scandals, adulteries, and other crimes deserving the
punishments of just magistrates, yet it is a marvelous thing
that in nothing is more cruelty exercised than against the
marriage of priests. God has given commandment to honor
marriage. By the laws of all well-ordered commonwealths, even
among the heathen, marriage is most highly honored. But now
men, and that, priests, are cruelly put to death, contrary to
the intent of the Canons, for no other cause than marriage.
Paul, in 1 Tim. 4,3, calls that a doctrine of devils which
forbids marriage. This may now be readily understood when the
law against marriage is maintained by such penalties.

But as no law of man can annul the commandment of God, so
neither can it be done by any vow. Accordingly, Cyprian also
advises that women who do not keep the chastity they have
promised should marry. His words are these (Book I, Epistle XI
): But if they be unwilling or unable to persevere, it is
better for them to marry than to fall into the fire by their
lusts; they should certainly give no offense to their brethren
and sisters.

And even the Canons show some leniency toward those who have
taken vows before the proper age, as heretofore has generally
been the ease.


Article XXIV: Of the Mass.

Falsely are our churches accused of abolishing the Mass; for
the Mass is retained among us, and celebrated with the highest