The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 252

unmarried are free, and can therefore consider "the things of the Lord" with less division of heart. This does not mean that marriage is less favourable to holiness than celibacy: experience warrants no such statement. The apostle compares the two conditions only in respect of their freedom from worldly care, and in this the unmarried have the advantage. It does not lie in his way to indicate counterbalancing benefits belonging to the married state. , His aim is to deliver us from distraction in attending upon the Lord (ver. 35). We are not to be like Martha, "cumbered about much serving," "anxious and troubled about many things;" but like Mary, sitting with undivided heart at the Lord's feet (Luke x. 38-42). II. ADVICE TO FATHERS REGARDING THEIR UNMARRIED DAUGHTERS. In the East. marriages are arranged by parents much more exclusively than with us, and hence the obligation here laid on the father 01 judging when it is becoming for his daughter to marry. Very much depends upon the Christian wisdom of parents in this matter. How often are the highest interests sacrificed for the sake of a union that offers worldly attractions! Faithful and prudent parental guidance may prevent an unholy alliance and lead to a happy union "in the Lord." The point before the apostle now is the direction of fathers as to when they may grant, and when withhold, permission for their daughters to marry. 1. When permission to marry should begranted. (Ver. 36.) Generally, when the refusal would lead to anything unseemly. In particular, if the daughter has come to full marriageable age, if she and her lover are bent upon the union; in that case, for the father to enforce celibacy would be to put temptation in his daughter's way. The general advice not to marry because of present distress, is over- borne by stronger considerations (see ver. 2); and in view of these the father will do well to put no banier in the way. 2. When permission may be withheld. The father is required to look at all the circumstances of the case, and judge accordingly. The elements determining his judgment will be such as these: (1) The presence or absence of such considerations as have been mentioned in the previous case ; (2) the tempera- ment or inclination of the daughter in reference to marriage; (3) her fitness for the service of the Lord in the single state; (4) her general well-being, both temporal aud spiritual. If in view of these elements he judges it best for his daughter not to marry, he may properly resist the solicitations of suitors who desire to have her to wife. That is, he is at liberty to give effect to the apostolic preference of celibacy in respect of the ncce~si ties of tho time. III. ADVICE TO wrnows. This proceeds on the same lines as the advice to unmarried persons. The wife whose husband has" fallen asleep" (1to1µ719ij, ver. 39; comp. 1 'l'hess. iv. 13, 14, and our cemetei·y) is no longer bound (comp. Rom. vii. 1-3), but is free to remarry if she chooses. The only restriction is that she marry "in the Lord," i.e. that she marry a Christian, and that her whole couduct in the matter be in keeping with her profession. Yet here also the apostle advises against a second marriage, on grounds already adduced in the case of virgins. A widow may marry again, but she will be more free from care and trouble if she remain as she is. REMARKS, 1. The application of abiding principles is modified by changing circumstances, This must be remembered in considering how far the advice given here is generally applicable. What is prudent in a Christian country, with a settled government, and at peace, may be imprudent where the conditions are the reverse. There is a wide sphere for the exercise of true wisdom in the practical conduct of such matters. 2. Christians should marry "only in the Lord." On its lower side, marriage is the same to all men, irrespective of creed and character; but the Christian is called to consider the interests of his higher life. He is to enter upon this relationship as CL follower of Christ, and socking therein the glory of God.-B. Vers. 29-31.-The shortness of the time. Very impressive is the apostle's manner in always rising above the mere details of duty to great ruling verities. 'l'hroughout this chapter there is a constant reference from rules to principles, and nowhere is this moro conspicuous than in these verses. I. 'l'HE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF THIS LIFE. 1. " The time is shortened." The apostle seems to have in view the coming of Christ, of which tho troubles of the time appeared to be the harbingers. Any day the "sign of the Son of man" might be seen in tho heavens, so brief was the interval. Long -centuries have rolled away since then, aud  254 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO 'l'HE CORINTHIANS. (en. vu, 1-4.0.