ination; and that the family they constitute
worship in one church. Still, the circumstance of their adherence to
different sects should not alone prevent their connection. They should
hope to unite in their views on the main doctrines of religion; but even
this is not indispensable to a true marriage. One thing, however, is so;
and that is, that they each possess _the spirit of Charity_.

There must be sympathy, as respects the value and necessity of personal
piety. It is not their belief alone, which can produce this; nor will a
diversity of opinion prevent it, where the spirit of Christ exists
mutually between them. We are told that, where husband and wife enter
into a cordial union, there often becomes a growing personal resemblance
of one to the other. Like views, tastes, feelings and interests,
generate a similar expression of countenance. This blessed token of
genuine affection, will often be manifested, where there is found a
spiritual sympathy. Let this holy temper be deemed essential, and you
shall

"Learn, by a mortal yearning, to ascend
Towards a higher object.--Love was given,
Encouraged, sanctioned, chiefly for that end."

I have in mind, an instance, where there seems great unity of spirit
between two, whose religious opinions are supposed to be diametrically
opposite. Who can tell but, by her singular charity, the wife is there
sanctifying her husband, when had she exhibited toward him a bigoted and
repulsive disposition, she might have driven him even to blank
infidelity?

Let there be a full and frank expression of opinion on points of faith
and conscience, before marriage, as well as after. Occasion is sometimes
given for the complaint that the true feelings and intentions on this
subject were concealed, during the engagement of the parties; or, that
more charity was expressed then, than afterward. This, of all prospects,
is most assuredly fatal to the hope of a happy marriage. Whatever
difference may exist, as to preferences of doctrine, or places of
worship, let them be explicitly communicated, before marriage. Then will
it never be said, "This I did not expect. It was not so, during our
engagement."

The young woman may justly require that her future companion be a man
of Intelligence. "Mental attractions alone can gain a lasting empire.
Where these are wanting, as the object loses its novelty, and becomes
common, its beauties fade away, and the imagination, and the eyes
which co