n henry_n de_fw-fr knyghton_n 8._o say_v anselm_n forbid_v wife_n to_o the_o clergy_n at_o leicester_n in_o the_o year_n 1102._o which_o before_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o they_o simon_n dunelmensis_n 1102._o in_o the_o year_n 1102._o concubine_n or_o wife_n be_v forbid_v to_o priest_n in_o the_o synod_n of_o london_n whence_o many_o of_o they_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o their_o church_n omit_v all_o divine_a service_n henry_n huntindon_n 7._o in_o the_o year_n
some_o make_v it_o even_o the_o business_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o unusual_a abstinence_n from_o lawful_a and_o permit_v pleasure_n that_o procure_v they_o admiration_n from_o the_o heathen_a and_o honour_n from_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o then_o they_o real_o perform_v what_o they_o generous_o undertake_v their_o celibacy_n be_v no_o less_o chaste_a than_o voluntary_a their_o piety_n be_v full_o adequate_a to_o their_o zeal_n and_o both_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n great_a than_o their_o knowledge_n yet_o shall_v we_o even_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o force_v our_o nature_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n if_o either_o their_o consent_n or_o their_o practice_n have_v be_v universal_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o imposition_n of_o it_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o most_o famous_a council_n and_o great_a writer_n never_o use_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n not_o introduce_v in_o the_o western_a till_o almost_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n enjoin_v but_o in_o some_o few_o province_n of_o that_o and_o even_o in_o those_o not_o universal_o practise_v and_o all_o this_o without_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o marriage_n and_o ever_o leave_v open_a a_o refuge_n for_o incontinent_a person_n not_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o not_o only_o advise_v but_o impose_v celibacy_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n have_v dissolve_v marriage_n in_o all_o describe_v it_o as_o heresy_n define_v it_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o fornication_n and_o to_o none_o allow_v a_o remedy_n for_o incontinency_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o injustice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herein_o and_o her_o departure_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o present_a treatise_n it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n of_o error_n when_o the_o defender_n of_o any_o opinion_n agree_v not_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o undertake_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v four_o opinion_n about_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o first_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n institute_v and_o command_v by_o god._n so_o 2._o jo._n major_n 4._o clichtovaeus_fw-la and_o 2._o turrian_n teach_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v bishop_n priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_a who_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o comprehend_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o clergy_n unless_o when_o we_o manifest_o distinguish_v they_o to_o marry_o or_o use_v their_o wife_n already_o marry_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o bellarmine_n valentia_n vasquez_n becanus_n aquinas_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a divine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o of_o divine_a but_o of_o apostolic_a right_a as_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o ever_o since_o constant_o and_o invariable_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n that_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n shall_v be_v annex_v to_o holy_a order_n and_o consequent_o that_o marriage_n thereby_o become_v unlawful_a to_o the_o clergy_n without_o a_o dispensation_n the_o three_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v here_o have_v or_o not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o impose_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v once_o take_v all_o use_n of_o marriage_n be_v become_v unlawful_a and_o subsequent_a contract_n invalid_a this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o of_o the_o canonist_n and_o the_o council_n of_o 9_o trent_n which_o venture_v to_o define_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o clergyman_n or_o regulars_n after_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o continence_n can_v marry_v or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o their_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a last_o the_o more_o moderate_a divine_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o divine_a nor_o apostolical_a right_n but_o derive_v all_o its_o obligation_n from_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n which_o as_o well_o as_o the_o vow_v annex_v to_o it_o will_v cease_v to_o oblige_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v please_v although_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o she_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o continue_v her_o institution_n against_o these_o opinion_n i_o shall_v prove_v these_o four_o proposition_n i._o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o institute_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ii_o it_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o and_o bring_v no_o real_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n iii_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o order_n of_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god._n iv._o it_o be_v never_o universal_o impose_v or_o practse_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n i._n first_o then_o that_o celibacy_n be_v not_o institute_v either_o by_o christ_n oâ—…_n his_o apostle_n by_o celibacy_n we_o mean_v a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n in_o those_o already_o marry_a and_o not_o contract_n of_o marriage_n in_o single_a person_n after_o take_v of_o holy_a order_n or_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o chastity_n that_o such_o celibacy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o enjoin_v by_o christ_n nor_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o dissent_n of_o our_o adversary_n herein_o for_o it_o be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o this_o will_v be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v command_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v doubt_v and_o dispute_v of_o among_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n now_o this_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o maintainer_n of_o the_o second_o and_o four_o opinion_n as_o for_o the_o three_o that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a artifice_n of_o the_o latter_a popish_a council_n be_v so_o obscure_o propose_v that_o it_o neither_o direct_o favour_n nor_o oppose_v it_o beside_o neither_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n can_v be_v offer_v for_o this_o claim_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o former_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o or_o if_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v examine_v it_o afterward_o the_o latter_a can_v just_o be_v since_o none_o but_o a_o universal_a tradition_n of_o all_o past_a and_o present_a age_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convey_v down_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n whereas_o here_o the_o great_a part_n even_o of_o the_o present_a church_n deny_v it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o disprove_v this_o as_o well_o because_o it_o be_v disow_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o adversary_n as_o because_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o be_v produce_v against_o the_o other_o opinion_n will_v with_o much_o more_o force_n be_v valid_a against_o this_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v either_o false_a or_o uncertain_a the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v whole_o overthrow_v since_o many_o pope_n and_o council_n in_o the_o eleven_o age_n determine_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o marriage_n to_o be_v downright_a heresy_n 19_o bellarmine_n therefore_o and_o with_o he_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n decline_v this_o plea_n and_o assign_v to_o this_o celibacy_n a_o bare_a institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_v herein_o without_o any_o particular_a or_o express_a commission_n from_o our_o lord_n but_o by_o they_o prescribe_v and_o advise_v as_o meritorious_a itself_o and_o convenient_a to_o the_o church_n punctual_o herein_o follow_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n whether_o the_o church_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o ancient_n do_v conform_v its_o discipline_n to_o this_o pretend_a institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v inquire_v hereafter_o and_o by_o prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o such_o institution_n since_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v immediate_o degenerate_v from_o the_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n of_o her_o founder_n and_o great_a doctor_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o i_o observe_v that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n institute_v celibacy_n and_o ordain_v a_o vow_n of_o continency_n to_o be_v annex_v to_o holy_a order_n be_v a_o question_n of_o fact_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v infallible_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n but_o must_v be_v by_o they_o clear_o prove_v either_o from_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n or_o a_o universal_a and_o invariable_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n we_o shall_v â—…hew_v in_o some_o measure_n present_o and_o more_o large_o hereafter_o for_o scripture_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o those_o plain_a admonition_n of_o celibacy_n to_o the_o clergy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o we_o
first_o create_v whereas_o have_v he_o prescribe_v a_o perpetual_a continence_n to_o all_o those_o who_o aim_v a_o perfection_n as_o be_v pretend_v without_o alter_v their_o nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a miracle_n indue_a all_n who_o desire_v it_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n this_o alone_a will_v have_v debase_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v be_v a_o imposition_n more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a more_o difficult_a and_o intolerable_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law._n and_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n to_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n not_o as_o to_o angel_n or_o spiritual_a being_n but_o in_o a_o way_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o and_o agree_v to_o our_o imperfection_n that_o can_v neither_o refine_v nor_o perfect_v our_o nature_n which_o be_v preternatural_a and_o if_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n while_o enchain_v in_o a_o body_n surround_v with_o frailty_n and_o endue_v with_o passion_n we_o affect_v the_o impassibility_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v call_v ambitious_a but_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o pious_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o forbid_v not_o but_o even_o express_o permit_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n for_o lay_v down_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n he_o propose_v this_o as_o as_o one_o that_o 4._o he_o be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n of_o a_o priest_n that_o 6._o he_o be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n have_v faithful_a child_n of_o a_o deacon_n that_o 12._o he_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n rule_v his_o child_n and_o his_o own_o house_n well_o and_o further_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o no_o small_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o ability_n and_o worthiness_n of_o the_o candidate_n of_o any_o of_o these_o sacred_a office_n if_o they_o have_v rule_v their_o own_o house_n well_o and_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n teach_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o in_o another_o place_n 2._o to_o avoid_v fornication_n allow_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o wife_n make_v no_o exception_n that_o be_v a_o lamentable_a refuge_n of_o some_o who_o seek_v to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a place_n by_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v here_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o have_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n but_o be_v not_o now_o be_v become_v a_o widower_n or_o at_o least_o unable_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o bed._n for_o beside_o that_o the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o virtuous_a carriage_n of_o deacon_n wife_n beside_o that_o this_o interpretation_n be_v uncertain_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o vulgar_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n husband_n that_o it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o follow_a precept_n of_o rule_v their_o house_n well_o and_o be_v certain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o father_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v manifest_o evince_v the_o falseness_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v many_o person_n be_v admit_v to_o sacred_a order_n who_o have_v wife_n then_o alive_a and_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n the_o apostle_n be_v introduce_v thus_o speak_v 17._o we_o have_v order_v that_o a_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n whether_o their_o wife_n be_v alive_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o pass_v by_o therefore_o this_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n there_o be_v three_o other_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o of_o they_o back_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o authority_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o thereby_o than_o that_o the_o person_n admit_v into_o holy_a order_n shall_v not_o have_v two_o wife_n at_o the_o same_o time_n second_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v successive_o two_o wife_n much_o less_o three_o or_o four_o one_o after_o the_o death_n of_o another_o three_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v two_o wife_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n one_o marry_v after_o the_o divorce_n of_o another_o the_o first_o interpretation_n be_v general_o follow_v by_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o by_o the_o latin_a father_n although_o tit._n st._n chrysostom_n espouse_v both_o and_o jovin_n st._n hierom_n in_o so_o many_o several_a place_n admit_v all_o three_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o true_a be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o present_a business_n since_o each_o of_o they_o destroy_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o leave_v to_o the_o clergy_n a_o liberty_n of_o marriage_n however_o because_o the_o second_o interpretation_n if_o admit_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n prejudice_v that_o principle_n which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o lay_v down_o that_o all_o can_v contain_v and_o that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v provide_v no_o other_o remedy_n for_o incontinent_a person_n than_o marriage_n which_o consequent_o must_v be_v reiterated_a as_o often_o as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v i_o shall_v say_v somewhat_o to_o it_o and_o oppose_v first_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o greek_a father_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n who_o admit_v bigamist_n bishop_n and_o priest_n or_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v one_o wife_n after_o the_o death_n of_o another_o and_o that_o in_o great_a number_n as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o occasional_o demonstrate_v so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v forbid_v all_o such_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o these_o sacred_a office_n the_o universal_a church_n have_v err_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n three_o the_o three_o interpretation_n seem_v far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n the_o analogy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n for_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o exclude_v any_o man_n from_o this_o sacred_a dignity_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o crime_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o become_v necessary_a and_o if_o marriage_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o man_n to_o avoid_v fornication_n if_o any_o man_n wife_n die_v before_o either_o his_o year_n or_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n have_v reprieve_v he_o from_o the_o temptation_n of_o incontinence_n that_o man_n although_o a_o priest_n or_o bishop_n may_v withouthe_n least_o injury_n to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o piety_n or_o religion_n contract_v a_o second_o marriage_n bigamy_n in_o he_o as_o 3._o theodoret_n invincible_o argue_v will_v become_v involuntary_a and_o conseqnent_o not_o derogate_v from_o his_o character_n either_o of_o priest_n or_o christian._n beside_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n very_o frequent_a in_o that_o age_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o divorce_v their_o wife_n upon_o the_o slight_a occasion_n or_o the_o least_o discontent_n a_o abuse_n which_o argue_v in_o all_o a_o inconstant_a and_o unjust_a and_o in_o many_o a_o lustful_a mind_n and_o therefore_o although_o commit_v before_o their_o conversion_n render_v such_o person_n unworthy_a of_o this_o sacred_a character_n this_o interpretation_n therefore_o be_v embrace_v by_o theodoret_n who_o after_o he_o have_v affirm_v the_o same_o opinion_n to_o be_v maintain_v by_o many_o other_o and_o assert_v it_o by_o many_o reason_n conclude_v thus_o 14._o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o teach_v he_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o episcopal_a ordination_n who_o live_v chaste_o with_o one_o only_a wife_n for_o he_o have_v not_o herein_o reject_v second_o marriage_n which_o he_o have_v in_o many_o case_n even_o command_v to_o be_v contract_v consider_v then_o these_o and_o such_o like_a argument_n i_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o writer_n st._n chrysostom_n also_o in_o tit._n one_o place_n explain_v it_o the_o same_o way_n and_o st._n hierom_n when_o free_v from_o the_o passion_n of_o dispute_v against_o jovinian_a incline_v to_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o propose_v 245_o the_o example_n of_o two_o bishop_n whereof_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v lose_v his_o wife_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o overcome_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v marry_v another_o bury_v she_o after_o some_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o contain_v the_o other_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o but_o one_o wife_n even_o till_o his_o death_n he_o determine_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o better_a more_o chaste_a and_o
more_o continent_n and_o in_o another_o place_n init_fw-la resolve_v oceanus_n his_o question_n whether_o carterius_n a_o spanish_a bishop_n who_o have_v marry_v one_o wife_n before_o and_o a_o second_o after_o baptism_n have_v not_o thereby_o violate_v the_o apostle_n injunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n he_o pronounce_v that_o he_o have_v not_o last_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o tertullian_n after_o he_o be_v become_v a_o montanist_n and_o from_o he_o receive_v by_o the_o latin_a father_n it_o rely_v whole_o upon_o these_o two_o false_a supposition_n first_o that_o according_a to_o any_o other_o sense_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a the_o roman_a law_n never_o allow_v polygamy_n second_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o phrase_n when_o he_o command_v 9_o a_o widow_n to_o be_v choose_v the_o wife_n of_o one_o husband_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d although_o no_o law_n or_o civilise_a nation_n ever_o permit_v woman_n to_o have_v two_o husband_n at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o both_o these_o reason_n vanish_v when_o oppose_v to_o our_o three_o interpretation_n for_o divorce_n be_v permit_v by_o the_o roman_a as_o well_o as_o jewish_a law_n for_o many_o other_o cause_n beside_o that_o of_o adultery_n which_o alone_o be_v allow_v by_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o have_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n for_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o marry_v another_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v two_o wife_n and_o any_o woman_n who_o have_v marry_v again_o after_o such_o a_o unlawful_a divorce_n have_v true_o two_o husband_n have_v thus_o refute_v the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o produce_v no_o real_a advantage_n either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n beyond_o marriage_n and_o here_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a what_o panegyric_n and_o encomium_n of_o virginity_n have_v be_v compose_v by_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o barbarous_a age_n this_o be_v a_o large_a field_n for_o they_o wherein_o to_o display_v their_o rhetoric_n a_o subject_n so_o specious_a in_o itself_o and_o glorious_a in_o its_o title_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o have_v be_v the_o theme_n of_o so_o many_o luxuriant_a wit_n many_o of_o which_o have_v little_o less_o than_o deify_v it_o and_o equal_v its_o merit_n to_o the_o collection_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o harangue_n upon_o the_o praise_n of_o marriage_n much_o less_o to_o depress_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o virgin_n state_n it_o will_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o contrary_a argument_n and_o thereby_o reduce_v both_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n to_o that_o equilibrium_n wherein_o nature_n first_o place_v they_o and_o our_o saviour_n leave_v they_o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o extraordinary_a affection_n and_o reverence_n of_o virginity_n be_v first_o start_v and_o introduce_v by_o a_o heretic_n tertullian_n who_o deceive_v by_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o montanus_n endeavour_v to_o resine_fw-la the_o christian_a religion_n and_o advance_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o angelic_a perfection_n he_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n who_o receive_v this_o prejudice_n from_o he_o propagate_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n among_o the_o greek_n although_o it_o never_o be_v by_o they_o embrace_v with_o that_o zeal_n and_o pursue_v with_o that_o fervour_n which_o always_o accompany_v it_o in_o the_o western_a church_n second_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o extravagant_a veneration_n of_o virginity_n prevail_v proportionable_o to_o the_o decay_n of_o learning_n and_o increase_v of_o ignorance_n in_o all_o age_n the_o reputation_n of_o celibacy_n be_v ever_o then_o high_a when_o knowledge_n be_v at_o its_o low_a ebb_n particular_o in_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o age_n the_o most_o scandalous_a and_o barbarous_a period_n of_o time_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n wade_v through_o when_o learning_n seem_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o celibacy_n triumph_v every_o where_o and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o virtue_n marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n decry_v and_o abolish_v and_o more_o monastery_n found_v than_o in_o all_o the_o age_n either_o before_o or_o since_o three_o this_o opinion_n be_v first_o produce_v and_o ever_o after_o advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o gross_a mistake_n that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o impurity_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o that_o chastity_n can_v be_v retain_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n that_o the_o admirer_n of_o celibacy_n among_o the_o ancient_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o mistake_n we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o occasion_n to_o observe_v and_o although_o the_o more_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o proposition_n yet_o do_v they_o constant_o fall_v back_o and_o recur_n to_o it_o when_o they_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o clergy_n so_o bellarmine_n after_o he_o have_v before_o disow_v it_o when_o his_o purpose_n require_v it_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v 19_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o impurity_n and_o pollution_n intervene_v in_o the_o act_n of_o marriage_n not_o what_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o sin_n if_o by_o this_o pollution_n and_o impurity_n he_o mean_v a_o natural_a one_o we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o that_o affect_v not_o the_o soul_n nor_o depreciate_n the_o worth_n of_o marriage_n if_o a_o moral_a one_o that_o will_v indeed_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o sin_n but_o this_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v beside_o his_o distinction_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o a_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n be_v whole_o vain_a for_o if_o in_o all_o use_n of_o marriage_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o sin_n interven_v then_o can_v marriage_n be_v use_v without_o some_o precedent_a sin_n a_o proposition_n so_o false_a and_o erroneous_a that_o the_o use_v of_o marriage_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o will_v have_v be_v practise_v to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v they_o never_o fall_v nay_o far_o whether_o fall_v or_o not_o fall_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o marriage_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o even_o for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v meritorious_a that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o continue_v virgin_n but_o if_o by_o the_o antecedent_n sin_n which_o produce_v this_o pollution_n in_o the_o act_n of_o marriage_n bellarmine_n mean_v only_o the_o original_a depravity_n of_o our_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o this_o depravity_n than_o god_n can_v in_o justice_n and_o will_v not_o in_o mercy_n impute_v it_o to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o it_o than_o marriage_n may_v be_v use_v without_o it_o and_o his_o proposition_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n however_o because_o this_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v still_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o virginity_n wherewith_o they_o gain_v applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o unwary_a people_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a further_o and_o demonstrate_v that_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a chastity_n and_o continence_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o marriage_n which_o will_v also_o overthrow_v most_o of_o the_o authority_n produce_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a and_o disinterest_v father_n as_o insinuate_v no_o more_o than_o a_o advice_n of_o chastity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n if_o this_o proposition_n seem_v either_o harsh_a or_o like_o a_o paradox_n it_o be_v only_o because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o our_o judgement_n anticipate_v by_o false_a notion_n of_o chastity_n which_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o a_o moderate_a and_o well_o regulate_v use_v of_o matrimonial_a act_n as_o in_o a_o total_a abstinence_n from_o they_o nay_o the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o virtue_n the_o latter_a sometime_o a_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o if_o one_o marry_v person_n total_o abstain_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o and_o in_o most_o case_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o then_o only_o a_o virtue_n when_o it_o administer_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o a_o great_a good_a than_o be_v the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o child_n for_o
the_o future_a service_n of_o god._n such_o case_n do_v often_o happen_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o calm_a and_o flourish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v so_o that_o in_o all_o other_o chastity_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o total_a abstinence_n be_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a even_o although_o such_o abstinence_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a but_o alas_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o abstinence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o preserve_n the_o body_n from_o actual_a pollution_n and_o unlawful_a pleasure_n for_o that_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o necessity_n as_o well_o as_o choice_n and_o be_v common_a to_o thousand_o who_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o also_o in_o refrain_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o desire_n and_o even_o the_o thought_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o prevent_v the_o circle_n of_o a_o inward_a fire_n such_o a_o man_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o retain_v a_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a virginity_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o will_v be_v the_o phoenix_n of_o his_o age._n and_o then_o after_o all_o if_o he_o want_v either_o ability_n or_o a_o will_v to_o employ_v himself_o in_o virtue_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o great_a advantage_n than_o he_o can_v have_v do_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n his_o celibacy_n will_v be_v devoid_a of_o all_o merit_n and_o become_v whole_o indifferent_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o conservation_n of_o a_o true_a chastity_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a in_o marriage_n if_o it_o be_v not_o frequent_a that_o arise_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n not_o any_o desicience_n or_o imperfection_n of_o marriage_n now_o that_o chastity_n and_o continence_n may_v be_v here_o find_v and_o practise_v the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o when_o he_o say_v 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d marriage_n be_v honourable_a in_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n vudefiled_a or_o impolluted_a direct_o contrary_a to_o bellarmine_n proposition_n the_o apostle_n be_v herein_o follow_v by_o almost_o all_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v producce_fw-fr some_o of_o they_o and_o first_o the_o great_a paphnutius_fw-la who_o when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v propose_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o advance_v chastity_n 11._o pronounce_v the_o embrace_n of_o a_o lawful_a wife_n to_o be_v chastity_n and_o be_v therein_o applaud_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n so_o clemens_n alex._n 3._o just_a man_n under_o the_o old_a law_n beget_v child_n marry_v or_o use_v marriage_n incontinent_o ibid._n what_o may_v we_o not_o use_v marriage_n continent_o and_o not_o go_v about_o to_o dissolve_v that_o which_o god_n have_v join_v ibid._n he_o also_o who_o marry_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o procreation_n of_o child_n aught_o to_o use_v continence_n so_o as_o not_o to_o lust_n even_o after_o his_o own_o wife_n who_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v beget_v child_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o chaste_a will._n lactantius_n 8._o as_o the_o woman_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o chastity_n to_o lust_n after_o no_o other_o object_n so_o be_v the_o husband_n bind_v by_o the_o same_o law_n because_o god_n have_v join_v the_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n by_o the_o union_n of_o one_o body_n st._n ambrose_n vercell_n virginity_n have_v its_o reward_n widowhood_n its_o merit_n there_o be_v also_o place_n for_o conjugal_a chastity_n the_o med._n apostle_n command_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n not_o that_o he_o exclude_v a_o unmarried_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o precept_n but_o that_o by_o conjugal_a chastity_n he_o may_v preserve_v the_o grace_n give_v he_o in_o baptism_n if_o then_o chastity_n be_v common_a both_o to_o marriage_n and_o celibacy_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o intrinsic_a excellence_n beyond_o the_o former_a nor_o indeed_o do_v our_o more_o judicious_a adversary_n pretend_v to_o that_o few_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o foul_a a_o error_n except_o some_o zealous_a and_o unlearned_a monk_n the_o excellence_n therefore_o of_o it_o be_v whole_o accidental_a and_o consist_v only_o in_o afford_v great_a advantage_n of_o piety_n knowledge_n and_o beneficence_n than_o marriage_n this_o therefore_o be_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v let_v we_o then_o consider_v any_o one_o as_o a_o man_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o priest._n if_o in_o the_o first_o quality_n as_o a_o member_n and_o citizen_n of_o mankind_n that_o estate_n will_v deserve_v the_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v most_o communicative_a of_o good_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o whole_a universe_n the_o benefit_n of_o celibacy_n be_v indirect_a accidental_a and_o rare_a those_o of_o marriage_n direct_v natural_a and_o frequent_a if_o as_o a_o christian_a that_o state_n will_v be_v most_o eligible_a that_o more_o immediate_o procure_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n this_o celibacy_n direct_o afford_v to_o none_o marriage_n conferr_v on_o all_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o make_v it_o a_o sacrament_n if_o as_o a_o priest_n that_o state_n be_v preferable_a which_o give_v the_o great_a and_o more_o diffusive_a example_n to_o the_o laity_n a_o virtuous_a celibacy_n will_v be_v indeed_o exemplary_a to_o virgin_n laic_n the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o then_o a_o prudent_a and_o religious_a conduct_n of_o marriage_n will_v serve_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o other_o marry_a person_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o laic_a church_n thus_o far_o the_o merit_n of_o both_o be_v at_o least_o equal_a if_o we_o recur_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o example_n we_o may_v begin_v at_o paradise_n and_o the_o first_o state_n of_o mankind_n here_o we_o sin_v a_o marry_a couple_n even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o the_o very_a first_o blessing_n give_v by_o god_n unto_o mankind_n to_o be_v this_o 28._o be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v no_o laudable_a ambition_n to_o desire_v to_o exceed_v the_o piety_n and_o innocence_n of_o paradise_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v any_o great_a perfection_n to_o defeat_v the_o first_o blessing_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o we_o descend_v hence_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o patriarch_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n to_o have_v please_v god_n and_o serve_v their_o generation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o this_o while_n celibacy_n have_v no_o example_n nor_o any_o one_o precedent_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o mosaic_a law_n marriage_n be_v there_o express_o permit_v and_o indirect_o command_v to_o the_o priest_n since_o none_o but_o their_o own_o posterity_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o order_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o patron_n of_o celibacy_n urge_v mighty_o the_o three_o day_n abstinence_n 15._o from_o their_o wife_n impose_v upon_o the_o people_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o mount_n sinai_n but_o this_o be_v enjoin_v not_o only_o to_o the_o priest_n but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n be_v a_o short_a and_o temporary_a not_o a_o total_a and_o perpetual_a abstinence_n serve_v only_o to_o typify_v that_o inseparable_a purity_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o be_v to_o flourish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o mere_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n unworthy_a of_o the_o dignity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n again_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o saint_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n fine_a st._n chrysostom_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v wife_n and_o fafamily_n as_o esaias_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o great_a moses_n and_o yet_o suffer_v thereby_o no_o diminution_n of_o their_o virtue_n or_o if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n from_o the_o venerable_a example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a state_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o idle_a and_o contemplative_a but_o in_o a_o active_a and_o benefactive_a state_n that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v marry_v we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o if_o our_o saviour_n choose_v a_o single_a state_n wherein_o to_o pass_v his_o life_n on_o earth_n clemens_n alex._n shall_v answer_v for_o we_o 446._o that_o he_o have_v his_o proper_a spouse_n the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n who_o shall_v either_o want_v a_o help_n or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o temptation_n of_o incontinency_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v his_o species_n by_o procreation_n who_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o and_o then_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o
