ted the attention of the young of both sexes; and this consideration induced me to prepare the first two lectures. This I did, in the belief, that it is of the first importance, that young and old, should possess correct views respecting the ordinance of marriage particularly of early marriages.

My reasons for preparing lectures fourth, fifth, and sixth, are given in the lectures and to them I must therefore refer the reader.

The seventh and eighth lectures, do not belong to the course. They are appended for this reason; viz: The publisher had made preparations to print a volume containing the number of pages, of the one the reader now holds in his hand. But, the six lectures failed to make the number of pages intended-therefore, at his earnest request, I appended two sermons, which were never intended to come before the public, except when delivered by their anthor. The reader will make all proper allowance for the looseness of style in which they appear, as they were not rewritten, but printed as they were first prepared.

The lecture to husbands and wives, being the third of the course, was suggested by an incident that fell under my own observation. And being persuaded that I cannot close this introduction in a more acceptable manner, I will set before the reader the following items, which will serve to show the importance of heeding the advice, which I have ta

ken the liberty to offer, to husbands and wives. In the following account, I shall suppress names of the parties, and also the name of the town in which they resided. And I publish this, not without their consent.

I had solemnized the marriage of two interesting persons in the town ofTwo weeks after I had united them in the bonds of hymen, I called to visit them, agreeably to the invitation extended to me on the night of their wedding. I knocked at the door but was not heard. I heard the voices of the husband and wife, and fearing there was some serious affair within doors, I opened the outside door, and heard the parties disputing at the top of their voices. Thinking it would be well to hear the dispute, and then admininister some advice, I remained for a time in the entry, and heard with great impatience, and sorrow of heart, the following dialogue. The reader may imagine how much love and music there was in it, when he has finished the story.

What they said before I came, I know not- but the first words I could understand, were these:

HUSBAND. I think the wife should be submissive in every thing. She should have no voice in any thing that is done out doors, and should strive at all times to make her husband happy. For what in the world is the use of having a wife, if one cannot do as he pleases with her.

WIFE. You talk very strangely, my dear. You seem to forget that a wife has any thing to expect from the hands of her husband. to engage in, or dictate you

Now, I do not wish respecting your busi

ness; but I should think you might tell me some things, and gratify me once in a while, as well as to seek for your own gratification always.

HUSBAND. You talk like a fool. Just as though I am going to tell you all my business. The next thing I should know, you would be down to the store dictating my clerk. And soon you would take it into your head, that you could do the business better than myself, and away you would start for New York, to make, or engage in, extensive speculations. And think you that I would snbmit to that? No. I had rather die than do it! [Walks across the room in rage.]

WIFE. Don't be so passionate, my love. You do me great injustice. I do not wish to dictate you in one single instance. I do not wish to meddle with your business concerns. But at the same time, you would increase my happiness, and your own too, if you would make me your confidant. You know that I never deceived you. I have forsaken all for you, and it seems hard that I must be treated as a slave, and not know half so much about the true condition of my husband's affairs, as I used to know concerning my father's.

HUSBAND. I should make no objection to tell you

all my business, if that would be all. But that would not be the end of it. I know very well how it is with you women. As soon as you are gratified in one thing, you go one step further, and there is no stop, until you have gained a complete mastery; and then, farewell, a long farewell to liberty. I mean to prevent such a dilemma, by keeping you as you ought to be, ignorant of the things which don't concern you. And I'll tell you what it is, wife, you mind your own business, and let me alone, and

I will attend to mine.

WIFE. [Sobbing.] You are cruel. I wish I had not married you. I had rather die than live. I am no better circumstanced than Betsey, the servant girl. She knows full as much about what you are going to do, and more, than myself. I wish you would think of what the Rev. Mr. S said when we were married. He said you must love me as you love yourself, and be not bitter against methat you must make me a confidant; not treat me as a superior, nor as an inferior, but as an equal; as a companion.

HUSBAND. Yes, and I wish you would think of what he said to you · - viz: that you should obey me. Yes. OBEY, I warrant you will forget that part of his direction. Besides the apostle says obey your own husbands' and again

' Wives

' Wives

submit yourselves to your own husbands, for this is well pleasing unto God.' Now, by disobeying me,

you not only make me displeased, but you also excite the displeasure of God. For no logic can be plainer than this-If it is well pleasing unto God, for the wife to obey her husband, it must be displeasing to him for her to disobey him.

WIFE. You talk as though the Almighty is as excitable as yourself. I wish Rev. Mr. Swas here. You would be ashamed to talk to me before him, as you have now been talking.

How much longer this conversation would have continued, had not my opening the door interrupted them, I cannot say. But my feelings were wrought up to such a pitch by what I heard, that I could listen no longer. Therefore I opened the door, and entered the room, much to their confusion. The husband was the first to address me in these words: HUSBAND. Good evening, Mr. S. I am glad to see you.

WIFE. Good evening.

To carry on the dialogue on paper, as it took place in the parlor, I must now speak in the third person. And the remarks I then offered, will be stated under the name of minister.

MINISTER. Good evening, my young friends. I am glad to see you. I have been thinking of calling for several days, but a variety of engagements prevented. Well, how are you pleased with the married life?

WIFE. I like it as well as I can.