Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1871-11-04
Marriage.

There are tew subjects more frequent.
ly in the thoughts of young and oil
than tha, Of marriage, and none upon
which more widely diverging views ex-
list. The theme alike of le,ity aud iriv-
olity Oh the one hand, aud OF mere
worldly prudence on the other, few APP
prrciate its real import, and fewer still
realize the rich blessing it is capable OF
shedding on those who tathom and full
ill it's holy relations. There are two AS
poets 10 this subject, which, to the
thoughtful mind, will convey some idea
of it's high character. One is is impcr.
tant hearing Oh The whole fabric OF So
ciciy, the other the fact that it has its
foundation IN the very essence Of our
nal ure. Suclely Is not Il chance comhl-
nation of isolated individuals, it is rath.
er collection of families united in one
organization. The family, with i:s own
special laws, privileges aud duties,
though an institution complete in itself,
does no, exist tor itself alone. 1t is the
groundwork of the State. Marriage,
therefore, AS the basis of the family, in
wolves not merely personal interests and
happiness, but the continuance and wei
fare of he race. Thus the law righttul-
" throws around il her protecting arms,
and resents all public insults To It's puri-
ty and dignity.
The law Ut marriage is written on 9th.
er tablets than those of the State As
the mental and moral nature becomes ell
eva,ed, the true idea of marriage is un-
folded. The natural passions that with.
ont this bond, ieHd only to degradation
and vice...a by it refirrd and chasi enrd.
Love is cemenied, duties are shared, JOYS
are enhanced and s"rrows lightened.. 1t
is only W e smpl .ity aud purity OF
heart dweli that the ,ruesl blessings OF
marriage can he enjoyed. The passion
that looks only to srlfgratitication, the
'ancy which is caught by charming
iaee or engaging manner, and mistaken
for love, the Iuercenary spirit whose
chiet object in marriage is TO procure
home, or to acquire influence or position
in society, or to enjoy hitherto unknown
luxuries, all these are foreign to the very
essence of true marriage, and dcsecrate
it's name Those who enter into this re
lation from such motives, fail to appre.
cia,e its Significance, will fail 10 fulfill its
duties, aud never hope to enjoy its trlici
lies. Marriage must be founded on mu
NAL love, il il is 10 be more than soul
less contract, and that love must be
founded on mutual respect, esteem and
trust, If IL is to survive the storms and
trials of life.
There is among some, at the present
day, a most unnatural aud nwhoes om'
: shrinking from married lite on account
of it's responsiveness. Persuading them
, selves that certain style OF living is in
dispensible, aud knowing it TO be- be
a yond their present means, they sti1'
/ their hoI es, and put aside or p1stpon,
indefinitely all thoughts OF entering
state where, in return for the delights 0
home and the sweets of domestic love
a they may be called upon to sacrific'
. some of their ambitious or selt.ndulgen
cravings. When VIZ witness the enor
4 nous outlay so ofIen expended on pres
D ents, trosseaux and bridal tours, in fur
nishng and decorating dwellings, ant
. the general costly style aimed at IN com
d mencing married lite, we cannot woude
@ that prudent young persons shrink from
involving themselves in course so like
u ly 10 prove ruinous. But their error lie
= in admitting the necessity for such ex
: travagance, in being held in bondage b.
fashion. in spurning the simple, nAturo
and holy joys of lite tor The sake OF os
tentation and display. Love that
worthy of the name will not thus b
4 chea ed out Of its very existence, it Wi
y assert its supremacy over the tyrannics
Of dictates OF fashion and luxury, and thu
tn develop in strength and beauty, shso
y. ding it. joys over the hearts and lives
its loyal followers.