Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-06-04
From the Portland Eclectic
PREMATURE MARRLAGE.

Marriage is dlVlne ana Deautllul arrange
ment. 1t was designed by Providence as
the blending of two into one-the masculine
representing Wtsdona, and the feminine qfec-
ton. When there is true spiritual affinity
between the two, then the design is accom-
plished Such an affinity, we believe, may
continue in the other world, equally as in this
Premature marriages are amongst the
greatest evils of the times, and it would not
be bad idea, in these days of reform, if an
ant-marriage ina hurry society were institut-
ed. Nowadays people leap into the magic
life circle with no more consideration than
they would partake of a dinner-little think
inc that, when once in, they are there until
their end comes. There is little, sometimes
no mutual analysis of disposition, and COM
parison of taste and affections. They seem
to fancy that, if there are discrepancies the
fatal Gordon knot, which can be seldom cut,
and never united, will harmonic all.
The number who have felt this truth
the number still feeling to the hearts core
is incalculable. They recognize IT as the
great mistake of their lives The chain to
them is not silken one but cable of iron,
that tightens around them more and more,
crushing out all hopes and energy, substitut-
ING hate for love, and eating out, with its
rust the very inner life of the soul.
Boys and girls now marry to a greater ex-
tent than ever before, instead of waiting un-
til they become full grown and matured men
and women. The young dandy, as soon as
he gets out of short jackets, and finds little
fuz gathering on his upper Gp-and the
young miss, as soon as she immerges from
the nursery and abbreviated frocks-they
think they are qualified to assume the most
solemn responsibilities of life.. And SO if
"Pa" and "Ma" won't consent, they post
off to some Gretna- Green, and there take OBJ
legations that in ninety-nine cases out of a
hundred, they will never cease to repent.
Marriage should never be the result of
fancy. The ball room and the evening party
rarely develop real character. Under the
exhilarating influence of the dance, the glare
of lights, and the merry quip and joke, the
dissolute young man may appear amiable,
and the slatternly scold loveable. Matches
made at such places and under such circum-
stances, are not of that class that originate
in Heaven. They more generally are con
ceived in the opposite place, and bring forth
only iniquty. The true way to learn each
other, is to do it at home, in the parlor, in
the kitchen, and on the occasions that test
the temper. We see the result of these un-
equal unions in the almost daily divorces
that are taking place-in the running away
of husbands, leaving their wives and children
to starve-and in the elopement of wives
Not only this but witness it in broken spir-
tied men, made old in the prime of life,
struggling on for more food and clothing and
Shelter and in women cross, dirty, sluttish
and wrinkled. o., '
| 1t would be quite impossible for us to de.
pict faithfully the multitude Of physical and
moral events that result from those sinful al
liances-for sinful they are. They ruin the