Treatise VIII: On Matrimony

1948. "Matrimony is so called from this, that a woman ought especially to wed for this reason, that she may become a mother; or because to conceive, bear, and educate offspring is the office of a mother. It is also called conjugal union from joining, because a lawful woman is bound to a man as if by one yoke. Furthermore it is called nuptials, because, as St. Ambrose says, for the sake of modesty maidens veiled themselves; by which it also seemed to be declared that they ought to be obedient and subject to men."¹

Peculiar study must be applied to learning this Treatise. For ministers of the Church ought especially to understand "how great and how many advantages can come to Christian society, if the faithful have known the sanctity of matrimony and preserve it inviolate; but on the contrary, if it is ignored or neglected, very many and very great calamities and losses are brought into the Church."²

Therefore, that we may be occupied in this study with due order and clarity, we shall distribute the long argument into many chapters, treating namely: 1. of the preparation of matrimony or of betrothals; 2. of the nature and properties of matrimony; 3. of its impediments; 4. of dispensation from impediments; 5. of the celebration of matrimony; 6. of the revalidation of invalid matrimony; 7. of the rights and duties of spouses.