The Catholic scripturist, or, The plea of the Roman Catholics. Shewing the scriptures to hold the Roman faith in above forty of the chief controversies now under debate. No. 9

Abstract

Point XXI. Of the Single Life of such as have vowed Perpetual Chastity.

1. How commendable works of supererogation are (by which we voluntarily do what we are not commanded, and observe that which is of counsel, and not of precept) we shall see in the next Point. Yet here we cannot but speak something, to show how much the vowing of chastity is counselled and recommended; and show also how strictly those who vow chastity are obliged to keep their vows, which voluntarily they made. Numb. xxx. 3: " If any man make a vow to our Lord, to bind himself by an oath, he shall not make his word frustrate, but all that he promised he shall fulfil.'' Whence St. Aug. Q. lvi. in Num.: "He that voweth abstinence from a thing lawful, maketh it unlawful to himself by his vow." Now that you may evidently see, that the Scripture speaketh here of vows made in matters not commanded, it followeth, "if a woman vow any thing, and bind herself with an oath, she that is in her father's house, and as yet in maiden's age ; if her father know the vow she promised, and the oath wherewith she bound her soul, and held his peace, she shall be bound to the vow : whatsoever she promised and sware, she shall fulfil indeed... [Excerpt]