worship_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o shall_v find_v celibacy_n in_o no_o great_a esteem_n among_o they_o and_o marriage_n not_o only_o allow_v to_o their_o priest_n but_o even_o make_v necessary_a to_o some_o of_o they_o insomuch_o as_o the_o pontifex_n maximus_n among_o the_o roman_n can_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o his_o office_n than_o his_o wife_n live_v sin_n st._n herom_n indeed_o and_o after_o he_o all_o the_o champion_n of_o celibacy_n allege_v the_o exmple_n of_o the_o hierophantae_n of_o athons_n but_o have_v that_o good_a father_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o disputation_n consider_v the_o character_n of_o those_o priest_n he_o will_v not_o have_v venture_v to_o produce_v their_o example_n for_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o relation_n of_o lucian_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n those_o hierophantae_n of_o greece_n practise_v in_o their_o secret_a rite_n and_o mystery_n the_o most_o abominable_a lust_n and_o villainy_n of_o the_o pagan_a superftition_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v further_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o great_a order_n of_o priest_n among_o the_o heathen_n which_o profess_v virginity_n those_o of_o cybele_n or_o isis_n for_o as_o for_o the_o vestal_a virgin_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o marry_v when_o their_o time_n of_o service_n be_v expire_v and_o but_o one_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n that_o decry_v and_o contemn_v marriage_n the_o 421._o epicurean_o and_o of_o these_o the_o first_o be_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o incontinent_a of_o all_o priest_n the_o latter_a the_o most_o debauch_a and_o voluptuous_a of_o all_o philosopher_n last_o if_o we_o consult_v reason_n for_o scripture_n we_o have_v before_o examiee_v and_o tradition_n we_o shall_v hereafter_o neither_o will_v that_o declare_v in_o favour_n of_o celibacy_n that_o will_v only_o teach_v we_o that_o state_n be_v more_o noble_a which_o most_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o give_v the_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o neither_o marriage_n nor_o celibacy_n have_v of_o themselves_o any_o intrinsic_a merit_n at_o least_o not_o celibacy_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v neither_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o and_o direct_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n refine_v the_o reason_n or_o purge_v the_o will._n now_o the_o happiness_n of_o human_a life_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n consist_v in_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o imperturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o it_o be_v sit_v for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o her_o creator_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o more_o noble_a and_o sublime_a virtue_n this_o tranquillity_n next_o to_o habit_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v chief_o interrupt_v by_o immoderate_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n in_o the_o body_n although_o even_o those_o habit_n be_v produce_v at_o first_o by_o the_o intemperance_n of_o these_o passion_n the_o great_a and_o most_o vehement_a of_o our_o passion_n be_v those_o of_o desire_n and_o among_o they_o the_o propensity_n to_o the_o continuation_n of_o our_o species_n obtain_v thefirst_n place_n a_o a_o right_a use_n of_o marriage_n satisfy_v this_o propensity_n allay_v its_o violence_n secure_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o tempest_n on_o that_o side_n this_o celibacy_n can_v do_v only_o in_o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n who_o perhaps_o be_v not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o mankind_n if_o those_o be_v except_v to_o who_o not_o god_n or_o virtue_n but_o some_o defect_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v a_o reprieve_n from_o this_o passion_n in_o the_o rest_n celibacy_n especial_o when_o enforce_v will_v be_v only_o the_o occasion_n of_o perpetual_a or_o at_o least_o intermit_a tempest_n which_o instead_o of_o a_o sweet_a serenity_n will_v introduce_v into_o the_o mind_n a_o turbulent_a commotion_n dissorder_n all_o her_o thought_n and_o deprive_v she_o of_o all_o happiness_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v which_o be_v most_o false_a that_o celibacy_n well_o govern_v be_v in_o all_o able_a to_o give_v the_o mind_n the_o same_o tranquillity_n and_o secure_v she_o from_o all_o perturbation_n arise_v from_o the_o passion_n of_o desire_n yet_o still_o the_o merit_n and_o advantage_n of_o marriage_n and_o celibacy_n will_v be_v equal_a even_o in_o this_o consideration_n there_o remain_v then_o only_a argument_n of_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o outward_a decorum_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o though_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o observe_v that_o argument_n of_o convenience_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n against_o a_o probability_n of_o unlawfulness_n much_o less_o against_o a_o express_a divine_a permission_n yet_o shall_v i_o brief_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n produce_v by_o our_o adversary_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n a_o great_a immunity_n from_o secular_a care_n and_o worldly_a business_n and_o thereby_o a_o better_a opporunity_n to_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o execute_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n second_o a_o certain_a indecency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n which_o render_v it_o incompatible_a or_o at_o least_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o sacerdotal_a office_n three_o the_o better_a administration_n of_o the_o good_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o may_v indeed_o with_o some_o colour_n have_v be_v plead_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v design_v as_o itinerant_a preacher_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v then_o so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o their_o travel_n lead_v about_o with_o they_o if_o not_o their_o wife_n which_o be_v most_o probable_a yet_o at_o least_o woman_n but_o now_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v plant_v and_o the_o clergy_n have_v particular_a limit_n assign_v they_o wherein_o to_o execute_v their_o office_n that_o reason_n cease_v another_o case_n may_v happen_v wherein_o this_o argument_n may_v take_v place_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o church_n that_o her_o clergy_n give_v example_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o a_o man_n will_v embrace_v martyrdom_n with_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o unconcernedness_n when_o free_v from_o the_o solicitude_n of_o wife_n and_o child_n who_o consideration_n and_o perhaps_o importunity_n may_v tempt_v he_o to_o prevarication_n but_o then_o celibacy_n be_v here_o also_o so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o will_v augment_v the_o merit_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o break_v through_o those_o obstacle_n and_o slight_v those_o consideration_n however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o peaceable_a and_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n hence_o appear_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n our_o adversary_n urge_v that_o so_o much_o celebrate_v text_n of_o st._n paul_n 32._o he_o that_o be_v unmarried_a care_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n how_o he_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n a_o admonition_n by_o the_o apostle_n adapt_v to_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n of_o it_o but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o speak_v to_o all_o christian_n without_o carefulness_n for_o otherwise_o marriage_n do_v not_o necessary_o involve_v more_o carefulness_n or_o disquiet_n than_o celibacy_n if_o a_o great_a anxiety_n do_v ordinary_o attend_v it_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o marriage_n but_o the_o abuse_n of_o men._n and_o therefore_o clemen_n alex._n 3._o answer_n to_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v this_o very_a text_n against_o marriage_n what_o then_o can_v those_o who_o please_v their_o wife_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n may_v not_o a_o marry_a man_n together_o with_o his_o marriage_n care_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n further_o these_o text_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v the_o necessity_n or_o convenience_n of_o priest_n celibacy_n than_o it_o do_v of_o all_o other_o christian_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v here_o pretend_v that_o the_o clergy_n be_v more_o peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o more_o particular_o oblige_v to_o this_o duty_n for_o first_o that_o will_v suppose_v some_o excellency_n in_o celibacy_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v can_v be_v find_v and_o then_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o old_a law_n be_v no_o less_o solemn_o dedicate_v to_o god_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o debar_v marriage_n beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n exclude_v not_o those_o from_o holy_a order_n who_o have_v either_o bury_v their_o wife_n or_o vow_v a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o they_o although_o they_o may_v have_v many_o child_n then_o alive_a as_o if_o a_o equal_a solicitude_n and_o init_fw-la anxiety_n be_v not_o require_v to_o provide_v for_o child_n beget_v before_o as_o after_o
ordination_n not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o plea_n and_o shun_v marriage_n to_o avoid_v the_o trouble_n of_o provide_v necessary_n for_o a_o family_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o inconvenience_n if_o it_o be_v any_o and_o yet_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o enjoin_v celibacy_n to_o the_o clergy_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a chimaera_n a_o figment_n and_o a_o vain_a suspicion_n for_o to_o use_v st._n chrysostom_n word_n genes_n marriage_n do_v not_o only_o not_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o divine_a philosophy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v sober_a but_o also_o administer_v to_o we_o great_a assistance_n in_o it_o by_o culm_v the_o turbulency_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v toss_v in_o tempest_n but_o prepare_v it_o a_o haven_n wherein_o to_o ride_v secure_o wherefore_o god_n have_v herein_o grant_v a_o privilege_n to_o mankind_n again_o if_o a_o priest_n or_o bishop_n must_v therefore_o be_v unmarried_a that_o he_o may_v decline_v the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n then_o certain_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o secular_a business_n and_o the_o government_n of_o whole_a province_n for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o government_n of_o a_o single_a family_n involve_v more_o care_n and_o trouble_v than_o the_o administration_n of_o st._n peter_n patrimony_n last_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n whether_o the_o regulars_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o to_o their_o vow_n of_o continence_n have_v add_v another_o of_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o in_o secular_a matter_n exercise_v merchandise_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n beyond_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o reason_n allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n be_v a_o certain_a indecency_n and_o impurity_n in_o the_o act_n of_o marriage_n which_o render_v it_o unfitting_a for_o a_o priest_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o late_a embrace_n of_o his_o wife_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n so_o that_o because_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v either_o daily_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o offer_v up_o scrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thansgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o people_n or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o do_v it_o they_o ought_v therefore_o perpetual_o to_o abstain_v from_o conjugal_a duty_n this_o be_v ever_o the_o chief_a argument_n and_o foundation_n of_o celibacy_n pope_n and_o council_n in_o enjoin_v it_o to_o the_o clergy_n seldom_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o than_o this_o and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o priest_n marriage_n from_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n to_o this_o day_n have_v certain_o place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o argument_n yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a and_o most_o foolish_a sophism_n for_o if_o by_o this_o indecency_n and_o impurity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n they_o mean_v a_o moral_a one_o that_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o flat_a heresy_n the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o marcionite_n encratites_n and_o other_o more_o absurd_a heretic_n but_o if_o they_o mean_v only_o a_o natural_a impurity_n that_o in_o no_o way_n render_v any_o man_n less_o sit_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o aught_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n any_o more_o than_o the_o other_o more_o frequent_a evacuation_n of_o nature_n so_o gross_a a_o conceit_n be_v unworthy_a the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v it_o degenerate_a into_o the_o dregs_o of_o judaisme_n beside_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o natural_a impurity_n somewhat_o indecent_a in_o the_o clergy_n which_o yet_o be_v foolish_a to_o imagine_v of_o a_o secret_a and_o hide_a impurity_n such_o as_o this_o be_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v infinite_o outweigh_v by_o the_o inevitable_a danger_n of_o a_o moral_a tupitude_n to_o which_o priest_n be_v expose_v by_o enforce_v celibacy_n last_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o daily_a celebration_n of_o mass_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o eucharist_n affect_v not_o deacon_n nor_o subdeacons_n and_o be_v entire_o overthrow_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a time_n when_o all_o baptise_a christian_n daily_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v suppo'sd_v either_o to_o have_v be_v enjoin_v or_o have_v use_v perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o their_o wife_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v the_o better_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o good_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o have_v expend_v upon_o wife_n and_o child_n but_o in_o public_a act_n of_o charity_n this_o might_n indeed_o with_o some_o pretence_n be_v urge_v if_o all_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n employ_v the_o superfluity_n of_o their_o revenue_n upon_o piety_n and_o charity_n or_o none_o of_o the_o marry_a clergy_n do_v it_o or_o if_o the_o well_o order_v of_o family_n and_o good_a education_n and_o decent_a provision_n for_o child_n be_v not_o of_o advantage_n to_o the_o public_a but_o these_o be_v equal_o false_a and_o then_o in_o vain_a be_v wife_n and_o child_n remove_v when_o nephew_n and_o other_o relation_n can_v gain_v access_n the_o example_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n especial_o for_o the_o last_o two_o hundred_o year_n demonstrate_v that_o pope_n have_v employ_v themselves_o with_o great_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n to_o the_o aggrandize_v of_o their_o family_n than_o ever_o the_o marry_a clergy_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v to_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o posterity_n thus_o have_v we_o examine_v the_o pretend_a advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n celibacy_n and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v null_n and_o vain_a but_o suppose_v they_o valid_a and_o real_o as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n if_o after_o all_o it_o have_v in_o other_o respect_v no_o less_o disadvantage_n celibacy_n will_v yet_o remain_v indifferent_a both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o convenience_n to_o pass_v by_o therefore_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o celibacy_n in_o general_n as_o that_o it_o ordinary_o produce_v morosness_n pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o say_v nothing_o worse_o when_o affect_v and_o choose_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o merit_n as_o 3._o clemens_n alex._n of_o old_a observe_v i_o shall_v consider_v only_o the_o particular_a inconvenience_n arise_v from_o the_o enforce_a celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o mention_v but_o two_o of_o they_o but_o those_o so_o great_a and_o sensible_a that_o each_o of_o they_o infinite_o outweigh_v all_o the_o pretend_a advantage_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o inevitable_a and_o most_o certain_a danger_n of_o open_a incontinence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o thereby_o introduce_v a_o horrible_a scandal_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v alone_o more_o effectual_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o laity_n than_o the_o preach_a of_o all_o together_o can_v promote_v it_o for_o all_o ignorant_a christian_n which_o be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lead_v more_o by_o example_n than_o reason_n and_o assent_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n mere_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o pastor_n that_o propose_v it_o so_o that_o the_o scandal_n cause_v by_o the_o lust_n of_o one_o incontinent_a priest_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o celibacy_n of_o a_o hundred_o chaste_a priest_n can_v be_v advantageous_a to_o it_o now_o that_o force_a celibacy_n betray_v the_o clergy_n to_o open_a incontinency_n let_v st._n bernard_n speak_v init_fw-la take_v from_o the_o church_n honourable_a marriage_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a do_v you_o not_o fill_v it_o with_o fornicator_n incestuous_a person_n abuser_n of_o themselves_o sodomite_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n this_o experience_n have_v also_o sad_o demonstrate_v as_o we_o may_v hereafter_o show_v the_o second_o inconvenience_n of_o force_a celibacy_n be_v that_o it_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o the_o service_n of_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o either_o be_v already_o marry_v will_v not_o consent_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o wife_n or_o be_v yet_o single_a will_v not_o receive_v order_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o celibacy_n as_o either_o find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n or_o doubt_v whether_o they_o shall_v always_o have_v it_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o england_n and_o germany_n in_o the_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o age_n we_o shall_v afterward_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v last_o suppose_v that_o celibacy_n have_v all_o the_o aforementioned_a advantage_n and_o none_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n yet_o still_o if_o marriage_n have_v peculiar_a advantage_n which_o celibacy_n want_v both_o
will_v remain_v indifferent_a and_o neither_o to_o be_v prefer_v that_o marriage_n have_v such_o can_v be_v deny_v for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o marriage_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n actual_o confer_v grace_n and_o be_v choose_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o his_o mystical_a union_n with_o the_o church_n not_o to_o urge_v the_o precedent_a argument_n nor_o produce_v anew_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n chysostom_n not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o virtuous_a marriage_n of_o a_o priest_n may_v be_v high_o exemplary_a to_o his_o people_n since_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o manifest_a in_o the_o prudent_a government_n of_o his_o family_n and_o the_o pious_a 3._o education_n of_o his_o child_n whereas_o continence_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o celibacy_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n invisible_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o so_o can_v be_v proper_o exemplary_a to_o pass_v by_o all_o this_o i_o will_v i_o will_v allege_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o cleme_n alex._n in_o these_o word_n 3._o marriage_n as_o well_o as_o celibacy_n have_v its_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n please_v to_o god_n god_n i_o mean_v the_o care_n of_o child_n and_o wife_n whence_o the_o apostle_n command_v those_o to_o be_v choose_v bishop_n who_o from_o the_o virtuous_a government_n of_o their_o own_o family_n have_v learn_v to_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n well_o 7._o and_o in_o truth_n a_o man_n approve_v not_o himself_o in_o choose_v a_o single_a life_n but_o he_o transcend_v the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n who_o use_v marriage_n and_o the_o procreation_n of_o cildren_n and_o the_o government_n of_o a_o family_n without_o immoderate_a affection_n or_o anxiety_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o care_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o brave_o resist_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o wife_n and_o child_n servant_n and_o possession_n have_v thus_o prove_v that_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v neither_o institute_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v no_o excellence_n in_o itself_o or_o convenience_n to_o the_o church_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o order_n of_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god._n and_o here_o because_o the_o possibility_n of_o continence_n in_o all_o will_v intervene_v as_o the_o main_a question_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o discourse_n and_o prove_v i._o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o inhibit_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n even_o suppose_v that_o all_o can_v contain_v ii_o that_o all_o can_v contain_v and_o consequent_o that_o to_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o any_o order_n of_o man_n make_v up_o of_o all_o age_n constitution_n and_o humour_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o reason_n justice_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god._n i._n first_o then_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n even_o suppose_v that_o all_o man_n may_v by_o due_a diligence_n obtain_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n this_o may_v be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o what_o be_v last_o prove_v for_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o their_o authority_n as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o 8._o st._n paul_n be_v give_v they_o only_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n not_o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a for_o in_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n as_o the_o clergy_n be_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o neglect_v those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n may_v be_v acquire_v and_o thereby_o fall_v into_o inconinency_n lose_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o by_o their_o scandal_n and_o example_n draw_v many_o into_o perdition_n with_o they_o whereas_o have_v marriage_n be_v permit_v they_o both_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v prevent_v indeed_o if_o the_o edification_n arise_v from_o the_o imposition_n or_o prohibition_n of_o any_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v obvious_a and_o evident_a and_o the_o destruction_n either_o none_o or_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a or_o even_o if_o the_o edification_n be_v uncertain_a so_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o danger_n of_o destruction_n or_o perhaps_o even_o although_o both_o edification_n and_o destruction_n be_v equal_o dubious_a the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o these_o case_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n for_o otherwise_o a_o door_n will_v be_v leave_v open_a for_o the_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n but_o in_o this_o case_n the_o edification_n produce_v by_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v none_o or_o at_o least_o infinite_o dubious_a whereas_o the_o danger_n of_o destruction_n which_o may_v be_v cause_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a manifest_a and_o apparent_a second_o the_o church_n can_v total_o deprive_v any_o man_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o enjoy_v any_o lawful_a and_o natural_a pleasure_n nor_o take_v from_o he_o any_o of_o those_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n which_o nature_n and_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n first_o give_v he_o and_o intend_v for_o he_o she_o may_v restrain_v and_o limit_v the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n total_o abollish_v it_o so_o the_o church_n may_v forbid_v flesh_n to_o be_v eat_v or_o marriage_n to_o be_v contract_v at_o some_o certain_a season_n of_o the_o year_n but_o as_o she_o can_v enjoin_v to_o any_o man_n a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o flesh_n so_o neither_o can_v she_o total_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o any_o order_n of_o man_n for_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o very_a genius_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o peculiar_a glory_n be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o entire_a conformity_n in_o all_o the_o agenda_fw-la of_o it_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n three_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v pretend_v for_o inhibit_v marriage_n to_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n the_o church_n most_o certain_o can_v dissolve_v the_o marriage_n of_o those_o who_o never_o make_v any_o vow_n of_o of_o continence_n and_o be_v lawful_o marry_v before_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o church_n since_o our_o saviour_n express_o say_v 6._o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v this_o in_o the_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o age_n when_o many_o pope_n and_o council_n command_v the_o marry_a clergy_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o wife_n upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n not_o permit_v they_o to_o retain_v their_o wife_n by_o relinquish_a their_o office_n and_o retire_v into_o lay_n communion_n although_o the_o clergy_n in_o their_o remonstrance_n offer_v to_o nicolas_n ii_o protest_a that_o they_o have_v never_o make_v any_o vow_n of_o continence_n and_o can_v not_o contain_v without_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o clergy_n in_o receive_v order_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v make_v a_o tacite_fw-la and_o interpretative_a vow_n of_o chastity_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n i_o shall_v manifest_v immediate_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v produce_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a ii_o all_o man_n can_v contain_v and_o therefore_o to_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o any_o order_n of_o man_n be_v injust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law._n for_o all_o person_n who_o can_v contain_v have_v a_o right_a to_o marry_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v command_v to_o marry_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god._n 9_o but_o if_o they_o can_v contain_v let_v they_o marry_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o marry_o than_o to_o burn._n in_o impose_v celibacy_n therefore_o upon_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n forbid_v many_o to_o marry_o who_o god_n command_v to_o do_v it_o now_o that_o all_o man_n can_v contain_v appear_v from_o this_o very_a place_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o insinuate_v that_o in_o some_o person_n there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o marriage_n and_o burn_a but_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o permission_n of_o marriage_n assign_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n 7._o for_o i_o will_v that_o all_o man_n be_v even_o as_o myself_o that_o be_v continent_n but_o every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n one_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o another_o after_o that_o our_o saviour_n express_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o to_o the_o apostle_n object_v that_o if_o the_o the_o case_n be_v
it_o or_o marriage_n will_v obstruct_v it_o second_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o soul_n voluntary_o to_o exercise_v this_o arbitrary_a power_n upon_o the_o body_n yet_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v induce_v a_o necessity_n of_o offer_v violence_n to_o nature_n weaken_v the_o energy_n of_o the_o soul_n heap_v disease_n upon_o the_o body_n and_o dissolve_v the_o harmony_n of_o both_o three_o all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o undergo_v these_o austerity_n and_o when_o undergon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v incontinency_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o demonstrate_v this_o which_o will_v be_v useless_a and_o foolish_a if_o the_o disease_n do_v not_o as_o often_o recur_n not_o watch_n or_o fast_n not_o whip_n or_o even_a emasculation_n itself_o practise_v of_o old_a by_o origen_n aâ—…d_v the_o valesian_n heretic_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o sin_n ambrose_n morales_n can_v whole_o eradicate_v in_o some_o this_o peccant_a humour_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o very_a violent_a passion_n the_o indignation_n of_o which_o can_v extort_v so_o severe_a a_o remedy_n which_o when_o it_o be_v use_v do_v effectual_o indeed_o preserve_v the_o body_n but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o diminish_v the_o lust_n of_o mind_n 7._o yet_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n which_o either_o sanctify_v or_o pollute_v the_o body_n for_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n to_o have_v the_o body_n clean_o and_o the_o soul_n pollute_v whenas_o the_o body_n be_v either_o save_v or_o damn_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o soul._n as_o for_o all_o other_o severity_n how_o ineffectual_a they_o be_v in_o some_o constitution_n 22._o palladius_n relate_v a_o memorable_a story_n of_o moses_n a_o most_o famous_a abbot_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n afterward_o make_v bishop_n of_o the_o arabian_n who_o palladius_n call_v the_o bless_a theodoret_n 20._o the_o divine_a moses_n who_o from_o his_o youth_n perpetual_o vex_v with_o temptation_n of_o incontinency_n can_v not_o free_v himself_o from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o austerity_n which_o wit_n can_v invent_v or_o nature_n endure_v and_o therefore_o all_o his_o life_n be_v force_v to_o abstain_v from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o in_o his_o old_a age_n 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a miracle_n deliver_v from_o they_o upon_o which_o palladius_n make_v this_o remark_n for_o in_o truth_n concupiscence_n be_v perfect_o untameable_a but_o the_o great_a plea_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n remain_v behind_o which_o must_v be_v more_o large_o discuss_v they_o pretend_v that_o the_o church_n impose_v celibacy_n or_o a_o necessity_n of_o continence_n upon_o no_o man_n that_o she_o have_v annex_v it_o indeed_o to_o the_o four_o superior_a order_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o then_o force_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o those_o order_n that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n be_v not_o so_o much_o found_v in_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o church_n or_o incompatibility_n of_o marriage_n with_o holy_a order_n as_o in_o the_o vow_n of_o continence_n which_o all_o either_o do_v make_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v when_o they_o receive_v those_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v oppose_v and_o in_o order_n prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n i._o this_o plea_n can_v just_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o will_v excuse_v her_o practice_n ii_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n oblige_v not_o in_o case_n of_o insuperable_a incontinence_n and_o then_o may_v not_o only_o lawful_o but_o must_v necessary_o be_v violate_v iii_o whether_o lawful_o or_o unlawful_o necessary_o or_o unnecessary_o violate_v if_o marriage_n be_v contract_v after_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n it_o be_v firm_a and_o valid_a and_o can_v be_v rescind_v i._o for_o the_o first_o that_o this_o plea_n neither_o belong_v to_o nor_o avail_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n as_o first_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n direct_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o none_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o she_o forbid_v all_o who_o have_v once_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n ever_o after_o to_o violate_v it_o although_o in_o case_n of_o incontinence_n when_o the_o impossibility_n of_o observe_v it_o any_o long_o without_o actual_a sin_n make_v the_o violation_n of_o it_o become_v necessary_a and_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god._n second_o she_o have_v actual_o and_o often_o impose_v continence_n upon_o those_o who_o never_o vow_v it_o as_o when_o she_o first_o enjoin_v celibacy_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o renew_v that_o injunction_n when_o become_v obsolete_a nor_o can_v she_o at_o this_o day_n be_v excuse_v from_o the_o same_o imposition_n since_o a_o numerous_a society_n of_o clergyman_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o she_o have_v enjoin_v celibacy_n to_o all_o who_o will_v be_v member_n of_o this_o society_n although_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v so_o many_o continent_n person_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o execute_v the_o ministry_n of_o it_o much_o more_o whether_o among_o all_o continent_n christian_n there_o be_v so_o many_o both_o worthy_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v order_n as_o may_v serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n command_v any_o to_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n or_o forbid_v they_o to_o violate_v it_o when_o make_v both_o equal_o defeat_v all_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glorious_a merit_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o celibacy_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v either_o acceptable_a or_o meritorious_a which_o be_v not_o pure_o voluntary_a neither_o command_v nor_o punish_v by_o any_o human_a law_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o appear_v whether_o the_o action_n proceed_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o will_n or_o rather_o from_o the_o awe_n of_o that_o command_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o st._n hierom_n introduce_v christ_n thus_o speak_v jovin_n those_o eunuch_n please_v i_o which_o will_v not_o necessity_n have_v emasculate_v whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n none_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o four_o great_a order_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o three_o lesser_a order_n enjoy_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n or_o privilege_n of_o clergyman_n unless_o they_o vow_v perpetual_a continence_n nor_o be_v it_o permit_v to_o the_o former_a ever_o to_o violate_v their_o vow_n by_o contract_n of_o marriage_n although_o they_o shall_v resign_v their_o preferment_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office._n four_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v respect_v it_o can_v never_o appear_v that_o any_o vow_n be_v true_o make_v by_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v if_o the_o church_n command_v all_o such_o to_o make_v that_o vow_n for_o a_o vow_n be_v the_o peculiar_a voluntary_a and_o free_a act_n of_o he_o that_o vow_v as_o be_v a_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o internal_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o intention_n of_o vow_v so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n pronounce_v the_o form_n of_o the_o vow_n shall_v either_o not_o mind_n what_o he_o say_v or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n resolve_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o first_o be_v guilty_a of_o negligence_n the_o second_o of_o a_o lie_n but_o neither_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v vow_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o afterward_o marry_v do_v violate_v no_o vow_n this_o scotus_n durandus_fw-la dorbellus_fw-la paludanus_n and_o other_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v express_o teach_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n maintain_v that_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a to_o the_o clergy_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o vow_n annex_v to_o their_o order_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n prohibition_n as_o for_o a_o tacit_n and_o interpretative_a vow_n which_o many_o recur_n to_o suppose_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n to_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v to_o order_n so_o that_o these_o can_v be_v receive_v but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o vow_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v make_v that_o be_v whole_o vain_a this_o refuge_n be_v invent_v as_o well_o to_o avoid_v the_o reason_n last_o mention_v as_o to_o solve_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o even_o for_o the_o last_o six_o hundred_o year_n have_v not_o always_o require_v a_o explicit_a vow_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n although_o many_o pope_n have_v enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v open_o and_o express_o make_v but_o their_o decree_n meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n they_o be_v force_v to_o let_v they_o fall_v and_o recur_n to_o this_o expedient_a of_o a_o interpretative_a vow_n this_o
