The Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1843-1852, 1844-08-28
w ED DED LOVE
BY ROBERT WALSH.


BY ROBERT WALSH.
We have somewhere seen tho doctrine that
love in state of courtshp is the true beatitude of
this life; and to be desired beyond any other fond
relation even for thousand years The writer of
those opinions could lot have been married. or at
least, not experienced wedlock even commonly
fortunate, otherwise his own happiness would
have taught him different and iuster theory. q
In the conjugal union, love may lose some of its
S|vac..y; IT may he less vehrnncn. or rapturous:
end the imagination, which, during courtsbip COM
monty feeds, as 1t were, on nectar and ambrosia,
and sports on q bed of roses,-may become com.
paratyely inert and sterile; but the pleasures of
pure, intense sentiment, and boundless mutual
confidence, and the excitement of virtuous and
tender hope, are infinitely multiplied.
Lord Verulam has truly said that marriage
halves griefs and doubles Joy. 1t combines, in
fact, and transtuses existence for each party; It
Lends and identifies souls, TO render COM
n,n to them their several susccp,biities of graft
hcation and refinement; it creates new energies,
and generous sympathes; new objects of endear-
ment md reliance; numberless reflected and re-
c,procated favors of regard and respect
But what gives Il n superior character of inhc-
rent dignity and genuine enjoyment is the religious
escenoe peculiar to it; the vein of duty which per.
Yates 1t; the consciousness of those who are sud
denly allied in it, that they have adopted tie hal
loved by divine sanction, and are fulfilling one of
en- ytnobfess ans & xisfsnssnzS-y
The ecstacies Of courtshp are dashed by fears,
iealousies, misrepresentation, which are unknown
iowedded partners ofsound minds and affectionate
hearts. With thcm all is trust and security; their
faith is beyond the sphere Of temptation or acci-
dent; their adversely. if misfortunes come, has
consultations derived from the most exalted sour
&C ) from the invisible and holy world, as we'll as
tn, present checkered scenes of human action
The qualified worship of an excellent fellow
being, natural and delightful as is involves some-
thing more rational and elevated, when the object
Is wife or husband, than when it refers tn a
more mistress or lover. In the first case, it asso-
oetes itself with duty, and implies esteem the
more proper and grateful accompanied by in
siInate knowledge.
In proportion, however, as marriage is Of a sa-
oted and permanent nature, producing wcighty
obligations and liable to special and severe cares
"f oaam't'es, ought it to be cautiously. and delb-
"fhtcly, and ponsy contracted. 1t is not to be
owed or anticipated n merely halcyop career
IN as It often is In smiling prospects and auspic-
events, and serene as it may be rendered in all
'5it the human creature can control. a childish
~ tchant, calculation Of convenience a Inomenta-
Fylcaprice, form warrant for it; though they he
- frequently the only Incentives ..s
Such bond requires matured and discriminating
auachment comprehension of its good and evil ;
resignation to all the chances. But he or she who
has the right intelligence, feeling and opportunity,
and yet avoids it. yielding to seIishness or cow
srdice, sins against the designs of Providence and
loses the final rewards ofcourageous and success
fal trial. ax'T51
1t was a favorite remark Of Lord Littleton the
younger, that marriage is lottery, and that, OF
course, It is as preposterous to rejoice at a wedding,
as It would be exult in purchasing ticket for
the State-wheel. s. 'aa.....s .. .s. ..a.3
According to the questionable authority,
sh epithalamiuns are, therefore, at least prema-
col,nubial scheme should ascertain that he has
drawn a prize before he indulges himself in self
srstulation or welcomes the greeting Of his friends
The analogy is not, however. exact--because it is
in the power OF the bridal parties to determine
,aer own fate, III a material dagree. Life itself
might be equally styled a,lottery, looking to the
diversity of its chances and the incertitude Of its
Incidents; but tits, nevcrtheless, positive bless
ing with well constituted minds aud healthful
frames. So, likewise, is marriage, which should
he undertaken as life is accepted.--w stronger
expectation of veal than wo:--wtb bright visions
and cheerful resolutions; but also with spirit
cf,hilosophical or christian submission to whatever
Providence may ordain to its course. The Greeks
m@1e Hymen descend from Apollo Urania, or
CSlliope. This origin from the fountain of harmo-
ny and light and the twonoblest Of the muses., IL
lusrrates or shadows from the true character OF
fEe espousals over which the garlanded god waves
his nuvor-9ysng toseh, and sheds his ceieotai Is.
htience.