t you have
escaped the odious name of an "old maid?" Better ten lives of
singleness, than a few years of that wretchedness so often occasioned by
marrying simply and solely for fear of being single.

Others marry to gratify their Friends. This world abounds in
match-makers. They are, too, of all descriptions; some true friends to
the parties concerned in their management, perhaps their parents; others
entirely indifferent in this respect; others mere busy bodies, burning
for the excitement of love affairs, for new offers, engagements, and
weddings.

As regards the agency of friends in these matters, I believe little
good ever comes of their plans and efforts. Where they succeed, there
are fearful chances that the individuals, intended to be benefitted,
will have cause to rue the consequences. It is far better to let nature
direct, or rather to leave Providence his own modes of operation,
instead of attempting to force, or urge, what should be left entirely to
the feelings, judgment, and taste, of the parties involved.

For those meddlesome creatures, who spend their days in instigating
others to love, I can only say, they will have a dark account to render
in the end. There is no more despicable character than a finished
"manoeuverer." It implies a meanness, that can pry into the corners of
others' affairs, an indolence, that neglects one's own proper business,
and a mental vacuity, and a littleness of purpose, which are the dread
of every noble mind. Beware of the impertinence of such persons. Be very
sure that you give not your hand and heart where _they_ point, instead
of following, as you ought, your own good sense, and the promptings of
affection.

There are those of an opposite description, who marry to gratify
Self-will, and to shew their independence of advisers. This is the more
dangerous error of the two. The law of the Laplanders on this subject is
not without some reason, severe though it certainly is; it is there
death to marry a girl without the consent of her friends. The instances
in which this occurs are rare; yet there are those who, through pride
and perversity, choose to be miserable in their own way rather than
happy in one proposed, or sanctioned even, by others. Young women are
sometimes disinterested in the indulgence of a passion, for they do it
to their own injury, and to the sorrow of their relatives. Because
advised to marry a particular gentleman, they set themselves in array
against hi