vow_n must_v be_v annex_v to_o order_n either_o by_o divine_a right_n or_o only_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o former_a that_o be_v indeed_o sufficient_a but_o than_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a as_o we_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n and_o bellarmine_n 18._o express_o acknowledge_v and_o may_v be_v further_o evince_v by_o this_o argument_n that_o then_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o pope_n can_v grant_v a_o dispensation_n of_o marriage_n to_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n if_o it_o be_v annex_v only_o by_o ecclesiastical_a right_n or_o command_v of_o the_o church_n than_o our_o former_a argument_n will_v return_v with_o more_o force_n for_o he_o who_o in_o receive_v of_o order_n shall_v omit_v to_o make_v that_o tacit_n vow_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o as_o a_o lie_n or_o dissimulation_n he_o neglect_v indeed_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o vow_n he_o neither_o make_v nor_o pretend_v to_o make_v so_o that_o there_o remain_v only_o a_o presumptive_a vow_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o reside_v in_o every_o man_n breast_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o marriage_n by_o a_o vow_n even_o suppose_v it_o valid_a and_o inviolable_a but_o those_o who_o shall_v confess_v they_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gloss_n olim_fw-la upon_o the_o decretal_n of_o gregory_n ix_o profess_v that_o himself_o and_o many_o other_o doctor_n with_o he_o can_v imagine_v how_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v oblige_v by_o vow_n to_o continence_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o silence_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o tacit_n vow_n yet_o i_o shall_v add_v somewhat_o more_o as_o first_o the_o ii_o council_n of_o toledo_n decree_n that_o none_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v vow_v 1._o continence_n but_o those_o who_o be_v ask_v by_o the_o bishop_n promise_v it_o coram_fw-la tota_fw-la plebe_fw-la before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o all_o council_n which_o command_v a_o vow_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o clergy_n at_o their_o ordination_n order_n it_o to_o be_v make_v open_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n many_o be_v ordain_v violent_o and_o against_o their_o will_n so_o st._n augustine_n init_fw-la tell_v donatus_n that_o many_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n keep_v in_o bold_a against_o their_o will_n drag_v shut_v up_o and_o imprison_v and_o suffer_v all_o this_o unwilling_o till_o they_o be_v force_v to_o receive_v ordination_n so_o be_v st._n augustine_n himself_o 4._o seize_v npon_o violent_o by_o the_o people_n of_o hippo_n drag_v to_o their_o bishop_n valerius_n and_o ordain_v amid_o abundance_n of_o tear_n so_o epiphanius_n ordain_v paulinianus_n brother_n of_o st._n hierom_n as_o himself_o confesle_v for_o see_v he_o present_a at_o 156._o divine_a service_n without_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o any_o such_o violence_n intend_v against_o he_o he_o command_v the_o deacon_n to_o apprehend_v he_o and_o hold_v his_o mouth_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n ordain_v he_o deacon_n and_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v with_o many_o entreaty_n persuade_v he_o to_o do_v somewhat_o at_o the_o altar_n belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n command_v he_o to_o be_v anew_o apprehend_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n ordain_v he_o priest._n now_o shall_v such_o clergyman_n as_o these_o be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v a_o tacit_n vow_v of_o continence_n at_o their_o ordination_n or_o must_v they_o forfeit_v all_o right_n of_o marry_v or_o if_o already_o marry_v must_v their_o marriage_n be_v dissolve_v and_o against_o their_o will_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o other_o three_o almost_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n agree_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v holy_a order_n many_o example_n of_o it_o have_v be_v see_v in_o that_o church_n and_o at_o this_o day_n aethiop_n great_a number_n of_o child_n be_v ordain_v priest_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o abyssine_a church_n four_o 976._o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n by_o phadimus_fw-la of_o amasea_n absent_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o it_o now_o shall_v either_o he_o or_o those_o child_n be_v presume_v to_o have_v make_v a_o vow_n of_o continence_n at_o their_o ordination_n when_o the_o first_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o vow_n the_o second_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o be_v ordain_v last_o suppose_v this_o vow_n to_o have_v be_v open_o and_o explicit_o make_v grant_v it_o to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o none_o of_o all_o these_o many_o necessary_a circumstance_n want_v yet_o will_v it_o not_o oblige_v if_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v by_o god._n for_o that_o the_o vow_n be_v make_v to_o god_n not_o to_o the_o church_n all_o agree_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v by_o god_n it_o become_v only_o a_o simple_a resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o change_v as_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a now_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v god_n accept_v this_o vow_n unless_o it_o be_v either_o for_o some_o excellency_n and_o holiness_n in_o celibacy_n or_o because_o himself_o command_v it_o both_o which_o we_o before_o disprove_v nay_o rather_o see_v it_o draw_v many_o into_o open_a incontinency_n and_o expose_v all_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o accept_v much_o less_o delight_n in_o such_o vow_n at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n and_o therefore_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o vow_n will_v ever_o be_v uncertain_a i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n oblige_v not_o in_o case_n of_o insuperable_a incontinence_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v by_o vow_n or_o even_o the_o great_a authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n which_o in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v inevitable_a unless_o the_o vow_n be_v violate_v and_o that_o case_n of_o insuperable_a incontinence_n without_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n may_v and_o do_v often_o happen_v i_o prove_v before_o when_o i_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o can_v contain_v and_o certain_o if_o in_o temporal_a affair_n no_o vow_n contract_n or_o promise_n oblige_v in_o case_n of_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n much_o more_o will_v it_o not_o oblige_v in_o case_n of_o moral_a impossibility_n by_o how_o much_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o more_o concern_n than_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o body_n but_o i_o will_v not_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o evident_a i_o choose_v rather_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o impossibility_n but_o even_o of_o great_a and_o apparent_a difficulty_n a_o vow_n of_o continence_n cease_v to_o oblige_v for_o first_o all_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o pope_n dispense_n power_n proceed_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o circumstance_n may_v alter_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o that_o when_o a_o great_a good_a be_v to_o be_v attain_v it_o cease_v to_o oblige_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v high_o reasonable_a for_o if_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n as_o to_o vice_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n grant_v than_o a_o vow_n which_o in_o some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v laudable_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a may_v in_o other_o become_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o obligatory_a now_o in_o case_n of_o violent_a although_o perhaps_o not_o insuperable_a temptation_n of_o incontinence_n after_o a_o vow_n of_o chastity_n the_o circumstance_n of_o he_o that_o vow_n be_v alter_v and_o by_o violate_v the_o vow_n a_o great_a good_n may_v be_v attain_v serenity_n of_o mind_n freedom_n from_o unruly_a passion_n and_o a_o escape_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin._n not_o in_o this_o only_a but_o in_o many_o other_o case_n also_o the_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n may_v change_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o vow_n whence_o aquinas_n determine_v that_o sin_n because_o in_o matter_n belong_v to_o himself_o a_o man_n be_v easy_o deceive_v in_o judge_v it_o be_v most_o fit_a such_o vow_n shall_v be_v either_o observe_v or_o omit_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o superior_a yet_o so_o that_o if_o any_o great_a or_o manifest_a inconvenience_n shall_v arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o a_o vow_n and_o there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n of_o recur_v to_o the_o superior_a a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o vow_n second_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n make_v by_o one_o marry_a person_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o be_v null_a and_o
the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n some_o young_a widow_n have_v imprudent_o be_v choose_v into_o the_o number_n of_o deaconess_n who_o either_o not_o be_v able_a or_o not_o will_v to_o contain_v have_v some_o of_o they_o marry_v and_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o imply_v have_v give_v scandal_n by_o their_o loose_a carriage_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o ratify_v the_o marriage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o marry_v and_o give_v free_a leave_n to_o the_o rest_n to_o marry_o but_o for_o the_o future_a command_v that_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o order_n under_o threescore_o year_n old_a at_o which_o age_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o incontinency_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v here_o of_o these_o deaconess_n or_o widow_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n to_o observe_v continence_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o common_a interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n many_o of_o who_o 24._o bellarmine_n reckon_v up_o and_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n after_o the_o apostle_n succeed_v the_o father_n st._n clemens_n alex._n the_o great_a defender_n of_o marriage_n and_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n 1._o second_o marriage_n after_o a_o promise_n of_o continence_n be_v unlawful_a not_o in_o the_o contract_n but_o in_o the_o breach_n of_o promise_n pomponium_n st._n cyprian_n speak_v of_o virgin_n that_o have_v profess_v chastity_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v persevere_v it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v marry_v than_o fall_v into_o incontinency_n by_o their_o fault_n epiphanius_n although_o otherwise_o a_o great_a bigot_n of_o virginity_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o after_o a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o continence_n and_o undertake_v a_o monastic_a life_n find_v themselves_o tempt_v with_o lust_n give_v they_o this_o advice_n fine_a it_o be_v better_a to_o commit_v one_o sin_n by_o violate_v the_o vow_n than_o many_o by_o indulge_v a_o wander_a lust_n it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v his_o undertake_n open_o to_o marry_v a_o wife_n according_a to_o the_o law._n st._n basil_n blame_v some_o virgin_n who_o after_o they_o have_v solemn_o devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o vow_v perpetual_a chastity_n behave_v themselves_o unseemly_a say_v 728._o it_o be_v much_o better_o for_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o a_o husband_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o direction_n of_o life_n and_o recompense_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o government_n by_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o care_n of_o the_o family_n and_o educate_v a_o succession_n of_o hopeful_a child_n and_o so_o preserve_v her_o chastity_n although_o it_o be_v only_o to_o avoid_v the_o jealousy_n of_o her_o husband_n there_o be_v extant_a among_o st._n chrysostom_n work_n two_o eloquent_a and_o passionate_a treatise_n write_v by_o he_o whilst_o young_a to_o his_o friend_n theodorus_n afterward_o the_o great_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o mopsuestia_n who_o in_o his_o youth_n have_v enter_v into_o a_o monastic_a life_n have_v in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n quit_v it_o for_o the_o love_n of_o hermione_n a_o fair_a virgin_n who_o he_o resolve_v to_o marry_v here_o chrysostome_n employ_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o rhetoric_n to_o exaggerate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o his_o sin_n commit_v in_o violate_v his_o vow_n make_v to_o god_n yet_o no_o where_o adventure_n to_o declare_v that_o his_o marriage_n will_v be_v invalid_a give_v it_o the_o name_n of_o marriage_n and_o not_o of_o adultery_n and_o although_o he_o equal_v the_o sin_n of_o it_o to_o that_o crime_n and_o by_o a_o metaphor_n call_v it_o adultery_n yet_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v it_o from_o formal_a adultery_n more_o especial_o in_o these_o word_n 2._o marriage_n you_o will_v say_v be_v lawful_a so_o say_v i_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o fortnicator_n and_o adulerer_n god_n will_v judge_v but_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o you_o to_o celebrate_v the_o rite_n or_o rather_o use_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o marriage_n for_o when_o one_o be_v join_v to_o a_o heavenly_a spouse_n to_o part_v with_o he_o for_o a_o wife_n and_o join_v himself_o to_o she_o this_o be_v adultery_n although_o you_o shall_v ten_o thousand_o time_n call_v it_o marriage_n and_o by_o so_o much_o worse_a than_o adultery_n by_o how_o much_o god_n be_v great_a than_o men._n wonder_v not_o if_o marriage_n be_v condemn_v equal_o with_o adultery_n when_o god_n be_v despise_v here_o the_o crime_n indeed_o be_v sufficient_o aggravavate_v but_o place_v whole_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o intend_a marriage_n but_o in_o violate_v his_o first_o faith_n pledge_v to_o christ_n in_o his_o vow_n of_o continence_n call_v his_o intend_a contract_n marriage_n grant_n that_o when_o marry_v hermione_n will_v be_v his_o wife_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o passage_n plain_o distinguish_v his_o crime_n from_o adultery_n wherefore_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o fronto_n ducaeus_n his_o edition_n render_v it_o thus_o wonder_v not_o if_o such_o a_o marriage_n be_v compare_v to_o adultery_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n say_v 13._o that_o some_o monk_n in_o his_o time_n quit_v their_o profession_n contract_a marriage_n pass_v the_o same_o censure_n on_o they_o always_o proceed_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o who_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o chastity_n do_v thereby_o as_o it_o be_v join_v themselves_o in_o marriage_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o subsequent_a marriage_n become_v as_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n upon_o which_o account_n also_o many_o other_o father_n in_o their_o rhetorical_a flight_n give_v to_o these_o marriage_n the_o title_n of_o adultery_n but_o if_o we_o come_v to_o close_v and_o strict_a reason_v 10._o st._n augustine_n will_v tell_v we_o for_o they_o that_o as_o this_o marriage_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o true_a but_o only_o spiritual_a so_o neither_o be_v this_o adultery_n true_a and_o real_a but_o only_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a this_o father_n profess_o handle_v this_o question_n refute_v all_o the_o contrary_a objection_n and_o have_v say_v that_o ibid._n such_o person_n be_v condemn_v not_o because_o they_o afterward_o contract_v a_o marriage_n but_o because_o they_o violate_v their_o former_a promise_n of_o chastity_n determine_v in_o these_o word_n no_o small_a a_o evil_n arise_v from_o this_o inconsiderate_a opinion_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o marriage_n of_o holy_a virgin_n which_o quit_v their_o profession_n for_o hereby_o wife_n be_v separate_v from_o their_o husband_n as_o if_o they_o be_v adulteress_n not_o wife_n and_o they_o who_o will_v by_o separate_v of_o they_o reduce_v they_o to_o continence_n make_v their_o husband_n become_v true_a adulterer_n if_o while_o these_o be_v alive_a they_o marry_v other_o wife_n wherefore_o gratian_n contract_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n augustine_n argument_n and_o true_o represent_v it_o thus_o 2._o some_o affirm_v those_o who_o marry_v after_o a_o vow_n to_o be_v adulterer_n but_o i_o say_v they_o grievous_o sin_n who_o separate_a such_o person_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o other_o place_n of_o st._n augustine_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n especial_o where_o spâ—…aking_v of_o profess_a virgin_n which_o although_o incontinent_a adventure_v not_o to_o marry_v partly_o for_o shame_n and_o partly_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n he_o give_v his_o opinion_n thus_o 24._o these_o who_o long_o to_o marry_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o marry_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o unpunished_a it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v marry_v than_o burn_v that_o be_v than_o be_v scorch_v with_o the_o secret_a flame_n of_o lust_n who_o repent_v their_o profession_n and_o be_v grieve_v at_o their_o promise_n st._n hierome_n write_v to_o a_o consecrate_a virgin_n who_o leave_v her_o mother_n live_v with_o a_o unmarried_a clergyman_n and_o be_v suspect_v to_o maintain_v a_o unlawful_a familiarity_n with_o he_o give_v she_o this_o advice_n either_o to_o return_v to_o her_o mother_n or_o marry_v her_o lover_n why_o be_v you_o afraid_a to_o return_v to_o she_o contubernio_fw-la if_o you_o be_v still_o a_o virgin_n why_o need_v you_o fear_v a_o close_a consinement_n if_o debauch_v why_o do_v you_o not_o public_o marry_v that_o will_v be_v the_o next_o refuge_n after_o shipwreck_n to_o extenuate_v at_o least_o your_o crime_n by_o this_o remedy_n a_o passage_n so_o much_o the_o more_o memorable_a because_o of_o this_o couple_n the_o one_o be_v a_o clergyman_n the_o other_o a_o nun_n and_o yet_o st._n hirome_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v their_o marriage_n the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n in_o the_o year_n 314._o decree_v that_o 19_o those_o who_o have_v vow_v virginity_n falsify_v their_o promise_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o rank_n of_o bigamist_n but_o none_o
will_v say_v that_o bigamy_n be_v unlawful_a much_o less_o that_o it_o be_v adultery_n i_o may_v mention_v many_o other_o council_n which_o inflict_v only_o a_o temporary_a penance_n on_o those_o marriage_n pope_n leo_n i._o decree_v that_o a_o 12._o monk_n who_o forsake_v the_o profession_n of_o continence_n either_o become_v a_o soldier_n or_o marry_v shall_v expiate_v his_o fault_n by_o public_a penance_n because_o although_o warfare_n may_v be_v innocent_a and_o marriage_n honest_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o forsake_v the_o better_a choice_n pelagius_n the_o heretic_n who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vow_n and_o marriage_n be_v as_o orthodox_n as_o any_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o demetrias_n the_o virgin_n false_o ascribe_v both_o to_o st._n hierome_n and_o st._n augustine_n say_v aug._n let_v the_o consecrate_a virgin_n either_o marry_o if_o they_o can_v contain_v or_o contain_v if_o they_o will_v not_o marry_v pope_n gelasius_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o century_n define_v thus_o 21._o if_o any_o widow_n shall_v through_o inconstancy_n violate_v their_o profession_n of_o chastity_n willing_o undertake_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v care_n with_o what_o satisfaction_n they_o may_v appease_v god._n for_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o perhaps_o contain_v they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o forbidben_n to_o marry_v so_o when_o they_o have_v once_o deliberate_o promise_v chastity_n to_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v keep_v it_o yet_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o lay_v a_o snare_n or_o impose_v a_o necessity_n upon_o any_o such_o but_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o merit_n of_o continence_n and_o danger_n of_o break_v of_o a_o vow_n leave_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o seven_o age_n theodorus_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o his_o penitential_a which_o be_v the_o canon_n law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o some_o age_n order_v that_o 3._o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o simple_a vow_n of_o virginity_n marry_v a_o wife_n he_o shall_v not_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n but_o only_o do_v penance_n in_o which_o word_n lest_o bellarmine_n distinction_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o solemn_a vow_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o take_v place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o naldus_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o gratian_n confess_v the_o word_n simplex_n be_v want_v in_o all_o the_o manuscript_n copies_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o age_n even_o after_o the_o decree_n of_o hildebrand_n be_v publish_v 218._o ivo_n bishop_n of_o chartres_n the_o great_a canonist_n of_o his_o age_n relate_v how_o a_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o paris_n contract_a marriage_n and_o maintain_v that_o that_o marriage_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v dissolve_v in_o the_o next_o age_n gratian_n the_o compiler_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n confirm_v by_o eugenius_n iii_o and_o at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v express_v for_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o marriage_n 1._o if_o a_o deacon_n say_v he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o office_n he_o may_v lawful_o use_v marriage_n when_o once_o contract_v for_o although_o he_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o chastity_n at_o his_o ordination_n yet_o so_o great_a be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o marriage_n that_o not_o even_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o vow_n can_v the_o marriage_n be_v dissolve_v in_o the_o thirteen_o age_n innocent_a iii_o and_o the_o whole_a 168._o lateran_n conncil_n acknowledge_v the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n in_o some_o western_a province_n to_o be_v firm_a and_o valid_a and_o the_o use_v of_o it_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o fifteen_o age_n 307._o aeneas_n silvius_n afterward_o pope_n by_o the_o name_n of_o pius_n ii_o and_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o that_o have_v sit_v in_o st._n peter_n chair_n for_o these_o last_o thousand_o year_n be_v when_o cardinal_n of_o sienna_n desire_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n who_o find_v he_o can_v no_o long_o contain_v to_o obtain_v for_o he_o a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o marry_v return_v he_o answer_v that_o the_o pope_n refuse_v it_o and_o at_o the_o same_o aim_n give_v he_o this_o advice_n ibid._n i_o acknowledge_v you_o do_v not_o act_v imprudent_o if_o when_o you_o can_v contain_v you_o seek_v to_o marry_v although_o that_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v consider_v before_o you_o enter_v into_o holy_a order_n but_o we_o be_v not_o all_o god_n to_o soresee_v future_a necessity_n see_v the_o case_n be_v so_o that_o you_o can_v any_o long_o resist_v the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v better_a to_o marry_o than_o to_o burn._n thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o marriage_n contract_v after_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n be_v unknown_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n oppose_v in_o the_o last_o and_o not_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n until_o define_v with_o a_o anathema_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o thereby_o leave_v the_o controversy_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o find_v it_o have_v thus_o dispatch_v the_o controversial_a i_o pass_v to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o my_o design_n and_o therein_o will_v evince_v that_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n propose_v in_o the_o three_o magnify_v in_o the_o four_o and_o in_o some_o place_n impose_v in_o the_o five_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o even_o that_o imposition_n do_v infinite_o differ_v from_o the_o present_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o however_o command_v in_o some_o province_n of_o the_o west_n it_o be_v no_o where_o universal_o practise_v that_o in_o a_o few_o age_n this_o imposition_n become_v obsolete_a this_o yoke_n intolerable_a and_o marriage_n universal_o prevail_v till_o condemn_v and_o forbid_v by_o the_o pope_n of_o the_o eleven_o age_n that_o even_o their_o decree_n and_o canon_n become_v ineffectual_a by_o a_o universal_a opposition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o clergy_n be_v afteward_n allow_v and_o permit_v by_o many_o pope_n and_o one_o general_n council_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o all_o this_o while_n celibacy_n never_o be_v impose_v or_o practife_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o one_o and_o condemn_v by_o another_o council_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o obtain_v not_o even_o in_o the_o west_n till_o the_o ambition_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n draw_v to_o themselves_o the_o disposition_n of_o all_o great_a ecclesiastical_a preferment_n poverty_n become_v necessary_a to_o the_o marry_a clergy_n which_o cause_v marriage_n to_o be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o by_o they_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o proof_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o few_o consideration_n i._o although_o the_o ancient_a church_n shall_v have_v impose_v or_o universal_o practise_v celibacy_n yet_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o example_n will_v be_v no_o reasonable_a much_o less_o necessary_a motive_n to_o the_o present_a church_n to_o continue_v the_o imposition_n since_o the_o reason_n which_o may_v have_v induce_v the_o ancient_n to_o enjoin_v or_o use_v it_o be_v long_o since_o cease_v those_o reason_n be_v to_o make_v the_o clergy_n more_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o by_o their_o brave_a example_n incite_v the_o laity_n to_o the_o same_o generous_a constancy_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o flourish_a and_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o enjoin_v it_o than_o to_o procure_v a_o extraordinary_a veneration_n to_o the_o clergy_n by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o permit_v pleasure_n and_o thereby_o facilitate_v and_o promote_v the_o common_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o admirer_n of_o celibacy_n who_o be_v lead_v aside_o with_o false_a prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceived_n error_n they_o vanish_v together_o with_o the_o detection_n of_o their_o falsity_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v than_o those_o error_n be_v maintain_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o more_o solid_a reason_n providence_n have_v annul_v the_o first_o by_o give_v rest_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n as_o well_o in_o clergy_n as_o laity_n have_v defeat_v the_o second_o since_o what_o perhaps_o be_v before_o exemplary_a be_v now_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_n world._n this_o cassander_n ingenuous_o confess_v in_o these_o word_n 23._o for_o those_o reason_n
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
virginity_n begin_v to_o be_v high_o extol_v and_o gain_v great_a reputation_n in_o the_o three_o age._n many_o cause_n concur_v to_o advance_v this_o reputation_n as_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n the_o mistake_v of_o catholic_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o heretic_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o and_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o numerous_a train_n of_o heresy_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a scarce_o be_v there_o any_o one_o which_o do_v not_o condemn_v marriage_n or_o at_o least_o decry_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o celibacy_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o most_o virtuous_a state_n and_o the_o near_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o alone_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o imaginary_a excellency_n of_o celibacy_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o world_n till_o discover_v by_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o foolish_a heretic_n that_o ever_o infect_a the_o christian_a church_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o their_o heresy_n yet_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o urge_v celibacy_n to_o her_o clergy_n she_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o they_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o more_o refine_a piety_n a_o unusual_a abstinence_n from_o all_o pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n that_o some_o of_o they_o enjoin_v not_o celibacy_n to_o all_o their_o follower_n but_o only_o persuade_v it_o to_o those_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n and_o that_o the_o heresy_n of_o eustathius_n condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n be_v in_o terminis_fw-la revive_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n of_o the_o eleven_o age._n saturnilus_fw-la disciple_n of_o menander_n lead_v the_o dance_n 3._o he_o first_o call_v marriage_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v herein_o follow_v by_o a_o infinite_a rabble_n of_o heretic_n nicolaites_n cerinthian_n the_o sect_n of_o marcus_n basildes_n carpocrates_n isidorus_n martion_n cassian_n tatian_n and_o many_o other_o who_o absolute_o reject_a marriage_n as_o unlawful_a and_o impure_a and_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o more_o perfect_a christian_n to_o this_o end_n they_o pretend_v no_o less_o specious_a reason_n than_o be_v at_o this_o day_n allege_v by_o the_o patron_n of_o celibacy_n as_o init_fw-la that_o be_v free_v from_o the_o care_n of_o a_o family_n they_o may_v attend_v the_o better_a to_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n that_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o noble_a attempt_n and_o worthy_a the_o ambition_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o surmount_v all_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o afflict_v of_o it_o entire_o subject_n it_o to_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o rather_o by_o such_o a_o mortification_n increase_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o be_v these_o their_o only_a reason_n they_o also_o pretend_v to_o tradition_n and_o although_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n death_n entitle_v their_o horrid_a doctrine_n to_o those_o sacred_a name_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o plea_n forge_a gospel_n act_n and_o history_n under_o the_o apostle_n name_n injurious_a to_o marriage_n and_o consonant_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o so_o gross_a a_o heresy_n however_o back_v with_o great_a and_o specious_a pretence_n survive_v not_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o age._n when_o that_o decline_n other_o more_o subtle_a and_o refine_a heretic_n arise_v in_o their_o stead_n who_o indirect_o and_o oblique_o oppose_v marriage_n yet_o upon_o the_o same_o topic_a of_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n thus_o the_o montanist_n condemn_v all_o second_o marriage_n and_o revile_v the_o catholic_n who_o defend_v they_o with_o the_o opprobious_a title_n of_o pryâ—…hici_n or_o carnal_a men._n thus_o the_o novatian_o revolt_v from_o the_o church_n and_o accuse_v she_o of_o licentionsness_n because_o she_o admit_v to_o communion_n those_o digamist_n who_o after_o a_o divorce_n of_o one_o wife_n for_o whatsoever_o cause_n even_o for_o that_o of_o adultery_n have_v marry_v another_o last_o thus_o the_o manichee_n although_o enjoin_v celibacy_n to_o none_o nor_o forbid_a marriage_n to_o any_o through_o a_o mistake_a impurity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o exclude_v all_o marry_a person_n from_o the_o rank_n of_o their_o elect_n or_o more_o perfect_a christian_n and_o permit_v it_o only_o to_o their_o hearer_n or_o inferior_a order_n of_o their_o sect._n and_o when_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v every_o where_o explode_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o reputation_n of_o celibacy_n still_o find_v entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v more_o specious_o and_o cunning_o propose_v especial_o by_o the_o eustathian_a heretic_n who_o aflixed_a it_o only_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o marry_a priest_n imagine_v the_o sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v to_o be_v whole_o ineffectual_a thus_o do_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n gradual_o advance_v from_o a_o gross_a and_o foolish_a heresy_n to_o a_o regular_a and_o well_o form_v error_n and_o however_o these_o ancient_a heretic_n commit_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n and_o unnatural_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o absolute_a purity_n and_o continence_n so_o that_o what_o pope_n leo_n 7._o say_v of_o the_o priscillianist_n may_v just_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o all_o they_o detest_a marriage_n because_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n for_o uncleanness_n where_o the_o chastity_n of_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o posterity_n be_v preserve_v notwithstanding_o their_o promiscuous_a fornication_n and_o brutish_a lust_n which_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o very_a heathen_n the_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o chastity_n and_o perfection_n gain_v infinite_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o draw_v multitude_n of_o sectator_n after_o they_o the_o very_a name_n of_o encratites_n or_o continent_n person_n common_a to_o all_o these_o heretic_n command_v veneration_n from_o 〈◊〉_d people_n and_o all_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v a_o imaginary_a perfection_n which_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o much_o want_v it_o seem_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o excess_n of_o virtue_n although_o all_o such_o natural_o degenerate_a into_o vice_n or_o at_o least_o into_o thing_n indifferent_a thus_o a_o rash_a and_o precipitate_a boldness_n be_v admire_v beyond_o a_o moderate_a and_o well-governed_a valour_n and_o enthusiasm_n ever_o gain_v great_a esteem_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a devotion_n thus_o among_o the_o speculative_a sect_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n platonist_n among_o the_o moral_a sect_n stoic_n and_o cynic_n obtain_v the_o great_a applause_n mere_o because_o the_o first_o pretend_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o perhaps_o impossible_a abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o corporeal_a and_o sensitive_a object_n and_o the_o latter_a boast_v of_o a_o perfect_a immunity_n from_o all_o passion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a command_n over_o the_o body_n and_o both_o seem_v to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o consideration_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o mankind_n such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o these_o recommend_v celibaâ—…y_o to_o the_o world_n and_o advance_v the_o pretension_n of_o these_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o although_o they_o corrupt_v not_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o poison_n of_o their_o error_n yet_o they_o almost_o every_o where_o introduce_v false_a notion_n of_o marriage_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o although_o they_o can_v not_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v universal_o condemn_v yet_o at_o least_o procure_v it_o to_o be_v general_o despise_v and_o indeed_o never_o do_v any_o heresy_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n which_o do_v not_o leave_v some_o tincture_n of_o itself_o even_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o catholic_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o writer_n in_o the_o five_o age_n wherein_o some_o touch_n either_o of_o pelagianism_n or_o predestinatism_n may_v not_o be_v discover_v how_o far_o the_o heresy_n of_o these_o encratites_n prevail_v and_o secret_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n of_o catholic_n i_o shall_v next_o inquire_v first_o then_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o eustathian_a heresy_n so_o far_o prevail_v among_o the_o catholic_n that_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v it_o high_o indecent_a for_o he_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o sacred_a thing_n who_o indulge_v himself_o the_o liberty_n of_o marriage_n as_o if_o he_o have_v contract_v some_o impurity_n thereby_o and_o make_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o holy_a office_n a_o error_n common_a to_o all_o the_o patron_n of_o celibacy_n which_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o time_n of_o gregory_n nazianzen_n that_o many_o will_v not_o willing_o receive_v baptism_n or_o the_o eucharist_n
