Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-01-24
ADVICE OF A FATHER TO AN ONLY
DAUGHTER.
BY BISHOP MADISON.

ed into that state which is replete with happi-
ness or misery. The issue depends upon
that prudent, amiable, uniform conduct, which
wisdom and virtue so strongly recommend.
on the one hand. or that imprudence which
want OF reflection or passion may prompt on
the other.
You are allied to a man OF honor, of tai
ents. and ofan open, generous disposition.-I
You have therefore in your power all the
essential ingredients Of domestic happiness
it cannot be married. if you reflect upon sys
TEN. OF conduct which you ought invariably
TO pursue-if you see clearly the path from
which you will resolve never 10 deviate. Our
conduct is often the result of within or cap
rice, often such as will give us many pang
unless we see beforehand what is always
most praiseworthy, and the most essential to
happiness.
The first maxim you should follow is
never attempt to control your husband by OPP
position. by displeasure, or any other mark
OF anger. A man Of sense Of prudence.
warm feeling, cannot and will not bear an
opposition of any kind which is attended
with an angry look or expression, The cur
rent of his affections is suddenly stopped; his
lachment is weakened he begins 10 feel a
modification the most pungent; he is beiuled,
even in his own eye ; and be assured. the
wife who once exctes those sentiments in the
breast of husband. will never regain the
high ground which she might and ought TO
have retained. When he marries her. il he
be good man. he expects to find in her one
who is not to control him-not 10 take from
him the freedom Of acting as his own Judge
ment shall direct. but one who will place
such confidence 10 him as to believe that his
prudence is the hes. guide. Little things,
which in reality are mere trifes in themsel-
yes. often produce chickering's, and even
quarrels. Never permit them TO be subject
OF dispute; yield them with pleasure, with a
smile Of affection. Be assured that one diff
erence outweighs them all thousand or ten
thousand times A difference with your hus
band ought TO be considered as the greatest
ca!amity-as what is to be studously guard
ed against it is a demon which must never
be permitted TO ahabiiation where ali should
be peace unimpaired confidence. heartfelt
affection. Besides. what can woman gain
by opposition or indifference Nothing
But she loses every thing; she loses her hus-
bands respect for her virtues she loses his
love. and, with that, all prospect OF future
happiness She creates her own misery. and
then utters idle and silly complaints, but ut
ttIS tuem IN VAIN. ne jOVt vi u 0uSDdHu
can be retained only by the high opinion
which he entertains Of his wifes goodness
OF her amiable disposition. of the sweetness
of her temper OF her prudence, OF her devo-
ton TO him.. Let nothing upon any occasion
ever lessen that opinion, On the contrary. il
should augment every day; he should have
much more reason to admire her for those ex-
celent qualities which will cast lustre over
,,,r u,haa harn
lions are no more.
Has your husband staid out longer than
YOU expected2 When be returns. receive
him as The partner Of your heart. Has he
disappointed you in something you expected
whether tournament. or furniture. or OF any
eonveniency2 Never evince discomfort I; re-
ceive his apology with cheerfuness. Does
he invite company without informing you oil
It, or bring home with him friend2 What
ever may be your repasl, however scanty il
may be. or how impracticable il may be 10
add to il, receive them with pleasing coun
tenance, adorn your table with cheerfulness
give to your husband and to your company
hearty welcome il will more than compen
safe for every other deficiency; il will evincs
love for your husband. good sense 10 your
self and that politeness OF manners which
acts as most powerful charml II will Civ.
10 the plainest fare zest superior to all tina
luxury can boast. Never be disconnected OF
any occasion Of this nature
In the next place as your husbands sue
cess In his profession will depend upon BIZ
popularity, and, as the manners of a wifi
have no little influence in extending or less
ening the respect and esteem of others 70
her husband, you should take care 10 be affil
bic. polite. to the poorest as well as the rich
est. Areserved haughlness is sure indi
cation OF. weak mind and an -unfeelin,
heart
With respectto youi servants, teach then
TO respect and love you, while you expec
from them reasonable discharge OF their re
spectiye duties Never tease yourself 0
them, by scolding il has no other effect thai
TO render them disconiented and impertnep
Admonish them with calm frmness
Cultivate your mind by the perusal ofthos
books which instruct while they amnse d
not devote much Of your time to novels Their
are a few which may be useful and impro
wing 10 giving higher tone TO our mora
sensblity; but they tend to vi,iate the tasl,
and TO produce disrelsh for substantial il
ielectnal food Most plays are Of the sam
cast they are not friendly TO the delicac
which is one OF the ornaments OF the femai
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