arrows of pain occasion groans, is
there not an almost equal anguish is the breast of an affectionate
partner? And when the heavy clouds of sorrow gather around at the
anticipated separation of those who had lived in the bonds of
harmony--when the chilly arms of death are held out to clasp him, or
her, who had been used to a more tender embrace, how dreadful is that
period! Is not the woe of separating generally in the same proportion as
the bliss of uniting? And is it not a valuable loan to be paid by a
mighty sacrifice?

Unhappiness may be occasioned by indulging an undue degree of love.
Sentimental bliss is generally followed by sentimental sorrow;
consequently, people may love one another too ardently, so as to make
the thought of parting a source of misery. If two plants grow up
together, imparting to each other shelter and fragrance, it may
contribute to their mutual advantage; but if they become so closely
united as to grow from the same stalk, and depend on the same nutriment,
then take away one, and both will perish. Connubial love should,
therefore, be regulated by reason. Extremes are seldom durable. Violent
love in the marriage state may change to hatred; and an unusual quantity
expended on the husband or wife, may occasion a lesser degree of regard
towards others. It is not an uncommon event for external enemies to
occasion harmony at home; and harmony at home, or the yielding to the
foolish notions of each other, may occasion enemies without. So
difficult is it to act consistently, and to live in peace with all men!
But the Scripture demands it, and we have a long period for studying our
lesson.

In matrimony it is necessary that many things should contribute to a
permanency of enjoyment. A good temper on both sides; property enough to
supply the wants of a family; good health; children--not too many, nor
too few, nor all of one sex; a continuance in each other's society, till
both pass away gradually as the twilight into darkness: but, if chilly
poverty exert its influence; if the husband or the wife be ill-tempered;
if he or she be unfaithful or jealous; if love be followed by hatred; if
one be taken, and the other left in solitude; if children be imperfect
in birth, or habitually sickly, or drop off in early years as unripe
fruit; if sons prove vicious, and daughters bring disgrace on themselves
and their families; if the extravagance of children bring their aged
parents in sorrow to the grave; where,