encircles the yielding waist of her now all his own, while her head
reclines on the breast of the man of her choice. If she be young and has
married an old man, she will be sad. If she has married for a home, or
position, or wealth, a pang will shoot across her fair bosom. If she has
married without due consideration or on too light an acquaintance, it will
be her sorrow before long. But, if loving and beloved, she has united her
destiny with a worthy man, she will rejoice, and on her journey feel a glow
of satisfaction and delight unfelt before and which will be often renewed,
and daily prove as the living waters from some perennial spring.

* * * * * {135}

The Advantages of Wedlock.

'Tis sweet to hear the watch-dog's honest bark,
Bay deep-mouthed welcome as we draw near home;
'Tis sweet to know there is an eye will mark
Our coming, and look brighter when we come.--BYRON, DON JUAN.

[Illustration]

1. Marriage is the natural state of man and woman. Matrimony greatly
contributes to the wealth and health of man.

2. Circumstances may compel a man not to select a companion until late in
life. Many may have parents or relatives, dependent brothers and sisters to
care for, yet family {136} ties are cultivated, notwithstanding the home is
without a wife.

3. In Christian countries the laws of marriage have greatly added to the
health of man. Marriage in barbarous countries, where little or no marriage
ceremonies are required, benefits man but little. There can be no true
domestic blessedness without loyalty and love for the select and married
companion. All the licentiousness and lust of a libertine, whether
civilized or uncivilized, bring him only unrest and premature decay.

4. A man, however, may be married and not mated, and consequently reap
trouble and unhappiness. A young couple should first carefully learn each
other by making the courtship a matter of business, and sufficiently long
that the disposition and temper of each may be thoroughly exposed and
understood.

5. First see that there is love; secondly, that there is adaptation;
thirdly, see that there are no physical defects; and if these conditions
are properly considered, cupid will go with you.

6. The happiest place on all earth is home. A loving wife and lovely
children are jewels without price, as Payne says:

"'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place