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That it —

I. IS NOT A DUTY BINDING UPON MANKIND — not a moral obligation like "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," &c. (vers. 1, 7, 8, 40). Some may feel that celibacy is best for them, then let them remain single; others that marriage is most desirable, then let them marry Now does it seem strange that a condition upon which the continuation of the race depends should be thus left open? For were celibacy to rule, in about sixty years mankind would be extinct. But it may be replied that marriage is a law of nature and does not require a command any more than eating or drinking.

II. IS PRIMARILY FOR SPIRITUAL ENDS (ver. 14). Those who enter on this relation from fleshly impulses and with fleshly ends misunderstand the ordinance. True marriage means such a mutual spiritual affection as welds two souls into one moral personality.

III. INVOLVES MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS THE MOST SACRED. Mutual —

1. Benevolence (ver. 3), each wishing the well-being of the other.

2. Identification (ver. 4). The two are one. The equal rights of husband and wife are everywhere recognised in the Bible.

3. Honesty (ver. 5). Deception is inimical to the true union of souls. Nothing cuts united hearts asunder so easily and effectually as artfulness.

4. Forbearance (vers. 12, 14). Should difference of religious opinion crop up, do not separate; for the believing may correct the unbelieving.

5. Concession of personal freedom (ver. 15). Conclusion: Paul's conception is wise and just. We have made marriage simply a civil contract; but its essence is the strongest sympathies and aims that one can have for another; the bond of marriage is the solemn mutual pledge. Those who are thus married are united by a cord finer than the finest web; too weak to fetter, yet too strong to break.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

WEB: Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman.