1. We lately put forth a book “of
the Good of Marriage,” in which also we admonished and admonish
the virgins of Christ, not, on account of that greater gift which
they have received, to despise, in comparison of themselves, the
fathers and mothers of the People of God; and not to think those
men,2025
(whom the
Apostle sets forth as the olive, that the
engrafted wild olive be
not
proud,) who did service to
Christ about to come hereafter, even
by the begetting of sons, on this account of less
desert, because
by
divine right continence is preferred to wedded
life, and pious
virginity to
marriage. Forsooth in them were being prepared and
brought forth future things, which now we see fulfilled in a
marvellous and effectual manner, whose
married life also was
prophetic: whence, not after the wonted
custom of human wishes and
joys, but by the very
deep counsel of
God, in certain of them
fruitfulness obtained to be
honored, in certain also barrenness to
be made
fruitful. But at this time, towards them unto whom it is
said, “if they contain not, let them be
married,”
2026
we must
use not consolation, but exhortation. But them, unto whom it is
said, “Whoso can receive, let him receive,”
2027
we must exhort, that they be not
alarmed; and alarm that they be not lifted up. Wherefore virginity
is not only to be set forth, that it may be loved, but also to be
admonished, that it be not puffed up.
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