THE MUTUAL DUTIES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES: A DISCOURSE, OCCASIONED BY THE MARRIAGE OF R...... S......, ESQ., OF M...... PREACHED IN ARGYLE-CHAPEL, BATH, AUGUST 16, 1801. It may be asked, Why is this Discourse published? The Author has never been afraid to preach on moral subjects. He despises the charge of Legality, and exceedingly dislikes the exclusive application of the term Evangelical, to doctrinal preaching. He has also been accustomed to seize events, and circumstances, as they arise, to enliven attention, and diversify public instruction. His much esteemed Friend, whose name he has been compelled to suppress in the title-page, having engaged to worship in his congregation, on the Sabbath previous to his espousals with an amiable young Female who had resided some months in the Author's family-he resolved to select a portion of scripture suitable to the occasion. The occasion was particular, but the subject was general; he therefore enlarged, and delivered the following Discourse. The same day he received a pressing solicitation from his friend to publish; soon after arrived a request, signed by a number of his people, in the name of the rest. The Author respects their judgment, and owes much to their kindness and esteem. The peculiar delicacy and elegance with which these applications are drawn up, would induce him to expose them at length, did not their flattering relation to himself forbid. It is hoped the Discourse will appear impartial; it was delivered without fear, and without flattery. Long as the Discourse will be found, it was all spoken; the Preacher desiring the audience to exercise a little more patience than usual. He chose to address both at the same time, rather than reserve the duties of either husband or wife to another opportunity. As the Author always preaches without notes, and had written only a general sketch of the subject, some few words and phrases may differ from those delivered in the pulpit; but the sense is completely, and the language nearly the same. Had the Discourse been designed for publication, or studied free from some peculiar interruptions and engagements, it might have been less unworthy of perusal. Bath, August 24, 1801. DISCOURSE. 1 Peter iii. 1-7. Likewise, ye wines, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may, without the word, be won by the conversation of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 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. For after this manner, in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. THE Governor of the universe is perpetually varying and determining our duties, by the dispensations of his providence, the conditions in which he fixes us, and the connexions he leads us to form. Thus the whole scripture is examined in succession, and every truth of the gospel obtains an application appropriate and impressive. demned for the faults of his wife: thus in the Protestant churches of Hungary, they degrade a pastor, whose wife indulges herself in cards, dancing, or any other public amusement that bespeaks the gaiety of a lover of the world, rather than the gravity of a Christian matron. This severity springs from the supposition, that the woman, having promised obedience to her husband, can do nothing but what he either directs or approves. Hence they conclude that example having a greater influence than precept, the wife of a minister, if she be inclined to the world, will preach worldly compliance with more success by her conduct, than her husband can preach worldly renunciation by the most solemn discourses.' And certainly the scandal of many will always be the result of that deplorable inconsistency, which is sometimes seen between the serious instructions of a godly minister, and the trifling behaviour of a woman with whom he is so intimately connected. If the wives of the deacons are to be 'grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things,' what less can be required of the wives of pastors? A bishop then must be blameless; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God!' Things said indeed concerning the wives of ministers should generally be received with caution. Owing to a line in life, the peculiarity of which is often very little known or considered, their actions and motives may be sometimes condemned, when perhaps, instead of deserving censure, they merit praise., By their union with persons of some distinction and influence, they are in a state to awaken envy, and ill-natured remark. By their occupying a conspicuous station, they are more liable to observation than many in more common life. This renders it needful for them to be peculiarly circumspect and exemplary. And it must be confessed that such females are placed in a situation very difficult and trying. But at the same time, if this situation be filled up properly, they have an opportunity to render themselves truly respectable and useful. In a superior degree, they may 'serve |