Page:Advantages and disadvantages of the marriage-state.pdf/15

15 as I am bound to another country, I may find bitterness in that which would appear happiness to another.

Q. But have I not reason to hope, that a person of her refined qualities may be endued with such blessings, as to make a suitable companion for me in my journey?

A. A person may be accomplished with all the excellencies of Babylon, so as to appear superior to many of the citizens, but if these be only the accomplishments of their own country, they can only make a gradual difference between them and the most abject peasant, whereas there is a specific difference between a Babylonian and Israelite.

Q. But is it not very censorious, to look upon such a worthy person as no better than a mere Babylonian?

A. Inasmuch as the difference is so great, that a Babylonian cannot become a subject of the King of Israel unless he be formed anew, we cannot esteem them any other, so long as there does not appear the specific features of the select Nation, (See John v. 19, and iii. 3.) the idiom of their language, the mien of their behaviour, nor yet an earnest enquiry after the desired land (Mat. viii. 20.) for we are not to form our conception of them different from the description given by the King's scribes (Prophets and Apostles.)

Q. Is it not exceeding hard, that I must deny myself an object so agreeable?