Part 11
‘A help,’ there is her _fallness_; ‘A meet-help,’ there is her _fitness_. The angels were too much above him; the inferior creatures too much below him; he could not step up to the former, nor could he stoop down to the latter; the one was out of his reach, the other was out of his race; but the woman is a parallel line drawn equal with him. Meet she must be in three things.
1. In the harmony of her disposition. Husband and wife should be like the image in a looking-glass, that answers in all properties to the face that stands before it; or like an echo, that returneth the voice it receiveth. Many marriages are like putting new wine into old bottles. An old man is not a meet-help for a young woman: He that sets a grey head upon green shoulders, hath one foot in the grave and another in the cradle: Yet, how many times do you see the spring of youth wedded to the winter of old age?--A young man is not a meet-help for an old woman; raw flesh is but an ill plaister for rotten bones. He that in his non-age marries another in her dotage, his lust hath one wife in possession, but his love another in reversion.
2. In heraldry of her condition. Some of our European nations are so strict in their junctions, that it is against their laws for the commonality to couple with the gentry. It was well said by one, “If the wife be too much above her husband, she either ruins him by her vast expenses, or reviles him with her base reproaches; if she be too much below her husband, either her former condition makes her too generous, or her present mutation makes her too imperious.”--Marriages are styled matches, yet amongst those many that are married, how few are there that are matched! Husbands and wives are like locks and keys, that rather break than open, except the wards be answerable.
3. In the holiness of her religion. If adultery may seperate a marriage contracted, idolatry may hinder a marriage not perfected. Cattle of divers kinds were not to ingender. 2 Cor. vi. 14. _Be not unequally yoked, &c._ It is dangerous taking her for a wife, who will not take God for a husband. It is not meet that one flesh should be of two spirits. Is there never a tree thou likest in the garden but that which bears forbidden fruit? There are but two channels in which the remaining streams shall run:--1. To those men that want wives, how to choose them. 2. To those women who have husbands, how to use them.
Marriage is the tying of such a knot, that nothing but death can unloose. Common reason suggests so much, that we should be long a-doing that which can but once be done. Where one design hath been graveled in the sands of delay, thousands have been split on the rock of precipitance. Rash adventures yield gain. Opportunities are not like tides, that when one is past, another returns; but yet take heed of flying without your wings; you may breed such agues in your bones, that may shake you to your graves. 1. Let me preserve you from a bad choice. 2. Present you with a good one. To preserve you from a bad choice, take that in three things: 1. Choose not for beauty. 2. Choose not for dowry. 3. Choose not for dignity. He that loves to beauty, buys a picture; he that loves for dowry, makes a purchase; he that leaps for dignity, matches with a multitude at once. The first of these is too blind to be directed; the second too base to be accepted; the third too bold to be respected. 1. Choose not by your eyes. 2. Choose not by your hands. 3. Choose not by your ears.
1. Choose not by your eyes, looking at the beauty of the person. Not but this is lovely in a woman; but that this is not all for which a woman should be beloved. He that had the choice of many faces stamps this character upon them all, _favour is deceitful and beauty is vain_. The sun is more bright in a clear sky, than when the horizon is clouded; but if a woman’s flesh hath more of beauty than her spirit hath of christianity, it is like poison in sweet-meats, most dangerous: “The sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair,” Gen. vi. 2. One would have thought that they should rather have looked for grace in the heart, than for beauty in the face: take care of running at the fairest signs; the swan hath black flesh under her white feathers.
2. Choose not by your hands, for the bounty of the portion. When Cato’s daughter was asked why she did not marry? she thus replied, she could not find the man that loved her person above her portion. Men love curious pictures, but they would have them set in golden frames. Some are so degenerate as to think any good enough, who have but goods enough. Take heed, for sometimes the bag and baggage go together. The person should be a figure, and the portion a cypher, which added to her, advances the sum, but alone signifies nothing. When Themistocles was to marry his daughter, two suitors courted her together, the one rich and a fool, the other wise but poor; and being asked which of the two he had rather his daughter should have? he answered _Mallem virum fine pecuni_: ‘I had rather she should have a man without money, than money without a man.’
3. Choose not by your ears, for the dignity of her parentage. A good old stock may nourish a fruitless branch. There are many children who are not the blessings, but the blemishes of their parents; they are nobly descended, but ignobly minded: Such was Aurelius Antonious, of whom it was said, that he injured his country of nothing, but being the father of such a child. There are many low in their descents, that are high in their deserts; such as the cobler’s son, who became a famous captain; when a great person upbraided the meanness of his original, “My nobility,” said he, “began with me, but thy nobility ends with thee.” Piety is a greater honour than parentage. She is the best gentlewoman that is heir of her own deserts, and not the degenerate offspring of another’s virtue. To present you with a good choice in three things.
