Chapter 24

1Virgins ought not to enter upon this service until they have proved themselves and kept themselves in purity. Thus we command them not to enter upon it hastily, before their full time has come, just as Solomon says, “It is better not to vow than to vow and repent.”

2Let the virgin, then, be pure in soul and body, so that she may be the house of God, the dwelling place of Christ, and the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. Let her walk in the way of the preaching of the Gospel and in the commandment that is pleasing to God. Let her actions not follow the pattern of this world. Let her not go about in the city, walk in evil ways, or be double-minded. Instead, let her be wise and pure, without blame, not desirous of praise and, above all, not desirous of idle talk.