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This state is as honourable, useful, and blessed as that of marriage. John was the unmarried disciple whom Jesus loved. The family at Bethany of two sisters and a brother was the family that Jesus loved. They had all loveworthy characters even by Him. The advantages of celibacy are threefold —

1. It is a state of larger liberty.

2. It allows more money to give away.

3. It affords more time for direct work for God.The dangers are twofold —

1. For the women; they are liable to become shallow and frivolous, mere butterflies or wasps.

2. For the men; they are liable to become selfish and sensual, mere octopi, grasping all for their own self-indulgence. The one safeguard is to live close to Christ.

(R. A. Norris.)

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KJV: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

WEB: But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,