Fathers are unanimous in their praises; and it was early in the Christian Church that the state was embraced by many. It was not, however, before the fourth century, that the eremitical life took a regular form in Egypt and other parts of the east; in the west, St. Benedict, towards the close of the fifth, gave that rule to his followers, which is most admired, and which has been very generally adopted by the various founders of religious Orders, male and female, in the western Church.
THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY.
PROPOSITION XV.
We believe Matrimony to be a sacrament of the new law, instituted by Christ; whereby a new dignity is added to the lawful contract of marriage, and grace given to those who worthily receive it.
SCRIPTURE.
Matt. xix. 6. “ What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”—1 Cor. vii.-In the whole chapter, the Apostle gives advice on the conduct of married persons, and on the respective states of celibacy and marriage; clearly considering it as a subject, in which the great duties of religion were involved.—39. “A woman is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth ; but if her husband die, she is at liberty: let her marry to whom she will; only in the Lord.”—40.“ But more blessed shall she be, if she so remain, according to my counsel; and I think that I also have the spirit of God.”—Ephes. v.-In this chapter the Apostle inculcates the mutual duties of man and wife, from
