Page:Christian Marriage.djvu/62

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CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

as a definite repudiation of every version of Christianity, which, as was the case with that of the followers of Marcion in the second century, against whom perhaps that clause in the Creed was specifically directed, cuts the direct connection between the Incarnate and the human race by postulating for Him some non-human mode of terrestrial existence. Always the tradition of the Christian Church holds together the mother and the divine Child; and whosoever worships the one cannot but reverence the other.

III.—It is in accordance with this exaltation of woman in her most sublime function of motherhood that the Gospel gives a large and honourable place to women and children. Significantly in the sacred narrative there stand together Christ's declaration about the essential indissolubleness of marriage and His blessing of the children, for these are the normal effect and the fairest grace of the sexual relationship as guarded and crowned in the Christian home. Christ's fondness for