1. Choose such a one as will be a subject to your dominion. Take heed of yoking yourselves with untamed heifers.
2. Choose such a one as may sympathize with you in your affliction. Marriage is just like a sea voyage, he that enters into this ship, must look to meet with storms and tempests, 1 Cor. vii. 20. _They that marry shall have trouble in the flesh_. Flesh and trouble are married together, whether we marry or no; now a bitter cup is too much to be drunk by one mouth. A heavy burthen is easily carried by assistance of other shoulders. Husband and wife should neither be proud flesh, nor dead flesh. You are fellow-members, therefore you should have a fellow-feeling. While one stands safe on the shore, pity should be shown to him that is tost on the sea. Sympathy in suffering is like a dry house in a wet day.
3. Choose such a one as may be serviceable to your salvation. A man may think he hath a saint, when he hath a devil; but take heed of a harlot, that is false to thy bed; and of a hypocrite, that is false to thy God.
2. To those women who have husbands, how to use them. In two things.
1. Carry yourselves towards them with obedience. Let their power command you, that their praise may commend you. Though you may have your husband’s heart, yet you should love his will. Till the husband leaves commanding, the wife must never leave obeying. As his injunctions must be lawful, so her subjection must be loyal.
2. With faithfulness. In creation, God made not woman for many men, or many women for one man. Every wife should be to her husband as Eve was to Adam, a whole world of women; and every husband should be to his wife as Adam was to Eve, a whole world of men. When a river is divided into many channels, the main current starves.
To conclude, Good servants are a great blessing; good children a greater blessing; but a good wife is the greatest blessing: And such a help let him seek for her that wants one, let him sigh for her that hath lost one, let him take pleasure in her that enjoys one.
Where there is nothing but a picture of virtue, or a few shadowy qualities that may subsist without any real excellency, death will hide them for ever in the night of despair. The blackness of darkness will close upon the naked and wandering ghost; whilst its loathsome remains are consigned to oblivion and putrefaction in the prison of the grave, with the prospect of a worse doom hereafter. But where there is a living image of true goodness begun in this state, death will deliver it with safety into the finishing hand of eternity, to be produced with every mark of honour in the open view of heaven; where its now mortal partner, rescued from the dishonours of the dust, and brightened into the graces of eternal youth, shall rejoin it in triumph, to suffer the pangs of separation no more. EVERLASTING JEHOVAH! what a crown of joy will it confer on the preacher in that day, if this little service shall be rewarded with the reflection of having contributed to the salvation or improvement of any of these young persons whom he now addresses! If ever thine ear was open to my cry, hear me, O Lord! hear me in their behalf. What cannot thy spirit perform, perform by the weakest hand? May that spirit seal them to the day of redemption. At that glorious period, may I meet you all amongst the redeemed of the Lord, happy to see you shining with immortal splendour in the general assembly and church of the first born, transported to think that I shall live with you for ever, and joining in the gratulations of your fellow-angels around the throne of God, when He shall, in the sight of all, clothe you with the garment of salvation, and cover you with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom is decked with ornaments, and as a bride is adorned with her Jewels. Amen.
LADY FRETFUL,
A SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.
Her general style of conversation runs on the inconveniences to be expected from this or that circumstance, and no one is so ingenious in extracting unsuspected evil from plans of the fairest promise. Is the weather fine, and a walk mentioned--It is hot--it is dusty--the wind is in the east--there was rain in the morning--it will be dirty--or it will rain before we reach home. Is she to go out in the carriage; one road is too long for the horses--another is unpleasant--another unsafe--and, in short, none are exactly right. Yet she goes on these proposed expeditions, after all possibility of pleasure has been reasoned and anticipated away. If she is going out to dinner, she is sure the company will be unpleasant--the servants will get drunk--she shall be robbed, or overturned in coming home. If she is to have a party at home, she knows every thing will go wrong--nobody will be amusing--the time will hang heavy--the people will go away, execrating the stupidity of the visit. If she sees any lady employed about a piece of work, she prognosticates it will be unfashionable before it is finished, she sees any one reading, she never new any good come of reading, but to make young people unfit for conversation. If her husband is going a hunting, she hates hunting, it is so dangerous. If he goes for a ride, she is surprised he can take pleasure in sitting on his horse for hours together. If he is in his library, she never saw such a book-worm. If he sits in the parlour, she hates men always at their wive’s apron strings. Thus does she sour every common occurance of life by the most ingenious optical delusion, looking at every thing in the worst point of view.
