unbelieving are thus benefited by the Gospel, how much more are they who feel its influence on all their conduct and con- versation ! They, knowing that the marriage union is indis- soluble, set themselves to fulfil its duties; and in fulfiUing them, are made truly happy. Behold a Christian family con- ducting themselves after this manner, and then you will see what Christianity has done for an ungodly world.]
2. How studious we should be to adorn its doctrines !
[In nothing is Christianity more seen than in the deport- ment of its votaries in relative and social life. It is easy for men to be on their guard when they are in company, and to demean themselves reverently in the house of God : but it is not easy for persons to be consistent in all their conduct amidst the various occurrences of domestic life. Here the tempers, if not restrained by grace, will break out : the husband will be imperious and harsh ; or the wife will be fretful, querulous, and disobedient. Feeling a confidence that their respective weaknesses will be hid from public view, they shew them to each other without restraint. Beloved brethren, inquire whether this be not the case with you ; and, if it be, learn to mortify these unhallowed tempers. The true way to adorn religion, is to propose to yourselves that image by which the marriage state is represented in the Gospel. It is compared to that union which subsists between the Lord Jesus Christ and his Church. The Church renders unto him all grateful obedience ; whilst he exercises towards it the most self-denying and endearing affection. Thus should the wife be cheerfully obedient to her husband, even as to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, in every thing which is not contrary to the will of God: and the husband should account it his joy to manifest towards her all possible love, never exercising authority over her but with a view to her best interests and her truest happi- ness. Only let this be the pattern for your imitation, and you will never wish for a relaxation of that law whereby you are united to each other in an indissoluble bond. You will rather bless God that he has made the bond so strict ; and you will avail yourselves of your mutual influence to advance in each other your spiritual and eternal interest, that, " as fellow-heirs of the grace of life," you may dwell together in heaven for evermore.]