Ellis on Article XXXII: Of the Marriage of Priests

Obj. x. Marriage hinders Holy Duties ; and therefore in the Old Test ameiit, the Hiph Priest, and Pricsls were commanded to abstain from the Conjuoal Bed, so often as they were oblized to at- tend upon Hely Things, Ex0.19. 15, and 25S. 4.

af . Ir is the abusevt Marriage, and not

Marriage it self, that binders Holy Duties. |

David, whilst he was marrcied, prayed seven times in a Day ; and did meditate upon the

Law of God, Day ard Night. That Absti« |

nence Which was coimandcd the Priests un- der rhe: Old Testament, . is said ro be Ceres monial, and was required even in Lay-Persons, for a certain time ; to which belongs likewise the abstaining from Wine and Strong eng whic

Thirty Nine Articles. 7 \ which was commanded the Priests, then they were upon Holy Dury. However ir be, it is, withour doubr, co.venient for all Christians, ; as well as Pastors, ro abstain from such con- \ jugal Commerce, as may hinder their Worship ; of God. * Obj. 2. Sr. Paul commands m.rried People, - that they should abstain from on? anotier by

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consent for a time, that they might give theme selves the more ardently to Prayer, 1 Cor. 7. 5. Woerefore since Priests must daily attend upon Prayer and Sacrifices, it is plain that they are injomned to a perpeturl Continence.

Answ. The Apostle there speaks concerning , extraordinary Prayer, such as is joyn’d with ’ Fasting ; bur Clergy-Men are not every Day obliged ro such Devotions: Nay, and by this Rule all Christians must abstain for ever trom - Marriage ; for ‘ris aid to All In general], 1 Toeff. 5. 17. Pray witoout ceasing.

Obj 3: They thar are unmarried do care for the Things of the Lord, better than those that \ are married, 1 Cor. 7. 32. Answ. The Apostle here does nor dispute - concerning Men of the Holy Order alone, bur of all Christians in general, who should allo, * t by the same reason, live a single Life. Bur . - akho* Marriage hay irs Troubles, it has its 1 Conveniencies roo ; And a. pious Wife is given not for an Impedimenr, bur for a Help, - as well in Spiritual as in Familv Concerns, . Celibacy is therefore ro be preferred ro Mar- Nage,. when the Church is under yarious Per- , sections, and upon condition the Person has the Gift of Continence. Bur from hence , no. general Rule can —_— that Celibacy is to

nw l@.

• F mat

ro be observed by any particular Order of Men, |

Wherefore also the Apostle says, 1 Cor. 7. 28, That if thou marry, thou hast not sinned. Sg thar the place before cited, proves nothing a- painst rhis Arricle.

ART. XXXIII. Of Excommunicated