13. Whence they are
marvellously void of wisdom, who think that the good of this
continence is not necessary for the sake of the kingdom of heaven,
but for the sake of the present world: in that, forsooth, married
persons are strained different ways by earthly cares more and more
straitened, from which trouble virgins and continent persons are
free: as though on this account only it were better not to be
married, that the straits of this present time may be escaped, not
that it is of any profit unto a future life. And, that they may not
seem to have put forth this vain opinion from out the vanity of
their own heart, they take the Apostle to witness, where he saith,
“But concerning virgins I have not command of the Lord, but I
give counsel, as having obtained mercy from God to be faithful.
Therefore I think that this is good on account of the present
necessity, because it is good for a man so to be.”2045
Lo,
say they, where the
Apostle shows “that this is good on
account of the present necessity,” not on account of the future
eternity. As though the
Apostle would have regard for the present
necessity, otherwise than as
providing and consulting for the
future; whereas all his dealing
2046
calls not save unto life
eternal.
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