A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster

CHAP. LII. Q. Whether it lie in renouncing Marriage?

Quest. 2. Whether Self-denial consists in the forswearing or renouncing of Marriage, or the natural use of it by those that are married?

Quest. 2. WHether Self-denial consists in the forswearing or renouncing of Marriage, or the natural use of it by those that are marryed?

Answ. To forbid Marriage simply, is called by the holy Ghost a Doctrine of Devils, 1 Tim. 4. 1, 3, and was one of the Heresies that the Apostles were called out to encounter in their own days. But yet a Married ⟨p. 334⟩state doth ordinarily (not always) call men off from that free attendance on the service of God without distraction which is very desirable: And therefore those that are capable of doing God any notable service, which Marriage is like to hinder them from, should avoid it, if they can without a greater evil. And therefore the Church did think it for many ages, so fit for Ministers to be single, that they might have the less of worldly affairs and cares to call them off from the work of God, and their carnal relations might not hinder them from more public duties or charitable works. The Papists therefore mistakingly take the Vow of Chastity to be an entering into a state of Perfection, and sinfully condemn the Marriage of Priests: when the Apostle expressly saith [A Bishop must be blameless, the Husband of one Wife—having his children in subjection] 1 Tim. 3. 24. And so of Deacons, vers. 12. And others run into the other extreme. But the true Mean is this: 1. Ordinarily Marriage is more distracting and hindering to us in the service of God than a single life, Especially to Ministers, and such as should wholly addict themselves to the public service of the Church. 2. But yet all men are not alike obliged to it or from it. Some may be necessitated to it by the temper of their bodies to avoid a greater evil, even sin it self; and some may have no such necessity: some may have their worldly estate and affairs in such a plight, that they can far better manage them with freedom for Gods service in a married than a single state: but with others it is not so: and especially with very few Ministers. So that a single or married life is in it self indifferent: but as a means to Gods service, that is a Duty to one that is a sin to another, but because that a single life is more commonly free and fittest for this great end, therefore the Apostle preferreth it as