Democratic messenger., 1881-09-17
Woman, Sec Your Work !
BY DAISY.

Il there has ever been q time 10 the
history of our country when W,man's
Influence. woman's strength and WON.
ans dignity have been needed, it is now.
The present is one pite0us appeal for
some cleansing power TO drain the dirty
pool OF worldly vice OF its black stain
and scarcely can think Of 9 more pow
crful agent than woman.
But what remains for her to do2 To
join haDd in hsnd with man in some
wild folly. that must lead its miserable
victims to disgrace-ruin. To staad
BY nan at the fesial board, with her
graceful arss and winsome smiles, and
hand to bis unpolluted lips the fret in
toxics,ing drsugbt Fea Of the sterner
sex can resist woman's invitation 20
drink with me )" to pledge golden
friendship With vine when il is red.
o woman think of your power
think Of the downward course Of
drunksrd, aud for sweet mercy's sake.
snatch the wine cup from his grasp,
empty its poisonous contents upon moth
sr earth. where even the beasts Of the
6eld cannot taste Of it. Break into
fragments the cup that has held, aud,
q. God, still holds the fate Of thousands
Woman, came out from the stillness of
Jour life. and With the power of "min-
istering sDgsls," go forth into the busy
scenes Of lite. With your influence help
Jog poor weak man to be sober-to be
good.
Beware, bswitohing woman, of the
card-table. Oh, beware of the danger
Gus dice bog, the very rattle Of which
tells the sad heart-histories OF so many
wives aud mothers Of our beautiful
land. Where will be your conscience
Where can you bury remorse. when in
the last agony of death, some poor tor
tured soul will cry aloud: woman
taught me to be gambler" Listen !!
The very first game must be played,
aud 10 10 the 6rst game that makes the
gambler-the frat drink that makes the
drunkard.
Pause ere you take another step
Think one moment. what is my mis-
sion ?" You have a mission. Will
you cxalt or debase that mission Z
Go back to that blissful abode 10
Eden. What marred tho beauty OF
that soene2 What made her, the
fairest of her sex." hide for very
shame She had sinned, aud her 10
Huence bad made Adam fell. just re-
aect for moment how great that in-
6ueDce mnst have been. Our 6rst faith
er, after having heard Gods promise
aud threat listened to woman, and
yielded. Aud to-day. with the blessed
Bible telling US as direct message
from Him, 0 how can she. who vas
first at the cross, aud FIRST at the tomb,
forget the sacred-the beautiful trust
committed TO her I
Just as the white rosebud opens its
pure petals to beautify Gods rose tree,
80 the beauties Of the maiden develop
Have you ever tried to place an ssti-
mate upon her influence at this period {
It would be truly . mighty task. CsD
she not mould The destiny Of those
around her. not only by precept. but
by example? Aud when that tender
passion enters her young life. bringing
with it almost fairy pictures of love and
happiness, what is her power over him
who, iu return, promises her the most
sacred Of earthly gifts-his honest love.
Now is the time to prove your woran-
hood, and base is that man whose bet
ter nature" will not listen to his earthly
guide. But If during these halcyon
days of love-makiug, he resis.s s1ch
noble Influences, be is un worthy a wom-
ans love. and should be left to gratify
bis own love of self.
Beware of such men They mako
fair promises, tut il 10 actions. not
words. that prove the character of men,
and woman. too. Then when the dig
ni6ed title Of wife makes you the con-
stant companion OF him. for whom you
have forsaken all others, think Of the
dangers spread around you. Remem-
bsr the days Of romance are over. aud
the stern realities Of life are croWding
around you. Will you not bravely
6gbt to make your husband what be
should be2 Patience and industry,
united with perfect love, must ever
blend 10 your heart. to prepare you for
your new life.
Do not expect married life to be the
same 'moonli. scene" as the bright ex-
isteuOe OF courtship. No. no it should
be u higher. holisr, better life and it
will be II two noble spirits determine il
shall be. But know frst the nature
aud habits Of him before you promise to
love. hoDcr and obey" Il lie imposs-
ible for . women 10 her native refine
ment to be bsppy with coarse. rough
man hence her promise to love is
iaithless one. Nor can she be happy
With bim whom bic fellow. men cannot
truss, and from whom her own true
spirit recoils; hence her promise 70
hoSor is an empty one. Nor can there
be any domestic peace where the man 10
weak aud ignorant, inferior iu every
way TO her hom be has dared to mar
ry; hence her promise to obey 10 Q
worthless ono.
Matrimony has become Q dangerous
Institution. Why? God only knows.
There is a wrong somew hare. and khere