The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-08-29
NJ A R RIED LIE

mere is much good sense and truth
in the following sketch of married life,
and the advantages and pleasures, NOR
ally and physically, which are connect
ed with the wise and ennobling institu-
ton Of marriage. 1t is taken from a
report of a lecture on woman, deliver
ed in Philadelphia, a few years since, by
r. Morris-and will be read with in
terest by every one-and possibly with
profit, by that crusty class of our spe-
cies known Us old bachelors; or by
Involuntary old maids:"
"Marriage is desirable and recon-
menda5e in every point of view. In
national point of view 1t is indspensa-
BILE. No nation can exist long and sue
cessfully that does not in the first place
recognize the institution of marriage,
and in the second, endeavor to observe
the principle Of that sacred obligation.
"Marriage Is calculated to improve
all the relations Of life. But for the
links between the world of sympathy
and virtue, and the world of intemper-
ance and guilt, how many Of the peni-
tent and reformed would have plunged
headlong into the abyss of darkness and
despair. Even Byron, when speaking
Of the Corsair's love for Medona, makes
constancy the redeeming virtue of his
lavorite hero:
"He died, and left his name to after times,
Linked with ono virtue and thoucapd cripnas -
But miserable indeed is the condition
of two beings unhappily united, who
live together in the constant practice of
hypocrisy, or in perpetual dlscord. The
heart does not light up the smile that
plays upon the lips, the soul does not
participate IN the feelings that the
tongue is compelled to counterfeit. 1t
is related of Cobbelt, that though fire.
quently called from home by business,
he never in solitary instance, dIsap-
appointed his wife as TO the hour of his
return. If all young men knew how
much value woman attached TO this
species of fidelity, there would be few
er unhappy couples in the world.
"We!l regulated marriages, though
they increase the responsibilities of our
condition, seldom result but in an in
crease of happiness and prosperity. 1t
is the condition intended for man by
his Creator. A happy marriage-a u
Mon OF feeling, Of sentiment,and Of taste
is indeed the chief bliss that survived
the fall. Blessed is the man who has q
virtuous wife, for the number of his
days shall be doubled.
"We can conceive Of no more heav-
en-like circle than is embraced within
the limits Of a virtuous and happy fam
lily. Nothing beneath the skies is more
ennobllng to human nature than such a
household-where mlldness and virtue,
kindness and love, industry and peace,
60 hand in hand together. Where
contented and cheerful spirit chases a.
way the gloom Of the world, and rel-
gion, with her sweet lessons of philoso-
ply, soltens and purifies the heart
Where the head of family is recog-
nised and respected as such--and the
greatest happiness within the circle is
derived from his approving SMILE
Where the low, sweet voice Of woman
is seldom heard but in accents of gen
tleness and love, and the name of moth.
er is never uttered unassociated with
some endearing epithet. Such fami-
ly can only be collected together under
the influence Of a happy marriage-a
union Of hearts as wellas hands-a tie
consecrated by pure and chaste aAec-
tion--an engagement formed on earth
but sanctioned in heaven. On such
union the angels who dweIfin the bright
abodes Of the blest, must downward
turn their spiritual eyes, and while they
gaze with looks Of interest and love,
delight in and rejoice over the same.n