(9) Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, (10) Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. (11) But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; (12) Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. (13) And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. (14) I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (15) For some are already turned aside after Satan. (16) If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
It is worthy remark, what attention the Holy Ghost hath shown to the honorable women, in every age of the Church, whom He had graciously regenerated, and made eminent for services to his household. What blessed characters are given to the Sarahs, and Rebekahs, and Rachels, and Deborahs, and Jaels, and Hannahs of the Old Testament Scripture: and how interesting the Maries, and Elizabeths, and Joannas, and Dorcases; and other holy women of the New? Mothers in Israel are among the excellent in the earth; and are handed down to us with such marks of blessed testimony as show, that their names are written in the book of life, and are enrolled among those of whom the world is not worthy. Hebrews 11:35 to the end.