What absurdity to imbitter one’s alloted portion of happiness by so obstinately persisting to anticipate inconvenience! Why not be disposed to think fair appearances promise fair conclusions? Why, if the sun shines in the morning, be unwilling to enjoy it then? And, if it rains, why not be always inclined to hope the weather will brighten?
THE
PILGRIM’S PROGRESS,
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME.
GLASGOW; PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS.
The progress of the Pilgrim is here represented by Christian leaving the City of Destruction, in terror and alarm at its fate. He is met by Evangelist, who, directed him to fly from the wrath to come; and keep yonder shining light in his eye, where it should be told him what to do.
Christian had not proceeded far, till he fell into the slough of Despond, and was relieved by one called Help, who set him on his way. He was afterwards beguiled by Worldly-wiseman; but was again put right way by Evangalist.
Christian at length arrived at the gate, upon which was inscribed “knock and it shall be opened.” He knocked and it was opened by one Goodwill, who let him in. Beelzebub as he entered gave him a pull but Christian escaped.
Christian having fairly escaped Beelzebub and his emissaries; was kindly welcomed by Goodwill, and shewed many rare sights by Interpreter: he passed the walls of salvation and came to a cross, where his bundle dropped off.
Christian now being rid of his burden, pushed on more lightly, and took the narrow path up the hill, and struggled hard till he arrived at the arbour, prepared by the Lord of the place for weary pilgrims, where he sat and refreshed himself.
When Christian had got to the top of the hill he met two men running, named Timorous and Mistrust; who said they had been bound for Mount Zion, but meeting with two Lions, they were afraid: Christian passed the Lions, who, being chained, could not hurt him.
When Christian lift up his eyes, he beheld the Palace of Beautiful; and after a few interrogations, was admitted by a damsel called Discretion, who with her two sisters, Piety and Prudence, he held a long conversation.
After leaving these good damsels, Christian passed on his way; and in the middle of the valley of Humiliation, he met with Apollion, with whom he had a bloody struggle; Apollion throwing darts as thick as hail: but at last Christian overcame.
Now at the end of this valley was another called the valley of the shadow of death; in the midst of which he perceived the mouth of hell; from which flame and smoke issued out in such abundance, that he was obliged to put up his sword and betake himself to All-prayer.
Shortly after this he came up with Faithful; with whom he held sweet converse till they came to Vanity Fair. A merchant asking what they would buy, they said the truth; which he took amiss, and raised a hubbub; so that they were both taken up and put in a cage, for public view.
Christian and Faithful were brought before Mr. Hategood, to stand their trial. Envy, Superstition, and Hypocrisy, were brought forward as evidences, who did not fail to tell a partial story; which a partial jury confirmed; and Faithful was condemned to die at the stake.
Faithful was then brought out and suffered at the stake: Thus came he to his end, but there stood behind the multitude a chariot, and horses into which he was taken up and carried through the clouds. Christian escaping went on his way.
Christian soon fell in with Hopeful, another pilgrim, with whom he journeyed; and they having slept in the policies of Doubting Castle, were taken prisoners, by Giant Despair, who treated them harshly: a key found in Christian’s bosom, opened the doors, and they made their escape.
Having escaped from Giant Despair, they soon met with the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. Leaving this country, they came to the enchanted ground, where they fell in with some of the shining inhabitants, of the City.
Christian and Hopeful drawing nigh to the Celistial City, beheld the streets were paved with pure gold, but there was a very deep river through which they must pass the Pilgrims were alarmed and begun to sink; but rose again and were welcomed on the other side by two glorious persons.
Christian’s wife and children wept for him, until a heavenly messenger gave her a letter to follow her husband, and live with him for ever. At first she was overcome, but taking the road with all her children they fell in with Mercy, and went toward the wicket gate.
After they had got safely through the Slough of Despond, they arrived at the gate, where they knocked a long time, till at length the keeper called out “Who’s there,” and opened the gate, and taking Christiana by the hand welcomed them saying “Suffer little children to come unto me.”
With some difficulty Mercy was admitted, and they safely arrived at Interpreter’s house; supper being ready, and thanks given, they partook of a hearty repast; Interpreter asked how she became a pilgrim, she said, it was by the loss of her husband, and a letter from the King of Zion.
In the morning they were much refreshed. Greatheart was sent along with them to guide them on their way. They passed the place where the load fell from Christian’s back; and came to the place where Simple, Sloth, and Presumption were hanging in chains.
They soon arrived at the Hill of Difficulty; Greatheart shewed them the spring where Christian drank; they then begun to ascend the hill, but Christiana began to pant and want rest; but Greatheart encouraged them, telling them they were near the Arbour, where they would find rest.