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
to_o sixteen_o all_o these_o reason_n concur_v in_o the_o first_o age_n to_o increase_v the_o esteem_n of_o celibacy_n and_o prejudice_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o way_n be_v open_v by_o forbid_v second_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o receive_v none_o into_o holy_a order_n who_o have_v marry_v twice_o after_o baptism_n for_o if_o a_o man_n marry_v once_o before_o and_o again_o after_o baptism_n he_o be_v common_o repute_v no_o digamist_n this_o prejudice_n against_o second_o marriage_n increase_v so_o far_o that_o all_o be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o holy_a order_n who_o have_v marry_v widow_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o countenance_v thereby_o the_o suppose_a scandal_n of_o digamy_n i_o mean_v not_o hereby_o that_o second_o marriage_n be_v forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o any_o council_n or_o order_n deny_v to_o all_o digamist_n none_o except_v for_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o of_o those_o supposition_n be_v true_a but_o only_o that_o it_o become_v the_o general_a and_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o permit_v second_o marriage_n to_o those_o already_o ordain_v nor_o order_n to_o those_o already_o twice_o marry_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n a_o custom_n be_v introduce_v and_o by_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o age_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o clergy_n may_v indeed_o free_o retain_v their_o wife_n marry_v before_o the_o reception_n of_o order_n but_o not_o marry_v after_o order_n once_o receive_v not_o that_o this_o be_v yet_o forbid_v by_o any_o canon_n nor_o practise_v without_o exception_n for_o the_o contrary_a of_o that_o we_o shall_v immediate_o demonstrate_v but_o only_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o more_o ordinary_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o both_o the_o prohibition_n of_o digamy_n and_o marriage_n after_o order_n to_o the_o clergy_n be_v insert_v among_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n wherein_o that_o be_v the_o sixteen_o this_o the_o twenty_o five_o 〈◊〉_d canon_n these_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o council_n much_o less_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o only_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o and_o beginning_n of_o the_o four_o age_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v collect_v about_o that_o time_n by_o some_o private_a hand_n however_o then_o authorize_v by_o the_o use_n and_o afterward_o confirm_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n this_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n however_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o equivalent_a to_o a_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n be_v yet_o far_o from_o it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o universal_a as_o to_o admit_v no_o exception_n marriage_n be_v permit_v to_o many_o even_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o order_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o ancyra_n and_o allow_v indifferent_o to_o all_o if_o they_o recede_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o return_v to_o lay-communion_n in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v also_o hereafter_o prove_v second_o if_o any_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v not_o yet_o marry_v and_o do_v in_o the_o least_o suspect_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a afterward_o to_o contain_v without_o marriage_n he_o be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o even_o advise_v by_o the_o church_n first_o to_o marry_o and_o then_o to_o receive_v order_n so_o that_o they_o frequent_o marry_v while_o candidate_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o already_o design_v to_o that_o holy_a office_n perhaps_o but_o some_o few_o day_n before_o their_o admittance_n into_o it_o so_o the_o six_o general_n council_n renew_v this_o very_a apostolic_a canon_n forbid_v any_o to_o marry_v after_o order_n once_o receive_v and_o add_v 6._o but_o if_o any_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o wife_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n let_v he_o do_v it_o before_o he_o be_v ordain_v deacon_n or_o sub-deacon_a or_o priest_n and_o then_o receive_v order_n three_o by_o allow_v to_o the_o clergy_n the_o free_a use_n of_o marriage_n contract_v before_o their_o ordination_n they_o acknowledge_v both_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o decency_n of_o their_o marriage_n whether_o contract_v before_o or_o after_o ordination_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o indecency_n in_o marriage_n which_o make_v it_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o priesthood_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o all_o confess_v and_o if_o so_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n contract_v before_o as_o well_o as_o after_o ordination_n will_v become_v indecent_a for_o the_o contract_n itself_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o honest_a and_o decorous_a so_o far_o from_o carry_v any_o impurity_n and_o indecency_n along_o with_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n what_o be_v the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o ancient_a church_n permit_v to_o the_o clergy_n the_o use_n of_o the_o one_o marriage_n and_o disallow_v the_o other_o may_v be_v probable_o reduce_v from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v for_o those_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la produce_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o encratites_n endeavour_v at_o least_o to_o introduce_v this_o custom_n when_o they_o despair_v of_o a_o total_a abrogation_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n and_o perhaps_o think_v that_o intolerable_a in_o itself_o or_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o those_o who_o otherwise_o clear_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la content_v themselves_o with_o silence_n and_o connive_v at_o the_o introduction_n of_o this_o custom_n as_o well_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a odium_n and_o disesteem_n as_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o reason_n last_o mention_v that_o such_o a_o custom_n if_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o be_v little_o less_o than_o equivalent_a to_o a_o total_a permission_n of_o marriage_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o rite_n of_o marriage_n be_v ancient_o especial_o among_o the_o greek_n always_o celebrate_v with_o great_a riot_n and_o luxury_n continue_v for_o many_o day_n together_o it_o be_v think_v unbefitting_a the_o gravity_n of_o a_o clergyman_n to_o be_v present_a at_o much_o more_o to_o be_v chief_a actor_n in_o such_o licentious_a solemnity_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o council_n of_o 54._o laodicea_n and_o 39_o agatha_n forbid_v the_o clergy_n to_o be_v present_a at_o nuptial_a feast_n although_o the_o 24._o quinisext_a council_n restrain_v that_o prohibition_n only_o to_o the_o judicrous_a and_o more_o trifle_a part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n in_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n these_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o excellency_n of_o celibacy_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n prevail_v so_o far_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o continence_n and_o great_a purity_n they_o sequester_v their_o wife_n although_o unwilling_a from_o their_o bed_n and_o sometime_o from_o their_o society_n the_o superstitious_a and_o scandalous_a conduct_n of_o these_o man_n be_v universal_o condemn_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n whence_o among_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n this_o be_v one_o 5_o let_v no_o bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o do_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o continue_v obstinate_a be_v degrade_v our_o adversary_n indeed_o pretend_v that_o this_o canon_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o a_o denial_n of_o nuptial_a duty_n by_o the_o clergy_n to_o their_o wife_n but_o to_o a_o denial_n of_o maintenance_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n to_o beg_v their_o live_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o plea_n be_v evident_a for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o constant_a acceptance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sequestration_n from_o the_o bed_n the_o canon_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o adversary_n will_v be_v useless_a and_o trifle_a for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v nor_o can_v imagine_v that_o so_o great_a a_o abuse_n ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v eject_v their_o innocent_a wife_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o want_v and_o poverty_n whereas_o that_o many_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o bed_n and_o believe_v their_o embrace_n unlawful_a after_o order_n receive_v be_v already_o clear_o prove_v and_o on_o all_o side_n confess_v the_o error_n of_o the_o impurity_n of_o marriage_n have_v so_o far_o obtain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n to_o interpose_v her_o judgement_n and_o vindicate_v the_o cause_n of_o injure_a marriage_n for_o as_o aristenus_n 16._o true_o paraphrase_n this_o canon_n a_o clergyman_n by_o sequester_v his_o wife_n from_o his_o bed_n
seem_v to_o accuse_v marriage_n as_o if_o he_o think_v the_o lawful_a pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o be_v impious_a the_o same_o say_v zonaras_n can._n upon_o this_o canon_n this_o be_v also_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o like_a precept_n in_o the_o apostolic_a constitution_n a_o work_n of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o canon_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v introduce_v thus_o speak_v 13._o he_o which_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o virginity_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o choice_n only_o advise_v that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v rash_o and_o light_o let_v he_o demonstrate_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o undertake_v for_o a_o better_a opportunity_n of_o piety_n not_o for_o dislike_v of_o marriage_n the_o same_o precept_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o interpolated_a epistle_n of_o st._n ignatius_n to_o the_o philadelphinas_fw-la but_o what_o clear_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n be_v that_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a reject_v the_o motion_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v a_o total_a celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o paphnutius_fw-la permit_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o wife_n marry_v before_o ordination_n they_o form_v a_o decree_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o this_o apostolic_a canon_n 32._o that_o the_o clergy_n ought_v not_o every_o one_o to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age_n celibacy_n receive_v great_a advances_n from_o the_o increase_n of_o error_n and_o prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o the_o length_n and_o a_o sharpness_n of_o the_o last_o prosecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n and_o continue_v by_o maximus_n and_o licinius_n which_o infuse_v melancholy_a thought_n into_o all_o christian_n and_o a_o unusual_a reverence_n for_o all_o show_v of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n then_o be_v marriage_n first_o forbid_v to_o priest_n and_o bishop_n after_o ordination_n by_o a_o judiciary_n act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o form_v in_o a_o provincial_n and_o inconsiderable_a council_n who_o canon_n be_v never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o ratify_v by_o any_o subsequent_a council_n or_o even_a pope_n till_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n i_o mean_v the_o council_n of_o neocasarea_n which_o in_o the_o year_n 314._o make_v this_o canon_n 1._o if_o a_o presbyter_n marry_v let_v he_o be_v depose_v from_o his_o order_n but_o if_o he_o commit_v fornication_n or_o adultery_n let_v he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o put_v to_o penance_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o canon_n forbid_v not_o the_o use_n of_o wife_n marry_v before_o ordination_n 2._o that_o it_o forbid_v not_o to_o deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n to_o contract_n marriage_n even_o after_o ordination_n 3._o that_o it_o manifest_o distinguish_v between_o fornication_n and_o marriage_n after_o ordination_n 4._o that_o it_o do_v not_o command_v a_o separation_n from_o wife_n so_o marry_v but_o only_o a_o dimission_n of_o the_o holy_a office._n however_o the_o pretension_n of_o celibacy_n receive_v no_o small_a check_n from_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n hold_v the_o same_o year_n a_o council_n of_o far_o great_a esteem_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o many_o subsequent_a council_n and_o pope_n particular_o by_o leo_n the_o first_o 1._o and_o who_o canon_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o ancient_a code_n of_o canon_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o father_n of_o this_o council_n consider_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o force_a celibacy_n and_o right_n which_o all_o man_n have_v to_o marriage_n decree_v 10._o that_o if_o deacon_n yet_o unmarried_a protest_v of_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n their_o intention_n and_o necessity_n of_o marry_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v unmarried_a they_o may_v marry_v after_o their_o ordination_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o office._n but_o if_o they_o make_v no_o such_o protestation_n of_o their_o ordination_n and_o afterward_o marry_v they_o shall_v relinquish_v their_o office._n the_o pretension_n of_o baronius_n and_o binius_fw-la that_o in_o both_o case_n deacon_n marry_v after_o their_o ordination_n be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v since_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n it_o be_v more_o considerable_a that_o aristenus_n vi_o extend_v this_o canon_n also_o to_o presbyter_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o affirm_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o both_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v always_o allow_v marriage_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n after_o ordination_n if_o they_o have_v not_o neglect_v to_o make_v their_o ptotestation_n till_o this_o permission_n be_v repeal_v by_o the_o quinisext_a council_n in_o the_o year_n 692._o that_o this_o canon_n take_v place_n in_o the_o western_a church_n appear_v not_o particular_o except_o from_o the_o universal_a approbation_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o ancyran_n council_n although_o somewhat_o like_v it_o be_v enact_v in_o the_o eleven_o council_n of_o toledo_n 1._o in_o the_o year_n 531._o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v what_o sir_n h._n spelman_n relate_v in_o the_o british_a council_n 43._o that_o restitutus_n bishop_n of_o london_n return_v from_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n in_o the_o year_n 314._o bring_v with_o he_o into_o england_n the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n among_o which_o one_o be_v this_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n indeed_o no_o such_o canon_n be_v now_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n publish_v by_o sirmond_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o these_o act_n be_v not_o entire_a and_o perhaps_o not_o genuine_a the_o decree_n of_o ancyra_n be_v indeed_o favourable_a to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o the_o restless_a importunity_n and_o scandalous_a practice_n of_o the_o sectatour_n of_o celibacy_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o and_o declare_v itself_o more_o open_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o marriage_n for_o eustathius_n bishop_n of_o sebastea_fw-la in_o armenia_n and_o first_o founder_n of_o a_o monastic_a 24._o life_n in_o armenia_n and_o cappadocia_n have_v form_v a_o new_a but_o then_o plausible_a heresy_n that_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o marry_a clergy_n and_o that_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v from_o their_o hand_n with_o this_o doctrine_n he_o have_v draw_v great_a number_n into_o schism_n and_o create_v no_o small_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o council_n of_o gangra_n meet_v about_o the_o year_n 324._o who_o condemn_v this_o hercsie_n and_o depose_v the_o author_n of_o it_o publish_v this_o follow_a canon_n 4._o if_o any_o one_o separate_v from_o a_o marry_a priest_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v when_o he_o officiate_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n a_o canon_n the_o more_o considerable_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n which_o make_v it_o for_o this_o be_v ever_o most_o repute_v of_o all_o particular_a council_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n confirm_v by_o many_o general_a council_n and_o pope_n and_o receive_v into_o the_o ancient_a code_n of_o canon_n this_o be_v the_o progress_n and_o condition_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o west_n if_o we_o except_v perhaps_o that_o of_o arles_n for_o the_o roman_a synod_n under_o pope_n sylvester_n be_v confess_o spurious_a no_o council_n have_v determine_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o but_o that_o of_o eliberis_n in_o the_o year_n 305._o which_o ordain_v 33._o that_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o clergy_n place_v in_o the_o ministry_n or_o while_o they_o minister_v shall_v abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n and_o not_o attend_v to_o procreation_n if_o any_o do_v let_v he_o be_v depose_v from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n here_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o mention_v by_o albas_n pinaeâ—…s_n can._n who_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o canon_n in_o their_o grammatical_a sense_n for_o the_o latin_a run_v thus_o we_o absolute_o forbid_v the_o clergy_n to_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n in_o which_o case_n it_o will_v be_v coincident_a with_o the_o five_o apostolic_a canon_n our_o adversary_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o total_a abstinence_n of_o the_o clergy_n from_o their_o wife_n if_o we_o shall_v grant_v this_o it_o will_v not_o much_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n since_o this_o be_v that_o foolish_a council_n which_o forbid_v 34._o candle_n to_o be_v light_v in_o churchyard_n in_o the_o day_n time_n lest_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n shall_v be_v disquiet_v a_o council_n of_o so_o little_a reputation_n that_o it_o never_o be_v
dwell_v with_o you_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v choose_v virginity_n but_o to_o have_v marry_v for_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a so_o to_o have_v marry_v than_o thus_o to_o profess_v virginity_n for_o such_o a_o marriage_n neither_o god_n condemn_v nor_o man_n blame_v for_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a state_n injurious_a to_o none_o scandalous_a to_o none_o but_o this_o virginity_n perform_v in_o the_o company_n of_o man_n be_v accuse_v by_o all_o man_n as_o worse_a than_o open_a fornication_n last_o thus_o st._n hierom_n describe_v they_o virgin._n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v it_o it_o be_v sad_a but_o true_a whence_o do_v this_o plague_n of_o housekeeper_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n whence_o without_o marriage_n another_o name_n for_o wife_n yea_o whence_o this_o new_a kind_n of_o concubine_n i_o will_v say_v more_o whence_o these_o whore_n tie_v to_o the_o oompany_n of_o one_o man_n they_o lodge_v in_o the_o same_o house_n in_o one_o chamber_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o one_o bed_n and_o yet_o they_o call_v we_o unreasonable_o suspicious_a if_o we_o think_v any_o thing_n amiss_o such_o than_o be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d first_o introduce_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o age_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a prohibition_n of_o council_n and_o declimation_n of_o father_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o great_a scandal_n about_o the_o year_n 400._o till_o at_o last_o they_o degenerate_v into_o open_a concubine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o state_n the_o reformation_n find_v they_o general_o then_o think_v lawful_a or_o at_o least_o a_o venial_a sin_n although_o none_o since_o have_v dare_v to_o defend_v they_o they_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n by_o the_o council_n of_o 27._o eliberis_n 19_o ancyra_n 3._o nice_n the_o 3._o first_o and_o 17._o third_z of_o carthage_n the_o 5._o three_o of_o constantinople_n the_o 18._o second_o of_o nice_a 39_o aquisgran_n and_o many_o other_o and_o by_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n in_o his_o 123._o novel_n as_o for_o emasculation_n that_o be_v severe_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostolic_a 21._o canon_n and_o the_o council_n of_o 1._o nice_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v dis-used_n before_o the_o year_n 500_o upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v not_o be_v here_o inconvenient_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr singularitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la which_o we_o just_a now_o cite_v this_o book_n however_o in_o its_o title_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a it_o be_v by_o some_o ascribe_v to_o origen_n by_o other_o to_o st._n augustin_n but_o by_o most_o to_o st._n cyprian_n however_o all_o learned_a man_n now_o agree_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o none_o of_o they_o the_o late_a learned_a editor_n of_o st._n cyprian_n work_n at_o oxford_n conjecture_v it_o to_o have_v be_v write_v about_o the_o time_n of_o bede_n rather_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o write_v before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o age_n because_o the_o author_n of_o it_o make_v use_v of_o the_o old_a italic_a version_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o latin_a church_n before_o st._n hierom_n translation_n most_o probable_o therefore_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o four_o age._n the_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v to_o decry_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o housekeeper_n which_o as_o the_o author_n say_v dormtre_fw-la be_v then_o become_v so_o scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o sleep_v without_o the_o company_n of_o a_o woman_n if_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n he_o let_v fall_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o marriage_n it_o be_v such_o as_o oppose_v no_o less_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o laity_n than_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o indeed_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o treatise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o satyr_n against_o woman_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o use_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n in_o his_o time_n may_v be_v evident_o collect_v from_o many_o place_n i_o will_v produce_v one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o premise_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o author_n rank_n those_o woman_n also_o among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o live_v in_o the_o house_n with_o marry_a clergyman_n if_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n of_o kindred_n or_o marriage_n to_o they_o that_o the_o company_n of_o near_a relation_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o the_o clergy_n since_o proximity_n of_o blood_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n sufficient_o secure_v their_o honour_n and_o that_o all_o other_o woman_n but_o relation_n and_o wife_n be_v by_o this_o author_n term_v alienae_n and_o extraneae_fw-la strange_a woman_n med._n if_o then_o say_v he_o the_o clergy_n instead_o of_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n so_o fond_o adhere_v to_o strange_a woman_n what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o they_o be_v command_v to_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n or_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o renounce_v their_o kindred_n for_o christ_n who_o prefer_v to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n woman_n endear_v to_o they_o by_o no_o other_o obligation_n and_o in_o another_o place_n sine_fw-la i_o affectionate_o entreat_v you_o o_o clergyman_n if_o any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o mother_n a_o daughter_n a_o sister_n a_o wife_n or_o a_o kinswoman_n live_v with_o you_o you_o so_o save_v she_o that_o no_o waiting-maid_n live_v with_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o strange_a woman_n have_v access_n lest_o you_o be_v suspect_v to_o retain_v your_o relation_n with_o you_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o you_o may_v under_o that_o pretence_n take_v strange_a woman_n into_o your_o house_n if_o they_o can_v want_v the_o service_n or_o assistance_n of_o maid_n or_o the_o company_n of_o friend_n of_o their_o own_o sex_n it_o be_v better_a that_o they_o shall_v remove_v into_o another_o house_n than_o that_o you_o shall_v entertain_v strange_a woman_n for_o their_o sake_n for_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unfit_a that_o a_o clergyman_n shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o the_o necessary_a assistance_n of_o their_o sex_n so_o it_o be_v indecent_a that_o they_o shall_v injure_v his_o reputation_n by_o bring_v suspicious_a woman_n into_o his_o company_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n before_o cite_v wherein_o the_o author_n upbraid_v to_o those_o clergyman_n who_o can_v not_o live_v without_o housekeeper_n theâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d to_o marry_v wife_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a wherein_o the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n be_v debate_v and_o decide_v i_o will_v represent_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o the_o word_n of_o socrates_n the_o historian_n c_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o some_o bishop_n to_o introduce_v 11._o a_o new_a law_n into_o the_o church_n that_o the_o clergy_n i_o mean_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n shall_v not_o lay_v with_o their_o wife_n which_o they_o have_v marry_v be_v yet_o layman_n and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o consult_v of_o paphnutius_fw-la stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n contend_v vehement_o that_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o clergy_n say_v that_o even_o marriage_n be_v undefiled_a or_o chaste_a and_o the_o use_v of_o it_o honourable_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o rather_o injure_v the_o church_n by_o this_o excess_n of_o severity_n for_o that_o all_o can_v not_o contain_v neither_o perhaps_o can_v the_o chastity_n of_o every_o one_o wife_n be_v preserve_v or_o as_o sozomen_n express_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o will_v perhaps_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o incontinence_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o wife_n but_o he_o assert_v the_o company_n of_o a_o lawful_a wife_n to_o be_v chastity_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o who_o be_v first_o ordain_v shall_v not_o marry_v after_o it_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o that_o wife_n which_o he_o have_v before_o marry_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o layman_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v himself_o unmarried_a and_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o youth_n in_o a_o monastic_a and_o ascetic_a life_n the_o whole_a council_n yield_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o paphnutius_fw-la and_o therefore_o cease_v any_o far_a debate_n leave_v it_o to_o the_o will_n of_o every_o one_o whether_o they_o will_v abstain_v from_o the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n or_o not_o 23._o sozomen_n and_o 19_o nicephorus_n relate_v it_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d suidas_n in_o the_o
