Jean-Baptiste Berthier

“ But if a young man who is under no obligation from accidental causes to follow a particular state, and who feels no supernatural leaning for the state of perfection, has a right intention, and refers to God the choice which he is about to make of some state belonging to the Christian life, he falls evidently under the case spoken of by a Lapide when he says : " God leaves many entirely free to choose their state of life : In multorum arbitrio omnino relinquit ut eligant vel matrimonium vel coelibatum." ”

“ Paul, that virginity is better than marriage. Celibacy is a counsel: it may therefore be counselled in this case under consideration. Much more may the religious life be counselled, since, even when engaged to be married, one has still a right to enter, and because it is still more perfect than celibacy. ”

“ Secondly, as a right intention is requisite for every good act, [1] it is especially so for the choice of a state of life.
Thirdly, " Man," says St. Liguori, " is bound to refer all his actions to God, whenever he acts deliberately and for a purpose. For St. Paul writes : 'Whether you eat, or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God. (i Cor. x, 31.) If, then, a man refers his acts, and, consequently, his choice of a state of life, to God, with a virtual intention, these acts will be good ; and they will be bad, if not referred to God." ”

“ This young man is not bound to enter religion, since we suppose him not to have even the beginning of a vocation, and that his salvation is not morally impossible in the world. Nor is he bound to observe celibacy or to get married, since we suppose him not to be in any of those circumstances which render celibacy or marriage obligatory. ”