The Indiana State sentinel., 1893-07-05
A DISTURBED CONSCIENCE,
Followed by n Pleasant Letter on an
Important Subject by "Jessie Clyde"

Important Subject by Jessie Clyde"
II. L. c. FRIENDS:-A disturbed
conscience, the result of Sunsets" re-
buke, prompts me to write again, and if
others similarly affected do likewise, our
page will be more than filled
But then Sunset" you know, it is so
easy to ask questions and so difficult
sOmestimes to answer them in an intelH-
gent and satisfactory manner. At least
it is SO with me. for each day of life
presents so many mysteries which we
cannot penetrate, so many problems
that we cannot solve. SO many perplex-
ing thoughts which we cannot entirely
Danish from our minds-much less ex-
plain their existence there, that at
times our entire existence seems one
towering. flaming warning and threat
ening Interrogation point.
Overwhelming in the depth Of its sig
niticance unless robbed of its power by
that greater one of Faith, given to those
who rest in sweet contentment and
peace meath the shadow of the cross.
But this is not answering your ques-
ton. Should a lady that is educated
marry a gentleman that is less educated,
or vice Versa2" The question involves
more and deeper thought and considera-
tion from different points than one would
pends."
However well educated he or she may
be, If they are of low birth, in an un-
guarded moment they will commit them
selves in some way. For example, take
an instance where a lady of refined and
highly intellectual parentage, has had
every advantage that money could pro-
curv and who has always been sur
rounded by well bred people. and should
she meet and marry man of more low
ly birth, though his parents may have
acquired sufficient wealth to give their
son a good education and secure his
entrance into "A higher social grade, his
natural inherent qualities will assert
themselves, at certain times making him
anything but cOmpanionable to one of
high senSibilities. Or were circumstan-
ces reversed, the result would be equally
disastrous to mutual happiness l con-
slider equality of birth one of the essen
tlal elements of happy married life.
When j say equality of birth j do not
mean equality of fortune. For there are
marriages that have proved perfectly
happy where the fortune has been either
very unequally divided or not at all. at
the commencement of the married life
To quote the words of Oliver Wendell
Holmes: Il would not have a man
marry above his level so as to become
the appendage OF a powerful family con-
nection; but I would not have him marry
until he knew his level" Nor do / think
that husband and wife should be too
nearly alike in disposition. But that the
principles which form their respective
characters be such that life's prosperi-
ties and adversities shall attune their
hearts to sweetest harmony; that no
cruel blast of doubt or distrust should
chill their affections for each other or
awaken into discord and strife that
beautiful home life which was doubtless
intended TO represent our future life in
the home above.
1 cannot conceive Of happier life than
that of a christian man and woman
happily married.
Nor can 1 conceive of an existence
more miserable than that of a man and
woman, united by law only-who toler-
ate each others society for the sake of
some benefit which may accrue, although
every desire Of the one is in direct oppo-
sition to the wishes of the other. If they
have married for money, for the purpose
of gratifying an ambition, they discover
when too late. that they had mistaken
the matrimonial milestone for a life pre-
server, and the happiness of two lives
perhaps more than twO-must pay the
forfeit.
When woman will learn the value of
self respect and strive each day foT a
higher moral and mental development,
and when man will forget that wealth
and physical beauty are not the only
desirable possessions in a wife, there
may De greater NUMBER OF ndppy
homes. a greater number of noble
women and ideal mothers, a greater
number of manly and honest and honor
able fathers.
There is much more that 1 might say
upon this subject, but for fear of taxing
your patience too long. will leave it for
some one else to finish.
L miss the mons of some Of our old
members. and why? surely it is not for
lack Of space on our page. With kindly
greetings 10 all, sincerely,
JESSIE CLYDE"