for whereas the world, with all their learning, did not distinguish the characters of his divine wisdom, in his works, it pleased God to save those who believe, by preaching, which they counted folly.

which none of the rulers of this age understood: for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

but the animal man does not receive the effusions of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him; neither can he understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

but they are all expos'd to the judgment of the spiritual, whilst he himself is not subject to the judgment of any man.

but if the Lord pleases, I will visit you very soon; and then I shall try, not what these boasters can say, but what they can do:

it cannot be. why, don't you perceive, that where there is such an attachment, they are but as one person? for the scripture says, "they two shall be as one."

but if they have not the gift, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to be in pain.

for the unbelieving husband is christianiz'd by the believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is christianiz'd by the believing husband: else were your children heathens: whereas they are christians.

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.

This I say, brethren, because the time is coming, when they who have wives will be as those that have none;

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;

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.

But every one has not this knowledge: for some still imagine the idol represents a deity: and eat the meat under the notion of an offering to such a being: by which erroneous opinion they are infected with idolatry.

don't you know, that they who prepare the sacrifices, do eat of the sacrifice in the temple? and they who wait at the altar, have their portion from the altar?

even so has the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.

every one that strives for the mastery, is extremely temperate: now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.

they all eat the same spiritual meat,

and all drank the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of what flowed from the spiritual rock: and that rock was Christ.)

now these things were examples to deter us from longing after things that are pernicious, as they did.

consider the custom of the Jews by descent, are not they which eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? what say I then?

no, but that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not have you partake of the sacrifices of demons.

thus I endeavour to be acceptable to all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of others, so as they may be saved.

now to particular men the spirit gives particular gifts, that they may be displayed to greater advantage.

but if they were all one member, where would be the body?

so that if one member suffer, they all suffer with it: or if one be honoured, they partake of it.

Social affection will never fail: but as for prophecies, they shall be out of use; as for languages, they shall cease; as for knowledge, it shall vanish away.

And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune?

in the law it is written, " with men of other tongues and other lips, will I speak unto this people: and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord."

when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?

Let your women be silent in your assemblies: for they are not allowed to discourse there; but are to observe orders, as indeed the law implies:

and if they desire to have information about any point, let them consult their husbands at home: for it does not become women to ask questions in the church.

it is by the divine favour that I am what I am: and his favour to me was not in vain; no, I laboured more than they all: yet it was not I, it was the divine favour which assisted me.

but whether I or they labour'd most, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

then they too who died christians, are entirely lost.

but every one in proper order: Christ has the precedence, next they who were Christians shall rise at his advent.

If it be not so, what can they effect who are baptized for the dead? if the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for the dead?

But some will say, how will the dead be raised? with what kind of body will they appear?

as was the terrestrial, such are they also that are terrestrial: and as is the celestial, such also shall they be who are to be celestial.

and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.

I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus are come: for what was wanting on your side, they have supplied.

for they have quieted my mind as well as yours: therefore to such have a regard.