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52. Slavery as an Impediment

1. The condition of a slave prevents him from rightlyfulfilling the duties of marriage. For a slave has not free controlof his person, and therefore cannot properly transfer that controlto another. Still, if a person knows that the other party is aslave, and marries him none the less, the marriage is valid.

2. And indeed, since, as St. Paul says (Gal. 3:2, 28),"In Christ Jesus . . . there is neither bond nor free," aslave has as much right to marry as a freeman.

3. A husband who sells himself into slavery does not, bythis fact, break his marriage. For nothing that happens after atrue and valid marriage is contracted can dissolve it.

4. Various human customs and civil laws prevail about thechildren of a father who is a slave. It seems most reasonable tosay that, on the score of freedom or bondage, the children inheritthe condition of the mother. {-This discussion is nowirrelevant.-}

"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri

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"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "
Thomas á Kempis

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"God speaks to us without ceasing by his good inspirations."
The Cure D'Ars

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