be_v in_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o prove_v the_o negative_a marriage_n be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v esteem_v lawful_a to_o they_o till_o a_o manifest_a prohibition_n shall_v be_v produce_v bellarmine_n indeed_o urge_v that_o precept_n of_o the_o apostie_a tit._n 1._o 8._o that_o a_o bishop_n be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o not_o to_o say_v that_o bellarmine_n herein_o forsake_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o make_v ceiibacy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n since_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o 25._o not_o only_o as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a but_o also_o 1._o as_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o word_n serve_v not_o the_o purpose_n as_o design_v neither_o continence_n nor_o chastity_n but_o abstinence_n from_o drunkenness_n and_o covetousness_n and_o be_v oppose_v the_o first_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o second_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o former_a verse_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v with_o joc._n st._n chrysostom_n interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n of_o a_o universal_a temperance_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o such_o a_o temperance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o moderation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v 3._o clemens_n alex._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v universal_o temperate_a not_o who_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n but_o who_o moderate_o use_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v lawful_a or_o last_o if_o we_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chaste_a and_o continent_n yet_o the_o father_n unanimous_o teach_v that_o these_o virtue_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o marriage_n as_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o 25._o st._n paul_n reason_v before_o faelix_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v forbid_v he_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o wife_n as_o for_o bellarmine_n other_o text_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o no_o man_n that_o war_v entangle_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v sufficient_a these_o word_n be_v address_v not_o only_o to_o clergyman_n but_o to_o all_o christian_n whether_o a_o marry_a state_n do_v necessary_o entangle_v person_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n more_o than_o celibacy_n shall_v be_v inquire_v hereafter_o we_o come_v now_o to_o that_o great_a storehouse_n of_o the_o assertor_n of_o celibacy_n the_o vii_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o here_o a_o few_o observation_n may_v have_v prevent_v many_o mistake_v as_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o impose_v virginity_n upon_o any_o order_n of_o man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v foresee_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o mistake_v and_o therefore_o to_o have_v insert_v these_o caution_n of_o they_o 6._o but_o i_o speak_v this_o by_o permission_n and_o not_o of_o command_n 23._o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o you_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n 35._o and_o this_o i_o speak_v for_o your_o own_o profit_n not_o that_o i_o may_v cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o you_o second_o to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o marry_v he_o advise_v not_o a_o total_a but_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n 5._o defraud_v not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o come_v together_o again_o that_o sataâ—…_n tempt_v you_o not_o for_o your_o incontinency_n 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v 27._o be_v thou_o bind_v unto_o a_o wife_n seek_v not_o to_o be_v loose_v three_o that_o of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o unmarried_a he_o advise_v virginity_n to_o they_o only_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n 37._o nevertheless_o he_o that_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o his_o own_o heart_n have_v no_o necessity_n but_o have_v power_n over_o his_o own_o will_n and_o have_v so_o decree_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o virgin_n he_o do_v well_o 9_o i_o say_v therefore_o to_o the_o unmarried_a and_o widow_n it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o if_o they_o abide_v even_o as_o i._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_v than_o to_o burn_v four_o that_o this_o advice_n of_o virginity_n be_v give_v not_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o great_a merit_n but_o mere_o for_o reason_n of_o convenience_n and_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o those_o time_n 26._o i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v good_a for_o the_o present_a distress_n 29._o such_o shall_v have_v trouble_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o i_o spare_v you_o but_o this_o i_o say_v brethren_z the_o time_n be_v short_a 32._o but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o without_o carefulness_n five_o that_o this_o advice_n be_v direct_v not_o only_o to_o the_o clergy_n but_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n no_o where_o restrain_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o former_a but_o all_o along_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o observation_n be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v all_o most_o certain_o than_o no_o advantage_n can_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o celibacy_n now_o in_o controversy_n but_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o reason_n and_o revelation_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o we_o have_v also_o many_o strong_a argument_n against_o it_o for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o antiquity_n the_o first_o manifest_v already_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v prove_v hereafter_o many_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v express_o confess_v that_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v neither_o of_o divine_a nor_o apostolical_a institution_n this_o all_o those_o pope_n council_n and_o doctor_n hereafter_o to_o be_v produce_v who_o allow_v the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n to_o be_v lawful_a must_v have_v hold_v unless_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v betray_v the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n all_o those_o divine_n likewise_o who_o have_v admit_v or_o allow_v a_o total_a abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o celibacy_n can_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o have_v a_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a original_a however_o i_o shall_v produce_v some_o few_o who_o expresl_o deny_v it_o as_o first_o the_o canon_n law_n which_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o some_o age_n so_o then_o gratian_n 1._o the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n be_v forbid_v neither_o by_o legal_a nor_o evangelical_n nor_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o yet_o be_v whole_o forbid_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law._n and_o fin_n the_o church_n after_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n have_v add_v some_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n as_o that_o of_o the_o continence_n of_o minister_n 1551._o joannes_n a_o ludegna_n in_o a_o speech_n make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o that_o council_n determine_v and_o large_o prove_v that_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v neither_o of_o divine_a right_n nor_o in_o any_o sense_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o only_o advise_v by_o they_o and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o the_o church_n or_o monastic_a vow_n priest_n or_o monk_n may_v lawful_o marry_v beside_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o divine_n be_v true_a who_o maintain_v that_o christ_n superad_v no_o evangelical_n counsel_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n celibacy_n can_v be_v neither_o of_o divine_a nor_o apostolical_a institution_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o adulterate_v that_o most_o pure_a and_o simple_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o master_n and_o indeed_o this_o seem_v high_o rational_a most_o consonant_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o adapt_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o religion_n be_v most_o beâ—…itting_a the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o estate_n we_o in_o that_o perfect_a liberty_n if_o not_o of_o will_n yet_o at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o choice_n in_o which_o we_o be_v at_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
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
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
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
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
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 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abstain_v from_o their_o wife_n in_o