tempting cup of sin, with great truth and

beauty exclaims:

"The sacred bliss of well-placed love,
Luxuriantly indulge it,

But never tempt the illicit rove
Though nothing should divulge it:

I waive the quantum of the sin,
The hazard of concealing;
But oh! it hardens all within,
And petrifies the feeling."

When I quote a few words from the Bible, on this subject, is it possible any further comment can be necessary ?—“ The Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. did not he make one? Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth."—Mal. ii. 14, 15.

And

Our blessed Lord inculcates purity of thoughts as well as life in reference to this sacred relation ship, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery already with her in his heart."-Matt. v. 27, 28:

and again, at 31 and 32 of the same divine discourse. Consult also 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10; Rev. xxi. 8; Eph. v. 5; Gal. v. 19-21; Prov. vi. 32. On this subject there is "line upon line, and precept upon precept. For those who neglect them there is a fearful looking for of judgment.

CHAPTER V.

ON DOMESTIC HABITS.

A CLEVER writer says, "If a man, after the business and fatigues of the day, could return to his house where his wife was engaged with domestic cares and an attention to her offspring, he must be a monster of savageness and stupidity, if he did not strongly feel the influence of her virtues, and if they did not convey a soft rapture to his heart."

I never knew a man who studied his wife's comfort, in truth I never knew any amiable or domestic man, fond of leaving his own fireside to frequent clubs or taverns; and however a wife may conceal her displeasure, it must be always a matter of pain to her when such is the case. It is such an useless expense, (not to say a word of its sinfulness,) such a worthless waste of time, such a senseless, sottish, gluttonous thing! A man leaves his comfortable fireside, an amiable wife, and smiling babes, perhaps neglects business

of consequence, he does what is contrary to the Word of God and annoying to his wife, throws himself into the way of drinking, gambling, and a variety of temptations, squanders away money which most probably is wanted at home;-and all for what? Just to pass an hour or two with a set of bonricants. And then, with his head inebriated, his pockets lightened, and his heart certainly not benefited by the company he has been in, he comes home: the foundation for discord, at all events for coldness, is laid; for however his wife may have gentleness and good sense enough to avoid clamour and scolding, she certainly cannot feel much love or estimation for a man who seems to care so very little for what is good in itself, or what she likes or dislikes.

But I will not suppose you addicted to drinking. This habit has become such an ungentlemanly vice, that what morality had failed to do, fashion has nearly effected. In respectable life, a drunkard now-a-days is nearly a phenomenon; and happy it is for the female world that such is the case! for the woman who has the misery to be chained to a drunken husband, in the emphatical language of Scripture, has no joy.

The light that has been diffused in reference to the real nature and properties of beverages once thought indispensable, has had the effect of arousing public attention to social (so called) convivial customs. The habits of society have indeed improved-but a yet further improvement must take place before England can rank as a sober nation, and husbands promote domestic happiness.

Much to be condemned, is a married man, constantly rambling and wandering from his home for the purpose of passing away time. I really cannot understand what a husband, a father, and master of a house, can mean by the words "passing away time." Surely if he wants employment, his family, wife, business, or his house and grounds will amply furnish him with it; and if he wishes for society, he will find in his social circle and books, the best society in the world. Such a man may be at a loss for company, but certainly not for society.

There are some men who will sit an entire day with their wives, and a word scarcely escape their lips. The social cup of tea comes on; and instead of enlivening the hour by kind and familiar chat, a pompous "Yes," No," is perhaps all that is uttered by the

or