B. Joachim of Fiore: "I Prefer the Advice of the Apostle"

Source: Fournier 1909, p. 12.

No doubt, the rule is just that determines, between two husbands disputing over a woman, to whom she should belong; but I prefer the advice of the Apostle:

“Let him who is not married not take a wife, let those who are married live as though they were not, let those who use this world live as though not using it; for the form of this world is passing away.”

No doubt, the rule is necessary by which it is decided which of two clerics should receive an ecclesiastical benefice first, and which one second; but those, in my view, are happier who, preferring the Gospel, can say with Paul:

“It would be better for me to die than to tarnish my own glory by claiming from the faithful I evangelize the reward for my labor.”

I do not condemn what is regulated concerning the just or unjust possession of temporal things; but I proclaim blessed the one who has left everything to follow Christ and His disciples.