Sardanapali [Epicureans] designedly misuse the pretext of religion.

Sixthly. Although we have so many reasons for disapproving the law
of perpetual celibacy, yet, besides these, dangers to souls and
public scandals also are added, which even, though the law were not
unjust, ought to deter good men from approving such a burden as has
destroyed innumerable souls.

For a long time all good men [their own bishops and canons] have
complained of this burden, either on their own account, or on account
of others whom they saw to be in danger. But no Popes give ear to
these complaints. Neither is it doubtful how greatly injurious to
public morals this law is, and what vices and shameful lusts it has
produced. The Roman satires are extant. In these Rome still
recognizes and reads its own morals.

Thus God avenges the contempt of His own gift and ordinance in those
who prohibit marriage. But since the custom in regard to other laws
was that they should be changed if manifest utility would advise it,
why is the same not done with respect to this law, in which so many
weighty reasons concur, especially in these last times, why a change
ought to be made? Nature is growing old and is gradually becoming
weaker, and vices are increasing; wherefore the remedies divinely
given should have been employed. We see what vice it was which God
denounced before the Flood, what He denounced before the burning of
the five cities. Similar vices have preceded the destruction of many
other cities, as of Sybaris and Rome. And in these there has been
presented an image of the times which will be next to the end of
things. Accordingly, at this time, marriage ought to have been
especially defended by the most severe laws and warning examples, and