eded;
but let it operate only on a free mind, and induce only to a more
serious, and dispassionate consideration, for yourself, of the reply you
shall give.

A good Disposition, if essential in the wife, is no less so in the
husband. No young lady would marry one she believed destitute of this
quality. Every instance, in which it is ultimately found to be wanting,
is the result of a deception, either culpably disregarded by the lady,
or so artfully conducted, during the days of "courtship," as to be then
wholly unperceived. But of what value are all other recommendations,
talent, beauty, wealth, family, without an amiable spirit, and kind
feelings? She, who allows herself to hazard any thing on this point, is
little less than insane. If her partner prove morose, sullen, selfish,
it will blight forever the joys of their marriage day. Better had she
been bound to the dead, as certain offenders of her sex were said to be
of old, than bound to a living mass of pollution, to one whose
principles become more and more her horror, as they are daily betrayed.

Next to the disposition, I regard a good Temper as essential to domestic
happiness. If nature have bestowed sparingly of this gift, and there be
evidence of inward passion, unless there be also unceasing efforts at
self-control, commit not your destiny to the individual. When the
restraints of unfamiliar acquaintance are at length thrown off, what can
you anticipate, but captiousness, and peevishness, if not actual
violence? "Where surfaces," says one, "are contiguous, every little
prominence is mutually felt." How fearful that minds subject to
unrestrained anger, should be brought in so near collision, as may be
produced by marriage.

You will desire proofs of sensibility. This is often accompanied by
excitable passions; but not uniformly, not of necessity. No one could be
prone naturally to greater strength of passion than Washington seems to
have been, yet how admirably did he control his anger. The beau ideal of
a desirable companion combines quick feelings, with a serene,
self-possessed temper. Spare no efforts in ascertaining how near the
individual who addresses you approaches this ideal. An utter failure,
should present, in your view, an insuperable obstacle to a connection
with him for life.

Another condition of happy marriage, is an union of spirit on the great
subject of Religion. It is desirable that the husband and wife belong to
the same Christian denom