Chapter XXII.—Answer to the Foregoing Arguments.

They who make this concession115    As to the distinction between “women” and “virgins.” ought to reflect on the nature of the word itself—what is the meaning of “woman” from the very first records of the sacred writings. Here they find it to be the name of the sex, not a class of the sex: if, that is, God gave to Eve, when she had not yet known a man, the surname “woman” and “female”116    Gen. ii. 23. In the LXX. and in the Eng. ver. there is but the one word “woman.”—(“female,” whereby the sex generally; “woman,” hereby a class of the sex, is marked).117    These words are regarded by Dr. Routh as spurious, and not without reason. Mr. Dodgson likewise omits them, and refers to de Virg. Vel. cc. 4 and 5. So, since at that time the as yet unwedded Eve was called by the word “woman,” that word has been made common even to a virgin.118    In de Virg. Vel. 5, Tertullian speaks even more strongly: “And so you have the name, I say not now common, but proper to a virgin; a name which from the beginning a virgin received.” Nor is it wonderful that the apostle—guided, of course, by the same Spirit by whom, as all the divine Scripture, so that book Genesis, was drawn up—has used the selfsame word in writing “women,” which, by the example of Eve unwedded, is applicable too to a “virgin.” In fact, all the other passages are in consonance herewith. For even by this very fact, that he has not named “virgins” (as he does in another place119    1 Cor. vii. 34 et seq. where he is teaching touching marrying), he sufficiently predicates that his remark is made touching every woman, and touching the whole sex; and that there is no distinction made between a “virgin” and any other, while he does not name her at all. For he who elsewhere—namely, where the difference requires—remembers to make the distinction, (moreover, he makes it by designating each species by their appropriate names,) wishes, where he makes no distinction (while he does not name each), no difference to be understood. What of the fact that in the Greek speech, in which the apostle wrote his letters, it is usual to say, “women” rather than “females;” that is, γυναῖκας(gunaikas) rather than θηλείας (theleias)? Therefore if that word,120    γυνή. which by interpretation represents what “female” (femina) represents,121    Mr. Dodgson appears to think that there is some transposition here; and at first sight it may appear so. But when we look more closely, perhaps there is no need to make any difficulty: the stress is rather on the words “by interpretation,” which, of course, is a different thing from “usage;” and by interpretation γυνή appears to come nearer to “femina” than to “mulier.” is frequently used instead of the name of the sex,122    θηλεῖα. he has named the sex in saying γυναῖκα; but in the sex even the virgin is embraced. But, withal, the declaration is plain: “Every woman,” saith he, “praying and prophesying with head uncovered,123    Or, “unveiled.” dishonoureth her own head.”124    1 Cor. xi. 5. What is “every woman,” but woman of every age, of every rank, of every condition? By saying “every” he excepts nought of womanhood, just as he excepts nought of manhood either from not being covered; for just so he says, “Every man.”125    1 Cor. xi. 4. As, then, in the masculine sex, under the name of “man” even the “youth” is forbidden to be veiled; so, too, in the feminine, under the name of “woman,” even the “virgin” is bidden to be veiled. Equally in each sex let the younger age follow the discipline of the elder; or else let the male “virgins,”126    For a similar use of the word “virgin,” see Rev. xiv. 4. too, be veiled, if the female virgins withal are not veiled, because they are not mentioned by name.  Let “man” and “youth” be different, if “woman” and “virgin” are different. For indeed it is “on account of the angels”127    1 Cor. xi. 10. that he saith women must be veiled, because on account of “the daughters of men” angels revolted from God.128    See Gen. vi. 2 in the LXX., with the v. l. ed. Tisch. 