Page:Advantages and disadvantages of the marriage-state.pdf/16

16 ''A. The King of Glory denies nothing that is good; therefore, if this was really good, it would not be denied me: he only denies those things which he knows would be evil, and it is a real kindness to us, to be denied of them. But suppose I thought it a real good, is it hard that he should deny me one favour, who has given himself to me, with all the blessings in heaven and earth?''

Q. What if I never find one so agreeable, who travels the happy road?

''A. If I had the object now before me, my happiness must entirely depend on the blessing of God; and have I not reason to expect a blessing on the right way than on the wrong? Besides, as nothing is with-held or denied but because it is evil, whatever God is pleased to bestow in his own way must be agreeable?''

Q. May not the valuable qualifications attending this person be so blessed, as to be a mean to make me happy and useful in the way, though she walks not in it herself?

''A. Have I any reason to expect to be made happy by a person who is an utter stranger to those things wherin my happiness consists? Or can I expect to find usefulness in the way, from that which cannot be enjoyed or obtained without going out of the way? Besides, what qualification she is endued with, or however valuable accomplishments she is possessed of, it never will be her inclination to employ those excellencies''