LECTURES ON DOMESTIC DUTIES.

LECTURE I.

Matrimony, its Design and Advantages.

Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord. Prov. 18: 22.

I SHALL employ this text more as a motto, than as a subject of discourse. My main object in this lecture will be to set forth the nature and design of the marriage institution, and to offer such suggestions with regard to it, as I may think proper, leaving it for the hearer to form his own opinions, with reference to it.

It may be thought by some, that this is an improper subject to be treated of in a pulpit, by a professed minister of the gospel; but I must differ in opinion from such. The bare fact, that it is connected with the well being of society, and that a correct view of the subject is inseparably associated with the morals of the community, is sufficient to bring it within the

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jurisdiction of the gospel preacher, who is a public counselor, and a watchman upon the walls of the mental city.

Add to this, the consideration, that no subject of a domestic character is more largely treated of in the sacred volume, than marriage; and that the inspired penmen have thought proper to bestow upon it no small share of their attention, and have given a multitude of precepts for the guidance of the parties; and I am satisfied, that no one will think it improper for me to devote one or two lectures to an investigation of this matter.

To discuss the subject in the pulpit, is the most proper method of bringing it fairly before the public mind. It may be, and it has often been a question which has occasioned spirited debates in Lyceums, and debating clubs; but in listening to a debate, the hearer is liable to be led astray. He hears the arguments on one side; and when he is about to form his judgment, the one who supports the opposite opinion comes forth, and makes his case no less plain and plausible. By eloquence and sophistry, he pulls down the fabric erected by his opponent, and builds his own upon its ruins. who hear, are prone to think, right, or that both are wrong ly become sceptical upon the their opinion is asked, they know not what to say. And because of this, it has occurred to me, that it

Therefore, those either that both are and they consequentsubject — and when

would subserve the cause of truth, to give the subject of matrimony, a cool and deliberate exposition, before a public religious assembly.

Again: By setting forth the claims of Hymen to our serious attention, those who are opposed to it, will have a fair opportunity to examine the ground occupied by its advocates, and an opportunity to give their arguments a full and deliberate investigation. These remarks, I have thought proper to make by way of introduction, for the reasons already given and lest I should be tedious in the exordium, I will come more directly to the subject.

The topic which we are to discuss, is one of unspeakable importance, inasmuch as it involves the happiness or misery of the parties, for life. If it is a good institution, and is rightly appreciated, and entered into with proper motives, views and principles, it must be productive of great felicity; and people should be apprized of this, that they may avail themselves of its benefits. But, if it is a dangerous and unsafe institution if it is a curse to the parties -if it is worse than useless if it cannot be made to subserve the cause of virtue and happiness, but is productive of ruinous consequences to mankind -this should be known, that the young and unsuspecting may be kept from its evils, and saved from the labor of seeking, without success, a space for repentance, when it is too late.

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I am aware, that some married persons are in the

constant habit of speaking against marriage. I say this to their shame. It argues one of two things:

viz: First Either they have been unwise in the choice of a companion, and have made a bad bargain; or secondly - They are extremely selfish, and have found a good which they desire to enjoy as much alone as possible; and, therefore, do not wish others to partake of the same. The imprudence of these people is perfectly obvious and that they lack wisdom, is too palpable to require proof. If they have been unfortunate in their choice, and cannot remedy the evil, they should be as silent as possible, and make the best of a poor bargain.

I am not disposed to deny, that marriage, like every other blessing, can be, and has been abused. I also admit, that there are many unhappy connections in the domestic world. But, these are not occasioned by the institution itself-no - they are the legitimate fruits of a want of judgment, on the part of those, who enter into the solemn relation of husband and wife. And I would further state, that matrimony is productive, either of great happiness, or great misery; and it is for the parties to determine which shall be theirs. If rightly used, it produces the greatest of happiness; but if improperly used, it is productive of the most intense misery. No calamity can be successfully compared with domestic infelicity. For, what are all the honors and riches of the world, if a man is not at peace, when at home?