But it will depend in a great measure upon you, my dear Sir, to take care that it shall always be her great pleasure, to make you happy. You must fully convince her, that her endeavours are always sure to succeed: and that whatever was meant to please you, will surely obtain expressions of satisfaction, and approbation; this will not only be to her an abundant reward; but will make it her delight to please you.

The pains you took at first to render yourself agreeable to her, and to gain her confidence, and her affections, must not be diminished. You must not only continue, but if it be possible increase your assiduity, to show yourself worthy of all the confidence that she can pos sibly place in you, and of all the affection, esteem, and reverence, that her duty requires her to exemplify, in all her conduct towards you.

To prevent any diminution of attachment to each other, should therefore be your constant study, and your happiest employ a task not grievous but delightful, when the wheels of duty are actuated by the impulse of love. Under that of love, indeed may be comprised every other duty: without it none can be

performed aright: when under its animating influence, we act with pleasure and celerity; but if this be wanting, the feet move slowly in the paths of obedience; and the best services, if not neglected, are indifferently performed.'

It is said of Jacob, that he served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed but afew days, because of the love he had for her. This is a description of the genuine feelings of human nature. It is not to be supposed that the possession of the beloved object can possibly lessen such an affection. It is however necessary to remember, that love is a tender and delicate passion, which cannot be kept in vigorous exercise, except it be managed with the greatest care.

Young people marry, says the late excellent Mr. Newton, as others study navigation, by the fire side. If they marry unsuitably they can scarcely bring things to rule, but like sailors, they must sail as near the wind as they can. I feel myself like a traveller with his wife, in his chaise and one; if the ground is smooth, and she keeps the right pace, and is willing to deliver the reins when I ask for them, I am always willing to let her drive.'

A thousand circumstances are continually occurring, which give a man an opportunity of indulging some favourite inclination of his wife. Seize on these occasions, my dear Sir, with the utmost attention. Be careful never to let one of them pass, without making some advantage of it, to gratify the feelings of your beloved, and to convince her that she is never out of your mind;-that you are always concerned for her happiness;and that nothing is more delightful to you, than to enjoy the satisfaction of administering to her pleasure. Every thing should be done by the husband, to impress his wife with such feelings as Milton has described in the mother of all living.

My Author and Disposer, what thou bidst-
Unargued I obey; so God ordains;
God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more
Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise.
With thee conversing, I forget all time;
All seasons and their change, all please alike.
Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,
With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sun,
When first on this delightful land he spreads
His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower,
Glist'ning with dew; fragrant the fertile earth
After soft showers; and sweet the coming on
Of grateful evening mild; then silent night,
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon,

And these the gems of heav'n, her starry train:
But neither breath of morn, when she ascends
With charm of earliest birds; nor rising sun
On this delightful land; nor herb, fruit, flower,
Glist'ning with dew; nor fragrance after showers;
Nor grateful evening mild; nor silent night
With this her solemn bird, nor walk by moon,
Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet.'

It depends upon the husband, in a great measure, to keep alive such delightful feelings as these in the bosom of his wife; and all the attention, pains, and care, that he can possibly take, will be rewarded a hundred fold, by the pleasure he will enjoy in communicating so much real felicity to his wife. And she, on her part, must also make it her habitual study, to maintain such dispositions, and to manifest them in such a manner, that her husband may ever enjoy the utmost complacency and delight in her so that wherever he may be, or however employed, he may always find that it is his great pleasure to return home to his beloved wife.

I do not say that it is an easy matter, to maintain these feelings in their full vigour, amidst all the cares and perplexities connected with the charge of bringing up a family; but, I believe, it is very frequently managed so happily by

some married people, that, in general, they are enabled to fulfil the duties, and enjoy the advantages of the married state in such a manner, as to demonstrate that it is the best condition to promote happiness: and that though necessarily imbittered with many troubles, yet that these are light, in comparison of the advantages and pleasures daily realized by both.

But the path of duty is often a path of difficulty; and no man can punctually fulfil the duties of any station without Divine assistance. Hence the necessity of attending to the Apostle's exhortation, to continue in prayer, watching thereunto with all perseverance. In pursuing this plan, my dear Sir, your deficiencies will be happily productive of humility, and lead you to confess before God the powerful influence, and lamentable effects, of depraved passions; and to seek the forgiveness of your sins through the blood of the Atonement. Thus will you find abundant reason to be thankful for the gracious promise, that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head:-and thus the righteousness of the Saviour will become to you a garment of salvation, arrayed in which you will be