THE MARRIAGE RING: OR HOW TO MAKE HOME HAPPY. FROM THE WRITINGS OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES. "Pure, open, prosperous love, That, pledged on earth and sealed above, TWELFTH THOUSAND. BOSTON: GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN. HARVARD COLLEGE Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1843, BY GOULD, KENDALL, AND LINCOLN, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. PREFACE. THIS little volume, intended as a manual for those just entering the marriage state, is selected, principally, from the works of an author beloved and esteemed for his many practical writings, and who has very justly remarked: "It is an unquestionable truth, that if a man be not happy at home, he cannot be happy anywhere; and he who is happy there need be miserable nowhere. 'It is the place of all the world I love most,' said the interesting author of the Task, when speaking of home. And he may be felicitated who can say the same. Any attempt, however feeble, to render the domestic circle, what it ever should be, a scene of comfort, is at least benevolent. The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible, and is carried in the bosom of Religion. The author knows of no other way to felicity, and therefore does not profess to teach any other. Let the two parties in wedded life, be believers in Christ Jesus, and partake themselves of the peace that passeth understanding; let them, when they become a father and a mother, bring up their children in the fear of God; and if happiness is to be found upon earth, it will be enjoyed within the hallowed circle of a family, thus united by love, and sanctified by grace." Most of the works published on this subject, have been of a light and trifling character, but the compiler of this volume, has aimed to present such a work, as might be deemed a suitable offering from the hand of a Pastor, or Christian Friend. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. THE FORMATION OF THE MARRIAGE UNION. Importance of this step,-ill-formed marriages,- CHAPTER II. THE FAMILY CIRCLE. 7 Sources of domestic happiness,-the domestic con- |