Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-07-09
DON'T MARRY A MAN TO SAVE
HIM.

In these days of degeneracy on the
part OF our youth, while so many young
men are going to ruin through habits OF
intemperance and Kindred vices, it be.
hooves us to sound the note OF warning
in the ears of the fair sex.
Very often the alternative Of either
marrying a nau who is addicted to vice
or the prospect of old maidenhood, is
presented to the fair girl in society; she
must accept the one or stand the chance
of the other. Now if marrying were a
mere business transaction, the matter
might be much more readily disposed
of but, unfortunately, hearts are con
cerned in the affair
The girl loves the man, notwiihstand-
ing his propensity, and is ready TO ac-
cept him, trusting TO his love for her TO
overcome everything after they are mar
ried. Never was there sadder mis-
take: for in nine cases out Of ten il q
man does not reform for his loved ones
sake before marriage, lie never will al
ter; and any girl who malries a man
who drinks or CANDLES may consider
her tate sealed by the act.
"But," says some one, "what am | to
do? II / reject my lover on these
grounds he will drink harder and hard
err until he fills a drunkards grave.
This may be true; but better, far better,
that he only ruin himself than that he
bring a wife and perhaps innocent little
children down 10 the depths OF poverty
and misery.
Oh, girls. take warning, and trust no
man who drinks! For il he has not the
manhood to give mp the habit for yonr
sake he is not worth having, and your
whole future lite may be embittered by
au alliance with him. If the persuasions
of sweetheart will not win, the chances
are that the prayers and tears of wife
will be OF no avail TO save a man IRON
ruin.
Let me tell a short story whose warn
ing, though often heard, is seldom heed
cd.
a sweet, loving girl became attached
to very promising young man, he was
good looking, came of highly respect
able family, and was prosperous in bust
ness, but alas! he was fond OF drink.
Frequently when he visited his be,rothcd
his hand was unsteady and tho bright
eye dimmed. One night he came very
much intoxicated, and caused great sor-
row TO his dear one and all the family
by his conduct
The next time they met, Clara gently
reproved him, and he promised 70 cease
drinking. For a while he kept his prom
ise, but he was tempted and fell; again
he promised, and Clara trusted. him.
The time was drawing very near for
the wedding, and the parents were very
much distressed for the welfare Of their
only daughter; they tried to persuade
her not TO marry Louis until he REFORM
ed entirely; but Clara said that after
they were orce married and home inhu-
ence thrown around him, he would bo
different Trustingly she gave herself
into the care of q man who loved bis
glass more than he loved his sweet
bride
For time he did we'll The wifc's
heart beat high with hope; but in
fatal moment he yielded To temptation,
and the first cloud fell on their peaceful
home. Gradually he became worse and
worse; until he returned home more or
less intoxicated every night. The
prayers and pleadings of his wife fell
on deaf ear; and the kind husband be-
came brutal and wicked. In three years
the demons work was accomplished,
and Clara was left widow, her husband
filling suicides grave, her whole life
bighted and ruined
Once more | would say 10 all who
are contemplating matrimony: Test well
your intended husband, and if he loves
anything too much TO resign it for your
sake, refuse him, although your heart
may ache; and if he is worthy ofyou he
will prove it by reforming from vice.