87. There is no need for the younger clergy to go
to the houses of widows or virgins, except for the sake of a definite
visit, and in that case only with the elder clergy, that is, with the
bishop, or, if the matter be somewhat important, with the
priests. Why
should we give
room to the world to revile? What need is there for those
frequent visits to give ground for rumours? What if one of those
women should by chance fall? Why shouldst thou undergo the
reproach of another’s fall? How many even strong men have
been led away by their passions? How many are there who have not
indeed yielded to sin, but have given ground for suspicion?