Note 1038 — Chapter VIII · RISE OF ECCLESIASTICAL MARRIAGE: THE CHURCH DEVELOPS AND ADMINISTERS MATRIMONIAL LAW
Reading edition
In the Stromata, c. xxiii: Ante-Nicene Fathers, II, 378, Clement of Alexandria approaches the loftier view of marriage. "Philosophers" are "to take advantage of marriage for help in the whole of life, and for the best self-restraint." It is a "sacred image;" and "every foul and polluting practice" must be purged away from it.