29. And there is this
further, that men are not rightly compared with men in regard of
some one good. For it may come to pass, that one hath not what
another hath, but hath another thing, which must be esteemed of
more value. The good of obedience is better than of continence. For
marriage is in no place condemned by authority of our Scriptures,
but disobedience is in no place acquitted. If therefore there be
set before us a virgin about to continue so, but yet disobedient,
and a married woman who could not continue a virgin, but yet
obedient, which shall we call better? shall it be (the one) less
praiseworthy, than if she were a virgin, or (the other) worthy of
blame, even as she is a virgin? So, if you compare a drunken virgin
with a sober married woman, who can doubt to pass the same
sentence? Forsooth marriage and virginity are two goods, whereof
the one is greater; but sobriety and drunkenness, even as obedience
and stubbornness, are, the one good, and the other evil. But it is
better to have all goods even in a less degree, than great good
with great evil: forasmuch as in the goods of the body also it is
better to have the stature of Zacchæus with sound health, than
that of Goliah with fever.