mains single advances in life, the friends of his youth
form new attachments, in which he is incapable of participating. Their
feelings undergo a change, of which he knows nothing. He is gradually
left alone. No heart beats in unison with his own. His social feelings
wither for want of an object. As he feels not in unison with those
around him, his habits also become peculiar, and perhaps repulsive; so
that his company is not desired: hence arises the whimsical attachment
of such persons to domestic animals, or to other objects which can be
enjoyed in solitude. As the dreary winter of age advances, the solitude
of his condition becomes still more chilling. Nothing but that sweet
resignation to the will of God which religion gives, under all
circumstances, can render such a situation tolerable. But religion does
not annihilate the social affections. It only regulates them. It is
evident, then, that by a lawful and proper exercise of these affections,
both our happiness and usefulness may be greatly increased.

II. _On the other hand, do not consider marriage as absolutely essential
to happiness._ Although it is an ordinance of God, yet he has not
absolutely enjoined it upon all. You _may_, therefore, be in the way of
duty while neglecting it. And the apostle Paul hints that there may be,
with those who enter into this state, a greater tendency of the heart
towards earthly objects. There is also an increase of care. "The
unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy
both in body and spirit; but she that is married, careth for the things
of the world, how she may please her husband." But much more has been
made of this than the apostle intended. It has been greatly abused and
perverted by the church of Rome. It must be observed that, in the same
chapter, he advises that "every man have his own wife, and every woman
have her own husband." And, whatever may be our condition in life, if
we seek it with earnestness and perseverance, in the way of duty, God
will give us grace sufficient for the day. But he says, though it is no
sin to marry, nevertheless, "such shall have trouble in the flesh." It
is undoubtedly true, that the enjoyments of conjugal life have their
corresponding difficulties and trials; and if these are enhanced by an
unhappy connection, the situation is insufferable. For this reason I
would have you avoid the conclusion that marriage is indispensable to
happiness. Single life is certai