SERMON XI.

ST. MATTHEW xix, 5, 6.

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

PROPOSE in this discourse to consider the

duties of married persons, to each other, and to their children, according to what we learn on these subjects from the Holy Scriptures.

In these particular situations of life, we cannot gain instruction from the example of our Saviour, as he did not appear to us in the character of a husband or a father; but in the words of my text he expresses, in the strongest manner possible, his approbation of the sacred engagement of

marriage; and his apostles particularly explain the duties which belong to it. St. Paul says, Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the LORD. Husbands love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave himself for it."* St. Peter, who was himself a married man, directs the wife to be in subjection to the husband, and the husband to dwell with the wife, giving honour to her as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; and St. John, in the Book of Revelation, sets the dignity of marriage in the strongest light, when he speaks of the union of CHRIST and his church under that title. It is indeed the glory of the Christian Religion, that while it checks every approach to vice, and condemns even a thought that is impure, it sanctifies all the virtuous affections of our nature; it connects every relation of life with our duty to God; it bids us perform, for his sake, all those kind offices which even natural affection would lead us to perform for our own; while it sweetens the enjoyments, and lessens the sorrows of love and friendship, by the hope which it gives of an eternal union with those who were most dear to Ephes. v. 22, 25.

us on earth, in the presence of our Father who is in heaven.

To the sacred institution of marriage we owe the greatest blessings which this imperfect state affords, and to it we owe many of the virtues which will lead us to heaven. It was not good for man to be alone even in Paradise, and therefore our gracious GOD formed an help meet for him. This world affords no happiness equal to that of two pious and virtuous minds, united for ever by the sacred vow which they made in the presence of GOD, as well as by faithful and pure love; constantly endeavouring to make each other happy in this life, and joining in the practice of those duties which lead to still greater happiness in the next. Every act of kindness is then as much their pleasure, as it is their duty. Every word or action which contributes to the happiness of the object of their love, returns Their with interest into their own bosom. tempers regulated, and their conduct secured, by religion; no quarrels, no jealousies, will disturb their peace. Their interest being for ever united, their greatest pleasure is to assist each other. With what delight will the husband labour for the object of his love, sure to be re

Sur

warded by seeing her happy! With what delight will she prepare his cheerful fire and comfortable meal; and meet him with smiles of duty and affection! If he be sick, she is his nurse; if he be distressed, she is his comforter. rounded by smiling, healthy, happy children, with what transport will they unite in forming their infant minds to piety and virtue! If they live together to a good old age, from such children they may expect support and comfort; and even when the hour of trial comes, and death calls the husband from the wife, or the wife from her husband; through all the anguish of that dreadful moment, they will still hear a voice which tells them not to sorrow as those who have no hope, and they will look forward to an eternal union in a happier world.

Such should be the happiness of the marriage state, but I am very sorry to say that it is not often thus; and I will endeavour to point out the faults which prevent it. In the first place, if we expect happiness in marriage, we must be careful in our choice. Be not guided by the eye, by the fancy of a moment; but enquire in to the real character of the person with whom you are to pass your life. Has she been edu

cated by virtuous parents, or has she by any other means been well instructed? Has she been accustomed to honest industry and frugality? Has she been free from vice, and does she dislike the company of bad people? Is she respected and beloved by those who are good; and above all, has she a just sense of her duty towards GOD? These are points upon which every prudent person, whether man or woman, would wish to be satisfied, before an engagement is formed which only death can dissolve. When that engagement is to be made, let each of the parties reflect on the solemn nature of it. In the awful presence of GOD, they are to make a vow which binds them to the end of life. no man, let no woman, dare to make that vow, without a firm resolution to perform it. That vow is recorded in Heaven, and the performance of it will be required at the judgment-seat of God. Secondly, do not expect too much from each other. We are all poor, weak, sinful creatures, and require that indulgence from our friends, which we all hope from our Creator. We are too apt to expect that the object of our love is to be without faults, and we are out of humour when we are disappointed; but we should not

Let