Being refreshed at the Arbour, and approaching Doubting Castle, Greatheart determined to level it with the ground. He and the giant had a severe fight, but the giant was overcome. They then demolished the Castle, and released many prisoners, where many strange sights were seen.
They still persevered on in their journey by the straight way, and narrow path of pilgrims; occasionally meeting with difficulties and encouragement, till they arrived at the land of Beulah, where the sun shines night and day; and here they betook themselves to rest.
Now while they lay here there was a post came from the Celestial City, with a letter to Christiana: the contents were “Hail good woman! I bring thee good tidings that the master calleth for thee, and expecteth that thou shouldst stand in his presence within these ten days.”
Now the day drew on that Christiana must be gone. So the road was full of people to see her take her journey. So she came forth and entered the river with a beckon of farewell to those that follow her to the river side. The last words she was heard to say, were, “I come, Lord, to be with thee, and bless thee.”
So her children and friends returned to their place; for those that waited for Christiana had carried her out of their sight. So she went and called and entered in at the gate with all the ceremonies of Joy that Christian had done before her.
FINIS.
DIVINE SONGS
FOR
THE USE OF CHILDREN.
BY I. WATTS, D.D.
“Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”
GLASGOW: PUBLISHED BY FRANCIS ORR AND SONS.
1847.
DIVINE SONGS.
I.--_A General Song of Praise to God._
1 How glorious is our heavenly King, who reigns above the sky! How shall a child presume to sing his dreadful Majesty?
2 How great his power is, none can tell, Nor think how large his grace; Not man below, nor saints that dwell on high before his face:
3 Nor angels that stand round the Lord, can search his secret will; But they perform his heavenly word, and sing his praises still.
4 Then let me join this holy train, and my first off’rings bring; The eternal God will not disdain to hear an infant sing.
5 My heart resolves, my tongue obeys, and angels shall rejoice, To hear their mighty Maker’s praise sound from a feeble voice.
II.--_Praise for Creation and Providence._
1 I sing the Almighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
2 I sing the wisdom that ordain’d the sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at his command, and all the stars obey.
3 I sing the goodness of the Lord, that filled the earth with food; He formed the creatures with his word, and then pronounc’d them good.
4 Lord, how many wonders are display’d where’er I turn mine eye! If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
5 There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes thy glories known; And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from thy throne.
6 Creatures (as numerous as they be) are subject to thy care; There’s not a place where we can flee, but God is present there.
7 In heaven he shines with beams of love, with wrath in hell beneath; ’Tis on his earth I stand or move, and ’tis his air I breath.
8 His hand is my perpetual guard, he keeps me with his eye; Why should I then forget the Lord, who is for ever nigh?
III.--_Praise to God for our Redemption._
1 Blest be the wisdom and the power, the justice and the grace, That joined in counsel to restore and save our ruin’d race.
2 Our father ate forbidden fruit, and from his glory fell; And we, his children, thus were brought to death, and near to hell.
3 Blest be the Lord that sent his Son to take our flesh and blood; He for our lives gave up his own, to make our peace with God.
4 He honour’d all his Father’s laws, which we have disobey’d; He bore our sins upon the cross, and our full ransom paid.
5 Behold him rising from the grave; behold him raised on high; He pleads his merits there to save transgressors doom’d to die.
6 There on a glorious throne he reigns and by his power divine, Redeems us from the slavish chains of Satan and of sin.
7 Then shall the Lord to judgment come, and with a sovereign voice Shall call and break up every tomb, while waking saints rejoice.
8 O may I then with joy appear before the Judge’s face; And with the blessed assembly there, sing his redeeming grace!
IV.--_Spiritual and Temporal Mercies._
1 Whene’er I take my walks abroad, how many poor I see! What shall I render to my God for all his gifts to me!
2 Not more than others I deserve, yet God has given me more; For I have food, while others starve, or beg from door to door.
3 How many children in the street half naked I behold! While I am clothed from head to feet, and covered from the cold!
4 While some poor wretches scarce can tell where they may lay their head, I have a house wherein to dwell, and rest upon my bed.
5 While others early learn to swear, and curse, and lie, and steal, Lord, I am taught thy name to fear, and do thy holy will.
6 Are these thy favours day by day, to me above the rest? Then let me love thee more than they and try to serve thee best.
V.--_Praise for Birth and Education in a Christian Land._
1 Great God! to thee my voice I raise, to thee my youngest hours belong; I would begin my hours with praise, till growing years improve the song.
2 ’Tis to thy sov’reign grace I owe that I was born on British ground, Where streams of heavenly mercy flow, and words of sweet salvation sound.
3 I would not change my native land for rich Peru, with all her gold: A nobler prize lies in my hand than East, or Western Indies hold.