The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-12

EARLY MARRIAGEs.--A paragraph is going
the rounds of the papers, extractedfr from the writ
ings Of that learned cync, DR.. Samuel Johnson,
in which an opinion is expressed, decidedly UNI
favorable 10 early marriages The following is
the opinion Of our countryman, DR.. Franklin, on
this subject as expressed in letter to his friend,
John Aneyne. We are willing to submit the
question, which has the best of the argument, TO
jury of young persons, and abide by the re-
suit:
g Dear Jack You desire, you say, my i'm
partial thoughts on the subject OF an early mar
riage, by way of answer to the numberless OBJ
jections which have been made by numerous
persons to your own. You may remember
when you consulted me on the occasion, that
thought youth on both sides TO be no objection.
Indeed, from the marriages which have fallen
under my observation, | am rather inclined 10
think that early ones stand the best chance Tor
happiness. The tempers and habits OF the
young are not yet become so stiff and uncomply-
ing as when more advanced in life; they form
more easily to each other, and hence many occa-
sions of disgust are removed And II youth has
less Of that prudence which is necessary TO man
age family, vet the parent and elder friends Of
young married persons are generally at hand, TO
afford their advice, which amply supplies that
defect; and by early marriage youth is sooner
formed to regular and useful life; and possibly
some Of those accidents or connections that might
have injured the constitution or reputation, or
both, are thereby happily prevented.
Particular circumstances OF particular persons
may possibly sometimes make it prudent to de-
lay entering into that state but in general, when
nature has rendered bodies fit for it, the pre-
sumption is in natures favor, that she has not
Judged amiss in making US desire il. Late mar
ragss a5s Gtssn attended TOO with this further
that the parents shall live to see their ofsnrinv
educated. Late children, says the Spanish pro.
verb, are early orphans; melancholy reflection
TO those whose case ii may be With us In
America, marriages are generally in the morn
ing Of life our children are therefore educated
and settled in the world by noon; and thus our
business being done, we have an afternoon and
evening of cheerful leisure to ourselves, such as
our friend at present enjoys.
In fine, | am glad you are married, and con-
graduate you most cordially upon it. You are
now in the way of becoming an useful citizen,
and you have escaped the unnatural state Of
celibacy for life, the fate Of many here who ne
yer intended it but who, having too long post.
poned the change of their condition, find at
length that it is too late to think of it; and so
live all their lives in situation that greatly les
sens mans value. An odd volume of a set Of
books bears not the value of its proportion to the
set-What think you Of the odd half of pair of
scissors Fit can't well cut any-it may posi-
bly, serve to scrape trencher.
Pray make my compliments and best wishes
acceptable to yonr bride. am old and heavy,
or should ere this have presented them in per-
son. l shall make but small use of the old mans
privilege, that of giving advice to younger
friends Treat your wife always with respect;
it will procure respect to you, not from her only,
but from all that observe it. Never use slight
ing expression to her, even in jest for sights
in jest, after frequent bandyings, are apt to end
in angry earnest. Be studious in your profess
sion, and you will be learned Be industrious
and frugal, and you will be rich. BE sober and
temperate and you will be healthy. Be in gene
raj virtuous, and you will be happy. At least
you will by such conduct, stand the best chance
for such consequences. Ipray God to bless you
both being ever your affectionate friend.
b. F.n