t yourself with a man
who is inefficient in all his undertakings. This would be leaning upon a
broken staff.

6. _The person of your choice must be_ NEARLY OF YOUR OWN AGE. Should
he be younger than yourself you will be tempted to look upon him as an
inferior; and old age will overtake you first. I should suppose the idea
of marrying a man advanced in years would be sufficiently revolting to
the feelings of a young female to deter her from it. Yet such things
often happen. But I consider it as contravening the order of nature, and
therefore improper. In such case, you will be called upon rather to
perform the office of a daughter and nurse, than a wife.

SECOND CLASS.

1. _It is desirable that the man with whom you form a connection for
life should possess a_ SOUND BODY. A man of vigorous constitution will
be more capable of struggling with the difficulties and trials of this
world, than one who is weak in body. Yet, such an erroneous system has
been pursued, in the education of the generation just now coming upon
the stage of action, that the health of very few sedentary persons
remains unimpaired. It would, therefore, be cruel selfishness to refuse
to form a connection of this kind, on this ground alone, provided they
have no settled disease upon them. A person of feeble constitution
requires the comfort and assistance of a companion, more than one in
vigorous health. But, it certainly would not be your duty to throw
yourself away upon a person already under the influence of an incurable
disease.

2. REFINEMENT OF MANNERS _is a very desirable quality in a companion for
life._ This renders a person's society more agreeable and pleasant, and
may be the means of increasing his usefulness. Yet it will not answer to
make it a test of character; for it is often the case, that men of the
brightest talents, and of extensive education, who are in every other
respect amiable and worthy, have neglected the cultivation of their
manners; while there are very many, destitute alike of talent and
education, who seem to be adepts in the art of politeness. However,
this may be cultivated. A person of good sense, who appreciates its
importance, may soon acquire a courteous and pleasing address, by
mingling with refined society.

3. A SOUND JUDGMENT is also very necessary, to enable a man to direct
the common affairs of life. However, this may also be cultivated by
experience, and therefore cannot be called indispensable.

4. P