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22 for the slave that turns christian, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, the freeman that becomes a convert is Christ's servant. 23 have you been redeemed from slavery? then, don't turn slaves. 24 brethren, let every man conscientiously continue in the state he was in when he was converted. 25 As to the case of celibacy, I have no positive instructions: yet my advice deserves to be regarded, as coming from one the divine favour has distinguished. 26 I think therefore it is best, considering the present distress, I say, it is best, for a single person to continue so still. 27 are you contracted to a wife? seek not to be disengag'd, are you disengag'd from your wife? don't look out for another; 28 not that it is a sin for you to marry; nor is it so if a virgin marry; but they that do, will be troubled for their relations, and that I would prevent. 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. 1 Corinthians 7:22-40, Mace New Testament. Public domain.
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