suggests various duties of the husband, some of which I will endeavour briefly to enforce.

The first duty is the exercise of an undivided affection and a decided preference toward the wife. Before the union takes place, as a preparatory step, great deliberation and much prayer for divine direction are requisite. On its having been thus formed, the greatest care should be observed through life, to cultivate and encourage an undivided affection for each other. No conversation should be indulged, nor any methods adopted, to create the least suspicion of dissatisfaction or an alienation of heart. And as I am now treating of the duty of the husband, I will observe that the exercise of this decided preference towards his wife, will lead him to value his home at leisure hours; to manifest a kind and an affectionate deportment on all occasions; to put a favourable construction on her failings; to make allowances, and to feel tenderly for her as the weaker vessel; to consult with her on all particular domestic concerns; and never to oppose her advice, or wishes, unless on very substantial grounds. Doubtless such a conduct is implied in the nature of the marriage union, as well as in the plain exhortations of holy scripture. In those sacred pages it is written "Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church.” "Dwell with them according to knowledge,"

"Give honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel." "So ought men to love their wives even as their own bodies."

If such a conduct is required of the husband, what must we think of those men, who are guilty of the most marked neglect of the partners of their joys and sorrows?—What must we think of those, who, on every trifling occasion, are stirring up strife and contention, and spending their vacant time any where but at home?-Nay, what must we think of those who not only can violate the rules of sincere affection; but even openly transgress the laws of chastity and purity? On the consciences of the latter, I must beg leave to urge the inquiry of an apostle"Know ye not that whoremongers, and adulterers, God will judge; and that no unclean person hath any inheritance, in the kingdom of Christ and of God? On the former, I would enforce a close attention to the precepts of holy scripture. A glaring inattention to the wife, and a want of sincere affection towards her, are direct violations of the express commands of God. Such a conduct also effectually prevents that mutual comfort and advantage which might otherwise be enjoyed, frustrates the great end of marriage, and renders life itself a burthen. May these remarks excite in you to whom they are applicable, a suitable conduct to. wards your partners in life!

The next duty of a husband which I shall notice, relates to his influence. The authority of governing is committed to the husbandfor "the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church." While however this passage proves, that the superior influence of governing is committed to the husband, it also shews that such influence is designed for mutual advantage. The government which Christ exercises over his church, is exercised for the express purpose of promoting not only his own glory; but also the real welfare of every individual of his spiritual body. Nothing therefore can be more evident, than that the authority with which the husband is invested ought to be exerted not in a tyrannical or arbitrary manner; but under the direction of that benign and disinterested principle, by which the Redeemer is actuated in the government of his people. Let, then, my brethren, all your commands be regulated by love.-Let every branch of family-discipline be enforced, by mild and reasonable injunctions:-and let all the duties to which you require your wives to attend, always accord with the principles of pure and undefiled religion. Thus will the authority with which you are entrusted, be sanctified to a good purpose; through its influence you will be a blessing to yourselves and to your partners; and the glory of your Father which is in heaven, will be greatly promoted.

But there is too much reason to believe, that this superior authority of the husband is, in many instances, shamefully abused. Alas! how frequently is it turned into tyranny and cruelty? Because the wife is the weaker vessel--because her bodily strength is inferior, her temper more yielding, and her state more dependent, the most brutal dominion has been exercised over her. Has God created for us these help-meets, my friends, that they should receive such treatment at our hands? Were they born for such degradation and sorrow? Oh, learn, ye husbands, to use your influence aright! It is a talent which the Almighty has committed to your trust, for very important purposes. And remember, that shortly you will hear him say-"Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward."

There are other duties to which it becomes the husband to attend: but as they are included in various general branches of domestic conduct, to which your attention will be called, I shall proceed to consider

II. The duty of a father.

The first duty which I shall consider relates to provision. It is evidently a father's duty to provide for his children. And here it should be kept in view, that the wife,

since she is dependent on the husband, is also an object of his maintenance and support. His own voluntary engagements, in conjunction with the unerring pages of the bible, lay him under strong obligations to nourish and provide for his wife, even as the Lord does for the church.

The duty of providing for his children is still more binding. He has been the instrument of bringing them into existence. On his interference in their behalf, humanly speaking, all their comforts depend. Helpless in infancy-thoughtless in childhood and exposed to ensnaring temptations in youth-how exceedingly do they stand in need of the support and guidance of a parent! See then, ye fathers, that ye provide for your families. Feed them with food convenient, and render them as comfortable in their clothing and habitations, as your circumstances will allow. Use also your most prudent endeavours to fit them for suitable situations in life, and to enable them to provide for themselves when they shall have come to years of maturity. Exercise great caution with respect to the morals and the religion of the families under whose care you place them. On no account entrust them into the hands of ungodly and dishonest characters; nor fix them in situations where they will be exposed to peculiar temptations, from the depraved habits of