A09453:255
A Reformed Catholic
A reformed Catholic: or, A declaration showing how near we may come to the present Church of Rome in sundry points of religion: and wherein we must for ever depart from them with an advertisement to all favourers of the Roman religion, showing that the said religion is against the Catholic principles and grounds of the catechism.A reformed Catholike: or, A declaration shewing how neere we may come to the present Church of Rome in sundrie points of religion: and vvherein we must for euer depart from them with an advertisment to all fauourers of the Romane religion, shewing that the said religion is against the Catholike principles and grounds of the catechisme.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1598Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1598
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Yet single life in them that have the gift of continency, is in some respects to be preferred. ⟨p. 164⟩First because it brings liberty in persecution. Thus Paul saith, 1. Cor. 7. 26. I suppose it to be good for the present necessity for a man so to be. Secondly, because it frees men from the common cares, molestations, and distractions that be in the family, v. 2. 28. Such shall have trouble in the flesh, but I spare you. Thirdly because single parties do commonly with more bodily ease and liberty worship God; it being still presupposed, that they have the gift of continency. v. 34. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.
Yet single life in them that haue the gift of continencie, is in some respects to be preferred. ⟨p. 164⟩First because it brings libertie in persequution. Thus Paul saith, 1. Cor. 7. 26. I suppose it to be good for the present necessitie for a man so to be. Secondly, because it frees men from the common cares, molestations, and distractions that be in the family, v. 2. 28. Such shall haue trouble in the flesh, but I spare you. Thirdly because single parties doe commonly with more bodily ease and libertie worship God; it being still presupposed, that they haue the gift of continencie. v. 34. The vnmaried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that shee may be holy both in bodie and spirit.
Again though we mislike the vow, yet we hold and teach, that men or women being assured that they have the gift of continency, may constantly resolve and purpose with themselves to live and lead a single life, 1. Cor. 7. 38. He that standeth firm in his own heart that he hath no need, but hath power of his own will, and hath so DECREED IN HIS HEART that he will keep his virgin, he doth well. And we embrace the saying of Theoderet. on