[* Bede, lib. i. cap. 25. Chron. W. Thorn, p.
1759.]
[** Bede, lib. i. cap. 25. H. Hunting, lib. iii.
Brompton, p. 729]
[*** Bede, lib. i. cap. 26.]
[**** Bede, cap 26. H. Hunting, lib. iii.]
[***** Bede, lib. i. cap. 32. Brompton, p. 732 Spell.
Concil, 785]
The pontiff also answered some questions, which the missionary had
put concerning the government of the new church of Kent. Besides other
queries, which it is not material here to relate, Augustine asked,
"Whether cousins-german might be allowed to marry." Gregory answered,
that that liberty had indeed been formerly granted by the Roman law;
but that experience had shown that no issue could ever come from such
marriages; and he therefore prohibited them. Augustine asked, "Whether
a woman pregnant might be baptized." Gregory answered, that he saw no
objection. "How soon after the birth the child might receive baptism."
It was answered, immediately, if necessary. "How soon a husband might
have commerce with his wife after her delivery." Not till she had given
suck to her child; a practice to which Gregory exhorts all women. "How;
soon a man might enter the church, or receive the sacrament, after
having had commerce with his wife.
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