allow me to address you freely, especially since I have delivered myself unsparingly to those of my own sex.

First, let me address those who are yet unconnected. It is not improper for you to think of a condition which Nature has ordained us for; and which the scripture pronounces honourable in all. Nor should you revolt from the state because there are husbands who 'cover the altar of God with tears.' All men are not liars. Nor should difficulties discourage you. These are found in every condition: and we are persuaded that the state, if properly entered, is the most happy in this vale of tears. How much of the relish of our comforts is lost in unsocial enjoyment! How much do we need a friend, another self, to alleviate by sharing the cares and griefs of life! How many moments of languor, oppressiveness, and despondency are there, in which the heart beats for attention, sympathy, and kindness! How helpless is a solitary female! how many real dangers surround her; and how are these perils multiplied by solitariness! A single man has a thousand engagements abroad: a

woman, if single, has little diversion from thought, and broods over real and imaginary evils. And how inferior is she reckoned to the female who sustains the character of a wife, and a parent, and is performing her duty to the world, and is the source of usefulness to the community!

But there is nothing reproachful in your present condition, unless you choose to make it so by exemplifying in your temper and conduct the imputations thrown on your state, especially in its advancement. Show that it does not necessarily entail malevolence, envy, scandal, curiosity, spleen, insipid formality, prudery, secrecy, a mystifying of trifles. The character and lives of too many of our sex are such as must prevent any reflection upon you for declining them and your scorning to espouse worthlessness for the sake of any advantage; and your refusing every connexion unapproved by your principles and conscience, as well as affection; will raise you in the estimation of all the wise and good.

Never, therefore, settle it in your minds that you must enter this state; or that marriage is

essential to your usefulness, respectability, and happiness. Refer it to Him who has a right to dispose of us as he pleases; and who knows what is best for us. And in the mean time improve the advantages of your present state. You are free from a thousand anxiousnesses and trials, unfriendly to mental culture and enlarged devotion. She that is unmarried. careth for the things of the Lord, how she may be holy both in body and spirit. But she that is married, careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.' If you have met with disappointment, let these reflections prevent dissatisfaction; and sober your hopes; and make you, when you think of altering your circumstances, to be the more prudent, circumspect and prayerful. Look after good sense, good temper, domestic habits, and, above all, the fear of God. And as, after all your caution and care, it is possible for you to be imposed upon, commit your way unto the Lord, and let integrity and uprightness preserve you while you wait upon him.

Secondly, some of you are found among the bereaved. The guide of your youth, and the

companion of your days, is removed from you ; and your heart within you is often desolate. I am not wishing to open your wounds afresh. You are no longer seen leaning on your beloved but there is another Being who now stands in the most interesting of all relations to you. He is the Husband of the widow.' Be not hasty to leave a condition into which. his hand has led you; but as a widow indeed, continue trusting in God with all your heart; and hold communion with the hour when you shall re-unite with those who are gone before, and are now waiting to receive you into everlasting habitations.

Thirdly, some of you are in a state that admits of our congratulations. You are affianced to those who are sensible of your value; whose inclinations fall in with their duty; who render love for love, confidence for confidence, attention for attention.

But I feel for others. The flattery which once perhaps your ear was too eager to drink in, has ended in disappointment and sorrow; and your eye poureth out tears unto God. Perhaps you were too sanguine in your ex

pectations. Perhaps you looked for more in the relation than reason and scripture have ever promised to afford. Perhaps now, upon the whole, you have but little reason to complain. Every state has its deductions.

But admitting it to be otherwise, allow me to ask, Has there been no blame-worthiness attached to yourselves? Have you done every thing in your power to render yourselves and your religion approved? You know the preacher does not join in the vulgar and unjust reflections cast upon your sex ; but there are temper-flaws unsightly, and there are tongueflaws intolerable. 'Better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. A continual dropping in a rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike.' Are you slatterns? Do you love disorder? Are you idle, tattlers, busy-bodies, wandering from house to house? Are you keepers at home? Do you render your dwelling attractive? Do you make it the asylum of your husband from the toils and troubles of life? Does he find it the scene of accommodation, and peace, and cheerfulness? When abroad,