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| Chapter XI.
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Chapter XI.
I believe that I have now
set forth, briefly indeed, but, at the same time, fully, what is
implied in a woman’s purity of body: it remains that we should
learn what it is to be pure also in spirit; i.e. that what it is
unlawful for one to do in act, it is also unlawful for one even to
imagine in thought. For she is holy, alike in body and in spirit, who
sins neither in mind nor heart, knowing that God is one who examines
also the heart; and, therefore, she takes every pains to possess a mind
as well as a body free from sin. Such a person is aware that it is
written, “Keep thy199
heart with all
diligence”; and again, “God loveth200
holy
hearts, and all the undefiled are acceptable to him”; and
elsewhere, “Blessed201
are those of a pure
heart; for they shall see God.” I think that this last statement
is made regarding those whom conscience accuses of the guilt of no sin;
concerning whom I think that John also spoke in his Epistle when he
said, “If our heart202
condemn us not, then
have we confidence towards God, and whatsoever we ask we shall receive
from him.” I do not wish you to think that you have escaped the
accusation of sin, although act does not follow desire, since it is
written, “Whosoever203
looketh on a woman
to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his
heart.” And do not say, “I had the thought, indeed, but I
did not carry it out in act”; for it is unlawful even to desire
that which it is unlawful to do. Wherefore also blessed Peter issues a
precept to this effect: “purify your204
souls”; and if he had not been aware of such a thing as
defilement of the soul, he would not have expressed a desire that it
should be purified. But we should also very carefully consider that
passage which says, “These205
are they who did
not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins, and they
follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth”; and should reflect
whether, if these are joined to the Divine retinue, and traverse all
the regions of the heavens, through the merit of chastity and purity
alone, there may be also other means by which virginity being assisted
may attain to the
glory of so great blessedness. But whence
shall we be able to know this? From the following passages (if I
mistake not) in which it is written, “These were206
purchased from among men as the first fruits
to God and the Lamb, and in their mouth there was found no falsehood,
for they are without spot before the throne of God.” You see,
then, that they are spoken of as closely following in the footsteps of
the Lord, not in virtue of one member only, but those are said to do
so, who, besides virginity, had passed a life freed from all the
pollution of sin. Wherefore, let the virgin especially despise marriage
on this account, that, while she is safer than others, she may the more
easily accomplish what is also required from those who are married;
viz. keep herself from all sin, and obey all the commandments of the
law. For if she does not marry, and nevertheless indulges in those
things from which even married women are enjoined to keep themselves
free, what will it profit her not to have married? For although it is
not allowed to any Christian to commit sin, and it befits all without
exception who are purified through the sanctification of the spiritual
bath, to lead an unstained life, that they may be thoroughly
identified207
| 207 “visceribus
intimari.” | with the Church,
which is described as being “without208
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,” much more is it requisite
that a virgin should reach this standard, whom neither the existence of
a husband, nor of sons, nor of any other necessity, prevents from fully
carrying out the demands of holy Scripture; nor shall she be able, if
she fail, to defend herself by any sort of excuse.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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