you; and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.

Exhortation to the parties after Marriage.

Brethren:

It will become you to consider seriously the sacred and important engagement into which you have now entered. Marriage was ordained for the continuance of the human kind; and is the union of one man with one woman for their joint happiness, and for the pious education of children, where God gives them. And by the original appointment of God, confirmed by our Saviour, (Gen. ii. 24. Matt. xix. 4, 5, 6.) this union is to be perpetual, to be dissolved only by death. It was intended by the benevolent Parent of mankind to be a source of the purest satisfactions, to soften the unavoidable cares, and increase the innocent pleasures of life, by affording the opportunity of sharing them with a most intimate friend and partner. By Christians in particular it is to be looked upon as a state of perfect indissoluble friendship, in which you are to carry your regards for each other beyond the grave,

that you may so live in virtue and holiness here, that you may live hereafter in that state, where there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage, but you will be as the angels in heaven.

Study then to correct what is amiss in your respective tempers and dispositions, which may disturb your mutual love and peace, and hinder your progressive virtuous improvements. And be severe censors of yourselves: but exact not too much one from the other; and bear with each other's infirmities for there is nothing perfect here below. None are faultless, but all are to endeavour to become such. Cultivate in yourselves, and in each other, the knowledge and practice of virtue and true religion, as the only foundation of present comfort and future hopes. Study the Scriptures, and the precepts and example of Christ, who alone hath the words of eternal life. And be not extravagant in your expectations from the world; for though it be filled with many innocent joys and pleasures, it is not, nor is intended to be, a place of unmixed prosperity and enjoyment, but a transitory scene of trial and improvement for a better and more enduring

state.

The other great end of marriage is for the well

ordering of families, and right education of children. This is a matter of the highest moment. For families are the nurseries and schools, in which the successive generations of men are to be instructed, and fitted for their different stations and employments in life, to bear their part and burden in it; to be helpful to others, good citizens, useful magistrates, faithful husbands, virtuous wives, patterns of all that is excellent and worthy in every relation. Of a number of families united, nations are composed; and of all of them together, the whole community of mankind. And as these little seminaries are well tutored and governed, or neglected, nations, and the world at large, are happy or otherwise.

Take heed therefore to set an example of piety and virtue yourselves; and then you may with authority require those that belong to you to follow it. Let the God of heaven be acknowledged and worshipped each day in your families. At least let his name and worship not be forgotten in your house, on that day of sacred leisure of his own appointment when first he made mankind, never since repealed. Keep a strict watch over all that depend upon you; and suffer no vice to go unre

proved, or to remain in your house persisted in and unamended. For this would be to encourage it, and put a snare before others. By this domestic care, and godly discipline, you may be a blessing to your family, your neighbours, and country: but, which is above all to be valued and sought for, you will be approved by Almighty God, and rank with prophets and apostles in that future world, where, we are told, they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Dan. xii. 3.

THE THANKSGIVING

OF

WOMEN AFTER CHILD-BIRTH.

The woman, at the usual time after her delivery, kneeling down, the Minister shall say unto her :

FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God of his goodness to give you safe deliverance, and to preserve you in the great danger of childbirth; yon shall therefore give hearty thanks unto God, and say:

Then shall the Minister say,

Psalm CXVI.

I Do love the Lord, &c.

Or, Psalm CXXVII.

EXCEPT the Lord, &c.

Then shall the Minister say,

Let us pray.

OUR FATHER, &c. For thine, &c. Amen.

G