1860; and compare Tertullian, de Idol. c. 9, and the note there. Mr. Dodgson refers, too, to de Virg. Vel. c. 7, where this curious subject is more fully entered into. Who then, would contend that “women” alone—that is,129    i.e. according to their definition, whom Tertullian is refuting. such as were already wedded and had lost their virginity—were the objects of angelic concupiscence, unless “virgins” are incapable of excelling in beauty and finding lovers? Nay, let us see whether it were not virgins alone whom they lusted after; since Scriptures saith “the daughters of men;”130    Gen. iv. 2. inasmuch as it might have named “wives of men,” or “females,” indifferently.131    i.e. If married women had been meant, either word, “uxores” or “feminæ,” could have been used indifferently. Likewise, in that it saith, “And they took them to themselves for wives,”132    Gen. vi. 2. it does so on this ground, that, of course, such are “received for wives” as are devoid of that title. But it would have expressed itself differently concerning such as were not thus devoid. And so (they who are named) are devoid as much of widowhood as of virginity. So completely has Paul by naming the sex generally, mingled “daughters” and species together in the genus. Again, while he says that “nature herself,”133    1 Cor. xi. 14. which has assigned hair as a tegument and ornament to women, “teaches that veiling is the duty of females,” has not the same tegument and the same honour of the head been assigned also to virgins?  If “it is shameful” for a woman to be shorn it is similarly so to a virgin too. From them, then, to whom is assigned one and the same law of the head,134    i.e. long hair. one and the same discipline135    i.e. veiling. of the head is exacted,—(which extends) even unto those virgins whom their childhood defends,136    i.e. “exempts.” for from the first137    i.e. from her creation.a virgin was named “female.” This custom,138    Of the “universal veiling of women.” in short, even Israel observes; but if Israel did not observe it, our Law,139    i.e. as above, the Sermon on the Mount. amplified and supplemented, would vindicate the addition for itself; let it be excused for imposing the veil on virgins also.  Under our dispensation, let that age which is ignorant of its sex140    i.e. mere infancy. retain the privilege of simplicity. For both Eve and Adam, when it befell them to be “wise,”141    Gen. iii. 6. forthwith veiled what they had learnt to know.142    Gen. ii. 27 (or in the LXX. iii. 1), and iii. 7, 10, 11. At all events, with regard to those in whom girlhood has changed (into maturity), their age ought to remember its duties as to nature, so also, to discipline; for they are being transferred to the rank of “women” both in their persons and in their functions. No one is a “virgin” from the time when she is capable of marriage; seeing that, in her, age has by that time been wedded to its own husband, that is, to time.143    Routh refers us to de Virg. Vel. c. 11. “But some particular virgin has devoted herself to God.  From that very moment she both changes the fashion of her hair, and converts all her garb into that of a ‘woman.’”  Let her, then, maintain the character wholly, and perform the whole function of a “virgin:” what she conceals144    i.e. the redundance of her hair. for the sake of God, let her cover quite over.145    i.e. by a veil. It is our business to entrust to the knowledge of God alone that which the grace of God effects in us, lest we receive from man the reward we hope for from God.146    i.e. says Oehler, “lest we postpone the eternal favour of God, which we hope for, to the temporal veneration of men; a risk which those virgins seemed likely to run who, when devoted to God, used to go veiled in public, but bareheaded in the church.” Why do you denude before God147    i.e. in church. what you cover before men?148    i.e. in public; see note 27, supra. Will you be more modest in public than in the church? If your self-devotion is a grace of God, and you have received it, “why do you boast,” saith he, “as if you have not received it?”149    1 Cor. iv. 7. Why, by your ostentation of yourself, do you judge others? Is it that, by your boasting, you invite others unto good?  