uch as can never be productive of domestic happiness. I have been
the more particular on this head, as it is one of the most essential
qualifications to be regarded, and of all others the most liable to be
mistaken.

"Never be prevailed with, my dear, to give your hand to a person
defective in these material points. Secure of virtue, of good nature,
and understanding, in a husband, you may be secure of happiness. Without
the two former it is unattainable. Without the latter in a tolerable
degree, it must be very imperfect.

"Remember, however, that infallibility is not the property of man, or
you may entail disappointment on yourself, by expecting what is never to
be found. The best men are sometimes inconsistent with themselves. They
are liable to be hurried, by sudden starts of passion, into expressions
and actions, which their _cooler_ reason will condemn. They may have
some oddities of behavior, and some peculiarities of temper. They may be
subject to accidental ill humor, or to whimsical complaints. Blemishes
of this kind often shade the brightest character; but they are never
destructive of mutual felicity, unless when they are made so by an
improper resentment, or by an ill-judged opposition. When cooled, and in
his usual temper, the man of understanding, if he has been wrong, will
suggest to himself all that could be urged against him. The man of good
nature will, unupbraided, own his error. Immediate contradiction is,
therefore, wholly unserviceable, and highly imprudent; an after
repetition is equally unnecessary and injudicious. Any peculiarities in
the temper or behavior ought to be properly represented in the tenderest
and in the most friendly manner. If the representation of them is made
discreetly, it will generally be well taken. But if they are so habitual
as not easily to be altered, strike not too often upon the unharmonious
string. Rather let them pass unobserved. Such a cheerful compliance will
better cement your union; and they may be made easy to yourself, by
reflecting on the superior good qualities by which these trifling faults
are so greatly overbalanced.

"You must remember, my dear, these rules are laid down on the
supposition of your being united to a person who possesses the three
qualifications for happiness before mentioned. In this case no farther
direction is necessary, but that you strictly perform the duty of a
wife, namely, to love, to honor, and obey. The two first articles are a