American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-11-29
Marriage Hlovatos tho a Character. 4 rae

L
+ People think asthcy please, but
the trath~is, that till one becomes the
head of n family and father, lie can
scarcely be called man. Exceptions
there are, honorable, conspicuous.
substances may be pointed out, though
Tar from common, 1T is believed, whore
one not advanced to the dignity sup
posed, and so not subjected to its nu-
merous trials and victories-defeats
too, something's, itmust be confessed
have yet had hearts as liberal and ex-
tpandcdas any who have assumed con
Ejugal and parental responsibilities.
Nevertheless, in general, those helps
arc. needed TO direct Mhatthero is un-
hsclish, serious, generous, and sympa-
Ithzing 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 arc apt to settle quietly
around themselves as centre, and f.
nally crystalize there. Such a person
may be a. miracle of virtue and propri-
ETY., beautiful even in its transparent
purity, but after all as hard rs the di-
almond, if not as cold.
One needs the claim upon him as
husband and father, to take him out of
himself and awaken his solicitudes and
cares for others. Tho wear and tear
he is subject to from these relations,
do him good. they ycwholesomc ex-
crclses for the heart, as labor is for the
muscles. We may not tell exactly
why it $3.50, but of the existence of the
fact there is striking evidence in the
!. experience Of Che mother, who loves
that child best, which has given her
most anxiety and trouble. For whom
! is all the tenderness Of the father Law
! ishedI lS il not upon the wayward
hoy, his prodigal son? The parent is
chastcned and made better by having
wife and children dependent upon him
\ for pleasure, comfort and support.
The little vcxat!ons-sometimes great
ones, porhaps-which they occasion,
90 him no harm, but on the contrary
his own character is matured while lie
IS laboring and suffering to shape that
/ OF Others. lie who does not suffer,
/ cannot know half there is in man.
i Not only is the heart of man made
better by assuming the obligations of
q husband and father, but his mind is
also greatly improved. A new horison
opens to him. Before. he was travel
ling through the world in valley: he
now ascends to higher ground, and for
the tirst time sees mankind as they
are, and begins to comprehend society,
It's origin, It's work, and destiny. lie
now awakens to the glorious call of
duty, instead OF pleasure, to which he
only listened before. Not that plea
i'surc j3 denied him now, but it comes
OF itself in the train of duty discharged,
instead of being solicited as formerly,
Tor It's own sake. This revolution, pro-
duced by his change of position, is mark
cd upon his countenancc, where it is no
less les visible than in his changed conduct.
The man is stamped upon it in every
serious, thoughtful lineament, where
checrfulness and sedateness have taken
the place of meaningless gaicty, friv-
oilty, and want Of sober aim. If any
one says he is acquainted with very
many single persons of large and sym
pathetic hearts, and minds full of libe-
raj thoughts, it is granted. Place that
man, 50 admirably endowed by nature,
at the head of family for which he
was doubtless intended, and he would
be twice a man and his usefulness in.
creased fourfold.