The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1891-12-14
NEWLY Welded PEOPLE
An interesting Sermon by DR.. j. A.
Fullerton Yesterday.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE.
The Increasing Frequency of Divorce.
The Marriage State IInllowcd by
Prnycr-- Testimony Quoted From
Well Known Authors.

DR.. j. A. Fullerton, pastor Of the
Thomson NJ. L, church, on the Island,
delivered last night the second OF n
series OF crmons on home and home
life. This chain OF sermons has evoked
considerable interest, which was made
manifest last night by the gathering OF
an immense audience. Yesterdays nd.
dress was entitled: "Bcforc and after
marriage, or tho newly welded couple"
DR.. Fullerton took for his text Mark
x,O: "What God hath joined together,
let not man put asundcr." Tho follow.
ing is an Outline OF tho sermon without
the richly copious and appropriate illus.
trations adduced by the preacher. lie
said:
As intimatcd in tho first sermon Of
this series. modern divorces are rapidly
increasing, or else VIC have better facili-
ties for learning the unweicome facts.
1t Is probably the former. This divorce
business Is o ono OF the foulest blots
on our advanced civilization, and tho
ease with which they can bc procured
III many OF our States is just cause for
Christian and national Indignation. Pro-
tcstantism especially should enter
strong protest, cry aloud and spare not;
for it is well known that tho Roman
Catholic church is far more conserva-
tive on this very important subject,
than arc most OF the denominations OF
Protestant forms OF faith. 1t is possible
to grant too large a measure OF liberty
and thereby place family and home in
danger. Let us guard well the begin
ming OF the home aud home life, make
careful and thoughtful preparation
therefor, SO that the honeymoon may
last to the end Of tho journey, and the
home become to lis Il place OF peace, Joy
and prosperity. with glad memories OF
such helpful scenes that we can faith
fully commend it to others.
PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE.
Preparation for marriage is something
of the highest importance, 1t may be
said, briefly and plainly, that children
should not marry; we may not be able
10 fix tho time in all cases, but too early
marriages are frequently the cause OF
most bitter regret in subsequent life,
and in many cases lead to strife and
separation. The speaker has testimony
to offer, not taken from books or theo-
ries, but from close observation en-
tending over the ministry OF a score OF
years. When we say children, We speak
OF very young persons, whose minds
and habits are not well settled or fully
maturcd. Marriage is n high and holy
thing, and should not be entered into
hastily or indiscretcly, nor merely for
the sake OF being married, nor for any
other improper motives. Too often
this most solemn and dignitied contract
may be made merely as the stepping
stone to crafty passion, obtain place,
rise in the world, secure pecuniary ad-
vantases, or to please the pronounced
wishes and opinions OF other relations.
All OF these reasons and a hundred
more must be adjudged only degrading,
dangerous, unwise, and in the sight OF
God unholy. What relation in life is so
close, sweet, pure, blessed us marriage,
apart from our relationship to Dur Lord.
How high, then, and how cnnobling
should be our motives in entering upon
it.. 1t may be q life Of hallowed domes-
tic communion, if we make it so; or it
may prove q continual curse, 4 heavy
weight, a CALLING chain, if We presume
to desecrate that upon which the bless
ing Of conservation has been pro-
nounccd.
Prepare for the holy estate Of matri-
~mony-how? There is only time. to
mention the chief considerations with
Il argument. There should be, as
nearly as can be, social fitness, intellec-
tual equality, physical %soundness,
smooth tempers, moral. purity, mutual
regard for the Almighty. Christian
agreement in regard to religion, some
means to begin life with, not necessarily
II great deal. but some means to start
out Independently with, and not begin
by waiting for something to turn up"
There should be, Of course. first OF all,
%lovc--pure, enduring, indestructiblt
love. This should be manifest oil both
sides, and OF such character as to cover
every defect, endure all things with
mutual helpfulncss and forgiveness; in
short, MS lasting rs life and as valuable.
Marriage without love is the foundation
OF many wrongs and OF much evil.
Bishop Taylor has said: "If You are
Tor. pleasure, marry; il you prize rosy
health, marry; a good vile is heavens
last best gilt to man, his angel OF mercy,
minister Of graces innumerable, his
gem OF man virtues, his caskct OF
Jewels. Her voice, his sweetest music;
her smiles, his brightest day; her kiss,
the guardian OF innocence; her arms,
S;the pale OF his:safety, the balm OF his
health and life her industry, his surest
wealth her economy, his safeststewa-d;
her Inns, his faithful councillors; her
bosom, the softest pillow Of his cares;
and'h her prayers, tho ablest advocates OF
heavens blessing on his head"
johnson says:
MARRIAGE Is THE BEST STATE FOR A
in general: and every man is a worse
man, in proportion rs he is unfit for
the married state" Fuller says: "Take
the daughter Off good mother" Will
lam Penn says: "Never marry but for
love, but see that thou lowest what is
lovely" We add, look for beauty OF
mind, heart and soul; and do not al
WAYS be governed by face or form.
Beauty is interior as well MS exterior.
Another SAYS: "If you wish to marry
suitably, marry your equal" Shakes
pear says: "Hasty marriage seldom
provcth we'll"
Tho Rev. Robert Newton, the great
Wesleyan pulpit orator and his bride
began their married life by retiring
twice each day to pray for and with
cachIother. This practice, when oppor,
tunitylofcrcd, they kept up to the end
No md nftar fifty years Mr.. Newton