Nay, but even you yourself run the risk of losing, if you boast; and you drive others unto the same perils! What is assumed from love of boasting is easily destroyed. Be veiled, virgin, if virgin you are; for you ought to blush. If you are a virgin, shrink from (the gaze of) many eyes. Let no one wonder at your face; let no one perceive your falsehood.150    i.e. as Muratori, quoted by Oehler, says, your “pious” (?) fraud in pretending to be married when you are a virgin; because “devoted” virgins used to dress and wear veils like married women, as being regarded as “wedded to Christ.” You do well in falsely assuming the married character, if you veil your head; nay, you do not seem to assume it falsely, for you are wedded to Christ: to Him you have surrendered your body; act as becomes your Husband’s discipline. If He bids the brides of others to be veiled, His own, of course, much more. “But each individual man151    i.e. each president of a church, or bishop. is not to think that the institution of his predecessor is to be overturned.” Many yield up their own judgment, and its consistency, to the custom of others. Granted that virgins be not compelled to be veiled, at all events such as voluntarily are so should not be prohibited; who, likewise, cannot deny themselves to be virgins,152    i.e. “are known to be such through the chastity of their manner and life” (Oehler). content, in the security of a good conscience before God, to damage their own fame.153    “By appearing in public as married women, while in heart they are virgins” (Oehler). Touching such, however, as are betrothed, I can with constancy “above my small measure”154    Does Tertullian refer to 2 Cor. x. 13? or does “modulus” mean, as Oehler thinks, “my rule?” [It seems to me a very plain reference to the text before mentioned, and to the Apostolic Canon of not exceeding one’s Mission.] pronounce and attest that they are to be veiled from that day forth on which they shuddered at the first bodily touch of a man by kiss and hand. For in them everything has been forewedded: their age, through maturity; their flesh, through age; their spirit, through consciousness; their modesty, through the experience of the kiss their hope, through expectation; their mind through volition. And Rebecca is example enough for us, who, when her betrothed had been pointed out, veiled herself for marriage merely on recognition of him.155    Gen. xxiv. 64, 65.

CAPUT XXII .

Qui ita concedunt, recogitare debent de statu vocabuli ipsius, quid est mulier a primis quidem litteris sanctorum commentariorum; nam inveniunt sexus esse nomen, non gradum sexus. Siquidem Evam nondum virum expertam Deus mulierem et foeminam (Gen., II, 23.) cognominavit: foeminam, qua sexus generaliter, mulierem, qua gradus sexus specialiter. Itaque jam tunc innupta adhuc Eva mulieris vocabulo fuit, commune id vocabulum et virgini factum 1185B est. Nec mirum, si Apostolus eodem utique spiritu actus, quocum omnis Scriptura divina, tum et illa Genesis digesta est, eadem voce usus est mulierem ponendo; quae exemplo Evae innuptae et virgini competat. Caetera denique non sonant, nam et hoc ipso, quod virgines non nominavit, sicut alio in loco, ubi de nubendo docet, satis praedicat de omni muliere, et de toto sexu dictum, nec distinctum esse inter virginem, omnino non nominat. Qui enim alibi distinguere meminit, ubi scilicet differentia postulat 1186A (distinguit autem utramque speciem suis vocabulis designans) ubi non distinguit, dum utramque non nominat, nullam vult differentiam intelligi. Quid quod graeco sermone, quo litteras Apostolus fecit, usui est mulieres vocare tam foeminas, id est γυναῖκας, quam θηλεῖας. Igitur si pro sexus nomine vocabulum istud frequentatur, quod est interpretatione pro eo, quod est foemina, sexum nominavit, dicens γυναῖκα. In sexu autem et virgo contingitur. Sed et manifesta pronuntiatio est: Omnis, inquit, mulier adorans, et prophetans intecto capite dedecorat caput suum (I Cor., XI, 5). Quid est omnis mulier, nisi omnis aetatis, omnis ordinis, omnis conditionis? Nihil mulieris excipit, dicendo omnis; sicut nec vir nec velandi; proinde enim omnis vir (Ibid.), inquit. 