The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-01
4 Don't Marry a Man to Save Him.

DOhI Marry Nan 10 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
behooves us to sound the note of warn
ing in the ears of the fair sex.
Very often the alternative of either
marrying a man 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, notwithstand-
ing his propensity, and is ready to ac-
cept him, trusting to his love for her to
overcome everything after they are
married. Never was there a sadder mis-
take; for in nine cases out of ten if
man does not reform for his loved ones
sake before marriage, he never will af-
ter; and any girl who marries man
who drinks Or CANDLES may consider her
fate sealed by the act.
"But," says some one, "whst am I to
do? If reject my lover on these
grounds he will drink harder and harder
until he fills a drunkard's grave" This
may be true; but better, far better,
that he only ruin himself than that he
bring wife and perhaps innocent little
children doyn to the depths of poverty
and misery.
Oh, girls, take warning, and trust no
man who drinks For if he has not the
manhood to give up the habit for your
sake he is not worth having, and your
whole future life may be embittered by
an alliance with him. If thepersuasions
of a sweetheart will not win, the chances
are that the prayers and tears of wife
will be of no avail to save man from
ruin.
Let me tell short story whose warn
ing, though often heard, is seldom
needed.
A sweet, loving girl became attached
to a very promising young man he was
good-looking, came of highly re-
spectacle family, and was prosperous in
business; but, alas he was fond of
drink. Frequently when he called upon
his betrothed his hand was unsteady and
the bright eye dimmed. One night he
came very much intoxicated, and caused
great sorrow to his dear one and all the
family by his conduct.
The next time they met Clara gently
reproved him, and he promised to cease
drinking. For while he kept his pro-
mise, but he was tempted and fell;
again he promised, and Clara trusted
him.
The time was drawing 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 re-
formed entirely; but Clara said that
after they we're once married and home
influence thrown around him, he would
be different. Tlustingly she gave her.
self into the care of q man who loved
his glass more than he loved his sweet
bride.
For u time he did WELL The wife's
heart, beat high with hope; but in a
fatal moment he yielded to temptation,
and the first cloud fell on theirp 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 a deaf
ear, and the kind husband became
brutal and wicked In three years the
demons work was accomplished, and
Clara was left widow, her husband
filling a suicides grave, her whole life
blighted and ruined.
Once more / would say to 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 Of you he
will prove it by reforming from vice.
Wdr@b Magazine
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