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| Chapter X. An explanation that we may not appear to recommend separation from wives.
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Chapter X.
An explanation that we may not appear to recommend
separation from wives.
But let no one imagine
that we have invented this for the sake of encouraging divorce, as we
not only in no way condemn marriage, but also, following the words of
the Apostle, say: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed
undefiled,”2184
but it was in
order faithfully to show the reader the origin of the conversion by
which this great man was dedicated to God. And I ask the reader kindly,
to allow that, whether he likes this or no, in either case I am free
from blame, and to give the praise or blame for this act to its real
author. But as for me, as I have not put forward an opinion of my own
on this matter, but have given a simple narration of the history of the
facts, it is fair that as I claim no praise from those who approve of
what was done, so I should not be attacked by the hatred of those who
disapprove of it. Let every man therefore, as we said, have his own
opinion on the matter. But I advise him to restrain his censure in
considering it, lest he come to fancy that he is more just and holy
than the Divine judgment, whereby the signs even of Apostolic virtue
were conferred upon him (viz., Theonas), not to mention the opinion of
such great fathers by whom it is clear that his action was not only not
blamed, but even so far praised that in the election to the office of
almoner they preferred him to splendid and most excellent men. And I
fancy that the judgment of so many spiritual men, uttered with God as
its author, was not wrong, as it was, as was said above, confirmed by
such wonderful signs.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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