all gave proof of having heard her with the deepest impression. Of the scene which followed no description shall be attempted, it being impossible for me to represent it justly; this was her giving a parting charge to her children. The anguish endured on this occasion was unquestionably great; yet let it be remembered, that although the survivors of Theodosia suffered much in being obliged to separate from her, the supports of Christianity were felt. They knew that there was a possibility of their meeting again; and they derived comfort from what they had been taught, namely, that a far more happy interview awaited them, if they followed her, "who, through faith and patience, inherited the promises." These are the felicities of married life, where Christian piety is combined with natural attachment. In such instances we see something of Eden restored. How 74 ADVICE TO A MARRIED COUPLE. great and how lovely the contrast to the wretched family of an irreligious pair, 18 that where the members live together in peace and love, delighting in God, and in the society of each other; worshipping his name, regarding his word, attending regularly on his ordinances, discharging their several duties, bearing each other's burdens, and, when death makes a separation, quitting each other in the hope of being reunited in a better world, never to know a parting there. Such was the family of Evander and Theodosia. Like them, may you rule your house in the fear of God! Thus will you be "lovely and pleasant in your lives, and in death not divided." Thus will you be happy in yourselves, comforts to each other, patterns to your neighbors, and witnesses of the excellency of that holy estate, in which the hands of the first human pair were joined by their Creator. ADVICE ΤΟ Δ NEW-MARRIED COUPLE. MY DEAR COUSIN, YELLING, January 23, 1777. 1 REGRET the loss we had in not seeing you in your way to town; not merely as the visit would have given us so much pleasure, but as I should have had an opportunity of talking very fully upon a subject of the first importance, and on which I can write but very imperfectly—I mean, your settlement in life. The whole family |