1186B Sicut ergo in masculino sexu sub viri nomine etiam investis velari vetatur, ita et in foeminino sub nomine mulieris etiam virgo velari jubetur. Aequaliter in utroque sexu minor aetas majoris sequatur disciplinam: aut velentur et virgines masculi, si non velantur et virgines foeminae, qui nec isti nominatim tenentur. Aliud sit vir et investis, si aliud est mulier et virgo. Nempe propter Angelos (Ibid.) ait velari oportere, quod Angeli propter filias hominum desciverunt a Deo. Quis ergo contendat, solas mulieres, 1187A id est nuptas jam, et virginitati defunctas concupiscentiae, nisi si non licet et virgines specie praestare, et amatores invenire? Imo videmus quod non virgines solas concupierint, cum dicat Scriptura filias hominum (Gen., VI. 2.), quia potuit uxores hominum nominasse, vel foeminas indifferenter. Etiam quod ait, Et acceperunt sibi in uxores (Ibid.) in eo facit quod accipiuntur in uxores, quae vacant scilicet. De non vacantibus autem aliter enuntiasset. Itaque vacant tam viduitate quam et virginitate: adeo sexum nominando, generaliter filias et species in genere commiscuit. Item cum dicit naturam ipsam docere, foeminas velandas esse, quae capillum pro tegumento et ornamento mulieribus assignarit; nonne idem tegumentum et idem honor capitis virginibus 1187B quoque adscriptus est? Si mulieri turpe est radi,1188A (I Cor., XI, 6), et virgini perinde. In quibus ergo una conditio capitis deputatur, una et disciplina capitis exigitur, etiam ad eas virgines, quas pueritia defendit; a primo enim foemina nominata est. Sic denique et Israel observat. Sed si non observaret, nostra lex ampliata atque suppleta defenderet sibi adjectionem. Virginibus quoque injiciens velamentum excusetur. Nunc aetas, quae sexum suum ignorat, simplicitatis privilegium teneat. Nam et Eva et Adam, ubi eis contigit sapere, texuerunt statim quod agnoverant. Certe in quibus pueritia mutavit, sicut naturae, ita et disciplinae debet aetas esse munifica. Nam et membris et officiis mulieribus resignantur. Nulla virgo est, ex quo potest nubere, quoniam aetas jam in ea nupsit suo viro, id est tempori; sed aliqua 1188B se Deo vovit. Jam et crinem exinde transfigurat, 1189A et omnem habitum ad mulieres convertit. Totum ergo asseveret, et totum virginis praestet: quod propter Deum abscondit, plane obumbret. Interest nostra, quod Dei gratia exerceat, solius Dei conscientiae commendare, ne quod a Deo speramus, ab homine compensemus. Quid denudas ante Deum quod ante homines tegis! Verecundior eris in publico quam in Ecclesia? Si Dei gratia est et accepisti, quid gloriaris, inquit, quasi non acceperis (I Cor., IV, 7)? Quid alias ostentatione tui judicas? an alias gloria tua ad bonum invitas? Atqui et ipsa periclitaris amittere, si gloriaris; et alias ad eadem pericula cogis. Facile eligitur, quod affectione gloriae assumitur. Velare virgo, si virgo es; debes enim erubescere. Si 1189B virgo es, plures oculos pati noli. Nemo miretur in tuam faciem; nemo mendacium tuum sentiat. Bene mentiris nuptam, si caput veles. Imo mentiri non videris; nupsisti enim Christo, illi carnem tuam tradidisti. Age pro mariti tui disciplina. Si 1190A nuptas alienas velari jubet, suas utique multo magis. Sed non putet institutione unusquisque antecessoris commovendam. Multi alienae consuetudini prudentiam suam, et constantiam ejus addicunt, ne compellantur velari. Certe voluntarias prohiberi non oportet, quae se etiam virgines negare non possunt, contentae abuti in fama suae conscientiae apud Deum securitate. De illis tamen quae sponsis dicantur, constanter super meum modulum pronuntiare contestarique possum, velandas ex ea die esse, qua ad primum viri corpus osculo et dextera expaverint. Omnia enim in his praenupserunt, et aetas per maturitatem, et caro per aetatem, et spiritus per conscientiam, et pudor per osculi experimentum, 1190B et spes per exspectationem, et mens per voluntatem. Satisque nobis exemplo Rebecca est (Gen., XXXIV, 65), quae sponso demonstrato, tantum notitia ejus nubendo velata est.