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BUT let no one imagine that we have invented this for the sake of
encouraging divorce, as we not only in no way condemn marriage, but also,
following the words of the Apostle, say: "Marriage is honourable in all,
and the bed undefiled," but it was in order faithfully to show the
reader the origin of the conversion by which this great man was dedicated
to God. And I ask the reader kindly. to allow that, whether he likes this
or no, in either case I am free from blame, and to give the praise or blame
for this act to its real author. But as for me, as I have not put forward
an opinion of my own on this matter, but have given a simple narration of
the history. of the facts, it is fair that as I claim no praise from those
who approve of what was done, so I should not be attacked by the hatred of
those who disapprove of it. Let every man therefore, as we said, have his
own opinion on the matter. But I advise him to restrain his censure in
considering it, lest he come to fancy that he is more just and holy than
the Divine judgment, whereby the signs even of Apostolic virtue were
conferred upon him (viz., Theonas), not to mention the opinion of such
great fathers by whom it is clear that his action was not only not blamed,
but even so far praised that in the election to the office of almoner they
preferred him to splendid and most excellent men. And I fancy that the
judgment of so many spiritual men, uttered with God as its author, was not
wrong, as it was, as was said above, confirmed by such wonderful signs.
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