The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-11
MERITS OF MATRIMONY.
A POPULAR AND TIMELY THEME
sKILLFULLY DIsCoURsED UPON.
The Rev. DR.. Ingram's Advice Upon the
Propositions, "When to Marry, Whom
to Marry, and How to Live Altar Mar
characterization Church Crowded.

with all its spacious capacity, was unequal
to the demands upon il for accommodation
last night.
The pastor, the Rev. DR.. J. w. Ingram,
had, for reasons set forth in the outset of
his discourse, chosen theme near and
dear to the hearts Of tho public, without
regard TO age, social condition, or habits OF
life, and the response was overwhelming.
Unlike the majority Of ministers, DIR.
Ingram believes in the wonderful efficacy
OF music as an aid TO the pastor, and gives
the large and well drilled choir OF the
church scope for many OF its best efforts
Last night the regular choir was reinforced
by Miss Matte Lou Brown, Of Huntsville,
Ala, now visiting the family OF Mr.. w. A.
McNeely. The young lady possesses a
contralto voice OF marvellous depth, sweet
ness and cultivation, and her rendition of
"Oh, All Ye Heavy Laden, Come Unto
Me, " thrilled every heart in the vast au-
dence.
The following synopsis Of DR.. Migrants
discourse, IL must be borne in mind Is only
a synopsis, and teeming with wisdom and
powerful appeal to the higher, nobler ma
lures OF men and women though it does IL
fails TO reveal the beautiful illustrations
and lofty flights OF oratory which charac-
terize the eloquent divine's pulpit efforts:
WHEN TO MARRY.
have no excuses TO offer for selecting
this as q pulpit theme know my mo-
tive in doing so, and am Herewith con-
tent. find when / touch a popular chord
| never fail TO get a satisfactory response.
/ prefer to talk 10 intelligent men and
women on marriage, than TO empty pews
on depravity, election, Generalization, or
any other topic. When the great Master
had before him the poor, the sorrowing,
the afflicted, the humble, he did not
preach either doctrine or dogma, but pro-
nounced such blessings upon them as
would afford them the relief needed.
II would be difficult to find a subject in
which more universal interest Is taken,
or one that is OF more practical importance.
| The sacred altar Of marriage is the turning
point In vast multitude OF lives. Many
pass through this holy archway to their
| destiny for time and eternity. II ! were
asked TO frame three questions OF gravest
| interest TO man, outside OF purely religi-
Gus topics, | would name the trinity OF
/ questions we are TO consider this hour:
When to marry, who TO marry, and how
TO live after marriage?
These are questions OF veal or woe. OF
success or failure, or Joy or sorow-ques-
tons Of duty and Of destiny.
IL is q lamentable fact that large num-
bers OF both men and women do not give
as much thought, as much reason or iudg-
ment to marriage rs 10 the purchase OF a
mule. And such people do not give their
companions the attention after marriage
that mule should have.
In raising the question, when 10 marry?
i have not the thought OF time or age in
mind. As 10 that, ! suppose any age from
sixteen to nine hundred and sixty-nine
years. Some are old maids at fourteen,
while others are young at eighty.
Our question relates 10 reciprocity, fit
ness, development, environment. habits.
tastes, etc. For example, no young lady
or young gentleman should enter
into marriage engagements during
school days, and for the best
OF reasons. They are not suili-
GENTLY developed mentally and morally to
! know how 10 make wise choice. IL Is a
most fatal notion 10 suppose that reason
aud wisdom are TO be flung 10 the winds
when II comes TO choosing companion for
life.
No young man should marry until be is
old enough and sufficiently cultivated to
know hlmself-to know his habits aud
tastes, as well ms his powers and capabli.
ties. That which satisfies the youth oi
eighteen or twenty might disgust the ma.
turcd, educated ndrcined man OF twenty
five. Without doubt more divorces have
their roots reaching back to the verdani
period Of red lemonade and dime circuses
than any other.
An idiot Is a Webster compared 10 the
lad and lassie when together they sip their
first glass OF red lemonade.
hut no Young man should make choice
OF wife until he has selected his probes.
sion or calling. II he decides 10 be l6aicI
and spend his time on the corners OF the
streets spinning vulgar yarns and chewing
poor tobacco, while his wife Il supporting
him by taking In washing, he must select
his slave with that Infamous purpose III
view; muscle must be her chief attraction.
Or, II he decides 10 run n ha.hhouse,
and have his wife furnish the hash while
he dovours Il, a cook is what he needs.
The farmer should not select his VIII,
from the fashionable -pciely OF the city.
A young lady VII 'rg'hi mako an cx
ccllent wife for laeYcf might BE- a con
slant thorn In the side OF physician. II
might not be wise for minister 10 choos,
wife from the palace Of wealth or from
the world Of social pleasure.
lam slghtlyacquaintod with alady who
| think supposed from the airs hel
lover put on that she was marrying
millionaire, and when she learned in aitci
years that she had 30 spend her days a,
preachers vile a divorce suit nigh
have resulted II the requisite S25 could
have been raised
Again, no youag man should take 4
himself wife until he can raise money
enough 20 pay for the liccnse--pay ia,
officiating clergyman and have enough
left 60 get a paper OF chewing gum.
One OF the mcanest things eycrdid wa
10 marry poor girl 10 a young fool VIII,
had borrowed money Of me 10 got IN,
license and engaged me 10 marry him OF
tickl A minister that would do such I
thing should be imprisoned for life Of
during good behavior.
But seriously, the Gaze should be IL
readiness for the bird. ~ q rule. A littl'
homo and n little money will have vas
influence over little wife. Besides, /
will contribute TO the happiness Of th'
husband 10 have home Tor the younI
woman he bears away from the home o
her childhood.
WHOM TO MARRY
Is question Of no mean Importance
Here again solf-knowledge will serve
good purpose. study yourself; know an'
fully recognize your faults aud your yir
tues. 30 sure OF your likes aud dislikes
Marry some one near your agc--som'