each other most cordially, can the least bear to be warmly contradicted: and frequent disputes, even about trifles, would inevitably introduce an unpleasant feeling between you, which would embitter all your comforts.

When a difference of opinion exists, the woman must be careful never to forget, that she is to submit to her husband, If he should so far in the fear of God. degrade himself on any occasion, as to be capricious in his temper, tyrannical in his claims; or degrading in his authority: while the wife has much reason to complain, yet she cannot dispense with this subjection, without opposing the express will of God, and violating the laws of marriage, to which she has acceded by a voluntary engagement, and promised obedience in a manner the most solemn.'

When cases of this kind happen, they are doubtless very trying; but some women who fear God and study his will, remembering that they are bound to submit, because they were first in the transgression, have the happiness to possess so much self-command as enables them to turn the curse into a blessing, and to derive real honour, from seeming disgrace.

Thus one of our own Poets has described an excellent trait in the character of an amiable wife.

Oh! blest with temper, whose unclouded ray
Can make to-morrow cheerful as to-day!
She who ne'er answers till her husband cools,
Or if she rules him, never shows she rules;
Charms by accepting, by submitting sways;
Yet has her humour most when she obeys."

Where this excellent quality does not exist in the wife, the husband must dwell with her according to knowledge, and show the superiority of his understanding, and the command of his passions, by the exercise of gentleness, compassion, forbearance, and forgiveness. By these means he will soothe and soften her temper, and increase her affection, or at least her esteem and reverence.

The beginning of strife, says Solomon, is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with.'

Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,

As brooks run rivers, rivers run to seas.'

Sufficiently to impress upon the minds of young people, the necessity of guarding against the first, and slightest deficiency, of that tender solicitude to please,

and be pleased, which constituted the great felicity enjoyed in the season of courtship, is a very difficult matter. Bear with me therefore, my dear Sir, while I assure you that if you would be happy in the sacred bonds of wedlock; if you would enjoy all the felicity, that the marriage State was designed to produce; you and your beloved, must be deeply impressed with the convic tion, that it is your indispensible duty, to be increasingly attentive to please and comfort each other. And believe as years and age increase, and the cares and duties of a family come on, you will find additional reason to double your diligence, to prevent giving each other any uneasiness. The purest sensation of mutual love and forbearance must be always maintained between you and your partner: she must be all to you; and you must be every thing to her.

me,

Before I close this part of the subject, I must once more direct your attention to the sacred instructions in the holy book. See 1 Cor. vii. 3-5.

I remain, &c,

P.S. After I had finished this letter, an acquaintance sent me the following lines.

Who the author of them is, or whether they were ever printed, I do not know. The style is rather homely, but the thoughts are so excellent, that I think you will be pleased with them.

"The writer here, in much affection, sends
Some plain advice to his young married friends;
Should you the friendly hint receive, it may
Subserve your interest at a future day.

Your various duties learn, and always move
By rule, and let your actions spring from love.
Yourselves, your tempers, to each other suit,
And rather yield than carry on dispute.

Be emulous for that exalted sense,

Which fears to give, and scorns to take offence.
Should small dispute arise, in patience wait,
A little time may set the matter straight.
If one speak rashly in an angry fit,
The other must be deaf and silent sit.
Never lose sight of what the scriptures say,
The man should rule in love, the wife obey.
Let all dissentions in the closet end,
Nor ever bring them up before a friend.
Your mutual duties study wheh alone,
And when together, prove your hearts are one.
Your neighbours visiting will then perceive,
How diff'rent from the world believers live.
Careful attend God's worship ev'ry day,
Nor suffer trifles to create delay;
Duties perform'd in proper time and place,
Add to religion a superior grace.
Consult each other often,-often pray, ·
What's best to do, or what to give away.

At meals some subjects started might be well,

Of God, or Christ, the Soul, of Heaven, or Hell,

Early to sleep retire, and early rise,
Lest you neglect your morning sacrifice;
Be firm and regular, whate'er it cost,
God's work ill done, will prove but labour lost."
Be frugal, prudent, yet not meanly near,
The christian shew in all you eat and wear.
At home, abroad, keep this in constant view,
Not what you may, but what you ought to do.
Within the compass live, this rule attend,
At first set out, as you would wish to end.
If children be your portion thankful be;
They may be blessings for eternity.

Be tender, not indulgent, use the rod :

Yet curb with reason, thus you're taught of God.
If sickness seem to call them, don't refuse,
What most we give to God, we best may use.
As friends to Jesus show the steady friend,
To souls and bodies your assistance lend :
Be such throughout the piece, as shall constrain
The world to say, your faith is not in vain.-
May God, who first the bond connubial tied,
With provident al blessings crown, and guide
Your future steps, and with supplies of grace,
Your Souls, your Bodies, and your Offspring bless."

LETTER IV.

The Advantages of the Marriage State.

MY DEAR SIR,

November 6, 1812.

Philosophers tell us that a body

at rest will rest for ever; except a suf