very_a same_o 14._o cassidiorus_fw-la in_o the_o like_a word_n and_o so_o do_v 88_o ivo_n carnotensis_n 12._o gratian_n and_o 2._o blastares_n and_o who_o be_v ancient_a than_o they_o all_o except_o the_o two_o first_o 32._o gelasius_n cyzicenus_n who_o transcribe_v the_o act_n of_o that_o council_n out_o of_o a_o copy_n which_o have_v belong_v to_o dalmatius_n bishop_n of_o cycicum_fw-la who_o be_v present_a in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n in_o the_o year_n 431._o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o history_n may_v with_o equal_a reason_n deny_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n since_o both_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n yet_o be_v this_o do_v by_o many_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n particular_o barronius_n bellarmine_n and_o especial_o turrian_n who_o trifle_a argument_n the_o learned_a 66._o mâ—…ndosa_n relate_v and_o confute_v more_o general_a and_o notorious_a have_v be_v the_o fraud_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o pretend_v that_o the_o three_o canon_n of_o this_o council_n make_v against_o the_o housekeeper_n be_v direct_v against_o their_o marriage_n of_o this_o imposture_n the_o pope_n and_o council_n of_o the_o eleven_o age_n make_v great_a use_n never_o fail_v to_o back_v their_o decree_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o canon_n be_v conceive_v in_o these_o word_n 3._o the_o great_a synod_n have_v whole_o forbid_v to_o all_o bishop_n priest_n deacon_n and_o all_o the_o clergy_n to_o have_v a_o housekeeper_n unless_o she_o be_v a_o mother_n or_o a_o sister_n or_o a_o aunt_n or_o those_o person_n only_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o suspicion_n that_o wife_n be_v not_o hereby_o forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n will_v be_v impertinent_a to_o demonstrate_v if_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o require_v it_o first_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o historian_n last_o mention_v prove_v this_o for_o if_o the_o council_n have_v by_o this_o canon_n forbid_v wife_n to_o the_o clergy_n the_o advice_n of_o paphnutius_fw-la will_v not_o have_v be_v follow_v but_o reject_v second_o we_o before_o prove_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o sort_n of_o woman_n far_o different_a from_o wife_n who_o be_v never_o rank_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o three_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n demonstrate_v it_o which_o ever_o allow_v to_o the_o clergy_n the_o society_n of_o their_o wife_n from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o this_o day_n four_o otherwise_o marriage_n will_v have_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o inferior_a order_n also_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o the_o canon_n after_o mention_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n subjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prohibition_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n five_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n junior_n repeat_v and_o reinforce_a this_o very_a canon_n after_o a_o permission_n of_o the_o cohabitation_n of_o mother_n sister_n or_o aunt_n with_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n subjoin_v 44._o those_o also_o chase_n love_n require_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v which_o be_v lawful_o marry_v before_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o husband_n for_o they_o be_v not_o unfitting_o join_v to_o clergyman_n who_o by_o their_o discreet_a conversation_n make_v their_o husband_n worthy_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o gregor_n balsamon_n thus_o comment_n upon_o this_o canon_n d_o read_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o nicene_n synod_n which_o forbid_v housekeeper_n to_o be_v retain_v by_o housekeeper_n the_o canon_n which_o be_v the_o three_o of_o that_o synod_n mean_v woman_n take_v into_o the_o house_n of_o unmarried_a clergyman_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o last_o to_o omit_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o learned_a romanist_n 66._o mendoza_n not_o only_o grant_v but_o prove_v that_o in_o this_o canon_n housekeeper_n be_v forbid_v only_o to_o those_o clergyman_n who_o never_o have_v marry_v wife_n or_o have_v lose_v they_o by_o death_n the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a settle_v the_o matter_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n about_o celibacy_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n thence_o forward_o be_v a_o profound_a silence_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o eastern_a synod_n concern_v the_o marriage_n or_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n till_o the_o quiniext_a council_n in_o the_o year_n 692._o where_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n which_o till_o then_o be_v permit_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n of_o that_o council_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n the_o general_a custom_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n of_o permit_v to_o the_o clergy_n the_o use_n of_o marriage_n contract_v before_o but_o not_o after_o ordination_n receive_v some_o little_a variation_n three_o several_a way_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v next_o observe_v first_o then_o a_o total_a abstinence_n of_o the_o clergy_n from_o 22_o their_o wife_n be_v introduce_v into_o the_o province_n of_o thessaly_n by_o heliodorus_n bishop_n of_o trica_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o arcadius_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o or_o beginning_n of_o the_o five_o age._n so_o that_o the_o clergy_n accompany_v with_o their_o wife_n after_o ordination_n be_v depose_v the_o same_o custom_n obtain_v in_o the_o province_n of_o thessalonica_n achaia_n and_o macedonia_n in_o the_o time_n of_o socrates_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o age_n but_o in_o no_o other_o part_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n as_o he_o obesrve_v how_o long_o this_o custom_n continue_v in_o any_o of_o these_o province_n be_v uncertain_a second_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o age_n it_o become_v very_o usual_a for_o bishop_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n when_o they_o be_v assume_v to_o that_o dignity_n public_o to_o vow_v perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o their_o wife_n this_o they_o do_v voluntary_o not_o necessitate_v to_o it_o by_o any_o law_n as_o cit_fw-la socrates_n observe_v that_o they_o may_v raise_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a reputation_n of_o holiness_n among_o the_o people_n and_o equal_a the_o suppose_a continence_n of_o unmarried_a bishop_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o they_o to_o return_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o their_o wife_n if_o they_o do_v the_o fact_n be_v esteem_v scandalous_a and_o sometime_o punish_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o among_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o accusation_n for_o which_o antoninus_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n be_v depose_v by_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o a_o synod_n in_o the_o year_n 400._o one_o be_v camald_n that_o after_o he_o have_v vow_v abstinence_n from_o his_o wife_n he_o accompany_v with_o she_o again_o and_o have_v child_n by_o she_o thus_o urbicus_n bishop_n of_o clermont_n in_o france_n about_o the_o same_o time_n vow_v continence_n at_o his_o consecration_n and_o afterward_o beget_v a_o daughter_n of_o his_o wife_n do_v 44._o voluntary_a penance_n for_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o macliau_n bishop_n of_o vannes_n be_v excommunicate_v 4._o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o bretagne_n for_o that_o have_v when_o persecute_v by_o his_o brother_n chanao_n prince_n of_o bretagne_n flee_v to_o vannes_n and_o there_o disguise_v himself_o profess_a chastity_n and_o afterward_o make_v bishop_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o brother_n resume_v his_o wife_n together_o with_o the_o principality_n three_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a a_o custom_n be_v afterward_o introduce_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n whereby_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o 2._o blastares_n for_o priest_n any_o time_n within_o ten_o year_n to_o be_v reckon_v from_o their_o ordination_n to_o marry_v lawful_a wife_n this_o custom_n continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n when_o it_o be_v repeal_v by_o 3._o leo_n the_o emperor_n from_o who_o constitution_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o custom_n be_v then_o become_v universal_a although_o that_o instead_o of_o ten_o year_n read_v two_o year_n in_o the_o western_a church_n the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n lay_v dormant_a till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o age_n neither_o countenance_v nor_o oppose_v by_o any_o public_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n however_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o gain_v infinite_a veneration_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o make_v way_n for_o a_o public_a imposition_n of_o it_o this_o be_v attempt_v by_o pope_n siricius_n in_o the_o year_n 385._o a_o simple_a pope_n as_o 16._o st._n hierome_n a_o man_n of_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n as_o 680._o sacchinus_fw-la the_o jesuit_n call_v he_o he_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o himerius_n bishop_n of_o tarragon_n in_o spain_n date_v this_o year_n after_o a_o long_a harangue_n against_o the_o clergy_n use_v
of_o marriage_n draw_v from_o the_o old_a mistake_n of_o a_o unworthiness_n to_o administer_v thing_n contract_v by_o the_o suppose_a impurity_n of_o marriage_n command_v 7._o priest_n and_o deacon_n thence_o forward_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n upon_o pain_n of_o deposition_n from_o their_o office_n from_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o constitution_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o use_v of_o marriage_n be_v then_o indifferent_o use_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o defend_v as_o lawful_a against_o the_o oppugner_n of_o it_o i_o understand_v say_v ibid._n siricius_n that_o many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n have_v a_o long_a time_n after_o their_o ordination_n have_v child_n as_o well_o by_o their_o own_o wife_n as_o by_o fornication_n and_o defend_v this_o their_o do_v by_o prescription_n because_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n marriage_n be_v permit_v to_o the_o priest_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v by_o this_o time_n become_v a_o general_a custom_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o the_o great_a church_n of_o italy_n for_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n this_o they_o do_v voluntary_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o enforce_v it_o and_o in_o that_o case_n remove_v their_o wife_n out_o of_o their_o family_n and_o live_v separately_z from_o they_o that_o this_o be_v voluntary_o be_v manifest_a as_o well_o because_o no_o command_n of_o any_o such_o abstinence_n as_o yet_o make_v by_o the_o church_n can_v be_v produce_v as_o from_o several_a example_n of_o the_o italian_a clergy_n of_o this_o time_n who_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n after_o ordination_n as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o prove_v that_o this_o custom_n extend_v not_o into_o the_o remote_a province_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n ambrose_n who_o write_v about_o this_o time_n and_o persuade_v this_o total_a abstinence_n to_o his_o clergy_n of_o milan_n say_v 50._o in_o many_o remote_a place_n the_o clergy_n beget_v child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o deaconship_n or_o even_o priesthood_n and_o this_o they_o defend_v by_o ancient_a custom_n where_o the_o last_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a siricius_n therefore_o seduce_v with_o the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o age_n and_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v no_o small_a crime_n in_o the_o clergy_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o canform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o rome_n interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o command_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o see_v they_o will_v never_o perform_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n the_o embrace_v of_o the_o vulgar_a prejudices_fw-la about_o celibacy_n be_v not_o the_o only_a argument_n of_o siricius_n his_o simplicity_n this_o very_a epistle_n carry_v other_o evident_a token_n of_o it_o along_o with_o it_o for_o to_o omit_v the_o many_o superstitious_a caution_n about_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n he_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v ever_o do_v public_a penance_n for_o fornication_n a_o command_n which_o whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o marriage_n make_v 5._o fornication_n a_o impediment_n of_o marriage_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v assign_v as_o a_o remedy_n of_o it_o the_o next_o year_n siricius_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n pursue_v the_o same_o design_n but_o here_o remember_v that_o he_o act_v out_o of_o his_o own_o patriarchate_o he_o presume_v not_o to_o command_v but_o only_o advise_v celibacy_n 4._o i_o persuade_v advise_v admonish_v entreat_v that_o priest_n and_o deacon_n will_v not_o accompany_v with_o their_o wife_n and_o all_o upon_o the_o same_o topic_a of_o the_o incongruity_n of_o conjugal_a embrace_n with_o the_o priestly_a office._n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n this_o command_n of_o siricius_n have_v in_o spain_n or_o his_o admonition_n in_o africa_n in_o spain_n the_o first_o council_n of_o toledo_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n 400._o which_o decree_v 1._o that_o those_o deacon_n who_o have_v not_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n after_o ordination_n shall_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n but_o be_v make_v incapable_a of_o ever_o rise_v to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n priest_n who_o have_v not_o abstain_v shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n inflict_v on_o they_o no_o further_o punishment_n the_o same_o command_n have_v it_o seem_v be_v send_v by_o siricius_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o piedmont_n who_o meet_v in_o a_o council_n at_o turin_n an._n dom._n 397._o make_v a_o 6._o canon_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o toledo_n only_o debar_v the_o clergy_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o total_a abstinence_n from_o ascend_v to_o high_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n in_o africa_n the_o pope_n receive_v a_o repulse_v the_o eleven_o council_n of_o carthage_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 390._o wherein_n a_o motion_n be_v make_v by_o faustianus_fw-la the_o pope_n legate_n that_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n shall_v be_v enjoin_v 2._o to_o total_a abstinence_n the_o synod_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o only_o decree_v holsten_n that_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n or_o those_o who_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n shall_v always_o preserve_v chastity_n and_o when_o they_o minister_v at_o the_o altar_n even_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n for_o that_o the_o ancient_n believe_v chastity_n not_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n we_o before_o prove_v and_o this_o partial_a abstinence_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n full_o satisfy_v siricius_n his_o argument_n which_o proceed_v upon_o the_o indecency_n of_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o this_o be_v the_o trne_a sense_n of_o the_o canon_n we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o prove_v that_o the_o canon_n which_o we_o shall_v next_o relate_v mean_v no_o more_o for_o that_o both_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o year_n therefore_o 398._o be_v hold_v the_o five_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o make_v this_o follow_a canon_n 3._o be_v it_o enact_v that_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n abstain_v even_o from_o their_o wife_n in_o their_o own_o course_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o let_v they_o be_v depose_v but_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o compel_v to_o do_v this_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v bellarmin_n binius_fw-la and_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v that_o a_o total_a abstinence_n be_v here_o enjoin_v to_o the_o clergy_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o canon_n for_o this_o they_o allege_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n austin_n 20._o and_o that_o decree_n of_o gratian_n which_o instead_o of_o secundum_fw-la propria_fw-la statuta_fw-la whereinis_fw-la the_o stress_n of_o the_o canon_n lie_v read_v secundnm_fw-la priora_fw-la statuta_fw-la according_a to_o former_a constitution_n as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o 13._o gratian_n that_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o constant_a agreement_n of_o all_o the_o latin_a copy_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o council_n nor_o even_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o gratian_n copy_n read_v it_o secundum_fw-la priora_fw-la statuta_fw-la since_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n not_o exact_o in_o their_o own_o word_n but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o time_n as_o for_o st._n austin_n his_o authority_n indeed_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v present_a in_o the_o council_n but_o he_o say_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o place_n allege_v only_o propose_v to_o the_o laity_n who_o hardly_o endure_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o one_o woman_n the_o example_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o practise_v a_o total_a astinence_n for_o this_o infer_v no_o more_o than_o that_o some_o or_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n do_v total_o abstain_v which_o none_o deny_v and_o we_o ready_o grant_v the_o confutation_n of_o our_o adversary_n reason_n be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n however_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o further_a reason_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o canon_n which_o we_o follow_v and_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o import_v first_o then_o the_o ancient_a greek_a code_n 70._o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o african_a church_n compsose_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o six_o council_n follow_v this_o sense_n translate_n the_o word_n into_o question_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o proper_a course_n or_o time_n of_o wait_v second_o the_o father_n of_o the_o quinisext_a council_n command_v priest_n and_o deacon_n whole_o to_o contain_v 13._o in_o the_o time_n
of_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n profess_v they_o herein_o follow_v and_o ratify_v this_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o cartharge_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v or_o misrepresent_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o subscription_n of_o peter_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n and_o his_o african_a bishop_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o quinisext_a council_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v conscious_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o church_n be_v therein_o falsify_v and_o misrepresent_v last_o balsamon_n can._n zonaras_n can._n aristenus_n can._n and_o blastares_n do_v thus_o unanimous_o explain_v it_o only_o of_o a_o partial_a abstinence_n of_o the_o clergy_n from_o their_o wife_n when_o they_o celebrate_v the_o great_a festival_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v produce_v only_o the_o word_n of_o blastares_n 18._o when_o the_o time_n call_v they_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o ought_v they_o to_o abstain_v even_o from_o the_o company_n of_o their_o own_o wife_n manifest_v their_o continence_n by_o their_o work_n but_o the_o four_o canon_n of_o this_o code_n which_o be_v the_o second_o of_o the_o eleven_o council_n of_o carthage_n beforementioned_a and_o other_o like_v it_o be_v obscure_o word_v and_o command_v the_o clergy_n administer_a holy_a thing_n to_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o latin_n to_o require_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v to_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o these_o canon_n themselves_o will_v be_v more_o worthy_a to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o sacred_a canon_n than_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n of_o those_o of_o other_o council_n which_o decree_v the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o latin_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o age_n helvidius_n and_o jovinian_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o vigilantius_n appear_v in_o defence_n of_o marriage_n against_o the_o exorbitant_a pretention_n of_o celibacy_n what_o their_o particular_a opinion_n be_v be_v not_o well_o know_v nor_o may_v we_o safe_o believe_v st._n hierom_n their_o profess_a adversary_n in_o represent_v of_o they_o since_o all_o the_o world_n know_v how_o much_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v ruffinus_n however_o certain_a it_o be_v all_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n hilvidius_fw-la thought_n the_o v._o mary_n to_o have_v have_v several_a child_n by_o her_o husband_n joseph_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n jovinian_a 82._o maintain_v the_o equality_n of_o all_o sin_n &_o impeccability_n of_o regenerate_a person_n vigilantius_n believe_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o receive_v great_a prejudice_n from_o the_o incontinence_n of_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o order_n which_o be_v not_o marry_v that_o so_o all_o danger_n of_o future_a scandal_n may_v be_v prevent_v all_o these_o we_o willing_o grant_v to_o have_v be_v error_n but_o not_o heresy_n the_o first_o may_v be_v owe_v to_o a_o mistake_n of_o history_n the_o last_o of_o policy_n and_o the_o second_o indeed_o be_v notorious_o false_a but_o far_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o heresy_n as_o for_o their_o common_a opinion_n about_o marriage_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o marriage_n and_o celibacy_n be_v both_o equal_a which_o however_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n by_o st._n hierom_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o accidental_a merit_n of_o both_o to_o be_v equal_a which_o it_o can_v be_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v this_o indeed_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o person_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n may_v do_v great_a service_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n in_o a_o unmarried_a than_o in_o a_o marry_a state_n but_o a_o mistake_n that_o neither_o injure_a faith_n nor_o be_v repugnant_a to_o revelation_n indeed_o jovinian_a have_v a_o peculiar_a error_n of_o a_o grosser_n nature_n that_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a even_o in_o those_o who_o can_v contain_v for_o we_o willing_o allow_v that_o when_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n can_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n or_o danger_n be_v preserve_v it_o ought_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v violate_v however_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v formal_a heretic_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prove_v rather_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o vigilantius_n not_o only_o draw_v several_a init_fw-la catholic_n bishop_n into_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o himself_o who_o thereupon_o confer_v order_n to_o none_o but_o marry_a pudicitiam_fw-la man_n but_o that_o he_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n st._n hierom_n indeed_o load_v they_o all_o with_o the_o most_o opprobious_a name_n and_o term_v they_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n but_o his_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v herein_o trust_v in_o opposition_n to_o these_o man_n st._n hierom_n write_v several_a tract_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v so_o many_o panegyric_n of_o celicy_n and_o invective_n against_o marriage_n here_o he_o adopt_v and_o reinforce_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o the_o former_a and_o present_a age_n particular_o so_o far_o urge_v the_o suppose_a impurity_n of_o marriage_n that_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o exclude_v marry_v person_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v by_o produce_v several_a place_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v many_o more_o this_o be_v a_o error_n far_o great_a than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o he_o oppose_v and_o which_o if_o dogmatical_o propose_v and_o pertinacious_o maintain_v will_v be_v downright_a heresy_n but_o we_o charitable_o suppose_v those_o harsh_a expression_n be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o passion_n than_o the_o product_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o if_o he_o have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o reason_n in_o depress_v marriage_n no_o less_o have_v he_o in_o exalt_v celibacy_n this_o himself_n acknowledge_v when_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o his_o book_n against_o helvidius_n he_o confess_v fine_a he_o play_v the_o orator_n too_o much_o and_o extend_v his_o rhetoric_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o severe_a truth_n this_o his_o error_n about_o marriage_n and_o proceed_v upon_o false_a prejudices_fw-la may_v just_o invalidate_v st._n hieroms_n authority_n in_o the_o case_n of_o celibacy_n which_o yet_o he_o no_o where_o say_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clergy_n but_o only_o high_o eonvenient_a and_o decorous_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o order_n it_o may_v be_v some_o further_a diminution_n to_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n that_o all_o these_o extravagant_a encomium_n of_o virginity_n seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v only_o from_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o repair_v thereby_o his_o injure_a reputation_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n suffer_v under_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o too_o great_a familiarity_n with_o the_o lady_n paula_n which_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o and_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v rome_n in_o disgrace_n when_o he_o be_v design_v by_o all_o man_n to_o succeed_v damasus_n in_o the_o popedom_n upon_o occasion_n of_o st._n hierom_n i_o will_v here_o say_v somewhat_o of_o epiphanius_n who_o alone_o beside_o he_o of_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o time_n seem_v fond_a of_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n although_o he_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o even_o advise_v marriage_n to_o they_o in_o case_n of_o insuperable_a incontinence_n his_o great_a affection_n and_o veneration_n of_o st._n hierom_n make_v he_o ready_a to_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v propose_v by_o he_o and_o then_o his_o weak_a judgement_n enable_v he_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n and_o mistake_v of_o his_o reason_v of_o the_o imbecility_n of_o his_o judgement_n photius_n 122._o long_o since_o observe_v that_o in_o his_o great_a work_n against_o heresy_n he_o have_v do_v injury_n to_o truth_n by_o a_o weak_a defence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o age_n pope_n innocent_n i._o renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o predecessor_n siricius_n in_o two_o epistle_n one_o 9_o to_o victricius_n bishop_n of_o rouen_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 404._o the_o other_o 1._o to_o exuperius_n bishop_n of_o tholouse_n in_o the_o year_n follow_v in_o both_o he_o allege_v and_o enforce_v only_o the_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o impurity_n of_o marriage_n which_o make_v it_o incompatible_a with_o the_o daily_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n perform_v by_o the_o
the_o effect_n of_o enforce_a celibacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o metz_n 5._o in_o the_o same_o year_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o next_o year_n riculfus_n bishop_n of_o soissons_fw-fr publish_v his_o constitution_n 416._o wherein_o 14._o he_o not_o only_o renew_v the_o canon_n of_o these_o two_o last_o council_n but_o also_o forbid_v the_o clergy_n to_o talk_v with_o woman_n in_o private_a or_o even_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o some_o witness_n stand_v by_o these_o be_v the_o progress_n and_o gradation_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o western_a church_n from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n propose_v it_o be_v by_o some_o doctor_n of_o great_a authority_n enforce_v by_o pope_n and_o enjoin_v by_o council_n yet_o can_v not_o all_o these_o authority_n effectual_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o clergy_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n the_o frequent_a and_o continual_a repetition_n and_o renew_n of_o decree_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o argue_v the_o universal_a opposition_n which_o it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n every_o late_a decree_n manifest_v that_o the_o former_a be_v unsuccessful_a and_o indeed_o most_o of_o these_o constitution_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o preface_n of_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o retain_v their_o wife_n against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o aforementioned_a council_n be_v provincial_a and_o pope_n have_v not_o yet_o claim_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o that_o all_o these_o decree_n affect_v not_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o all_o nor_o those_o part_n even_o of_o the_o western_a church_n which_o be_v neither_o subject_n to_o the_o roman_a patriarchat_n nor_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o particular_a council_n and_o even_o in_o those_o church_n which_o be_v then_o subject_a to_o either_o of_o they_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n be_v never_o universal_o receive_v and_o obey_v and_o at_o last_o so_o far_o neglect_v and_o grow_v obsolete_a that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o eleven_o age_n marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o free_o use_v and_o as_o general_o practise_v in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o western_a church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o i_o come_v next_o to_o prove_v where_o i_o may_v just_o have_v omit_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o eastern_a church_n if_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o pretend_v a_o universal_a practice_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o eastern_a as_o well_o as_o western_a church_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o quinisext_a council_n the_o refutation_n of_o this_o pretence_n will_v necessitate_v we_o to_o speak_v in_o general_a of_o the_o practice_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a universal_a church_n in_o the_o â—…ase_n of_o celibacy_n and_o first_o to_o take_v away_o all_o prejudice_n which_o may_v possess_v the_o reader_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a at_o least_o improbable_a that_o a_o custom_n persuade_v by_o many_o doctor_n command_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n successive_o in_o several_a age_n and_o which_o divers_a of_o the_o father_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v universal_o practise_v in_o their_o time_n shall_v never_o be_v general_o use_v by_o the_o clergy_n i_o will_v produce_v a_o example_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o discipline_n of_o far_o less_o moment_n which_o be_v urge_v and_o enjoin_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o it_o attest_v by_o more_o writer_n which_o yet_o after_o all_o never_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v indeed_o disuse_v in_o all_o age_n i_o mean_v the_o case_n of_o bigamist_n who_o by_o a_o early_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o clergy_n this_o exclusion_n be_v command_v by_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n 16._o by_o the_o apostolic_a constitution_n 17._o by_o st._n basil_n canonical_a epistle_n 12._o to_o amphilochius_n by_o the_o council_n of_o valence_n 1._o agatha_n 1._o four_o of_o arles_n 3._o three_o of_o constantinople_n 3._o of_o rome_n 2._o under_o pope_n hilarus_n of_o aquisgran_n 9_o and_o infinite_a other_o by_o the_o pope_n siricius_n 1._o innocent_n 5._o leo_n 1_o gelasius_n 22._o and_o gregory_z 25._o tertullian_n 7._o say_v the_o ordination_n of_o bigamist_n be_v forbid_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n origen_n luc._n affirm_v that_o in_o his_o time_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n can_v not_o be_v bigamist_n st._n ambrose_n assert_v vercell_n this_o prohibition_n to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a pope_n innocent_a 2._o say_v no_o question_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_o of_o divine_a institution_n pope_n leo_n 4._o that_o this_o precept_n be_v ever_o hold_v sacred_a and_o 1._o that_o nâ—…ither_o law_n nor_o gospel_n will_v permit_v such_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o clergy_n epiphanius_n 4._o in_o truth_n the_o holy_a command_n of_o god_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n receive_v not_o into_o the_o clergy_n those_o who_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o first_o wife_n contract_v a_o second_o marriage_n st._n hierom_n 1._o a_o bigamist_n can_v be_v choose_v into_o the_o clergy_n and_o monog_n a_o layman_n be_v not_o choose_v into_o the_o clergy_n if_o he_o be_v a_o bigamist_n st._n augustin_n 18._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o ordain_v any_o but_o the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n hilary_n the_o deacon_n 12._o no_o bigamist_n be_v ordain_v and_o by_o all_o the_o same_o authority_n he_o who_o have_v keep_v a_o concubine_n be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o the_o clergy_n after_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a authority_n the_o common_a tradition_n of_o both_o church_n command_v of_o general_n council_n and_o belief_n of_o divine_a institution_n all_o which_o advantage_n the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n want_v who_o can_v imagine_v any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o this_o point_n of_o discipline_n be_v â—…niversally_o receive_v and_o practise_v without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n yet_o nothing_o less_o textullian_n object_n this_o to_o the_o catholic_n as_o a_o main_a argument_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o departure_n to_o the_o montanist_n that_o they_o admit_v bigamist_n even_o to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n among_o you_o say_v he_o 12._o how_o many_o bigamists_n preside_v and_o when_o theodoret_n ordain_v count_n irenaeus_n a_o bigamist_n then_o in_o disfavour_n at_o court_n bishop_n of_o tyre_n and_o his_o enemy_n lay_v hold_v of_o that_o pretence_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o canon_n he_o defend_v domnum_fw-la himself_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o phoenicia_n who_o give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o the_o ordination_n by_o the_o example_n and_o tradition_n of_o his_o predecessor_n by_o the_o example_n of_o alexander_n patriarch_n of_o antioch_n and_o praylius_fw-la of_o jerusalem_n who_o have_v ordain_v bishop_n diogenes_n and_o domninus_n both_o digamist_n that_o he_o follow_v herein_o custom_n and_o famous_a man_n celebrate_v for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o proclus_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n the_o metropolitan_o of_o pontus_n and_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o palestine_n have_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o also_o commend_v this_o ordination_n and_o not_o the_o least_o doubt_v make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o last_o st._n augustin_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n who_o have_v far_o exceed_v 15._o the_o suppose_a scandal_n of_o digamy_n by_o a_o open_a cohabitation_n of_o two_o concubine_n successive_o and_o which_o deserve_v the_o first_o place_n st._n hierom_n answer_v the_o doubt_n of_o oceanus_n whether_o carterius_n a_o digamist_n be_v canonical_o ordain_v bishop_n sai_z ocean_n i_o wonder_v you_o produce_v the_o example_n of_o no_o more_o than_o one_o whenas_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v full_a of_o these_o ordination_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o priest_n nor_o of_o the_o inferior_a order_n i_o come_v to_o bishop_n who_o if_o i_o shall_v name_v single_o so_o great_a a_o number_n will_v arise_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o ariminum_n the_o most_o numerous_a council_n which_o have_v be_v then_o hold_v will_v be_v exceed_v that_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n be_v no_o less_o disobey_v and_o all_o the_o ancient_a testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o wide_a mistake_n i_o come_v next_o to_o prove_v and_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o eastern_a church_n st._n athanasius_n not_o long_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a write_v to_o dracontius_n a_o holy_a monk_n rebuke_n he_o for_o decline_v the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o refute_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o refusal_n the_o chief_a of_o which_o
