Section 1
pp. 1–33 passages
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SECTION I.
1 CORINTH. 7.35. —That you may attend upon the Lord without Distraction.1
- 1[Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
The Apostle is a Casuist in this Chapter,1 and the present Case is about Virginity and Marriage; wherein I. He determines for the former, [vers. 26.] when the Church was in the bonds of Persecution, it was not safe to be in the bond of Marriage. II. He prevents mistakes, [vers. 27, 28.] though the single man be fittest to suffer, yet there is neither that sin nor misery on the married, as to dissolve the sacred knot. III. He offers Reasons for this Resolve. 1. One, from the ⟨p. 2⟩crosses and troubles then attending the state of Marriage, [vers. 28.] Thorns as well as Roses. 2. The other, from the Cares that always accompany it [vers. 32.] For the Man, now is his heart *divided. Before, if I can but please the Lord, and and contrive how to live comfortably with my God*; this is all my care and ambition. Now, the stream of my thoughts and affections is parted; I must please and provide for my Wife, [vers. 32, 33.] For the Woman, now is her task doubled. Before, her whole aim was to please her Husband in Heaven. Now must her designs and respects be for her earthly Husband also. [vers. 34] Not that these several Relations are inconsistent, but to provide for these new Duties and Temptations will distract the mind, especially in the days of Trial.