Sunday, February 04, 2007

The Book of Common Prayer isn't 100% bad

Text available from Pemberly.com.

The part that is heard at the end of the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice.


DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

The Catechism of the Council of Trent

It's interesting that "the relief of concupiscence" has dropped out of the Compendium (and out of the CCC as well, as far as I can tell). Now this purpose would not be if Adam had not sinned, so perhaps it can be argued that it is not an "essential" purpose of marriage. Still, are there other reasons why this has been left out?

Jennaya Arias, On the Primary Purpose of Marriage

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