into_o the_o clergy_n but_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a abuse_n and_o worthy_a of_o redress_n which_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o the_o quinisext_a council_n 33._o as_o come_v too_o near_o to_o jewish_a superstition_n from_o general_a testimony_n i_o pass_v to_o particular_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o eastern_a clergy_n after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o that_o council_n be_v present_a spyridon_n bishop_n of_o trymithus_fw-la in_o cyprus_n celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n for_o his_o holiness_n miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n of_o he_o sozomen_n say_v 11._o he_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o thereby_o in_o the_o least_o hinder_v or_o render_v less_o fit_a and_o successful_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n this_o note_n plain_o intimate_v that_o he_o use_v the_o company_n of_o his_o wife_n while_o bishop_n otherwise_o the_o observation_n will_v have_v be_v trifle_v since_o a_o marry_a bishop_n not_o use_v his_o marriage_n be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o a_o unmarried_a one_o present_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a gregory_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o nazianzum_fw-la he_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n a_o little_a before_o by_o who_o mean_n he_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o who_o live_v with_o he_o to_o a_o extreme_a old_a age_n for_o they_o be_v both_o present_a at_o the_o funeral_n of_o their_o son_n caesarius_n when_o gregory_n have_v be_v now_o bishop_n forty_o year_n he_o have_v by_o she_o after_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n two_o son_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o caesarius_n and_o most_o probable_o one_o daughter_n for_o nazianzen_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v old_a than_o his_o sister_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v many_o year_n old_a than_o his_o brother_n caesarius_n yet_o that_o himself_o be_v bear_v after_o his_o father_n be_v make_v bishop_n he_o assure_v we_o in_o his_o life_n where_o he_o introduce_v his_o father_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o init_fw-la you_o have_v not_o yet_o run_v through_o so_o many_o year_n of_o your_o life_n as_o i_o have_v year_n of_o my_o pastoral_a charge_n baronius_n 371._o affirm_v this_o to_o have_v be_v speak_v hyperbolical_o that_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n be_v then_o forbid_v to_o bishop_n by_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o these_o canon_n most_o religious_o observe_v both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n that_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o argument_n of_o chronology_n nazianzen_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a when_o his_o father_n be_v not_o yet_o baptise_a the_o first_o argument_n be_v already_o confute_v by_o the_o precedent_a testimony_n the_o second_o arise_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o nazianzen_n be_v thirty_o year_n old_a when_o st._n basil_n part_v from_o athens_n that_o basil_n study_v at_o athens_n with_o julian_n who_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n 15._o be_v come_v thither_o in_o the_o year_n 354._o and_o that_o consequent_o nazianzen_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o year_n 324._o the_o year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a this_o chronology_n of_o baronius_n jac._n capellus_n 3._o say_v he_o have_v refute_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v not_o that_o book_n now_o by_o i_o and_o therefore_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n must_v offer_v some_o consideration_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o opposition_n to_o baronius_n his_o argument_n first_o then_o uncertain_a argument_n of_o chronology_n form_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n ought_v not_o to_o invalidate_v the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o nazianzen_n who_o best_o know_v when_o himself_o be_v bear_v second_o nazianzen_n say_v not_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n old_a when_o julian_n come_v to_o athens_n but_o when_o basil_n part_v thence_o now_o basil_n not_o only_a might_n but_o most_o probable_o do_v stay_v several_a year_n at_o athens_n not_o only_o after_o the_o arrival_n but_o even_o after_o the_o departure_n of_o julian_n at_o least_o most_o certain_o he_o depart_v not_o before_o julian_n who_o leave_v athens_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 355._o for_o st._n basil_n tell_v 208._o julian_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v together_o at_o athens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d theology_n and_o all_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o literature_n and_o thorough_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v a_o labour_n of_o more_o than_o a_o few_o month_n and_o therefore_o basil_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v leave_v athens_n before_o julian_n who_o stay_v there_o but_o little_o more_o than_o a_o year_n three_o 〈◊〉_d nazianzen_n say_v not_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n old_a when_o basil_n leave_v athens_n but_o almost_o thirty_o and_o that_o in_o a_o poetic_a work_n where_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o just_a time_n of_o his_o age_n he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o round_a number_n which_o may_v admit_v a_o latitude_n of_o two_o or_o three_o year_n and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o his_o father_n be_v make_v bishop_n present_o after_o the_o council_n as_o himself_o assure_v patrem_fw-la we_o so_o that_o even_a argument_n of_o chronology_n make_v it_o probable_a nazianzen_n be_v bear_v after_o his_o father_n ordination_n to_o which_o his_o own_o testimony_n be_v add_v make_v it_o most_o certain_a and_o then_o his_o brother_n caesarius_n be_v so_o much_o young_a than_o himself_o that_o in_o his_o funeral_n oration_n upon_o he_o he_o frequent_o call_v he_o a_o young_a man_n and_o often_o lament_v his_o untimely_a death_n although_o his_o father_n have_v be_v then_o bishop_n above_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o year_n 362._o basilius_n presbyter_n of_o ancyra_n and_o eupsychius_n of_o caesaria_n in_o cappadocia_n 11._o who_o have_v new_o marry_v a_o wife_n and_o be_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v a_o bridegroom_n suffer_v martyrdom_n it_o appear_v not_o direct_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n whether_o the_o late_a be_v of_o the_o clergy_n but_o the_o word_n of_o athanasius_n will_v put_v it_o past_o all_o doubt_n who_o number_v 121._o the_o writer_n of_o this_o time_n which_o oppose_v arianism_n mention_n eupsychius_n bishop_n of_o cappadocia_n of_o which_o caesaria_n be_v the_o metropolis_n if_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o eupsychius_n which_o be_v not_o improbable_a however_o if_o this_o be_v uncertain_a most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o st._n gregory_n bishop_n of_o nyssa_n be_v marry_v and_o live_v with_o his_o wife_n theosebia_n till_o her_o death_n this_o nicephorus_n 19_o testify_v say_v that_o when_o he_o be_v bishop_n he_o retain_v the_o society_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v far_o great_a than_o nicephorus_n nyssen'_n intimate_v friend_n nazianzen_n who_o write_v to_o nyssen_n a_o consolatory_a letter_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o wife_n sai_z she_o have_v always_o live_v with_o he_o aâ—…d_v mutual_o share_v with_o he_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o call_v she_o true_o holy_a the_o worthy_a wife_n and_o companion_n of_o a_o bishop_n i_o will_v produce_v but_o one_o example_n more_o but_o that_o so_o pregnant_a and_o express_a that_o it_o may_v alone_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n in_o that_o age._n about_o the_o year_n 410._o synesius_n be_v for_o the_o repute_n of_o his_o great_a learning_n choose_a bishop_n of_o ptolemais_n in_o egypt_n he_o be_v then_o marry_v and_o have_v a_o wife_n who_o he_o profess_v to_o love_v passionate_o it_o seem_v the_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n which_o some_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n have_v undergo_v be_v become_v a_o universal_a custom_n among_o the_o bishop_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o the_o people_n expect_v that_o a_o marry_a man_n promote_v to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n shall_v renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o marriage_n and_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a reason_n why_o this_o custom_n shall_v general_o obtain_v in_o egypt_n rather_o than_o in_o any_o other_o province_n of_o the_o east_n egypt_n be_v then_o the_o great_a school_n and_o nursery_n of_o monastic_a discipline_n which_o have_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n more_o monk_n reside_v in_o it_o than_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o the_o bishop_n of_o egypt_n be_v almost_o all_o take_v out_o of_o these_o monk_n and_o consequent_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o celibacy_n possess_v the_o egyptian_n that_o those_o few_o marry_a bishop_n which_o be_v among_o they_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n conserve_v the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n which_o be_v due_a to_o their_o character_n than_o by_o a_o voluntary_a renunciation_n of_o their_o marriage_n synesius_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v not_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o willing_a to_o decline_v the_o burden_n profess_v
fratrem_fw-la open_o and_o declare_v to_o all_o that_o he_o will_v neither_o total_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o company_n of_o his_o wife_n nor_o yet_o separate_v himself_o only_o in_o appearance_n enjoy_v her_o company_n by_o stealth_n like_o a_o adulterer_n for_o this_o will_v be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o unjust_a but_o that_o he_o both_o intend_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v many_o and_o handsome_a child_n notwithstanding_o this_o profession_n he_o be_v ordain_v by_o theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n than_o who_o none_o better_a know_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o have_v leave_v some_o learned_a monument_n of_o his_o skill_n in_o that_o kind_n i_o proceed_v next_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o western_a church_n where_o st._n hierom_n write_v against_o jovinian_a acknowledge_v that_o celibacy_n be_v not_o then_o general_o entertain_v by_o the_o clergy_n many_o of_o who_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n if_o samuel_n say_v he_o 13._o who_o example_n you_o object_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n marry_v a_o wife_n what_o do_v this_o prejudicevirginity_n as_o if_o at_o this_o day_n also_o many_o priest_n use_v not_o marriage_n and_o afterward_o marry_a man_n be_v choose_v into_o the_o priesthood_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o then_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v not_o so_o main_a virgin_n or_o continent_n person_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n for_o all_o can_v contain_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o marry_a priest_n renounce_v not_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o marriage_n after_o ordination_n for_o than_o they_o must_v have_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v continent_n person_n a_o little_a before_o his_o time_n hilary_n deacon_n of_o rome_n write_v his_o question_n upon_o both_o testament_n wherein_o he_o have_v these_o word_n fin_n hence_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o a_o marry_a man_n if_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v ordain_v priest._n this_o be_v write_v few_o year_n before_o siricius_n his_o decree_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n be_v then_o so_o little_o think_v of_o in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v believe_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o this_o priest_n abstain_v not_o after_o ordination_n be_v manifest_a for_o than_o he_o will_v therein_o also_o have_v observe_v the_o command_n whether_o of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o church_n when_o st._n augustin_n write_v against_o faustus_n the_o manichee_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o age_n no_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n be_v yet_o introduce_v or_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n for_o faustus_n thus_o defend_v the_o manichee_n immoderate_a veneration_n of_o virginity_n and_o disesteem_n of_o marriage_n 30._o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v answer_v in_o this_o whether_o in_o any_o case_n to_o cause_n person_n to_o continue_v virgin_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n or_o only_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n if_o the_o late_a it_o concern_v s_o we_o not_o for_o we_o also_o think_v it_o as_o foolish_a to_o forbid_v those_o who_o be_v willing_a so_o unlawful_a and_o impious_a to_o compel_v those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a we_o persuade_v but_o force_v none_o here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v first_o that_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o manichee_n about_o marriage_n it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o side_n that_o a_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n to_o any_o person_n be_v unlawful_a impious_a and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o then_o that_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o catholic_n which_o faustus_n confess_v and_o pretend_v that_o his_o party_n be_v no_o less_o innocent_a from_o any_o such_o unlawful_a imposition_n siricius_n in_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o clergy_n plead_v neither_o any_o divine_a institution_n nor_o precedent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o the_o indecency_n of_o marriage_n in_o they_o rather_o innocent_a renew_v the_o imposition_n confess_v it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n before_o siricius_n his_o decree_n for_o command_v those_o who_o have_v disobey_v siricius_n his_o constitution_n to_o be_v depose_v he_o subjoin_v 1._o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a life_n which_o the_o bishop_n siricius_n send_v into_o the_o province_n come_v not_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o their_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v pardon_v provide_v they_o abstain_v for_o the_o future_a if_o celibacy_n have_v be_v now_o long_o since_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o constant_a discipline_n none_o can_v have_v plead_v none_o will_v have_v deserve_v pardon_n for_o their_o ignorance_n in_o africa_n the_o repulse_n give_v to_o pope_n siricius_n and_o afterward_o the_o constancy_n of_o those_o bishop_n in_o defend_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o innocent_a have_v so_o far_o discourage_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n that_o despair_v of_o be_v able_a to_o introduce_v celibacy_n into_o that_o church_n they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v only_o hinder_v the_o ordination_n of_o bigamist_n and_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v widow_n which_o be_v frequent_a in_o africa_n therefore_o leo_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o african_a bishop_n complain_v of_o this_o abuse_n say_v the_o apostolic_a precept_n of_o the_o monogamy_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v ever_o hold_v so_o sacred_a 1._o that_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o wife_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v choose_v lest_o she_o perhaps_o before_o she_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o former_a husband_n of_o total_a abstinence_n from_o their_o wife_n he_o make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n require_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o clergy_n will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a if_o upon_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o husband_n they_o must_v immediate_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v wife_n but_o which_o be_v further_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o leo_n the_o ancient_a edition_n of_o his_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o particular_o those_o in_o crabbe_n collection_n of_o the_o council_n colon._n 1538._o and_o 1551._o instead_o of_o eligendi_fw-la read_v eligendâ_fw-la and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v that_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o priest_n wife_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n it_o be_v permit_v and_o by_o leo_n think_v not_o unlawful_a for_o the_o clergy_n to_o contract_v marriage_n even_o after_o ordination_n that_o they_o use_v marriage_n after_o ordination_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o father_n of_o the_o quinisext_a council_n 12._o and_o indeed_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o moderate_a pope_n seem_v never_o to_o have_v intend_v their_o constitution_n about_o celibacy_n shall_v be_v urge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n out_o of_o the_o roman_a patriarchat_n nor_o do_v they_o calculate_v they_o for_o the_o universal_a church_n it_o be_v innocent_a alone_o of_o all_o the_o ancient_a pope_n who_o equal_v the_o ambition_n of_o his_o late_a successor_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o roman_a patriarchat_n as_o extensive_a as_o the_o roman_a empire_n this_o patriarchat_n tookin_n but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o even_o that_o be_v sometime_o contract_v into_o narrow_a bound_n by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o barbarian_n who_o by_o their_o success_n of_o arm_n alienate_v many_o province_n from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a perfect_a withdraw_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a patriarch_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sicily_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n when_o p._n leo_n make_v his_o decree_n about_o the_o celibacy_n of_o subdeacons_n the_o clergy_n of_o sicily_n think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v by_o it_o nor_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o at_o least_o it_o meet_v with_o no_o obedience_n in_o that_o church_n till_o the_o island_n be_v in_o the_o next_o age_n recover_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o then_o it_o obtain_v not_o in_o virtue_n of_o leo_n constitution_n but_o because_o enforce_v by_o a_o decree_n of_o pope_n pelagius_n ii_o about_o the_o year_n 588._o till_o then_o the_o subdeacons_n of_o sicily_n neither_o obey_v the_o constitution_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o as_o pope_n gregory_n confess_v in_o his_o repeal_n of_o pelagius_n his_o decree_n three_o year_n since_o say_v he_o 42._o the_o subdeacons_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o sicily_n be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n in_o
conformity_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o seem_v hard_a and_o unmeet_a to_o i_o that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o such_o continency_n and_o never_o before_o promise_v chastity_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o wife_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o leo_n decree_n rather_o own_v that_o celibacy_n be_v not_o command_v to_o the_o subdeacons_n of_o sicily_n before_o pelagius_n his_o constitution_n but_o express_o assert_n that_o celibacy_n be_v not_o before_o then_o use_v by_o they_o and_o that_o then_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n the_o isle_n of_o corsica_n be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o roman_a patriarchat_n as_o appear_v from_o a_o ancient_a notitia_fw-la of_o the_o several_a patriarchate_n of_o the_o church_n publish_v by_o the_o learned_a dr._n beverege_n 135._o and_o from_o nilus_n doxopatrius_fw-la 217._o and_o therefore_o neither_o receive_v nor_o be_v oblige_v by_o either_o the_o constitution_n of_o pope_n about_o celibacy_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o those_o provincial_a council_n before_o mention_v wherein_o none_o of_o their_o bishop_n be_v present_a upon_o this_o account_n pope_n gregory_n i._n express_o allow_v to_o the_o clergy_n of_o corsica_n the_o use_n of_o marriage_n we_o will_v 50._o say_v he_o that_o the_o priest_n sacerdotes_fw-la by_o which_o word_n bishop_n as_o well_o as_o presbyter_n be_v design_v which_o dwell_v in_o corsica_n be_v forbid_v to_o converse_v with_o woman_n except_o only_o a_o mother_n sister_n or_o wife_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v chaste_o govern_v that_o the_o church_n of_o milan_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o roman_a patriarchat_n be_v full_o prove_v by_o a_o learned_a divine_a 2._o of_o our_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o once_o the_o voluntary_a zeal_n of_o celibacy_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o clergy_n of_o milan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n ambrose_n grow_v cold_a and_o expire_v marriage_n be_v public_o use_v by_o the_o clergâ—…_n of_o that_o church_n without_o any_o interruption_n till_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o occasional_o show_v the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o ancient_a papal_a constitution_n and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o council_n which_o decree_v celibacy_n retain_v to_o her_o clergy_n the_o free_a use_n of_o marriage_n till_o by_o the_o procurement_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o anselm_n she_o forbid_v it_o in_o a_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o twelve_o century_n as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o large_o prove_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o celibacy_n in_o those_o province_n which_o be_v not_o influence_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a patriarch_n nor_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o synodical_a act._n let_v we_o now_o view_v the_o state_n of_o those_o province_n which_o be_v the_o stage_n of_o those_o several_a council_n we_o before_o number_v viz._n spain_n france_n and_o germany_n in_o the_o nine_o age._n that_o the_o so_o often_o repeat_v canon_n of_o the_o spanish_a council_n be_v unsuccessful_a appear_v from_o st._n isidore_n bishop_n of_o sevil_n about_o the_o year_n 600._o who_o in_o his_o book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n describe_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o the_o clergy_n say_v 2._o let_v clergyman_n endeavour_v perpetual_o to_o preserve_v the_o chastity_n of_o their_o body_n inviolable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v join_v with_o the_o bond_n of_o one_o marriage_n and_o indeed_o how_o hardly_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n of_o spain_n brook_v the_o necessity_n of_o celibacy_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o their_o bishop_n in_o several_a synod_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o policy_n of_o veitiza_n king_n of_o spain_n in_o the_o year_n 702._o who_o conscious_a of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o tyranny_n and_o fear_v the_o clergy_n in_o revenge_n of_o it_o may_v excite_v the_o populacy_n to_o hispan_n take_v up_o arm_n and_o dethrone_v he_o resolve_v to_o oblige_v the_o clergy_n and_o gain_v their_o affection_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a favour_n which_o may_v be_v receive_v by_o they_o with_o universal_a applause_n and_o therefore_o by_o public_a edict_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o marry_v wife_n or_o retain_v they_o already_o marry_v in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n celibacy_n most_o certain_o be_v not_o universal_o practise_v by_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eight_o age_n when_o pope_n adrian_n offer_v to_o charles_n the_o great_a his_o collection_n of_o canon_n fit_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o six_o canon_n of_o that_o collection_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o be_v conceive_v in_o these_o word_n 1801._o let_v not_o a_o presbyter_n put_v his_o wife_n out_o of_o his_o eamily_n but_o chaste_o govern_v she_o as_o for_o france_n boniface_n archbishop_n of_o mentz_n and_o pope_n zachary_n legate_n there_o have_v complain_v 149â—…_n not_o many_o year_n before_o that_o the_o episcopal_a see_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n bestow_v upon_o adulterate_a clergyman_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o marry_a clergy_n the_o universal_a freedom_n of_o marriage_n which_o the_o german_a clergy_n press_v in_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n argue_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o worm_n mentz_n and_o metz_n in_o the_o nine_o age_n to_o have_v be_v unsuccessful_a and_o never_o full_o receive_v in_o that_o church_n nay_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o famous_a bishop_n of_o germany_n who_o live_v and_o die_v with_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o saint_n do_v strong_o oppose_v all_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n this_o be_v huldericus_n or_o udalricus_n bishop_n of_o augspurg_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o pope_n nicholas_n i._o demonstrate_v to_o he_o the_o injustice_n of_o his_o decree_n against_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o revoke_v it_o no_o such_o decree_n indeed_o of_o nicholas_n be_v now_o extant_a however_o gratian_n 4._o cit_v a_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o odo_n archbishop_n of_o vien_fw-it wherein_o he_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o the_o four_o superior_a order_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o for_o the_o decree_n against_o hear_v the_o mass_n of_o marry_a priest_n which_o gratian_n produce_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o most_o certain_o belong_v to_o nicholas_n ii_o although_o the_o last_o collector_n of_o the_o council_n have_v rank_v it_o among_o the_o decree_n of_o nicholas_n i._n most_o probable_o then_o nicholas_n have_v direct_v into_o germany_n a_o decretal_a of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o to_o odo_n and_o solicit_v the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o his_o emissary_n who_o diligence_n and_o artifices_fw-la at_o last_v gain_v the_o point_n in_o the_o council_n of_o worm_n the_o year_n after_o nicholas_n his_o death_n this_o decree_n therefore_o huldericus_n oppose_v in_o a_o learned_a and_o passionate_a epistle_n 481._o wherein_o he_o represent_v to_o the_o pope_n that_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v permit_v for_o that_o all_o can_v contain_v and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v necessitate_v to_o incontinence_n that_o marriage_n of_o the_o cleâ—…gy_n be_v use_v in_o the_o old_a law_n leave_v indifferent_a by_o christ_n permit_v by_o the_o apostle_n countenance_v by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a that_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n have_v produce_v in_o the_o ligari_fw-la clergy_n the_o most_o enormous_a sort_n of_o lust_n incest_n sodomy_n and_o the_o most_o exeerable_a villainy_n that_o these_o lust_n be_v open_o act_v by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o detest_v the_o chaste_a marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o when_o they_o can_v not_o contain_v themselves_o impose_v it_o violent_o upon_o their_o fellow-servant_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v more_o honest_a to_o accompany_v with_o many_o woman_n in_o private_a than_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o one_o in_o the_o face_n and_o view_n of_o men._n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unjust_a than_o when_o christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o let_v he_o receive_v it_o to_o oppose_v he_o that_o can_v receive_v it_o let_v he_o be_v anathema_n that_o this_o be_v the_o heresy_n which_o the_o apostle_n of_o old_a foretell_v will_v arise_v in_o the_o late_a time_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v that_o the_o chastity_n which_o these_o man_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o may_v no_o less_o be_v obtain_v in_o a_o marry_a than_o in_o a_o single_a state_n and_o with_o less_o danger_n be_v preserve_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o champion_n of_o celibacy_n in_o this_o age_n have_v so_o far_o improve_v the_o ancient_a mistake_v of_o the_o impurity_n of_o marriage_n that_o
the_o clergy_n the_o use_n of_o marriage_n appear_v from_o the_o decretal_a of_o pope_n stephen_n cite_v by_o gratian_n in_o these_o word_n 14._o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o in_o they_o priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n be_v join_v in_o marriage_n matrimonio_fw-la copulantur_fw-la i._n e._n enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n as_o mendoza_n 66._o have_v learned_o prove_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n to_o be_v but_o in_o this_o or_o the_o western_a church_n none_o of_o the_o clergy_n from_o a_o subdeacon_n to_o a_o bishop_n have_v liberty_n to_o use_v marriage_n here_o the_o pope_n express_o confess_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n by_o the_o clergy_n to_o have_v be_v always_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v have_v be_v also_o sometime_o of_o the_o western_a for_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o east_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v be_v introduce_v in_o the_o west_n by_o some_o subsequent_a decree_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o thousand_o year_n nowhere_a impose_v in_o the_o better_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n introduce_v into_o the_o roman_a patriarchate_n by_o a_o rash_a pope_n command_v by_o many_o provincial_a council_n of_o the_o west_n but_o in_o no_o place_n universal_o observe_v the_o imposition_n of_o it_o always_o disuse_v and_o at_o last_o condemn_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n become_v obsolete_a in_o the_o west_n it_o will_v not_o now_o be_v amiss_o to_o look_v back_o a_o little_a and_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o author_n and_o advance_v of_o celibacy_n whereby_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n how_o far_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o those_o time_n ought_v herein_o to_o influence_n and_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a age._n first_o then_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v hitherto_o esteem_v by_o all_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a discipline_n first_o introduce_v for_o reason_n of_o decency_n convenience_n and_o suppose_a edification_n which_o have_v not_o only_o long_a since_o cease_v but_o celibacy_n be_v now_o become_v a_o snare_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n even_o in_o those_o particular_a church_n where_o it_o be_v ancient_o introduce_v and_o command_v have_v long_o since_o cease_v the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n be_v not_o hear_v of_o till_o the_o day_n of_o hildebrand_n and_o be_v but_o faint_o maintain_v in_o these_o time_n that_o the_o ancient_a imposer_n of_o celibacy_n never_o think_v of_o this_o pretence_n be_v evident_a because_o they_o never_o make_v that_o plea._n this_o we_o before_o observe_v particular_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o siricius_n and_o innocent_n and_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o all_o pope_n and_o council_n which_o favour_v or_o command_v celibacy_n in_o those_o time_n not_o to_o say_v that_o some_o council_n as_o the_o quinisext_n ii_o of_o toledo_n and_o other_o express_o acknowledge_v the_o permission_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n ii_o the_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o not_o conclusive_a but_o even_o of_o no_o authority_n it_o neither_o necessitate_v nor_o recommend_v celibacy_n to_o the_o present_a church_n for_o all_o the_o deference_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o these_o time_n proceed_v from_o a_o probable_a supposition_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v great_a and_o better_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o present_a age_n can_v pretend_v to_o as_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o animate_v with_o a_o less_o vigorous_a and_o impartial_a zeal_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o increase_v of_o piety_n but_o when_o this_o supposition_n become_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o be_v evident_o false_a when_o we_o be_v assure_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v occasion_v and_o introduce_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v false_a notion_n of_o piety_n and_o gross_a error_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n imitation_n will_v not_o only_o be_v not_o laudable_a but_o even_o foolish_a and_o perhaps_o unlawful_a lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v uphold_v the_o error_n which_o first_o produce_v it_o at_o least_o when_o these_o mistake_n be_v discover_v these_o prejudices_fw-la remove_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o example_n will_v vanish_v with_o they_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n we_o have_v all_o along_o observe_v and_o prove_v and_o need_v not_o here_o repeat_v our_o argument_n iii_o if_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n â—…o_o be_v in_o all_o case_n a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n to_o the_o present_a age_n yet_o will_v celibacy_n receive_v no_o advantage_n from_o it_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n may_v put_v in_o a_o large_a and_o much_o better_a plea_n of_o antiquity_n as_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o four_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n of_o the_o whole_a eastern_a and_o many_o part_n of_o the_o western_a church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o allege_v the_o suffrage_n of_o two_o general_a council_n the_o first_o and_o four_o which_o confirm_v and_o allow_v it_o whereas_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o first_o and_o better_a age_n not_o universal_o practise_v in_o the_o latter_a reject_v by_o one_o and_o condemn_v by_o another_o general_a council_n and_o never_o confirm_v by_o other_o than_o provincial_a synod_n who_o act_n may_v be_v annul_v and_o decree_v abolish_v by_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o certain_o if_o what_o most_o of_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a universal_a church_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a method_n of_o know_v the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o all_o precedent_a age_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n must_v have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n since_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o west_n do_v at_o this_o day_n permit_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o maintain_v the_o impositioâ—…_n of_o celibacy_n to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o also_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n or_o solidity_n in_o that_o grand_a argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o two_o dissent_v church_n when_o the_o one_o open_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o and_o receive_v not_o the_o same_o severe_a sentence_n from_o her_o adversary_n truth_n and_o justice_n must_v necessary_o lie_v on_o that_o side_n for_o however_o the_o greek_a church_n have_v always_o condemn_v as_o impious_a and_o unjust_a the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n in_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o latin_n never_o dare_v to_o return_v the_o same_o sentence_n upon_o the_o permission_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n rather_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n have_v be_v allow_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o to_o omit_v the_o great_a late_a an_o council_n under_o pope_n innocent_a the_o three_o wherein_o our_o adversary_n confess_v that_o permission_n of_o marriage_n be_v continue_v to_o the_o greek_a priest_n thus_o pope_n nicolas_n the_o first_o answer_v to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o bulgarian_n 540._o you_o ask_v whether_o you_o ought_v to_o maintain_v and_o honour_v a_o priest_n have_v a_o wife_n or_o to_o remove_v he_o from_o you_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o although_o they_o be_v very_o unblamable_a you_o ought_v not_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o bellarmine_n 21._o acknowledge_v that_o although_o the_o roman_a church_n approve_v not_o herein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o abuse_n yet_o she_o permit_v it_o to_o the_o greek_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o other_o error_n a_o peace_n may_v easy_o be_v accord_v between_o the_o two_o church_n iv._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n be_v various_a and_o divers_a and_o consequent_o neither_o celibacy_n itself_o
