Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

The touch may be taken by the figure litotes, for intercourse, or in its strictest sense, for the slightest sensual familiarity.

G. P. "fasting and." The ancient manuscripts and versions have not these words, which were probably borrowed from Matt. xvii. 21. The critics have rightly expunged them. Continence is recommended to married persons in times of solemn prayer and public humiliation, such as Lent, as also when their own devotion may prompt them by mutual consent, especially before holy communion. "By consent, saye Grotius, the abstinence might be perpetual, for ' volenti non fit injuria.' And that such abstinence was practised by the early Christians, is plain from the ecclesiastical writers." Bloomfield.

G. P. "him." The four chief manuscripts and the ancient versions have the Vulgate reading. The text supposes that the Christian woman might, from re- ligious motives, be disposed to take active measures to procure a separation.

The children were lawful. " He calls them holy, that is, not unclean." St. Chrysostom.

Distributed His gifts. G. P. " But as God hath distributed to every one, as the Lord hath called." Griesbach and Schott prefer the Vulgate reading, which is conformable to seven of the chief manuscripts, and to several ancient versions.

G. P. "let him do as he will, he sinneth not: let them marry." The girl and her suitor.

The father who devotes his child to God in holy virginity, does better than he who gives her in marriage, because virginity is a more excellent state : but the dispositions and calling of each one must be regarded.