excite disgust, or render deformity the more observable. 6 3. Your conversation is to be always distinguished by CHASTITY and FEAR,' and these are to be 'COUPLED.' How natural, how necessary the alliance! The apostle deems it needless to descend to the grossness of vice, or actual infractions of the marriage covenant. He would intimate, that where there are no such infamous degradations in your sex, there may be an audacity of countenance, a boldness of look, a levity of discourse, a freedom of manners, a forwardness of behaviour, a challenging, obtrusive, advancing air-very unbecoming the sacred decorum which should appear in all the female character. He therefore requires 'FEAR.' It intends the reverse of every thing seen in too many of our modern females-diffidence, bashfulness; the blushings of reserve; the tremulous retiring of modesty; the sensation which arises from the union of innocency and danger; the carefulness which leads you to avoid the appearance of evil;' the apprehension, that to be suspected is almost as bad as to be guilty; the prudence which keeps you far, very far from the extremities of permission; the vigilance which discerns and announces danger, while yet a great way off; the caution that never suffers the outguards to be called in, or the enemy to approach even near enough to reconnoitre. This, my fair hearers, will diffuse a glory over you, which never fails to charm, and upon all the glory will be a defence. 4. Much depends on the manner in which you adorn yourselves; whether you appear the votaries of vanity; or prize your souls; improve your minds; and govern your tempers. 'Whose ADORNING, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel: but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible; even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.' The sex which rendered clothing necessary, has always been too much disposed to glory in the memorial of our shame. Women have not the same mediums of address with men. They must succeed by means more silent and disguised. Discovery would often frustrate intention. They know their force lies in their beauty, and seize dress as an auxiliary; they increase natural attractions by artificial assistance. Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire ?" Peter knows what is too characteristical in the sex. What he despairs to alter, he labours to improve. Women MUST be fine; WILL be fine. He indulges them; only turning their attention from external decoration to internal accomplishment. Not that he forbids a proper attention to the body. Nothing can be so despicable and disgusting as a slattern; though it has been remarked, that a propensity to it, is often found connected with a love of finery. The body is the work of God; the structure is fearfully and wonderfully made.' It is a part of our nature, but it is the inferior part; and this should regulate the degree of attention. A woman of good sense, will always possess a better standard of dress in her own taste, than is to be derived from any precise rules. She will avoid whatever would appear light ling at her breast; to sit by the cradle of her infant daughter; to view from the window the manly exploits of her boy; or 'Delightful task, to rear the tender thought, 6 Hence, how often do we see the sister, travelling a road, in which her brother refuses to accompany her; and the wife, living under the power of the gospel, while the husband neglects to hear, or hears with indifference! It were indeed to be wished that real Christians would never contract affinity with the irreligious: they are required to marry in the Lord.' The necessity of this law is more than justified, by the discords and miseries in which those involve themselves, who refuse to be governed by it. Therefore no countenance is here given to the practice of being' unequally yoked together with unbelievers.' But a change may be effected subsequent to marriage. The wife may become religious, while the husband remains a stranger, or a foe. Now that which should prevent marriage, is not to dissolve it. The relation continues; and the wife, so far from being absolved from her obligation, is furnished with an additional motive to discharge it. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?' Let it excite all thy concern. The salvation of a soul! the salvation of a husband! of one endeared by so many ties! O lose not each other in the valley of the shadow of death.' Let your friendship survive the desolations of time, and be renewed to infinite advantage beyond the grave. Think, O wife, of the happiness, the honour that awaits you. What is the triumph you have acquired over him by your charms, compared with the victory you will obtain over him by your religion? What pleasure will attend the remainder of your days; now you are of one heart and of one mind:' now you 'take sweet counsel together.' The privileged language of prayer now is, our Father; of every motion made 'to go and seek the Lord of Hosts,' there is a ready acceptance, I will go also.' And what will 'be your joy and crown of rejoicing' in that |