a similar course
with equally disastrous results.
6. HAP-HAZARD.--Many marriages are undoubtedly arranged by what may be
termed the accident of locality. Persons live near each other, become
acquainted, and engage themselves to those whom they never would have
selected as their companions in life if they had wider opportunities of
acquaintance. Within the borders of their limited circle they make a
selection which may be wise or may be unwise. They have no means of
judging, they allow no one else to judge for them. The results are
sometimes happy and sometimes unhappy in the extreme. It is well to act
cautiously in doing what can be done but once. It is not a pleasant
experience for a person to find out a mistake when it is too late to
rectify it.
7. WE ALL CHANGE.--When two persons of opposite sex are often thrown
together they are very naturally attracted to each other, and are liable to
imbibe the opinion that they are better fitted for life-long companionship
than any other two persons in the world. This may be the case, or it may
not be. There are a thousand chances against such a conclusion to one in
favor of it. But even if at the present moment these two persons were
fitted to be associated, no one can tell whether the case will be the same
five or ten years hence. Men change; women change; they are not the same
they were ten years ago; they are not the same they will be ten years
hence.
8. THE SAFE RULE.--Do not be in a hurry; take your time, and consider well
before you allow your devotion to rule you. Study first your character,
then study the character of her whom you desire to marry. Love works
mysteriously, and if it will bear careful and cool investigation, it will
no doubt thrive under adversity. When people marry they unite their
destinies for the better or the worse. Marriage is a contract for life and
will never bear a hasty conclusion. _Never be in a hurry!_
* * * * *
{219}
Jealousy--Its Cause and Cure.
* * * * *
Trifles, light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong,
As proofs of holy writ.--SHAKESPEARE.
Nor Jealousy
Was understood, the injur'd lover's hell.--MILTON.
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.--SHAKESPEARE.
* * * * *
1. DEFINITION.--Jealousy is an accidental
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