"_Negro marriages_," says Mr. Jones ("Rel. Inst." pp. 132, 133), "_are neither recognized nor protected by law._ The negroes receive no instruction on the nature, sacredness, and perpetuity of the institution: at any rate, they are far from being duly impressed with these things. They are not required to be married in any particular form, nor by any particular persons. Their ceremonies are performed by their own watchmen or teachers, by some white minister, or, as it frequently happens, not at all.... There is no special disgrace nor punishment visited upon those who criminally violate their marriage vows,[M] except what may be inflicted by owners, or, if the parties be members, by the church in the way of suspension and excommunication."--Page 119: "_The relation is liable to disruption in a variety of forms, for some of which there is no remedy._"--Page 133: "Families are, and may be, divided for improper conduct on the part of either husband or wife, _or by necessity, as in cases of the death of owners, division of estates, debt, sale, or removals; for they are subject to all the changes and vicissitudes of property_. Such divisions are, however, carefully guarded against and prevented, _as far as possible_, by owners, on the score of interest, as well as of religion and humanity. Hence, as may well be imagined, the marriage-relation loses much of the sacredness and perpetuity of its character. It is a contract of convenience, profit, or pleasure, that may be entered into and dissolved at the will of the parties, and that without heinous sin." What a pitiful and wicked mockery it is thus to expound to slaves the seventh commandment! (Jones's "Catechism," pp. 110, 111): "Q. Should persons be married in a public or in a private way?--A. In a public way. Q. And by whom should the ceremony be performed?--A. By a minister or some other lawful person. Q. Is God really present to witness the marriage?--A. Yes. Q. How near of kin may a man marry?--A. His first cousin. Q. After marriage, can husband and wife separate whenever they please?--A. No. Q. Has any person whatever power to separate them if he pleases?--A. No. Q. What saith our Saviour, 'What, therefore, God hath joined'? A. 'What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.' Q. Can husband and wife ever separate?--A. Yes. Q. In how many ways?--A. In two only. Q. What is the first?--A. When either of them commits adultery. Q. What is the second?--A. When either of them dies. Q. After one dies, may the other lawfully marry again?--A. Yes. Page 112: Q. How will God punish those who break this commandment in the world to come?--A. In everlasting fire."