and interests of others is one which brings its own direct reward in the frame of mind which it creates, and in the kindness and regard of those with whom we deal. A That union where all that in woman is kind, Moore. S the first man and woman were made to be married, it seems to follow that married life was intended to be the perfect condition of humanity. This idea is generally held, so far as regards the condition of woman, by all masculine writers. The axiom, as a self-evident truth, is never called in question, that all women are made to be married. They believe, too, that woman's noblest virtues of conduct are called forth, and her highest excellences of character perfected, in domestic life; in short, that her destiny is marriage, and her place of honor and happiness is her home. But, when the destiny of men is debated, they do not reckon marriage as essential to their own well-being, or home as the best place of their enjoyment and honor. Yet, if marriage is the best state for woman, it should be the best for man; or the plan of creation would seem to be in fault. "Be ye not unequally yoked" was the great apostle's command to Christians; if men are really losers by the union, then marriage is "unequal" for men. In the history of creation, it seems that Adam was not perfect till Eve was made to be with him. All the works of the Creator were pronounced "good" till we come to man then the word of God was "It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make a help-meet for him."— Gen. xI. 7–29. The happiness and glory of Eden were then perfected. Not that man and woman were then identical or equal in all their faculties and gifts, but the differences were like the tones in music that make up the concord of sweet sounds. The first married pair were not equals; they were one: one in flesh and bones; one in the harmony of their wills; one in the hope of earthly happiness; one in the favor of God. Thus perfect was their union in Eden whilst they were innocent. Yet, as in their corporeal forms woman was the most refined, delicate, and perfect, so her spirit (by the term I mean heart, soul, mind, including all the affections and passions) was purer and holier than man's. He was formed of the earth, and had in the greatest development those powers of mind which are directed towards objects of sense; she, formed from his flesh and bones, had in greatest development those powers of mind which seek the affections. But these differences did not hinder their loving union; such diversities only seemed to enhance the happiness of their home and enlarge the variety of their enjoyments. It is not disparity of intellect, nor differences in the innocent enjoyments of life, which make the miseries of the married pair. It is disunion of hearts and hopes, the conflicts of passion and will: these mar or destroy domestic bliss. There was nothing to disturb the perfect enjoyment of Eden till sin entered. Then we learn how the sexes differ from each other. While studying the sad history of the fall, we find that the woman's nature never lost its faith in good; and that to her was intrusted the promise of final triumph, by her seed, over the evils that sin would cause. And even now, happy homes may be made, if the husband and wife would lovingly work for this sweet enjoyment. Why should all the responsibilities be laid on woman? Would it not be well to give men a lesson or two on their home-duties? Why should not the husband be advised to bring home " smiles and sunshine" for the wife, while she is admonished always to "have only smiles and sunshine for the husband when he comes home wearied with his day's labor "? It is true that the inner life of home is for woman, and that the wife should reverence and obey her husband. And it is also true that the hard work of life is laid on men; that, by the law of creation, which keeps the sexes equal in numbers, and by the Eden law, which made man's goodness (or perfection) depend on woman's as the "help-meet for him," it is the duty of every man to marry, if it be the duty of every woman to marry. Moreover, God has expressly laid on every man the duty of "providing for his own household;" of "training his children in the way they should go;" of protecting and cherishing his own wife; he is to "love her as himself"-“honor her as the weaker vessel," which surely means the delicate, appreciating care such as he would take of fine porcelain, in distinction from a common clay vessel; and he is also taught to bear in mind that "the woman is the glory of the man.” Ought not Christian fathers to teach these lessons of tenderness and respect for women to their sons? In the education of girls, it is thought to be all important that they should be so trained as to become good wives and devoted mothers. Is the lesson of making good husbands and fathers pressed on the minds of boys, or even hinted at in college-classes for young men ? These are important subjects in estimating the future of American homes. Opportunities of domestic happiness are around our people. Every young man who determines to make for his wife and himself a happy home should place her happiness first in the home (as she must pass her whole life in it, while he has duties that will keep him often abroad), and, working bravely for this noble idea, he will realize it. And the wife: there is in the Book of books one perfect picture of happy married life, limned by divine inspiration: it is proof of what the help-meet for man was by her Creator intended to be in her home, and with what exulting joy her husband and children praise her excellence and bless her care. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. "She shall do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. "She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.. "She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed in scarlet. "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. |