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DOMESTIC HAPPINESS.

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Psalm cxviii. 15.

The voice of rejoicing is in the tabernacles of the righteous.

NOTHING can more usefully engage our attention than Human Nature and Human Life. The proper study of mankind is Man.' His origin and his end; the structure of his body and the powers of his mind; his situation and his connexions; are all capable of yielding us boundless and edifying instruction.

In observing mankind, the private and familiar views of their character are by far the most curious, interesting, and profitable. The greater part of our history is composed of minute and common incidents and little and ordinary things serve more to discover a man, and conduce more to render him useful, than splendid and rare occurrences. Abroad, a man

:

appears cautious; at home, he is unreserved. Abroad, he is artificial; at home, he is real. Abroad, he is serviceable; at home, he is necessary. And of this we may be fully assured, that a man is in truth what he is in his own family; whether vicious or virtuous, tyrannical or mild, miserable or happy.

My brethren, we are going to enter one of those houses, of which David speaks—a tabernacle filled with the voice of rejoicing.'

Domestic felicity is our present subject. Let us consider two things: the IMPORTANCE, and the SOURCE of this happiness.

I. WHAT MAY BE SAID IN COMMENDATION

OF IT.

II. WHAT WILL BE NECESSARY TO THE

POSSESSION OF IT.

O Thou, who hast said, 'It is not good for man to be alone,' 'God of the families of all the earth,' may thy secret be upon our tabernacles. Under the influence of thy providence and grace, may we derive from our unions all the blessedness they are capable of affording : and, to this end, guide and sanctify our meditations.

I. One of the most agreeable scenes we can ever survey upon earth, is a peaceful and happy family where friendship comes in to draw more closely the bonds of nature; where the individuals resemble the human body, and if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, and if one member be honoured, all the members rejoice; where every care is divided, every sorrow diminished, every joy redoubled, by discovery, by sympathy, by communion; where mutual confidence prevails, and advice, consolation, and succour are reciprocally given and received. To such a sight God himself calls our attention. Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Some things are good, but not pleasant; and some things are pleasant, but not good. Here both are combined; and the effect is fragrant as the sacred perfume, and reviving as the influences of Heaven. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the moun

tains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded his blessing, even life forevermore.' Let us establish the IMPORTANCE of domestic happiness, by taking some particular views of its connexions and influence.

And, First, We may consider it in reference to our AVOCATIONS and CARES. These are numerous and diversified, and demand relaxation and relief. Who could endure perpetual drudgery and fatigue? and what so refreshing, so soothing, so satisfying, as the placid joys of home!

See the traveller. Does duty call him for a season to leave his beloved circle? The image of his earthly happiness continues vividly in his remembrance; it quickens him to diligence; it cheers him under difficulties; it makes him hail the hour which sees his purpose accomplished, and his face turned towards home; it communes with him as he journeys; and he hears the promise which causes him to hope, 'Thou shalt know also that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and not sin.' Oh, the joyful re-union of a divided family; the pleasures of

renewed interview and conversation, after days of absence!

Behold the man of science. He drops the labour and painfulness of research, closes his volume, smooths his wrinkled brows, leaves his study, and unbending himself, stoops to the capacities, yields to the wishes, and mingles with the diversions of his children.

And

He will not blush that has a father's heart,
To take in childish play a childish part;

But bends his sturdy back to any toy

That youth takes pleasure in, to please his boy.'

Take the man of trade. him to the toil of business?

What reconciles
What enables

him to endure the fastidiousness and impertinence of customers? What rewards him for so many hours of tedious confinement? Byand-by, the season of intercourse will arrive; he will be embosomed in the caresses of his family; he will behold the desire of his eyes, and the children of his love, for whom he resigns his ease; and in their welfare and smiles. he will find his recompense.

Yonder comes the labourer. He has borne the burden and heat of the day: the descend

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