HAIL & FIRE Bookstore: John Angell James: The Marriage Ring (Christian Marriage)

"As the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." - Ephesians 5:24-25

The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible and is carried in the heart of true religion. A good Christian cannot be a bad husband or father and, as this is equally true in everything, he who has the most piety will shine the most in all the relationships of life.

A Bible placed between man and wife as the basis of their union, the rule of their conduct, and the model of their spirit will make up for many differences between them, comfort them under many crosses, guide them through many straits, support them in their last sad parting from one another and reunite them in that happy world where they shall remain forever. Let the two parties in wedded life be believers in Christ Jesus and partake themselves of the peace that surpasses understanding. And if happiness is to be found on earth, it will be enjoyed within the hallowed circle of a family thus united by love and sanctified by grace.

BONUS SERMON - included at back of book:
Right to Divorce and Remarriage in the Case of Adultery by John Owen

Best Interests of Children - 16.

Taking on the Responsibility of Stepchildren - 16.

Prepare for the Duties of Marriage - 17.

Chapter 2: The Family Circle - 23.

Family Structure & Government - 24.

Each Family Member, an Immortal Soul - 27.

When Faith is not a Family�s Foundation - 27.

Everlasting Bonds of a Believing Family - 28.

Independent & Flourishing Nature of the Domestic Constitution - 29.

Domestic Happiness, a Gift of God - 29.

Chapter 3: Mutual Duties of a Husband & Wife - 35.

Love One Another Fervently - 36.

Warning Beacon of Loveless Marriages - 38.

Guarding & Preserving Affection - 38.

Stifle Contention Before Quarrels Start - 39.

Study One Another�s Likes & Dislikes - 40.

Dangerous Distinctions of Mine & Yours - 41.

Mutual Respect & Respectability - 41.

Mutual Companionship - 43.

Public & Religious Duties - 46.

Mutual Forbearance - 47.

Mutual Correction & Reproof - 49.

Mutual Help & Assistance - 50.

Mutual Assistance in Personal Religion - 51.

Mutual Assistance in Humane & Religious Charity - 54.

Mutual Sympathy & Care - 58.

Chapter 4: Special Duties of a Husband - 65.

Husbands Love Your Wives - 65.

As Christ Loved the Church - 67.

Christ�s Love was Sincere - 67.

Christ�s Love was Ardent - 67.

Christ�s Love was Supreme - 68.

Christ�s Love is Consistent - 69.

Christ�s Love was Providing - 70.

Christ�s Love was Unchangeable - 73.

Love Your Wife as Your Own Body - 74.

Chapter 5: Special Duties of a Wife - 81.

Wives Submit to Your Husbands - 81.

Nature of a Husband�s Authority - 82.

Submission to Weak Husbands - 84.

Biblical Grounds for Submission - 85.

Wives Respect Your Husbands - 87.

Show Respect by Your Words - 87.

Show Respect by Your Actions - 89.

Endearing Power of Respect - 90.

A Meek and Quiet Spirit - 90.

Modesty in Clothing & Appearance - 92.

All Beauty Perishes, Except Inward Grace - 96.

Economy & Thrift in Spending - 97.

A Mother�s Duty, A Keeper at Home - 99.

An Unconverted Husband - 102.

Witnessing to an Unconverted Husband - 104.

Chapter 6: Conclusion - 111.

BONUS SERMON:

Right to Divorce & Remarriage in the Case of Adultery by John Owen - 117.

A good Christian cannot be a bad husband or father and, as this is equally true in everything, he who has the most piety will shine the most in all the relationships of life.

~ The Marriage Ring

Quote on a Good Christian is a Good Spouse and Parent, etc.

Affection does not forbid, but actually demands that we point out one another�s faults. Yet, this should be done in all the meekness of wisdom, united with all the tenderness of love.

~ The Marriage Ring

Quote on Christian Marriage, Mutual Correction and Reproof.

We should all enter the state of marriage remembering that we are about to be united to a fallen creature. In every case, as it is not two angels that have met together, but two sinful children of Adam, from whom much weakness and waywardness must be expected, we must resign ourselves to some imperfection. Remembering that we have no small share of our own faults that call for the forbearance of the other party, we ourselves should exercise the very patience that we ask of them.

~ The Marriage Ring

Quote on Christian Marriage, Duty of Mutual Forbearance.