the troubled waters of society, causing too many of the little fish to
float after them, until they land themselves in the deep and muddy waters
of domestic ruin.

SECTION III.

TRUE TESTS IN THE SELECTION OF A COMPANION FOR LIFE.

Having considered some of the false standards of judgment in the choice of
a companion for life, we now revert to those true tests which are given us
in the Word of God. There we have the institution and true idea of
marriage, and the principles upon which we should proceed in making the
marriage choice.

We are taught in the holy scriptures, the primary importance of judicious
views of the nature and responsibilities of the marriage institution
itself. We should apprehend it, not from its mere worldly standpoint, not
as a simple legal alliance, not only as a scheme for temporal welfare and
happiness, but as a divine institute, a religious alliance, involving
moral responsibilities, and momentous consequences for eternity as well as
for time, for soul as well as for body. We are commanded to look to its
religious elements and duties; and to regard it with that solemnity of
feeling which it truly demands. When the light of the bridal day throws
upon the cheek its brightest colors, even then we should rejoice with
trembling, and our joy and festivity should be only in the Lord.

"Joy, serious and sublime,
Such as doth nerve the energies of prayer,
Should swell the bosom, when a maiden's hand,
Filled with life's dewy flowerets, girdeth on
That harness which the ministry of death
Alone unlooseth, but whose fearful power
May stamp the sentence of eternity."

In the days of our forefathers, marriage was thus held sacred, as a divine
institution, involving moral and religious duties and responsibilities; and
their celebration of it was, therefore, a religious one. They realized its
momentous import, and its bearing upon their future welfare. It was not,
therefore, without heavings of deep moral emotion and the flow of tears as
well as of joyful spirits, that they put the wedding garment on.

"There are smiles and tears in that gathering band,
Where the heart is pledged with the trembling hand
What trying thoughts in the bosom swell,
As the bride bids parents and home farewell!
Kneel down by the side of the tearful fair,
And strengthen the perilous hour with prayer!"

True love in each, and reciprocated by each, must determine the marriage