But I say to those who are widowers or widows:
it is a good thing for them
if they might remain as I am,
But if they do not have power over their pass ions,
let them get married.
For it is better to marry than (for their passions) to burn.
To the married, I command – not I but the Lord-
a wife should not separate from (her) husband…
(but if she separates, let her remain unmarried
or else let her be reconciled to (her) husband)
…and a husband should not divorce a wife.
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us;
that with all our heart and mind
and soul and strength we may seek thy face
and be brought by thine infinite mercy
to thy holy presence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Alcuin (735-804)