The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1877-06-01
Single Blessedness.

Single Blessedness.
Since my earliest recollection, and
how long before, | am unable to say,
there has existed in the minds of our
people, the fdlse impression, that il is q
disgrace for female TO lead life of
singlc-blessedness. II is a pity in n re-
public like our own, among free, on
lightencd and educated people, that such
prcjudices should ever have existed
To say nothing of the modification
endured by this class of persons, this
popular fallacy has also caused more
real sorrow and suffering in our land
than one can easily imagine. For ifthe
truth must be told, there is class of fe-
males in our country, who, rather than
bear the epithet of 'old maid," marry
men far inferior TO themselves, when
reason, friends and common sense, all
tell them, "you are signing your own
death-warrant-ringing the kncll of de-
parted hope" Blame them not; for
who likes to bear the ridiculc of their
fellows? There is another class, all
honor to their names, too wise, too
brave to commit so rash an act; these
are the "old maids" of our land. Let
such be praised with song and chime of
bells. for one, have always been n
true friend to this class ofpersons, since
] was old enough to realize how much
they have been abused how much this
false impression has helped to degrade
society-how much real sorrow II has
brought on our sin-stricken world.
When.and where did the idea origi-
nate? Doubtless in the barbarous ages
and has been handed down from gener-
alton to generation, until it has become
a very popular one; and in the hurry
and hustle of life, few pause to question
its merit or demerit. 1t has caused
many unhappy unions and divorces
and L doubt not but the children oi
these unhappy marriages sometimes fecl
that "it would have been far better fol
themselves had they never had an exist.
ence."
Who are often loudest in derision Of
those who live single? Busy-bodies
What would be the result, if these in
cessant takers should occasionally pause
to take breath, and rest their tongues.
Doubtless they would feel that the,
were losing much precious time; but i
certainly would be beneficial TO the com
munity in which they reside.
Oftentimes this is not so much the re
suit of malice or heartlessness, as O.
thoughtlessness To spend the best par
of ones life dressing and trying to catcf
beau, is beneath the dignity of any
true woman. Better let them 90 to the
Bay of Biscay and never come 10 seel
your hand; and spend your time il
some honorable employment, striving
to lay up something for future use. II
short we should educate our daughters
that they may be qualified to adorn any
respectable position in life to which
they may be called; as we'll to become
sold maids" as to occupy place in the
sphere of matrimony. Teach them tC
'paddle their own canoe;" then if il
the lapse of time, some honorable mar
should seek their hand in marriage, they
may be better qualified to assume so re-
sponsiblc position. Marriage has beer
compared to n lottery. 1t certainly is
unless each party is well acquainted
with the history and disposition of the
other.
1t is great and good thing as W.
journey along life's pathway to have
wisdom TO know when we are well of
a lack of this knowledge has deprived
many one of wealth, home and happi
ness. II is argued that single life is {
lonely life. Doubtless this is so, a
times, but not half so lonely, or wretch
cd, as she who sits half-starved. half
clad, with little ones around her crvinl
for bread, and her husband, who should
be her protector, away spending his
time and money at the grog-shop an(
gambling room.
This is scene over which angels
might weep, scene which should never
he tolerated in country like our own
And YET in free America, in the face
and eyes of all this, the girl who darei
% live single life, who is too wise tC
launch her frail bark on such tempestu
ous seas, must bear the SCOTS and ieeri
Of her associates. Why is il that Sc
many women must either remain single
OF marry men inferior to them? l an
;wer, because the race of women as
whole are superior in morals and hab
its. speak this not boastingly, but be
cause believe it to be true, for wheI
We look about, and note by what clas
our reform schools, jails and statc-pris
ons are chiefly filed, we must admi
that the female sex are either superior
in morals or more cunning than tn,
male, for we are governed by the sam,
laws in regard to our conduct.
i There are mcn--bless their hearts-a!
good, as noble, as kind-hearted as wo
men. Our own state boasts of man,
such. Nor do we forget that it some
times happens to a good man to be une
qually yoked TO an inferior woman
Better own an interest in the aurora bo
reals, than one of these heartless
thoughtless, fashionable butterflies.
Perhaps some may infer from tn,
tenor of this article that am opposed
TO mairimony; by no means, when tn,
parties will be made better and happier
by the union. But certainly subjec
of such vital importance deserves a sec
ond thought. My object at this time i
TO vindicate the rights of those who liv,
single when they see no chance 10 max,
their condition better by marrying.
May the day be not far distant whcl
that class of icmales,--too wise to b,
caught with chail, may hold an honoret
position among the noble and respected
of our land.
Cornwall. May |, 1877.