Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-10-16
GI,e Social Circle.
Marriage Elevates the Character.

People may think as they please, but the
truth is, is that till one becomes the head of
a family and father, he eau scarcely be
called a man. Exceptions there are, honora-
bic, conspicuous. Instances may be pointed
out though far from common, it is believed,
where one not advanced to the dignity sup
posed, and so not subjected to its numerous
trials aud victories-defeats too sometimes,
it must be confessed-have yet had hearts as
liberal and expanded, as any who have ass
umed conjugal and parental responsibilities.
Nevertheless, in general, those helps are
NEEDED to direct what there is unselish, ser-
Gus, generous and sympathizing in the soul.
Men, and women too, grow hard by living
for themselves alone. With little or nothing
exterior to disturb their emotional natures,
their affections are apt to settle quietly
around themselves as . centre, and finally
crystalize thero Such a person may be a
miracle Of virtue and property, beautiful
even in its transparent purity, but after all
as hard as the diamond, if not as cold.
One needs the claims upon him as husband
and father, to take him out of himself and
awaken his solictudes and cares for Others.
The wear and tear he is subjected to from
these relations, do him good They are
wholesome exercise for the heart, as labour
is for the muscles. We may not tell exactly
why it is so, but Of the exstance Of the fact
there is striking evidence in the experience
Of the mother, who loves that child best,
which has given her most anxiety and trouble
For whom is all the tenderness of the father
lavished! Is it not upon his hayward boy
his prodigal son? The parent is chastened
and made better by having wife and children
dependent on him for pleasure, comfort and
support. The little vexations-sometimes
great ones. perhaps-which they occasion,
do him no harm, but the contrary. His own
character is u!atured while he is labouring
and suffering to shape that Of others. He
who does not suffer- cannot know half the
sutfrings there are in man.
Not only is the heart of man made bet
ter by assuming the obligations of husband
and father, but his mind is also greatly i'm.
proved. A new horizon opens to him. Be-
fore, he was TRAVELLING through the world in
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and for the first time sees mankind as they
are, and begius to comprehend society, its
origin, its work, and destiny. He now
awakens to the glorious call of duty, instead
of pleasure, to which he only listened before
Not that pleasure is denied him now, but is
comes Of itself in the train of duty dis.
charged, instead of being solicited, as former.
ly, for its own sake. This revolution pro-
duced by bis changed of position, is marked
upon his countenance where it is no less Wis
lble than in his change conduct, The man
is stamped upon it in every serious, thought.
ful liueament, where cheerfulness and scdate-
ness have taken the place Of meaningless
gaiety, frivolity, and want of sober aim. II
any one says he is acquainted with very
many single persons of large and sympathetic
hearts, and minds full of liberal thoughts
It's granted. Place that man, SO admirably
endowed by nature, at the head of a family
Tor which he was doubtless intended, and be
would be twice man, and his usefulness in.
creased fourfold.-Nevork Sentinel.