Mace(i)
29 This I say, brethren, because the time is coming, when they who have wives will be as those that have none;
30 and they that weep, as those that are unconcern'd; and they that rejoice, as those that do not; and they that buy, as those that have no possessions;
31 and they that possess this world, as those that can't make an ill use of it. for the scene of this world is continually shifting. I would have you free from anxiety.
32 the unmarried is religiously concerned, how he may please the Lord:
33 he that is married is worldly concern'd, how he may please his wife.
34 there is the same difference between a married woman and a virgin: the last is religiously concern'd to be holy, both in body and mind: but she that is married is taken up with worldly cares to please her husband.
35 And this I say for your particular advantage, not to lay any constraint upon you, but as that which is most suitable to a state of uninterrupted attendance upon religion.
36 if any man thinks it would be a reflexion upon his manhood to be a stale batchelor, and so ought to marry; let him follow his bent, he is at liberty, let such marry.
37 but he that has been steady in his purpose, and finds no necessity to alter it; if he is a master of his passion, and is heartily determin'd to keep his virginity, it is well.
38 so that he who marries, does well; but he who lives single, may have less trouble.
39 The wife is bound as long as her husband lives: but if her husbnd be dead, she is at liberty to be married, if she pleases; provided it be to a christian.
40 but she will be happier, if she remain a widow, in my opinion: and I think the divine spirit suggests the same.