John Jewel on forbidding marriage as a doctrine of demons

[Reformed Covenanter]

Who would think there were any evil in forcing of virginity, chastity, or single life? He that is unmarried, careth for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord, that he may be holy, both in body and also in spirit: would God it were so with all that have taken the profession of single life: but the colour is fair. Hence hath it grown, that bishops and priests, and young men and maidens, have continued single. This seemed strange, and a miracle, and a matter of great holiness.

But this is a mystery; this is a way to bring in antichrist. Mark what St. Paul speaketh hereof (1 Tim. iv): “They shall forbid to marry.” Of whom speaketh he? of antichrist and his disciples, they shall forbid lawful marriage, as unholy, and as a state of life unfit for their holiness. Yet Christ Jesus, the Son of God, did never forbid it: his Apostles were married, and had wives. ...

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John Jewel on forbidding marriage as a doctrine of demons

Who would think there were any evil in forcing of virginity, chastity, or single life? He that is unmarried, careth for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord, that he may be holy, both…

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