nfluence of such unholy connections in
the case of Solomon. Although he had been so zealous in the service of
the Lord as to build him a temple--although he had even been inspired to
write portions of the Holy Scriptures--yet his strange wives turned away
his heart, and persuaded him to worship idols. Although we are now under
a different dispensation, yet _principles_ remain the same. The union of
a heathen and a Jew was, as to its effect on a pious mind, substantially
the same as the union of a believer and an unbeliever; and the former
would be no more likely to be drawn away from God by it than the latter.
Hence we find the same principle recognized in the New Testament. The
apostle Paul, speaking of the woman, says, "If her husband be dead, she
is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord." The
phrase _in the Lord_, denotes being a true Christian; as will appear
from other passages where the same form of expression is used. "If any
man be _in Christ_, he is a new creature." It is plainly implied, then,
in this qualifying phrase, that it is unlawful for a Christian to marry
an unbeliever. The same doctrine is also taught by the same apostle in
another place. "Be not ye, therefore, unequally yoked with unbelievers."
In this passage the apostle lays down a general principle; which applies
to all intimate associations with unbelievers. And what connection could
be more intimate than this? I conclude, therefore, that it is contrary
both to reason and Scripture for a Christian to marry an impenitent
sinner. And, in this respect, look not only for an outward profession,
but for evidence of deep-toned and devoted piety. The are many
professors of religion who show very few signs of spiritual life. And
there are doubtless many that make loud professions of religious
experience, who know nothing of the power of godliness. Look for a
person who makes religion the chief concern of his life; who is
determined to live for God, and not for himself. Make this the test.
Worldly-minded professors of religion are worse associates than those
who make no profession. They exert a more withering influence upon the
soul.

2. _Another indispensable requisite is an_ AMIABLE DISPOSITION. Whatever
good qualities a man may possess, if he is selfish, morose, sour,
peevish, fretful, jealous, or passionate, he will make an uncomfortable
companion. Grace may do much towards subduing these unholy tempers; yet,
if they were fostere