here, for the joy set before us. But, when the mind is once brought to live entirely by faith, it is soon, and easily put into such a state of equilibrium, as the Apostle felt, when he said, I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.' When such feelings are enjoyed by both husband and wife, they do sorrow indeed at parting; but there is a pleasure mingled with their sorrow, which it is impossible to express in the language of mortals. The joy of faith and hope is unspeakable, and full of glory., It affords me no little satisfaction, to know that you and your beloved wife are well aware, that the one thing needful is, to be cloathed in the wedding garment, that ye may be prepared to sit down together, at the marriage supper of the Lamb.' While it is your chief concern to be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless at his coming; ye will be happily prepared for the season of separation; and be enabled to submit to it with pleasing resignation. In the mean time, ye will frequently encourage one another, with the prospect of unmixed happiness in a better, world. So will ye be enabled to follow the advice of a certain Poet; although he recommends what is very difficult to observe. • Be satisfy'd and pleas'd with what thou art ; Act cheerfully and well th' allotted part; Enjoy the present hour, be thankful for the past, And neither fear, nor wish, th' approaches of the last." Thus submitting to the will of God, and thankfully acknowledging his favours, all your pleasures will be greatly increased; and all your sorrows, sweetly alleviated, and sanctified; by the delightful hope, of that happy period, when ye shall join the spirits of just men made perfect.' LORD, what are all my sufferings here, With that enraptur'd host to appear, And worship at Thy feet? Give joy or grief, give ease or pain Take life or friends away: But let me find them all again, In that eternal day.' With earnest desires, that the letters I have addressed to you on the marriage state, may be rendered useful to you, and to your beloved wife, and be made subservient to the furtherance of your present happiness, and towards preparing you for eternal felicity, I now conclude, And remain, Mydear Sir, Your truly affectionate Friend, J. O. LATELY PUBLISHED, BY THE SAME AUTHOR, CANDOUR AND CONSISTENCY UNITED; OR Considerations on some Important Duties, connected with the Belief of EVANGELICAL TRUTH. PRICE THREE SHILLINGS. This Work is particularly recommended to the Mem bers of Christian Churches; and to all who desire to be united with the Church of Christ; as containing a variety of important Considerations, worthy of their most serious attention. Theodore Page, Printer, Black Friars Road. |