great sacrifice, then we should look well to the grounds of our
justification in making that sacrifice.

We propose, under the head of "match-making," to consider the part which
parents should take in the marriage of their children; and also the false
and true standards of judgment both for parents and their children, in
making the marriage choice and alliance.

Have parents a right to take any part in the marriage choice and alliance
of their children? Have they a right to interfere in any respect with the
marriage of their children? That they do possess such a right, and are
justified in the exercise of it within just and reasonable limits, is, we
think, undisputed by any one acquainted with the Word of God. It is one of
the cardinal prerogatives and duties of the Christian parent. His relation
to his children invests him with it. The age and inexperience of the child,
on the one hand; and the seductions of the world, on the other; imply it.
Children need counsel and admonition; and this is a needs be for the
interposition of the parent's superior wisdom and greater experience.

This right is plainly exemplified in sacred history. Abraham interfered in
Isaac's selection of a companion. Isaac and Rebecca aided in the choice of
a wife for Jacob. And indeed throughout the patriarchal age, you find this
right recognized and practiced. It was also acknowledged and exercised in
all the subsequent ages of Judaism, in the age of primitive Christianity,
and even down to the present time, in every true Christian household. The
right still exists, and receives the sanction of the church. The great
dereliction of parents now is, that they do not exercise it; and of
children, that they do not recognize it. "A wise son heareth his father's
instructions." "The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey
his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pluck it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it."

What now is the extent, and what are the duties of that right to
interfere? This is a difficult question, and can receive but an imperfect
answer. In infancy the authority of the parent is exercised without any
reference to the will of the child, because reason is not yet developed.
But when he reaches the age of personal accountability, the control of the
parent is exercised on more liberal principles; and when, by age, he
becomes a responsible citizen, the legal authority of the parent ceases.
Still he possesses moral authori