63. And I have thought it well not to pass by this
point, because many contend that having one wife is said of the time
after Baptism; so that the fault whereby any
obstacle would ensue would be washed away
in baptism. And indeed all faults and sins are washed away; so
that if anyone have polluted his body with very many whom he has bound
to himself by no law of marriage, all the sins are forgiven him, but if
any one have contracted a second marriage it is not done away; for sin
not law is loosed by the laver, and as to baptism there is no sin but
law. That then which has to do with law is not remitted as though
it were sin, but is retained. And the Apostle has established a
law, saying: “If any man be without reproach the husband of
one wife.” 1 Tim. iii. 2. So
then he who is without blame the husband of one wife comes within the
rule for undertaking the priestly office; he, however, who has married
again has no guilt of pollution, but is disqualified for the priestly
prerogative.