+I. There are duties which are common to both the correlates.+--The
husband and wife are in some respects equals. As they are one and
have one common interest they ought to act with an undivided concern
for the happiness of the family. They are alike bound to mutual
fidelity and a chaste conversation. They are under equal obligations
to study each other's peace and comfort.
+II. There are some duties particularly incumbent on the
wife.+--These the apostle expresses by the terms submission,
reverence, obedience, and subjection. Since the Church is subject to
Christ, the woman ought to be subject to her husband, who, by
Christ's authority, is constituted her head. A family should resemble
a Church in union, peace, and subordination. The honour and interest
of religion require that wives, by a cheerful subordination,
co-operate with their husbands in all the important concerns of the
household, and in the nurture, education, and government of the
dependent members.
+III. There are duties particularly incumbent on the husband towards
his wife.+--These the apostle expresses by the word "love," which
here stands opposed to sharpness and severity. One argument for this
love is the example of Christ in His love and devotion to the Church.
Another reason is, the intimacy of the relationship--"Whoso loveth
his wife loveth himself." Where the spirit of religion reigns in
both, the union will be easy and their joint government in the family
have efficacy. The maintenance of family religion depends on nothing
more than the union of the heads. For how can they unite in prayers
and praises who unite in nothing else.--_Lathrop._