can_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n nor_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n to_o succeed_a age_n the_o great_a variation_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o those_o several_a council_n which_o enjoin_v celibacy_n we_o before_o observe_v and_o may_v add_v the_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n by_o the_o quinisext_a council_n and_o novel_n of_o leo_n the_o emperor_n but_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o case_n of_o subdeacons_n who_o in_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o less_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n than_o the_o superior_a clergy_n not_o to_o the_o ancient_a church_n siricius_n and_o innocent_n leave_v marriage_n free_a to_o they_o pope_n leo_n the_o first_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o they_o but_o his_o decree_n gain_v no_o acceptance_n many_o council_n after_o that_o time_n permit_v marriage_n to_o they_o palagius_n the_o second_o forbid_v it_o to_o the_o subdeacons_n of_o sicily_n but_o his_o successor_n gregory_n repeal_v that_o prohibition_n that_o continence_n be_v not_o yet_o command_v to_o subdeacons_n neither_o in_o spain_n nor_o sicily_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o three_o council_n of_o toledo_n anno_fw-la 589._o baronius_n 589._o and_o binius_fw-la council_n affirm_v may_v be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o the_o five_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n in_o england_n augustin_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n have_v consult_v pope_n gregory_n whether_o clergyman_n not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v may_v marry_v and_o whether_o when_o marry_v they_o ought_v to_o resume_v a_o secular_a life_n gregory_n return_v answer_v that_o 27._o clergyman_n who_o be_v not_o in_o holy_a order_n if_o they_o can_v not_o contain_v may_v marry_v and_o aught_o still_o to_o be_v maintain_v from_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o sacred_a function_n by_o clergyman_n not_o in_o holy_a order_n a_o ancient_a saxon_a homily_n produce_v by_o mr._n whelock_n loc_n understand_v all_o beside_o deacon_n priest_n and_o bishop_n and_o even_o after_o the_o time_n of_o hildebrand_n pope_n urban_n the_o second_o in_o the_o council_n of_o beneventum_n prescribe_a continence_n to_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n but_o not_o to_o subdeacons_n to_o who_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n asfirm_v 1._o celibacy_n be_v neither_o impose_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n last_o gratian_n contend_v 13._o that_o neither_o deacon_n nor_o subdeacons_n ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o contract_v and_o use_v marriage_n v._o whatsoever_o pope_n and_o council_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n forbid_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n forbid_v to_o they_o the_o company_n of_o concubine_n with_o much_o great_a and_o severe_a penalty_n which_o do_v not_o only_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n by_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o crime_n of_o fornication_n but_o also_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n all_o just_a title_n to_o any_o plea_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n since_o she_o have_v sometime_o open_o permit_v the_o use_n of_o concubine_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o always_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n affix_v great_a punishment_n to_o the_o marriage_n than_o to_o the_o concubinacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon-law_n 7._o observe_v that_o fornication_n be_v less_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o clergy_n than_o marriage_n because_o in_o many_o case_n marriage_n will_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o order_n or_o deprive_v he_o when_o ordain_v when_o a_o fornicator_n may_v be_v admit_v into_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o sacred_a office._n vi_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o clergy_n ever_o leave_v open_v a_o refuge_n for_o incontinent_a person_n and_o thereby_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o their_o incontinence_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o those_o who_o can_v no_o long_o contain_v but_o even_o all_o who_o desire_v marriage_n be_v permit_v to_o contract_v it_o by_o quit_v the_o sacred_a office_n and_o retire_v to_o lay-communion_n maintain_v still_o by_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o allow_v to_o rank_n themselves_o among_o the_o three_o inferior_a order_n thus_o the_o council_n of_o orleans_n i._o of_o tours_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o western_a church_n in_o the_o east_n no_o other_o punishment_n than_o deprivation_n be_v ever_o inflict_v upon_o the_o superior_a clergy_n contract_v marriage_n so_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n and_o the_o novel_n 5._o of_o justinian_n the_o emperor_n and_o even_o this_o punishment_n of_o total_a deprivation_n leo_n 79._o the_o emperor_n think_v too_o severe_a and_o therefore_o moderate_v it_o decree_a that_o priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n contract_v marriage_n after_o ordination_n shall_v only_o be_v depose_v from_o that_o degree_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o their_o marriage_n and_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o low_a station_n among_o the_o clergy_n use_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n although_o act_v in_o a_o low_a sphere_n and_o this_o balsamon_n 6._o propose_v as_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o his_o time_n in_o the_o west_n however_o many_o pope_n and_o council_n of_o the_o five_o six_o and_o seven_o age_n command_v the_o clergy_n contract_v marriage_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o separate_v from_o their_o wife_n these_o furious_a decree_n vanish_v and_o grow_v obsolete_a in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o deprivation_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a punishment_n of_o marriage_n when_o isidore_n mercator_n forge_v the_o decretal_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n as_o appear_v from_o a_o spurious_a decree_n of_o pope_n lucius_n cite_v by_o gratian_n 19_o and_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o worm_n and_o mentz_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o this_o age._n i_o may_v add_v that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o temporary_a deprivation_n seem_v then_o to_o have_v be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o spurious_a act_n of_o the_o second_o roman_a council_n under_o pope_n silvester_n forge_v by_o the_o same_o mercator_n decree_n 19_o that_o no_o presbyter_n shall_v contract_v marriage_n from_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ordination_n if_o he_o do_v let_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o dignity_n for_o ten_o year_n thus_o do_v the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v a_o remedy_n to_o the_o incontinence_n of_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n and_o perhaps_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v forbid_a marriage_n to_o any_o since_o none_o be_v by_o her_o constitution_n render_v incapable_a of_o marriage_n nor_o total_o debar_v from_o it_o not_o so_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n which_o maintain_v marriage_n contract_v after_o ordination_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n nay_o much_o worse_a than_o both_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o cardinal_n 4._o campegius_fw-la who_o to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o strasbourg_n complain_v of_o the_o open_a concubinacy_n of_o their_o clergy_n and_o desire_v marriage_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o as_o a_o remedy_n of_o it_o answer_v that_o the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n than_o if_o they_o keep_v many_o concubine_n in_o their_o house_n for_o that_o these_o be_v persuade_v they_o do_v well_o but_o the_o other_o both_o know_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v only_o the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a and_o precipitate_a judgement_n costerus_n 19_o the_o jesuit_n propose_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o proposition_n vii_o the_o scandalous_a and_o bad_a effect_n which_o too_o great_a a_o affectation_n much_o more_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n produce_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n may_v just_o deter_v the_o present_a age_n from_o imitate_v that_o example_n and_o thereby_o continue_v and_o augment_v the_o same_o scandal_n the_o horrible_a and_o sad_a abuse_n of_o eunuch_n and_o housekeeper_n we_o have_v before_o describe_v who_o ill_a example_n have_v do_v great_a injury_n and_o give_v deep_a wound_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n than_o ever_o the_o affect_a or_o impose_v celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n bring_v lustre_n or_o advantage_n to_o it_o and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o first_o zeal_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v when_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v excite_v by_o miracle_n and_o foment_v by_o persecution_n when_o a_o generous_a renunciation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o sublunary_a pleasure_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a genius_n of_o christianity_n if_o under_o all_o these_o advantage_n celibacy_n can_v not_o
make_v good_a its_o glorious_a pretence_n nor_o promote_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v true_a virginity_n if_o then_o the_o voluntary_a practice_n of_o it_o betray_v the_o church_n to_o open_a scandal_n and_o manifest_a inconvenience_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o christianity_n to_o attain_v a_o perfection_n which_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n want_v and_o introduce_v among_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n such_o a_o uniform_a exemplariness_n of_o continence_n and_o chastity_n as_o may_v promote_v among_o the_o laity_n the_o great_a end_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v a_o laudable_a ambition_n to_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o former_a time_n but_o little_o less_o than_o madness_n to_o attempt_v that_o which_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v impossible_a viii_o if_o it_o be_v imprudent_a to_o imitate_v a_o practice_n from_o which_o natural_o flow_v so_o many_o scandal_n and_o abuse_n no_o less_o unsafe_a be_v it_o to_o place_v this_o imitation_n upon_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a stumble_v block_n of_o antiquity_n and_o chief_a fountain_n of_o her_o gross_a error_n i_o mean_v marriage_n about_o which_o the_o many_o false_a opinion_n that_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n evince_n that_o most_o christian_n have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o here_o not_o to_o repeat_v what_o i_o before_o observe_v of_o the_o generally-supposed_n impurity_n and_o by_o some_o believe_a sinfulness_n of_o marriage_n to_o omit_v the_o annul_n and_o separation_n of_o marriage_n contract_v betwixt_o christian_n and_o infidel_n and_o the_o perpetual_a prohibition_n of_o marriage_n to_o those_o who_o have_v do_v penance_n for_o fornication_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n gregory_n the_o first_o of_o admit_v no_o marry_v man_n into_o the_o church_n after_o he_o have_v accompany_v with_o his_o wife_n till_o he_o have_v wash_v himself_o with_o water_n and_o the_o permission_n 18._o give_v by_o pope_n gregory_n the_o three_o to_o all_o of_o marry_v a_o second_o wife_n when_o the_o first_o although_o alive_a be_v disable_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o accident_n from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o many_o other_o decree_n practice_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n about_o marriage_n which_o all_o sober_a casuist_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v gross_a and_o pernicious_a error_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o a_o few_o extravagant_a canon_n relate_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o 17_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o three_o of_o the_o quinisext_a council_n command_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o clergy_n or_o if_o admit_v that_o he_o be_v depose_v who_o have_v marry_v two_o wife_n after_o baptism_n or_o one_o which_o have_v be_v a_o widow_n or_o a_o divorce_a woman_n or_o a_o whore_n or_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o stage-player_n the_o council_n of_o auxerre_n in_o the_o year_n 578._o forbid_v 22._o the_o widow_n of_o a_o priest_n deacon_n or_o subdeacon_n to_o marry_v after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o husband_n the_o second_o council_n of_o mascon_n in_o the_o year_n 585._o extend_v 16._o the_o same_o prohibition_n to_o the_o widow_n of_o exorcist_n and_o acolythi_a the_o council_n of_o bourge_n in_o the_o year_n 1031._o decree_v 8._o that_o the_o son_n of_o priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n bear_v after_o their_o ordination_n shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o clergy_n because_o appellantur_fw-la such_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o lawful_a marriage_n be_v call_v a_o curse_a seed_n in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o same_o council_n far_o command_v 19_o that_o none_o shall_v give_v his_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n to_o a_o priest_n deacon_n or_o subdeacon_n or_o to_o their_o son_n and_o in_o the_o next_o canon_n forbid_v all_o to_o marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o a_o priest_n deacon_n or_o sub-deacon_n or_o their_o widow_n because_o est_fw-la that_o will_v be_v detestable_a here_o celibacy_n or_o a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n be_v enjoin_v not_o only_o to_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o but_o also_o to_o their_o wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n as_o if_o either_o all_o these_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n or_o it_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o single_a life_n such_o unnecessary_a caution_n about_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o unlawful_a prohibition_n of_o it_o to_o their_o posterity_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o gross_a mistake_n or_o foolish_a superstition_n ix_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n that_o all_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o defender_n of_o it_o can_v not_o themselves_o preserve_v that_o virginity_n which_o they_o either_o admire_v or_o impose_v they_o have_v not_o only_o suffer_v under_o but_o even_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o incontinence_n and_o can_v never_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o perfection_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o man_n i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o satiety_n and_o glut_v of_o unlawful_a pleasure_n procure_v a_o contempt_n of_o lawful_a enjoyment_n but_o certain_o a_o injudicious_a repentance_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o former_a be_v prejudicial_a to_o a_o right_a esteem_n of_o the_o latter_a for_o when_o these_o person_n many_o of_o who_o afterward_o be_v eminent_a for_o holiness_n reflect_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o their_o violation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o chastity_n no_o wonder_n if_o in_o exaggerate_v the_o one_o and_o seek_v to_o compensate_a the_o other_o they_o misplace_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o crime_n by_o remove_v it_o from_o the_o unlawful_a use_n of_o those_o pleasure_n to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o then_o imagine_v no_o sacrifice_n too_o great_a to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v that_o chastity_n in_o other_o which_o they_o have_v prostitute_v themselves_o and_o by_o restrain_v many_o from_o lawful_a pleasure_n expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o main_a author_n of_o urge_v and_o impose_v celibacy_n for_o the_o first_o 1100_o year_n i_o mean_v tertullian_n eustathius_n heliodorus_n epiphanius_n st._n hierom_n dunstan_n hildebrand_n lanfranc_n and_o anselm_n to_o who_o we_o may_v add_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o four_o great_a monastic_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o begin_v with_o tertullian_n who_o acknowledge_v 59_o that_o in_o his_o youth_n he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o debauchery_n of_o the_o age_n and_o labour_v under_o a_o total_a corruption_n of_o manner_n eustathius_n be_v 24._o six_o time_n depose_v by_o so_o many_o several_a synod_n for_o his_o scandalous_a and_o enormous_a vice_n heliodorus_n be_v 34._o deprive_v of_o his_o bishopric_n by_o a_o synod_n of_o thessalia_n for_o write_v a_o lascivious_a romance_n epiphanius_n inveighle_v in_o his_o youth_n by_o the_o artifices_fw-la and_o just_n of_o the_o gnostick_n woman_n as_o himself_o 99_o confess_v st._n hierom_n acknowledge_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o virginity_n although_o it_o be_v for_o many_o age_n celebrate_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o public_a office_n for_o thus_o he_o write_v 43._o i_o extol_v virginity_n to_o the_o sky_n not_o because_o i_o possess_v it_o but_o because_o i_o the_o more_o admire_v that_o which_o i_o want_v it_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a and_o modest_a confession_n to_o commend_v that_o in_o other_o which_o yourself_o want_v and_o in_o another_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o incontinence_n to_o which_o youth_n be_v subject_a you_o know_v say_v he_o the_o slippery_a path_n of_o youth_n in_o which_o i_o also_o fall_v dunstan_n be_v by_o many_o vehement_o suspect_v of_o incontinency_n and_o the_o adulterâ—…es_n of_o hildebrand_n with_o the_o countess_n mathildis_n be_v insinuate_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o time_n paul_n the_o 14_o abbot_n of_o st._n alban_n be_v 49._o general_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o lanfranâ—…_n anselm_n however_o celebrate_v by_o the_o monkish_a historian_n as_o a_o undoubted_a virgin_n himself_o confess_v and_o deplore_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o virginity_n for_o in_o a_o ancient_a manuscript_n in_o the_o king_n library_n at_o st._n james_n be_v extant_a twenty_o three_o prayer_n of_o anselm_n of_o which_o the_o twelve_o not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o print_a collection_n of_o his_o prayer_n among_o his_o work_n be_v entitle_v a_o lamentation_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o virginity_n therein_o at_o large_a he_o bewail_v his_o fault_n and_o confess_v his_o crime_n but_o more_o especial_o
shall_v hear_v mass_n from_o nor_o communicate_v with_o a_o marry_a priest._n these_o constitution_n he_o vigorous_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o execâ—…tion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n threat_n and_o flattery_n thunder_v out_o excommunication_n against_o those_o bishop_n who_o blind_o employ_v not_o their_o whole_a power_n and_o interest_n to_o execute_v his_o command_n by_o these_o violent_a method_n he_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o decree_n from_o the_o council_n of_o poictou_n 9_o in_o the_o year_n 1078._o of_o islebonne_n 3._o the_o same_o year_n of_o quintilineburg_n 3._o in_o the_o year_n 1085._o and_o many_o other_o provincial_a council_n most_o of_o the_o succeed_a pope_n pursue_v the_o same_o design_n and_o many_o council_n second_v they_o in_o it_o as_o that_o of_o melphi_n 2._o in_o the_o year_n 1089._o clermont_n 9_o 1095._o and_o other_o not_o worthy_a a_o particular_a relation_n the_o force_n and_o violence_n which_o these_o pope_n and_o bishop_n use_v to_o separate_v the_o clergy_n from_o their_o wife_n be_v know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v converse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n but_o their_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n gross_a ignorance_n and_o trifle_a prejudices_fw-la deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n the_o mistake_n and_o error_n of_o precedent_a age_n which_o they_o adopt_a and_o improve_v need_v no_o repetition_n i_o will_v insist_v upon_o those_o only_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o and_o the_o former_a age._n a_o universal_a ignorance_n have_v fit_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v abuse_v and_o deceive_v and_o the_o patron_n of_o celibacy_n fail_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o advantage_n they_o pretend_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a and_o void_a and_o therefore_o in_o their_o decree_n and_o canon_n give_v to_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o clergy_n no_o other_o name_n than_o that_o of_o concubine_n and_o ever_o term_v their_o marriage_n adultery_n concubinacy_n and_o 30._o the_o inveterate_a disease_n of_o fornication_n of_o the_o clergy_n many_o have_v before_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n but_o none_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o call_v the_o use_n of_o it_o fornication_n which_o clemens_n alex._n â—…_n affirm_v to_o be_v a_o opposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o no_o other_o than_o downright_a blasphemy_n then_o be_v the_o three_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a allege_v in_o against_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o all_o the_o spurious_a decretal_n of_o ancient_a pope_n the_o late_a forgery_n of_o isidore_n mercator_n produce_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n which_o fraud_n be_v at_o this_o day_n continue_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o cite_v the_o epistle_n of_o pope_n calixtus_n the_o first_o the_o roman_a council_n under_o pope_n silvester_n the_o act_n of_o paul_n and_o tecla_n the_o history_n of_o abdias_n and_o many_o other_o spurious_a write_n the_o product_n of_o latter_a age_n or_o foolish_a impostor_n another_o artifice_n be_v then_o set_v on_o foot_n which_o nothing_o but_o the_o high_a impudence_n can_v devise_v or_o maintain_v and_o that_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o greek_a church_n of_o impose_v marriage_n upon_o the_o clergy_n pretend_v the_o 13_o canon_n of_o quinisext_a council_n have_v decree_v none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o priest_n order_n who_o have_v not_o first_o marry_v a_o wife_n this_o calumny_n also_o be_v espouse_v by_o the_o present_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o particular_o bellarmin_n 19_o who_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o falseness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o marriage_n be_v no_o where_o make_v necessary_a to_o the_o clergy_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o russia_n the_o imputation_n of_o heresy_n to_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n be_v start_v in_o this_o age_n and_o the_o opprobrious_a title_n of_o nicolaites_n fasten_v on_o they_o this_o new_a heresy_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o petrus_n damiani_n the_o great_a agent_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n praefixâ_fw-la the_o nicolaites_n be_v those_o clergyman_n who_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a chastity_n accompany_v with_o woman_n who_o then_o true_o become_v fornicator_n when_o they_o add_v marriage_n to_o this_o unlawful_a society_n and_o be_v then_o deserve_o call_v nicolaites_n when_o they_o defend_v as_o lawful_a this_o mortal_a heresy_n last_o to_o crown_v these_o imposture_n miracle_n be_v forge_v as_o the_o most_o proper_a artifice_n to_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n in_o a_o superstitious_a age_n when_o that_o cause_n be_v triumphant_a not_o which_o be_v most_o rational_a but_o who_o follower_n can_v by_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n delude_v the_o world_n with_o great_a art_n and_o impudence_n hence_o the_o admire_a fable_n of_o the_o 1100_o virgin_n martyr_n the_o imposture_n fin_n of_o the_o crucifix_n in_o the_o synod_n of_o canterbury_n open_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o dunstan_n against_o the_o marry_a clergy_n and_o capgrave_n the_o whole_a college_n of_o marry_a priest_n of_o elingen_n turn_v into_o eel_n when_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o emperor_n they_o retain_v their_o wife_n against_o the_o threat_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o pope_n with_o a_o thousand_o other_o ridiculous_a tale_n which_o may_v terrify_v the_o marry_a clergy_n amuse_v the_o credulous_a multitude_n and_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o greedy_a monk_n who_o then_o build_v their_o fortune_n apace_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o secular_a clergy_n but_o to_o give_v a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n which_o promote_v celibacy_n in_o this_o age_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o 315._o a_o anonymous_n author_n of_o this_o time_n who_o the_o collector_n of_o the_o council_n think_v worthy_a to_o insert_v into_o their_o edition_n and_o who_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o dare_v affirm_v the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n this_o writer_n in_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o decree_n of_o hildebrand_n publish_v in_o the_o roman_a synod_n anno_fw-la 1074._o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n in_o his_o plea_n he_o allege_v the_o three_o canon_n of_o nice_a the_o first_o of_o neocaesarea_n and_o the_o decretal_n of_o silvester_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v by_o st._n hierom_n or_o other_o ancient_a father_n against_o the_o housekeeper_n he_o apply_v to_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o clergy_n affirm_v nicolas_n the_o heresiarch_n to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o introducer_n of_o the_o clergy_n marriage_n reckon_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la condemn_v and_o depose_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n for_o his_o scandalous_a use_n of_o housekeeper_n among_o the_o defender_n of_o their_o marriage_n urge_v all_o the_o spurious_a decretal_n of_o ancient_a pope_n alexander_n the_o first_o clement_n and_o other_o and_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v from_o clemens_n alex._n that_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n prostitute_v his_o wife_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o all_o person_n whenas_o that_o learned_a father_n relate_v the_o direct_a contrary_n as_o we_o before_o show_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o amid_o so_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o shameless_a imposture_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n require_v and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o whole_a monastic_a order_n promote_v it_o when_o forge_a decretal_n be_v receive_v and_o foolish_a miracle_n believe_v when_o ancient_a canon_n be_v secure_o falsify_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n misrepresent_v when_o the_o bishop_n and_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v either_o take_v out_o of_o monastery_n or_o otherwise_o at_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n celibacy_n triumph_v and_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v decry_v and_o run_v down_o the_o lamentable_a and_o scandalous_a effect_n of_o these_o proceed_n be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n which_o i_o will_v here_o only_o brief_o touch_v matthew_n paris_n 1074._o and_o radulphus_fw-la de_fw-la diceto_fw-la 1074._o have_v relate_v pope_n gregory_n the_o seventh_n prohibition_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n use_v these_o word_n hence_o arise_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n that_o not_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o heresy_n have_v the_o church_n ever_o be_v divide_v with_o a_o more_o grievous_a schism_n one_o party_n contend_v for_o justice_n the_o otheâ—…â—…gainst_a it_o beside_o few_o of_o the_o clergy_n preserve_v continence_n some_o dissemble_n their_o lust_n either_o for_o gain_n or_o vainglory_n but_o many_o aggravate_v their_o incontinence_n with_o perjury_n and_o continual_a adultery_n the_o laity_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o marry_a priest_n burn_v the_o tithe_n due_a to_o they_o and_o oftentimes_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n consecrate_v by_o
they_o and_o ofttimes_o voluntary_o spill_v the_o consecrate_a blood_n upon_o the_o ground_n in_o germany_n as_o nauclerus_fw-la 37._o relate_v upon_o the_o prohibition_n of_o hear_v the_o mass_n of_o marry_a priest_n the_o laity_n be_v force_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n themselves_o and_o baptize_v their_o own_o child_n this_o scandal_n arise_v much_o high_o in_o england_n where_o when_o the_o same_o prohibition_n be_v by_o the_o procurement_n of_o anselm_n enact_v in_o a_o national_a synod_n all_o divine_a service_n be_v for_o want_v of_o unmarried_a priest_n general_o discontinue_v in_o parochial_a church_n and_o the_o church-door_n overgrow_v with_o thorn_n as_o for_o the_o scandalous_a incontinence_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o impose_v celibacy_n but_o it_o may_v be_v just_o wonder_v that_o while_o the_o pope_n engage_v with_o so_o much_o violence_n against_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n they_o willing_o overlook_v and_o connive_v at_o their_o fornication_n and_o prodigious_a impurity_n of_o life_n this_o petrus_n damiani_n ii_o himself_o assure_v we_o and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o time_n severe_o to_o exact_v other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o to_o connive_v at_o and_o dispense_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o be_v then_o become_v so_o brutal_a and_o notorious_a that_o he_o write_v a_o book_n entitle_v gomorrhaeus_fw-la particular_o upon_o that_o subject_n this_o alone_a may_v justify_v what_o we_o before_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v celibacy_n upon_o the_o clergy_n not_o for_o increase_v of_o piety_n or_o advancemenâ—…_n of_o purity_n but_o only_o for_o temporal_a end_n and_o secular_a advantage_n however_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n want_v not_o defendeâ—…s_n in_o this_o age_n to_o maintain_v its_o right_n against_o the_o calumny_n and_o tyranny_n of_o its_o adversary_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v condemn_v by_o some_o council_n universal_o oppose_v by_o the_o clergy_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o gain_v not_o success_n till_o a_o long_a and_o sharp_a contention_n in_o the_o year_n 1061._o the_o bishop_n of_o lombardy_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o guibert_n henric._n bishop_n of_o parma_n meet_v in_o a_o council_n at_o basil_n wherein_o they_o annul_v the_o decree_n of_o pope_n nicolas_n and_o decreâ—…d_n that_o no_o pope_n shall_v be_v obey_v who_o will_v not_o 〈◊〉_d and_o yield_v to_o their_o infirmity_n about_o the_o same_o time_n the_o clergy_n of_o laon_n be_v urge_v by_o petrus_n damiani_n cunipertum_fw-la to_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n produce_v in_o their_o defence_n a_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o tribur_n which_o permit_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n several_a council_n be_v heâ—…l_o at_o tâ—…ibur_n in_o this_o age_n of_o who_o act_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n leave_v and_o therefore_o can_v 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n the_o synod_n of_o 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v mention_v afterward_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o england_n in_o the_o year_n 1080._o gregory_n the_o seven_o be_v condemn_v and_o depose_v in_o the_o council_n of_o brixia_n as_o well_o for_o other_o crime_n as_o because_o hâ—…_n have_v â—…_n divorâ—…es_v between_o marry_a person_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n chron._n or_o have_v violent_o separate_v the_o marry_a clergy_n from_o their_o wife_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o council_n of_o beneventum_n hold_v eleven_o year_n after_o by_o urban_n the_o second_o which_o permit_v marriage_n to_o subdeacons_n as_o we_o before_o observe_v and_o the_o great_a lateran_n council_n under_o innoâ—…ent_a the_o three_o of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o if_o many_o bishop_n dislike_v annul_v and_o miâ—…igated_v the_o papal_a decree_n of_o celibacy_n with_o much_o morâ—…_n violence_n although_o with_o less_o authority_n do_v the_o inferior_a cleâ—…gy_n oppose_v this_o unjust_a imposition_n particular_o 〈◊〉_d hildebrand_n publish_v his_o decree_n the_o historian_n say_v 1074._o the_o clâ—…rgy_n be_v in_o a_o rage_n cry_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v plain_o a_o heretic_n and_o maintainer_n of_o mad_a opinion_n who_o forget_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tâ—…is_n and_o â—…e_v that_o can_v contain_v let_v he_o marry_v will_v by_o a_o violent_a exaction_n compel_v man_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o while_o he_o stop_v the_o wont_a course_n of_o nature_n let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o a_o promisâ—…uous_a lust._n 〈◊〉_d the_o learned_a monk_n of_o gemblacâ—…_n write_v to_o henry_n archdeacon_n of_o liege_n a_o peculiar_a tâ—…eatise_n or_o apology_n against_o those_o who_o sâ—…andered_v or_o condemn_v the_o mass_n of_o marry_a priest_n as_o himself_o fine_a tell_v we_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n giveâ—…h_v 1074._o this_o judgement_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n gregory_n that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o a_o unheard-of_a example_n and_o inconsiderate_a prejudice_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n matthew_n paris_n 1074._o use_v the_o same_o word_n in_o germany_n the_o clergy_n oppose_v the_o papal_a decree_n with_o great_a courage_n and_o animosity_n reject_v the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o bishop_n want_v little_a of_o tear_v in_o piece_n the_o pope_n legate_n who_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n and_o when_o at_o last_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o adversary_n force_v to_o submit_v choose_v rather_o to_o quit_v their_o office_n than_o their_o wife_n in_o france_n the_o clergy_n of_o laon_n reject_v the_o solicitation_n of_o petruâ—…_n damiaâ—…i_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o afterward_o in_o italy_n damiaâ—…us_n be_v send_v to_o milan_n by_o nicolas_n the_o second_o in_o the_o year_n 1059._o to_o subject_n that_o see_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o celibacy_n can_v effect_v neither_o without_o great_a commotion_n for_o as_o himself_o write_v back_o to_o the_o pope_n the_o people_n and_o clergy_n contend_v with_o great_a heat_n that_o the_o ambrosian_a see_v owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n be_v unjust_a and_o intolerable_a mr._n fox_n in_o his_o english_a martyrology_n 466._o have_v publish_v two_o ancient_a latin_a apology_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o volusianus_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n both_o direct_v to_o pope_n nicolas_n the_o first_o which_o be_v short_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o epistle_n of_o huldericus_n before_o mention_v which_o have_v be_v often_o publish_v the_o second_o be_v far_o long_o be_v never_o elsewhere_o publish_v and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o remonstrance_n or_o apology_n of_o all_o the_o marry_a clergy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n offer_v to_o pope_n nicolas_n the_o second_o and_o the_o other_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n who_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v celibacy_n present_o after_o the_o roman_a synod_n in_o the_o year_n 1059._o which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o hear_v mass_n from_o the_o marry_a clergy_n the_o author_n of_o it_o write_v far_o more_o elegant_o and_o argue_v more_o strong_o than_o huldericus_n and_o indeed_o abate_v some_o allegorical_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n the_o peculiar_a genius_n of_o those_o age_n it_o may_v be_v account_v a_o rational_a and_o exact_a treatise_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o continence_n be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n not_o bestow_v upon_o all_o which_o therefore_o can_v be_v command_v that_o no_o vow_n or_o gift_n be_v grateful_a to_o god_n but_o what_o be_v voluntary_a not_o compel_v that_o it_o savour_v of_o judaisme_n to_o impose_v such_o burden_n upon_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n nor_o can_v lay_v such_o grievous_a imposition_n on_o the_o clergy_n against_o their_o will._n that_o this_o yoke_n be_v impose_v for_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o worldly_a end_n that_o although_o many_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v awe_v by_o force_n authority_n threat_n or_o anathema_n to_o submit_v to_o this_o imposition_n yet_o they_o unwilling_o undergo_v the_o burden_n of_o celibacy_n and_o hate_v the_o cross_n lay_v upon_o they_o because_o they_o bear_v it_o rather_o to_o their_o destruction_n than_o salvation_n that_o from_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n great_a inconvenience_n arise_v sodomy_n adultery_n fornication_n incest_n and_o other_o horrid_a lusts._n that_o marriage_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n assign_v by_o god_n to_o incontinent_a person_n which_o they_o who_o contemn_v and_o affect_v a_o great_a show_n of_o perfection_n common_o fall_v into_o precipice_n that_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n every_o man_n
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
