Proverbs 5:16

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad.

The children of marriage

Streams of children. Unlawful intercourse is often barren.

I. Children of lawful marriage are like rivers.

1. In plenty. God’s blessing goes with marriage.

2. In purity. Pure fountains bring forth pure streams.

3. In spreading abroad.

4. In profitableness.

II. Children are a great part of the comforts of marriage.

1. Because they are a part of both their parents.

2. Because they are a firm bond of love, peace, and reconciliation to both their parents.

III. Parents need not be ashamed of their children.

1. Because they come into the world God’s way, and that brings no shame with it.

2. Because there is hope that they will be good.

3. Being well-bred, they may come to preferment in the State.

4. They are likely to have honourable posterity. (Francis Taylor, B. D.)