goodness yield its gentle tinting to their
cheek, and let tears of tenderness, of mercy, of loving-kindness, make
their eyes moist with those beauties which will not be destroyed, but
perfected hereafter. We must all fade, but it is in our power to
exchange our charms. Keeping far from us envyings, strife, jealousy,
evil-speaking, let us, as our days increase, improve in wisdom and good
deeds; caring for the young, comforting the old, and rendering our home
the throne of domestic happiness."

There are two things requisite, I believe, however, to the enjoyment of
its best effects, in a single state. The lady, who proposes to herself
this destination, should cultivate her Mind. A good education prepares
one for any fortune, or condition of life. She, who has stores of
knowledge and a well-balanced intellect, will find herself possessed of
unfailing resources, both of improvement and happiness. It is the
ignorant, those whose thoughts feed on vacuity, and who, through the
want of mental culture, dwell incessantly on degrading subjects, that
suffer in the single state.

The other preparation I referred to, is Occupation, habits of industry.
An intelligent person may be indolent, and if so, the mental cultivation
she has enjoyed may only serve to expose her feelings to more acute
pain, from her solitary state. But she who is diligent in domestic
economy, in the use of her needle, in the daily reading of valuable
works, and especially in doing good, as she has opportunity, to others,
can hardly be miserable, because unmarried. She will make friends,
wherever she may reside, and find hearts rejoicing to reciprocate her
affection.

Chapter VIII.

REASONS FOR MARRIAGE.

The Fear of being Single. Faith, and Moral Courage needed.
Marrying to gratify friends. "Match makers." Self-will. To leave
an Unpleasant Home. To obtain a Home. Practices in Mexico and
France. Marrying for Wealth. Offer in Texas. Personal Beauty. A
noble example. Fancy. Influence of Novels, and impure Poetry.
Flattery. Passion. Personal Bravery. Custom, in island of Borneo.
Proximity. Family Connections. Persian marriages. Marrying from
the cradle. Personal Distinction. Nobility of Naples. Tragedy in
Philadelphia. Love of Conquest and Power. Madam Gamarra of Peru.
To escape Toil and Care. Marrying to Reform. Being importuned.
From a Sense of Duty. As a Business transaction.

To attempt the enumeration of all the inducements