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
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
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 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
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
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
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