A husband’s affection to his wife cannot be too great if it is kept within the bounds of honesty, sobriety, and propriety . . . Read the Song of Songs, and in it you shall observe such affection manifested by Christ to His spouse, as would make one think He did (with reverence in a holy manner to use the phrase) even err in His love and dote on her. This is a good pattern and example for husbands, for nothing is more lovely than a good wife.

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for a Happy Marriage, 194.