Thoughts on Marriage; Illustrating the Principles and Obligations of the Marriage Relation

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833 edition. Excerpt: ... Thoughts on marriage William Jay ADVERTISEMENT. We, the ministers of the Wiltshire Association, assembled together at Melksham this day, October 22, 1806 -- deploring the little regard of late years paid by too many professors of religion, to the Christian rule of marriage; and deeming it desirable that the attention of the public in general, and our own churches in particular, should be called to this subject, do unanimously request the Rev. Wm. Jay to publish some strictures upon it; and the more so, as he has already set forth a Sermon on the Duties of Husbands and Wives, which has met with great acceptance. Signed On behalf of the Association, George Mattel, Chairman. ESSAY ON MARRIAGE. CHAPTER I. THE PECULIARITY AND IMPORTANCE OF THE MARRIAGE RELATION....THE POSSIBILITY OF KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD IN THIS. AFFAIR....THE LAW LAID DOWN. How wonderful is it, that two persons, who perhaps never met before, should by a train of circumstances be brought together, obtain a peculiar propriety in each other, and form one absolute communion of wishes, joys and sorrows! If we compare this relation with other connexions, we shall find it surpasses them all. Are other unions optional? They may be limited in their continuance, or terminated at pleasure. But this is permanent, and indissoluble. You cannot marry for a given period. It is for life. Are other unions natural? Intimate indeed is the relation between brother and sister: tender is the relation between parents and children, especially between the mother and 'the son of her womb/ 'But for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.'