In the third century marriage was permitted to all ranks and orders of the clergy. Those, however, who continued in a slate of celibacy, obtained by this abstinence a higher reputation of sanctity and virtue than others. This was owing to the almost general persuasion that they who took wives were of all others the most subject to the influence of malignant demons.--Mosheim. As early as the third century, says Bayle, were several maidens who resolved never to marry.