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entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but soberly, reverrently,
advisidely discretly and in fear of God" To think that,
with these words of the marriage service before them, then
should be communicants bound who enter on that holy state
without ever asking God's guidance, and for low motives of
mere money, or the attraction of love which regards not God's
will. Truly to such, marriage is a lottery, and worse than
a lottery. Were not God's mercy far beyond our short comings,
marriage for most would be a lottery without prizes.

If you thus commend your future to God, He will
surely direct it. You may not find all the happiness
you would have, but you will have kept the course
which shall bring you, yes and yours also, peace at the most
If you are to marry hereafter, the happiness of your future name
the will bring of your husband and children, may depend
upon the prayers you are saying and the thoughts you
are thinking now.

July 21'st We shall be looking Eagerly for your return, my dear child,
for your absence already begins to seem long. You will find a very pleasant
home and surroundings here, though very little society year - but after so
much fun you will be able to subside for a while. Your mother sends you
much love. I am sorry to write you only solemn letters, but I am very
busy trying to get on with my work in hand. Your affectionate father
A.T.M