1102._o anselm_n forbid_v wife_n to_o the_o priest_n which_o seem_v most_o chaste_a to_o some_o to_o other_o dangerous_a lest_o while_o they_o affect_v a_o purity_n beyond_o their_o power_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o horrible_a uncleanness_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n mattheâ—…_n paris_n 1102._o repeat_v very_o near_o the_o same_o word_n the_o same_o prohibition_n be_v 1108._o renew_v by_o anselm_n in_o a_o synod_n in_o the_o year_n 1108._o in_o the_o year_n 1125._o john_n cardinal_z of_o crema_fw-la be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o the_o pope_n upon_o the_o same_o design_n who_o hold_v a_o synod_n at_o london_n persuade_v the_o clergy_n in_o a_o set_a speech_n to_o dismiss_v their_o wife_n and_o live_v continent_o but_o he_o be_v catch_v 274._o that_o very_a night_n in_o the_o act_n of_o fornication_n be_v dismiss_v with_o shame_n in_o the_o year_n 1129._o a_o great_a council_n be_v hold_v at_o london_n to_o use_n matthew_n paris_n 1129._o and_o bromton_n 1129._o word_n wherein_o concubine_n or_o wife_n be_v forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o exeâ—…ution_n of_o the_o whâ—…le_a matter_n leave_v to_o king_n henry_n which_o thing_n end_v afterward_o with_o great_a disgrace_n for_o the_o king_n take_v a_o infinite_a sum_n of_o money_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o redeem_v their_o wife_n then_o the_o bishop_n repent_v of_o the_o power_n grant_v by_o they_o to_o the_o king_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o thus_o the_o king_n by_o sell_v licence_n to_o the_o marry_a clergy_n defeat_v all_o the_o decree_n of_o these_o synod_n the_o same_o have_v 7._o william_n rufus_n before_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o marry_a prebendaâ—…ies_n after_o the_o prohibition_n of_o lanfranc_n which_o make_v the_o author_n of_o the_o saxon_a history_n of_o peterborough_n 36._o say_v of_o these_o council_n of_o anselm_n and_o other_o against_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n all_o these_o council_n avail_v nothing_o 〈◊〉_d the_o clergy_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o king_n enjoy_v yet_o their_o wife_n as_o they_o do_v before_o this_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v from_o the_o frequent_a repetion_n of_o this_o prohition_n in_o subsequent_a synod_n which_o will_v have_v be_v unneâ—…essary_a if_o the_o decreâ—…s_n of_o former_a council_n have_v be_v receive_v â—…nd_o observe_v in_o the_o year_n 1138._o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n gregory_n be_v chron._n renew_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o london_n in_o the_o year_n 1175._o it_o be_v â—…nacted_v 1175._o in_o the_o council_n of_o westminster_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o subdeacon_n and_o upward_o contract_a marriage_n shall_v leave_v their_o wife_n although_o unwilling_a and_o refuse_v and_o indeed_o anselm_n himself_o in_o a_o epistle_n 110._o to_o ernulphus_n complain_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o frequent_a prohâ—…bitions_n the_o king_n still_o suffer_v the_o clergy_n to_o enjoy_v their_o wife_n as_o free_o as_o they_o do_v in_o his_o father_n and_o lanfranc_n time_n the_o clergy_n yet_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o marriage_n for_o some_o age_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n although_o not_o with_o so_o much_o freedom_n nor_o in_o so_o great_a number_n as_o before_o the_o time_n of_o anselm_n in_o the_o appendix_n 1633._o to_o the_o three_o council_n of_o lateran_n in_o the_o year_n 1179._o may_v be_v find_v many_o epistle_n of_o alexander_n the_o three_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n from_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o clergy_n then_o in_o england_n have_v wife_n and_o even_o marry_v they_o after_o ordination_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n allow_v their_o marriage_n by_o decree_a 4._o that_o if_o 〈◊〉_d contract_n marriage_n if_o they_o be_v before_o such_o person_n as_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v lest_o instead_o of_o one_o they_o shall_v abuse_v many_o woman_n their_o marriage_n shall_v be_v dissemble_v and_o their_o coâ—…abitation_n with_o their_o wife_n connive_v at_o because_o a_o less_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v that_o a_o great_a may_v be_v avoid_v which_o reason_n will_v equal_o agree_v to_o all_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o thirteen_o age_n innocent_a the_o three_o write_v 5._o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o norwich_n that_o he_o understand_v many_o clegyman_n of_o his_o diocese_n contract_v marriage_n and_o retain_v their_o benefice_n the_o synod_n of_o london_n in_o the_o year_n 1237._o complain_n 15._o that_o many_o clergyman_n private_o contract_v marriage_n and_o retain_v their_o wife_n three_o year_n after_o the_o synod_n of_o worcester_n command_v 34._o the_o archdeacon_n to_o inquire_v after_o marry_v priest_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n john_n peacham_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n publish_v a_o constitution_n 23._o that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o succeed_v immediate_o to_o their_o father_n in_o their_o benefice_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o legiâ—…imate_a son_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o bastard_n be_v ever_o forbid_v to_o succeed_v either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o indeed_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n in_o a_o word_n mr._n fox_n undeniable_o demonstrate_v 484._o from_o ancient_a deed_n evidence_n and_o record_n wherein_o estate_n be_v give_v settle_v or_o intâ—…iled_v upon_o clergyman_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o heir_n lawful_o beget_v of_o their_o wife_n or_o wherein_o they_o together_o with_o their_o wife_n sell_v estate_n â—…_n that_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n be_v yet_o retain_v by_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o thâ—…_n 14_o age._n we_o may_v perhaps_o carry_v yet_o much_o far_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o the_o reformation_n but_o even_o to_o this_o day_n for_o many_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v they_o can_v not_o contâ—…in_v without_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o church_n permit_v to_o they_o or_o connive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o concubine_n have_v under_o colour_n of_o keep_v concubine_n secret_o marry_v wife_n and_o thereby_o both_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o they_o either_o can_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o â—…se_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o contract_n of_o marriage_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o and_o pledge_v their_o faith_n to_o their_o conâ—…ubincs_n never_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o always_o to_o be_v true_a to_o their_o bed_n receive_v the_o same_o assurance_n from_o they_o by_o this_o reciprocal_a promise_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a marriage_n be_v form_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n although_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o intervene_v so_o st._n augustin_n conjug_fw-mi ifidote_n 5._o and_o gratian_n 5._o plain_o determine_v and_o therefore_o such_o concubine_n be_v express_o allow_v by_o the_o first_o council_n of_o toledo_n 17._o in_o the_o year_n 400._o and_o justinian_n 18._o and_o be_v permit_v to_o christian_n till_o forbid_v by_o eeo_n the_o philosopher_n 89._o now_o that_o both_o these_o case_n of_o marriage_n be_v continue_v down_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o alvarus_n pelagius_n 53._o who_o complain_v to_o pope_n john_n xxii_o that_o many_o priest_n and_o other_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n especial_o in_o spain_n asturia_n gallieia_n and_o other_o place_n public_o and_o sometime_o by_o public_a write_n promise_v and_o swear_v to_o woman_n chief_o those_o who_o be_v well_o descend_v that_o they_o will_v never_o put_v they_o away_o and_o give_v they_o joyntâ—…res_n of_o the_o good_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o public_o marry_v they_o in_o presence_n of_o their_o kindred_n and_o friend_n with_o a_o solemn_a banquet_n as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o lawful_a wife_n about_o the_o year_n 1240._o otho_n the_o pope_n legate_n come_v into_o england_n publish_v his_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n among_o they_o one_o 5._o be_v particular_o direct_v against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n after_o the_o reformation_n cassander_n 23._o relate_v that_o all_o the_o best_a and_o most_o religious_a priest_n perceive_v their_o infirmity_n and_o â—…etesting_a the_o fouâ—…ess_n of_o formeation_n if_o they_o dare_v not_o public_o at_o least_o private_o enter_v into_o marriage_n thus_o we_o find_v marriage_n yet_o retain_v by_o the_o better_a and_o more_o religious_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n but_o than_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o that_o church_n which_o so_o far_o allow_v concubinacy_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o she_o connive_n at_o the_o violation_n of_o she_o so_o much_o admire_v celibacy_n and_o to_o who_o a_o chaâ—…e_a marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n can_v recommend_v itself_o under_o no_o other_o name_n than_o that_o of_o
fornication_n thus_o have_v we_o bring_v down_o the_o history_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n to_o its_o final_a period_n i_o mean_v the_o universal_a reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o western_a church_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fourteen_o age_n when_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n fall_v from_o a_o general_a into_o a_o total_a disuse_n and_o be_v thenceforth_o compel_v to_o take_v refuge_n in_o the_o name_n and_o disgrace_n of_o fornication_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o lust_n and_o impurity_n overflow_v the_o christian_a world_n when_o celibacy_n become_v triumphant_a and_o marriage_n be_v explode_v may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v such_o deplorable_a scandal_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v willing_o pass_v under_o silence_n and_o not_o provoke_v the_o anger_n of_o our_o adversary_n by_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o so_o sad_a a_o truth_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o design_n do_v not_o require_v i_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o it_o which_o yet_o i_o will_v propose_v with_o all_o modesty_n and_o brevity_n i_o will_v not_o here_o upbraid_v to_o our_o adversary_n the_o note_a tragedy_n of_o pope_n gregory_n fishpond_n although_o relate_v by_o haldericus_fw-la pont._n more_o than_o 800_o year_n since_o nor_o the_o more_o famous_a story_n of_o pope_n joan_n although_o attest_v by_o more_o than_o twenty_o eight_o historian_n angl._n before_o the_o reformation_n i_o will_v not_o object_v to_o they_o the_o incredible_a bestiality_n and_o horrible_a lust_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o the_o ten_o age_n nor_o insist_v upon_o the_o infamous_a impurity_n of_o private_a churchman_n i_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o few_o general_n testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o latter_a time_n alvarus_n pelagius_n bishop_n of_o silua_n in_o portugal_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o fourteen_o age_n wish_v 27._o that_o the_o glergy_n have_v never_o vow_v chastity_n especial_o the_o clergy_n of_o spain_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v not_o much_o more_o numerous_a than_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n about_o the_o same_o time_n durandus_fw-la junior_a 10._o bishop_n of_o mimatum_fw-la in_o france_n propose_v mean_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n advise_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v order_v that_o public_a stew_n may_v not_o be_v keep_v near_o great_a church_n nor_o in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n next_o to_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o pope_n nor_o in_o other_o place_n near_o the_o house_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o next_o age_n gerson_n 3._o affirm_v that_o either_o incontinent_a priest_n must_v be_v tolerate_v or_o none_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v more_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o concubine_n shall_v be_v public_o permit_v to_o the_o clergy_n than_o that_o the_o lâ—…ity_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o hear_v the_o mass_n of_o incontinent_a priest_n glemangis_n â—…_n relate_v that_o in_o many_o diocese_n the_o priest_n giving_z a_o set_z and_o determinate_a price_n to_o their_o bishop_n public_o and_o open_o keep_v concubine_n this_o scandal_n of_o sell_v licenses_fw-la of_o concubinacy_n to_o the_o clergy_n proceed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o germany_n the_o bishop_n and_o their_o officer_n not_o only_o grant_v those_o licence_n for_o a_o certain_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o all_o who_o ask_v they_o but_o also_o force_v those_o clergyman_n to_o take_v they_o who_o neither_o desire_a noâ—…_n intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o switzerland_n it_o 3._o be_v the_o custom_n in_o many_o canton_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n that_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v a_o new_a pastor_n they_o oblige_v he_o to_o take_v a_o concubine_n that_o he_o may_v not_o attempt_v the_o chastity_n of_o virgin_n and_o matron_n the_o same_o reason_n induce_v the_o senate_n of_o rome_n when_o pius_n v._o intend_v to_o put_v down_o the_o public_a stew_n to_o intercede_v 39_o and_o petition_v for_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o as_o well_o to_o gratify_v the_o clergy_n who_o incite_v they_o as_o to_o prevent_v great_a scandal_n just_o fear_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n if_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n be_v divert_v from_o the_o wont_a channel_n to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o adultery_n fornication_n sodomy_n and_o bestiality_n discover_v in_o our_o monastery_n at_o their_o dissolution_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o this_o sad_a truth_n the_o author_n of_o onus_fw-la ecclesiâ—…_n who_o be_v john_n suffragan_n bishop_n of_o saltzburg_n and_o write_v just_a before_o the_o reformation_n say_v 21._o there_o be_v very_o few_o gurate_v in_o germany_n who_o do_v not_o wallow_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o conoubinacy_n and_o that_o 22._o the_o nunnery_n in_o his_o time_n be_v as_o public_o prostitute_v as_o the_o common_a stew_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o romish_a clergy_n to_o have_v observe_v a_o great_a purity_n since_o the_o reformation_n than_o before_o the_o fornication_n and_o incest_n of_o paul_n iii_o the_o soâ—…omies_n of_o julius_n iii_o and_o incestuous_a commerce_n of_o innocent_a x._o with_o his_o brother_n wife_n olimpia_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o all_o man_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o abbot_n gualdi_n olimpia_n confesf_v that_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v produce_v a_o scandal_n so_o enormous_a or_o a_o unlawful_a love_n so_o immoderate_a which_o make_v he_o for_o her_o sake_n to_o forfeit_v both_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v produce_v but_o one_o example_n more_o but_o that_o relate_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n jesuit_n and_o consequent_o undeniable_a to_o our_o adversary_n in_o a_o visitation_n make_v in_o the_o year_n 1619._o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o serzane_n at_o the_o command_n of_o pope_n paul_n v._o it_o be_v find_v that_o among_o the_o ecclesiastic_n of_o three_o large_a province_n stiria_n carinthia_n and_o carniola_n who_o have_v all_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o the_o severe_a discipline_n of_o the_o jesuit_n there_o be_v find_v only_o six_o priest_n who_o keep_v not_o concubine_n nor_o do_v the_o imposition_n of_o celibacy_n infect_v only_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n but_o also_o corrupt_v their_o judgement_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n introduce_v far_o great_a scandal_n into_o the_o church_n when_o concubinacy_n and_o other_o unnatural_a lust_n be_v become_v universal_a they_o employ_v their_o wit_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o shame_n by_o prove_v those_o villainy_n not_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o pass_v by_o a_o encomium_n or_o apology_n of_o sodomy_n publish_v by_o john_n casa_n archbishop_n of_o beneventum_n and_o legate_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o omit_v the_o complaint_n of_o gualther_n mapes_n pontif._n that_o the_o priest_n insinuate_v into_o silly_a woman_n a_o fear_n of_o damnation_n if_o they_o deny_v their_o embrace_n to_o they_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o many_o latter_a casuist_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v assert_v that_o fornication_n commit_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o health_n or_o evacuation_n of_o a_o extimulant_fw-la humour_n be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o that_o most_o of_o they_o teach_v that_o simple_a fornication_n be_v no_o deadly_a sin_n i_o will_v allege_v only_o one_o instance_n of_o these_o scandalous_a maxim_n but_o that_o proceed_n from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o relate_v by_o wesselus_n petitur_fw-la of_o groningen_n a_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_a of_o that_o church_n pope_n sixtus_n iu._n out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o apostolic_a power_n give_v a_o licence_n to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o the_o cardinal_n of_o st._n lucia_n to_o commit_v sodomy_n in_o the_o three_o hot_a month_n of_o the_o year_n with_o this_o clause_n let_v it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v desire_v the_o sense_n and_o scandal_n of_o so_o many_o lust_n impurity_n and_o bestiality_n daily_o commit_v by_o the_o unmarried_a clergy_n induce_v many_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o advise_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n and_o permission_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n panormitan_n con_n give_v his_o opinion_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o present_a church_n can_v enact_v that_o a_o clergyman_n may_v contract_v marriage_n as_o the_o greek_n do_v i_o answer_v it_o may_v and_o i_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n of_o decree_a this_n but_o i_o also_o believe_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n pope_n pius_n ii_o confess_v ejus_fw-la that_o there_o be_v indeed_o former_a cause_n why_o marriage_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o clergy_n but_o now_o much_o great_a cause_n why_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v restore_v polydor_z vergil_n deliver_v his_o judgement_n thus_o 4._o this_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o this_o enforce_a chastity_n
be_v so_o far_o from_o surpass_v conjugal_a chastity_n that_o even_o the_o guilt_n of_o no_o crime_n ever_o bring_v great_a disgrace_n to_o the_o holy_a order_n great_a damage_n to_o religion_n or_o great_a grief_n to_o all_o good_a man_n than_o the_o stain_n of_o the_o clergy_n lust._n wherefore_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v the_o interest_n as_o well_o of_o christianity_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a order_n that_o at_o last_o the_o right_n of_o public_a marriage_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o clergy_n which_o they_o may_v rather_o chaste_o pursue_v without_o infamy_n than_o defile_v themselves_o by_o such_o brutal_a lusts._n erasmus_n have_v the_o like_a word_n 3._o if_o any_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o these_o time_n how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n the_o multitude_n of_o monk_n take_v up_o how_o great_a a_o part_n the_o college_n of_o priest_n and_o clergyman_n and_o then_o consider_v how_o few_o out_o of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n true_o preserve_v chastity_n of_o life_n with_o how_o great_a scandal_n most_o of_o they_o be_v open_o incestuous_a and_o incontinent_a into_o what_o kind_n of_o lust_n innumerable_a of_o they_o degenerate_a he_o will_v perhaps_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v more_o convenient_a that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o contain_v may_v have_v the_o freedom_n of_o public_a marriage_n which_o they_o may_v pure_o and_o chaste_o without_o infamy_n maintain_v rather_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v commit_v unhappy_a and_o shameful_a lusts._n the_o world_n have_v now_o many_o unmarried_a man_n but_o few_o chaste_a although_o neither_o be_v he_o chaste_a who_o use_v not_o the_o company_n of_o a_o woman_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v but_o i_o very_o much_o fear_n that_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n make_v more_o clergyman_n at_o this_o day_n eunuch_n than_o piety_n do_v while_o we_o be_v afraid_a lest_o our_o possession_n shall_v be_v intercept_v by_o wife_n and_o child_n or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o add_v to_o they_o by_o marry_a clergy_n cassander_n 23._o say_v that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o change_v any_o old_a custom_n certain_o these_o time_n seem_v to_o require_v some_o alteration_n of_o this_o however_o ancient_a custom_n last_o all_o prince_n and_o state_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o their_o petition_n and_o remonstrance_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n never_o omit_v to_o require_v the_o permission_n of_o marriage_n to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n and_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o ferdiand_n ii_o and_o maximilian_n ii_o the_o emperor_n sigismond_n augustus_n king_n of_o poland_n albertus_n duke_n of_o bavaria_n and_o other_o prince_n earnest_o desire_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o their_o ambassador_n but_o that_o council_n too_o well_o know_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o grant_v a_o petition_n of_o that_o nature_n rather_o by_o define_v that_o marriage_n contract_v after_o a_o vow_n of_o continence_n be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o valid_a they_o have_v perhaps_o put_v the_o case_n beyond_o all_o remedy_n and_o take_v from_o the_o church_n all_o possibility_n of_o ever_o restore_a marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n for_o if_o marriage_n after_o a_o vow_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a the_o great_a authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v dispense_v with_o it_o nor_o permit_v marriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v already_o vow_v continence_n if_o in_o the_o precedent_n discourse_v i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o true_a virginity_n i_o here_o retract_v it_o and_o profess_v that_o a_o great_a veneration_n be_v due_a to_o that_o state_n of_o life_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o of_o force_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o continuance_n of_o it_o when_o undertake_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o piety_n and_o advancement_n of_o divine_a glory_n not_o for_o any_o secular_a end_n and_o advantage_n when_o take_v up_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n not_o affect_v by_o such_o as_o can_v contain_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o let_v he_o receive_v it_o and_o with_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n initio_fw-la we_o reverence_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n in_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v by_o god_n we_o admire_v monogamy_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o one_o marriage_n yet_o assert_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o indulge_v with_o and_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o other_o lest_o he_o who_o think_v he_o stand_v firm_o shall_v fall_v we_o dislike_v not_o the_o virginity_n of_o the_o romish_a clergy_n but_o slight_a the_o pretence_n and_o condemn_v the_o imposition_n of_o it_o experience_n demonstrate_v the_o one_o to_o be_v false_a and_o reason_n the_o other_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o affect_v not_o the_o name_n but_o the_o purity_n of_o virginity_n and_o while_o we_o impose_v celibacy_n upon_o none_o nor_o deny_v marriage_n to_o any_o we_o promote_v a_o voluntary_a continence_n in_o many_o and_o secure_v a_o real_a chastity_n in_o all_o of_o the_o clergy_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la in_o 4._o disp._n 2â—…_n qu._n 2._o 2._o de_fw-fr contin_fw-fr sacerd_v c._n 4._o 4._o de_fw-fr dogmatic_a carat_n l._n 2._o 2._o sess._n 24._o can._n 9_o 9_o controu._n tmo_n il._n l._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 25._o 25._o tit._n 1._o 1._o 1._o in_o joc._n joc._n strom._n l._n 3._o 3._o act._n 24._o 25._o 25._o ver._n 6._o 6._o ver._n 23._o 23._o ver._n 35._o 35._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 27._o 27._o ver._n 37._o 37._o ver._n 8_o 9_o 9_o ver._n 26._o 26._o ver._n 28_o 29._o 29._o ver._n 32._o 32._o copula_fw-la sacerdotalis_fw-la nec_fw-la legali_fw-la nec_fw-la eâ—…angelica_fw-la vel_fw-la apostolica_fw-la avihoritate_fw-la prohibeâ—…ur_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la â—…amen_fw-la lege_fw-la peniâ—…us_fw-la interdicitur_fw-la caus._n 26._o qu._n 2._o c._n 1._o 1._o ecclesia_fw-la post_fw-la aposâ—…olica_fw-la consâ—…ituta_fw-la quaedam_fw-la consilia_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la addidit_fw-la utpote_fw-la de_fw-la continentia_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la caus._n 35._o qu._n 1._o in_o fin_n fin_n constituo_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la caelibatum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la juris_fw-la divini_fw-la aut_fw-la quoquam_fw-la modo_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n prâ—…ceptum_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la consâ—…ltum_fw-la si_fw-la nulla_fw-la lex_fw-la aut_fw-la nulla_fw-la essent_fw-la vota_fw-la monastica_fw-la liceret_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la aut_fw-la monachis_fw-la nubeâ—…e_fw-la council_n tom._n fourteen_o p._n 1551._o 1551._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 2_o 4._o 4._o tit._n 1._o 6._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 12._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 6._o cap._n 17._o 17._o hom._n x._o in_o 1_o ep._n ad_fw-la tim._n &_o hom._n ii_o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la tit._n tit._n ep._n 83._o ad_fw-la oceanum_n comm_n in_o joc._n l._n 1._o adv_n jovin_n jovin_n comm._n in_o 1_o ep._n ad_fw-la tim._n cap._n 3._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d loc._n c._n 14._o 14._o hom._n 2._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la tit._n tit._n comm._n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la tit._n c._n 1._o tom._n ix_o p._n 245_o 245_o ep._n 83._o ad_fw-la oceanum_n in_o init_fw-la init_fw-la 1_o tim._n 5._o 9_o 9_o in_o actu_fw-la vero_fw-la conjugii_fw-la negari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quin_fw-la admixta_fw-la sit_fw-la quaedam_fw-la impuritas_fw-la &_o pollutio_fw-la non_fw-la quae_fw-la peccatum_fw-la sit_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la peccato_fw-la tamen_fw-la nata_fw-la sit_fw-la controu._n tom._n ii_o lib._n 1._o cap._n 19_o 19_o heb._n 13._o 4._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d socrat_n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strom._n l._n 3._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n sed_fw-la sicut_fw-la faeraina_fw-la castitatis_fw-la vinculis_fw-la obligata_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la aliud_fw-la concupiscat_fw-la ita_fw-la vir_fw-la eadem_fw-la legetenetur_fw-la quo_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_n &_o viro_fw-la vxorem_fw-la unius_fw-la corporis_fw-la compage_fw-la solidavit_fw-la epitome_n cap._n 8._o 8._o sunt_fw-la ergo_fw-la virginitatis_fw-la praemia_fw-la sunt_fw-la merita_fw-la viduitatis_fw-la est_fw-la etiam_fw-la conjugali_fw-la pudicitiae_fw-la locus_fw-la epist_n 82._o add_v vercell_n vercell_n qui_fw-la unius_fw-la uxoris_fw-la virum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d esse_fw-la non_fw-la quo_fw-la exortem_fw-la excludat_fw-la conjugii_fw-la nam_fw-la hoc_fw-la supra_fw-la legem_fw-la praecepti_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la conjugali_fw-la castimonia_fw-la servet_fw-la ablutionis_fw-la suae_fw-la gratiam_fw-la ibid._n ante_fw-la med._n med._n gen._n 1._o 28._o 28._o exod_n 19_o 15._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n hom._n 56._o in_o fine_a fine_a strom._n l._n 3._o p._n 446._o 446._o adu._n jovin_n l._n 1._o in_o sin_n sin_n vid._n clâ—…m_n alex._n strâ—…m_n l._n 2._o p._n 421._o 421._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 32._o 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strom._n l._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n
be_v that_o in_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n he_o can_v not_o live_v so_o retire_o as_o he_o desire_v but_o must_v be_v force_v to_o lead_v a_o secular_a kind_n of_o life_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o athanasius_n show_v he_o that_o as_o to_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o one_o state_n which_o may_v not_o in_o the_o other_o and_o that_o when_o a_o bishop_n he_o may_v as_o well_o use_v the_o retiredness_n of_o a_o monk_n as_o many_o monk_n do_v the_o usual_a freedom_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o produce_v this_o instance_n fin_n for_o many_o bishop_n have_v not_o marriâ—…d_v at_o all_o and_o many_o monk_n have_v be_v father_n of_o child_n as_o we_o have_v know_v bishop_n father_n of_o child_n and_o monk_n have_v no_o posterity_n for_o both_o be_v alike_o lawful_a to_o each_o order_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o they_o a_o more_o express_a passage_n than_o this_o can_v be_v conceive_v where_o he_o affirm_v many_o bishop_n to_o have_v get_v child_n after_o their_o consecration_n and_o by_o the_o instance_n insinuate_v that_o this_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o time_n that_o this_o procreation_n of_o child_n be_v perform_v by_o they_o while_o bishop_n not_o before_o be_v most_o evident_a since_o otherwise_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n will_v have_v be_v high_o impertinent_a for_o dracontius_n in_o decline_v the_o episcopal_a dignity_n do_v not_o dread_v the_o life_n of_o bishop_n before_o they_o be_v make_v bishop_n that_o be_v the_o state_n wherein_o himself_o then_o be_v and_o desire_v to_o continue_v but_o the_o suppose_a encumbrance_n of_o a_o bishop_n life_n after_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n in_o the_o year_n 357._o the_o emperor_n constantius_n make_v a_o law_n 14._o that_o all_o clergyman_n shall_v enjoy_v this_o privilege_n that_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o both_o sex_n and_o their_o child_n also_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a family_n of_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v always_o exempt_a tribute_n and_o all_o public_a burden_n there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o other_o law_n in_o the_o theodosian_a code_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o it_o be_v not_o here_o necessary_a to_o repeat_v about_o the_o year_n 375._o some_o superstitious_a christian_n have_v conceive_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n of_o celibacy_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o marry_a clergy_n and_o will_v rather_o defer_v baptism_n for_o many_o year_n together_o than_o be_v baptize_v by_o bishop_n and_o priest_n who_o abstain_v not_o from_o their_o wife_n these_o st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n sharp_o rebuke_n say_v not_o say_v he_o 25._o a_o bishop_n shall_v baptize_v i_o or_o if_o a_o presbyter_n at_o least_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v unmarried_a and_o one_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v continence_n and_o thereby_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o many_o presbyter_n abstain_v not_o from_o their_o wife_n for_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o foolish_a christian_n scrupilosity_n suppose_v some_o impurity_n to_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n have_v the_o marry_a priest_n renounce_v the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n they_o have_v be_v no_o less_o continent_n than_o the_o unmarried_a one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o their_o marriage_n but_o their_o use_n of_o it_o which_o those_o person_n dislike_v about_o the_o same_o time_n epiphanius_n write_v his_o panarium_n wherein_o oppose_v the_o chastity_n and_o continence_n of_o the_o catholic_n clergy_n to_o the_o heretic_n call_v apostolici_fw-la say_v that_o continence_n even_o from_o their_o own_o wife_n be_v universal_o observe_v by_o they_o but_o then_o be_v force_v to_o qualify_v his_o boast_n with_o this_o clause_n 4._o this_o be_v do_v chief_o where_o the_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o rather_o custom_n for_o no_o such_o canon_n be_v yet_o make_v be_v accurate_a but_o you_o will_v certain_o say_v to_o i_o that_o in_o some_o place_n priest_n deacon_n and_o subdeacons_n do_v yet_o beget_v child_n this_o be_v do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o ut_fw-la most_o perfection_n but_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o man_n increase_v with_o time_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o clergy_n there_o be_v not_o find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o continent_n person_n here_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o voluntary_a continence_n be_v not_o introduce_v in_o some_o place_n that_o where_o it_o be_v introduce_v it_o obtain_v not_o universal_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n chief_o and_o last_o that_o even_o there_o it_o be_v a_o novel_a introduction_n for_o speak_v of_o those_o clergy_n who_o do_v not_o abstain_v he_o say_v they_o yet_o beget_v child_n but_o after_o all_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v much_o upon_o his_o testimony_n even_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact._n the_o good_a man_n who_o be_v far_o from_o a_o accurate_a writer_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v his_o measure_n whole_o from_o his_o native_a country_n of_o palestine_n wherein_o he_o be_v very_o much_o conversant_a even_o after_o he_o be_v bishop_n which_o province_n be_v at_o that_o time_n â—…illed_v with_o monk_n and_o monkish_a clergy_n who_o flock_v thither_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o author_n indeed_o of_o the_o homily_n upon_o job_n among_o st._n chrysostom_n work_n testify_v fin_n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o use_n of_o marriage_n be_v forbid_v to_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o bellarmin_n fail_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o first_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n and_o then_o these_o homily_n belong_v not_o to_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o fronto_n ducaeus_n and_o sir_n h._n savil_n but_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v after_o the_o quinisext_a council_n when_o continence_n be_v first_o impose_v upon_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o age_n socrates_n the_o historian_n write_v who_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o peculiar_a custom_n of_o thessalia_n macedonia_n and_o achaia_n that_o the_o clergy_n there_o abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n therein_o dissent_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n say_v indeed_o that_o many_o abstain_v from_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o east_n but_o that_o 22._o all_o who_o do_v this_o do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n even_o bishop_n do_v it_o only_o voluntary_o not_o necessitate_v to_o it_o by_o any_o canon_n for_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o bishopric_n have_v beget_v child_n of_o their_o lawful_a wife_n so_o plain_a a_o passage_n need_v no_o comment_n in_o a_o few_o age_n this_o voluntary_a abstinence_n of_o bishop_n become_v universal_a in_o most_o province_n of_o the_o east_n although_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n libya_n and_o some_o other_o place_n retain_v as_o former_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n therefore_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o age_n the_o quinisext_a council_n take_v advantage_n from_o this_o voluntary_a abstinence_n to_o impose_v a_o necessary_a abstinence_n 12._o upon_o all_o bishop_n and_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o general_a custom_n they_o inflict_v no_o censure_n upon_o the_o african_a bishop_n for_o retain_v the_o company_n of_o their_o wife_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o blame_v they_o but_o rather_o term_v they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o religious_a bishop_n and_o profess_v they_o impose_v abstinence_n upon_o they_o only_o 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o people_n till_o that_o council_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n free_o enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o marriag_n this_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o precede_a testimony_n and_o may_v be_v further_o evince_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o balsamon_n the_o great_a canonist_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n who_o word_n be_v these_o apost_n before_o the_o six_o synod_n hold_v in_o trullo_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o bishop_n to_o have_v wife_n even_o after_o their_o consecration_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o be_v ordain_v after_o marriage_n so_o that_o eutychius_n 1._o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n be_v gross_o mistake_v when_o he_o terminate_v the_o marriage_n of_o bishop_n at_o the_o time_n of_o â—…he_a council_n of_o nice_a if_o he_o do_v not_o rather_o mean_v that_o till_o than_o they_o all_o retain_v their_o wife_n but_o after_o that_o time_n they_o begin_v a_o voluntary_a abstinence_n which_o sense_n indeed_o his_o word_n do_v more_o natural_o import_v as_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n that_o be_v so_o common_o use_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n that_o in_o armenia_n they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o custom_n of_o admit_v none_o