Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-06-18
THE WIFE.

acife-it is theme in the mouth OF almost
every one. People generally assume as the
basis of their remarks. and conclusions, that
the apife, (prior to entering upon the multita-
rious duties and trials of welded life,) fully
understands, and is prepared to meet all the
responsibilities that may fall to her lot with
a Joyous heart. Many of life's joys and sor
rows follow from the souls culture in its in
fant budding-from the training which tho't
and affection receive, and the direction given
them, whether it be through the luminous re-
gions of moral purity and love, or into the
dark depths of moral pollution and misguided
passion.
But more depends upon the choice she has
made of life companion; of the congenial-
'ity of mind, and the depth, purity and fer
vency of the love which she bestows upon
him, than upon all the rules and regulations
ever laid down for her guidance.
There are few, mparatively, in the Ba-
bel of life, who from personal experience,
know Of the joys, delights, and the fountain
of happiness that is hers, who has wisely, dis
creetly, chosen the twin soul of her existence: {:
to be, perchance, her all of earth who is near
er than brother; whose love and protection
warm into active, blooming life, the radiant
spring of her affections.
If she resolves to 60 hand in hand and
heart with her chosen of life, through What-
ever mag betide him, and steadily adheres to
that resolve: if she will as freely forgive him
for the first, and every ofenSe, as she will
wish to be forgiven by him: if she will view
all her duties and cares, her labors of mind
and body, through the bright halo of purity
and devotion which love has thrown around
her, then her way is clear-her pathway is
made fragrant with the perfume Of the per-
ennial flowers ofpeace and joy; and she is
lighted on by love to bower ofperfect NOR
tai felicity, that cannot be found, however
diligently sought, out of the mystic gates Of
matrimony.
Then there will be confidence, useful and
clear as the bowling tide life, as wide as the
expanding energies Of her soul, and as high
as the loftiest flights of thought. Lovingly
may she then confide her most secret thoughts
and emotions to her husband, without fear of
their flowing swiftly through him to the
deceyful and gossiping world around them.
Her being is all instinct with love; pure,
holy love. Fearless ofrepulsion, she lavishes
all her wealth of affection upon him, and there
finds full reciprocation. And as he folds
her to his heart and softly utters those thrilling
words, "My dear! dear wife," the smiling an
gel of peace and love hovers over them and
bestows blessing. Such wife feels in the
innermost recesses of her soul holy, quiet
joy, and depth of devotion that words are
inadequate to express, and little prayer,
0 God, keep me from idolatry," trembles
on her lips. What she once deemed cares,
tasks, and disagreeable requirements, now be-
come sources of pleasure, if by her personal
attention to them she can add one Joy, one
thrill of delight to the happiness of her loved
and devoted husband.
She will ljoyfully lay upon the marriage altar
all those girlish, restless, anxious desires for
display and admiration and will dedicate her
ife-her best energies--to the fulfilling Of
the marriage VOW made before high Heaven,
'to love, honor and obey," till death shallrend
the tie.
The obnoxious little word "obey," is quite
forgot in the ardor of her affections for love
is the fulilingo of the law, and where love really
exists, to yield to the loved ones wishes, and
even to anticipate them, is an untold pleasure
Marriage may bring more cares to the wife
but if her choice is one that wis lomsarcsionF,
it opens the way to infinitely more joys, tc
which time is no barrier and eternity sets nc
bounds.
A calm, peaceful and holy JOY is hers who
yields without reservation, her hearts truest
affections to one who is worthy of the sacred
trust. A'ad ifthere IS aposition an the wortc
to be envied itiS that Of the truly happy scJe
GoUGH's Description OF COLD WATER
-"L Look at that liquid which has been pro
duced from the clear distilery of nature,