and a continual
fear torments her, lest accident or malice should discover her
imprudence. How dearly is the pleasure of a moment procured when it is
purchased by years of unhappiness! On the other hand, it is extremely
unreasonable for some persons to indulge as they do, their natural
disposition of suspicion, and thus make others unhappy. Where virtue
only exists, it is a most grievous hardship that the possessor should be
subject to the penalty of vice. Nothing should be made with more caution
than a decision in which the innocent may receive the odium which
belongs to the guilty.

Sometimes the worst sort of accomplishments are brought by a lady into
the marriage state: she may be capable of singing admirably, of dancing,
of painting, of performing skilfully on the harp or piano, of making
ingenious trinkets and ornaments; all this may be well enough for an
unmarried lady, but of what use are they in a state of matrimony? It is
true, that if she be favored with a handsome fortune, she may indulge
herself agreeably with her inclination, and employ others to manage her
household affairs; but not many are thus situated; and, even in this
case, there are duties which belong to the wife, in regard to her
husband and children, which would occupy pretty much of her time. It is
still worse if she be fond of dissipation,--of routs, balls, and public
amusements; if she fly abroad in pursuit of a phantom while domestic
enjoyment is neglected. A good wife will endeavor to make herself happy
at home, and she will try to make all at home happy: she should endeavor
to make the pathway of life cheerful by her smiles and attention, so
that her husband may be delighted with his dwelling, and find it his
happiest place; and that the children may be regulated with all
necessary care.

A good temper is essential for matrimonial happiness. An habitually
irritable or gloomy disposition is a source of misery to the possessor
and to others. A dark and murky cave could as well throw out a cheerful
lustre, as a surly person communicate happiness to those around him.
Obstinacy must not be indulged by either party; for, as the bond of
union cannot be easily broken, if one be perverse the other must bend.
If two trees be bound tightly together, and both be stiff, the cords
will probably break; if not immediately, they will when the cords become
weaker: and thus with regard to matrimony, what God has joined together,
the perversity of human be