“Nothing so delights man as those graceful nets,
  Those thousand delicacies that daily flow
  From all her words and actions, mixed with love
  And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned
  Union of mind, or in them both one soul."[A]

[Footnote A:  Paradise Lost, Book VIII.]

The knowledge of congeniality of tastes can only be obtained by mutual acquaintance, and by a careful study.  It is said nothing is so blind as love.  Nothing is so foolish as a blind love.  Man needs a helpmeet, and woman needs a man she can help.  It is possible to know before marriage that the parties are able to fulfil this trust.  If they cannot fulfil it, marriage is a sin, which brings forth continuous sorrow and discontent.

The purpose of God to provide a helpmeet was avowed, but Adam did not know the fact.  Under the arch of God’s promise we discover the working of God’s providence.  The Bible, if properly studied, is a more thrilling narrative than any novel, because in it we can behold the infinite God working with man and for man.  “It is not good that man should be alone.”  This is the general proposition.  As a counterpart we find man feeling that it was very sad to be alone.  In his heart there is a want at work, making him ready for the blessing which God is preparing for him.

The want of the soul means a purpose on the part of God to supply it.  This is true in regard to all that vitally interests man in this world.  My want is the basis of my hope.  God, who is above and around me, would not send forward the desire unless he had purposed to grant it.

Prayer stirring in the soul, is to man spiritually what a bill of goods preceding the payment is to a merchant.  Do we long for salvation, for a revival, for any spiritual outpouring? have faith in God.  There is a motive in it.  Expect the blessing, and you will receive it.

“The Spirit itself,” said Paul, “beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  This is enjoyed despite the curse.  “Jesus sent us the Comforter, who helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are thus called according to his purpose.”  This fatherhood of God comes to us under all circumstances and in all conditions.  In the home, in the heart with all its wails, in the battle, in the victory, on earth and in heaven.  Notice how Adam was made ready for his helpmeet.

“And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them; and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.  And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helpmeet for him.”