The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-06-12
For rms CENTRAL Perss1EERiAl
A LETTER OF ADVICE.
From a Father 10 his Daughter on the Day
of her Marriage.


AIy Dear Cbi7d,-You are this day t
take the most important step in your life
as far as the human relations are concerned
and as l wish to give you some parting words
Of counsel 1 take this method as one most
likely to enable you to recall what l have to
say. You are to unite your lot with man
who loves you tenderly and truly, and who,
as far as l can see or know, is fully worthy
of your love and confidence in return.
can truly say that everything have seen OF
heard Of him tends to exalt him in my es-
TEEN, so that can say of him, as Jesus did
Of the young ruler, zone thing" only "thOu
lackest; ;" and that one thing he may soon
possess, if you are faithful to him as Chris
tan. Your happiness, under God, | regard
to be in your own hands, and you have as
good prospect of it as is usually accorded
to Us in this uncertain world, if you are but
faithful to God, to your husband, and to
yourself, in the discharge of your various
duties.
You viii make great change in leaving
the bustling scenes of a city, for the quiet
and loneliness of life on plantation, and
it may take you some time to be fully pre-
pared for and reeoneiled to the change But
it is a kind Of life in which you may i'm
prove, as you could not in city, both men.
tally and spiritually, and in which you may
have peace and quiet happiness, that no
other life can give.
But there are a few points in which a
quarter of century's experience gives me
some advantage in giving you advice as to
married life, that may be of great value to
you, if you will give earnest heed to my
counsel.
1. Remember that love is the very ss-
sence of your new relation, and you must
seek to cherish a true and warm love to your
husband, preferring him to all other per-
sons, and letting him see clearly that you
do thus prefer him. Indifference, even of
manner, has a chilling effect on love, and
when love is gone the marriage tie becomes
a real bondage, often the bitterest in life,
because indissoluble.
2. Never deceive him, even in the small,
est matter. Better be blamed by him for
something you have done, than be guilty of
a deceit, which would destroy his confidence
in YOU, and his respect for you. Be open
and unreserved in all your acts, and have
no secrets that he cannot share, and no con-
6dant that would require you to keep any
thing from him. Never do, say, or write
anything that you are unwilling for him to
know. If he ought not to know it, it is not
proper for you to do it. This is matter Of
immense Importance to you, and implOre
YOU 70 observe it. l have seen bitter fruits
from the neglect of it, and urge it on you.
8. Avoid all disputes with him, even on
trivial matters and in mere jest. His will
by Gods appointment, is to be the govern,
ine viii. and obedience is what the Bible re
:onires; and in the end you will be far more
sure of having your own way, by thus sub
hitting to him, for this will induce him tC
study to meet your wishes. l have never
known a happy couple where this rule wal
neglected, and rarely an unhappy one
where vas observed; for the simple reason
that 1t is Gods way, and hence the best.
4. Never try to practice on his love BY
rOusing his jealousy, even in sport Better
be too reserved in your intercourse with gen
tleman, than do that which would rouse thi
evil spirit, that has so often led to scenes 0
sorrow and even bloodshed. Be cOnten
with his love, and every honorable man vii
respeet and admire you more for it.
5. Try to become acquainted with tn
subjects that interest him, that you may b
able to converse intelligently and pleasant.
with him and his friends.
s. Spend as much time as you can il
reading, so as to enlarge your mental culture
Z. Study to master the details of you
domestic duties as soon as you can, that 20
may answer the description of virtuou
woman in Prov. XXI.
s. Cultivate gentleness and sweetness
temper, manner and speech. This can onl
be done BY keeping down 8elfshneas, an
selfindulgenee, and aiming to make other
happy around you. Thus you will best az
vance your own happiness; for others wi
try to make you happy.
g. Be industrious. 1t viii save you frOl
many an hour of ennui.
10. Strive after more piety. Your hu
bands salvation may greatly depend
your walk and conversation. Be light
lead him to the cross, and not stumblir
block in his way.