2-3. But marriage exists to prevent fornication. It is a step towards chastity. The ideal is to rise above all physical union of the sexes. Perfect chastity is a higher condition than the married state, and the intercourse of married persons, of husband and wife, is condoned and allowed, not commanded. I would that all men had reached the condition with regard to these questions that the spirit has conferred as a gift on me; but, as it is, we must have marriage, and those that are married must follow its rules.
4. Husbands and wives, you are not masters of your own bodies. Each must do as the other has a right to demand in this important matter,
21. Similarly, if you were a slave when called, do not seek to obtain manumission, but even prefer to continue in the old calling.