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existence by constant intercourse with those adapted to
elevate it, should be the motive of society. Unity of
spirit gives new pinions to joy, or else joy's drooping
wings trail in dust.
(Chord and discord)
Ill-arranged notes produce discord. Tones of the
human mind may be different, but they should be concordant
in order to blend properly. Unselfish
ambition, noble life-motives, and purity, -
these constituents of thought, mingling, constitute individually
and collectively true happiness, strength, and
permanence.
(Mutual freedom)
There is moral freedom in Soul. Never contract the
horizon of a worthy outlook by the selfish exaction of
all another's time and thoughts. With additional
joys, benevolence should grow more
diffusive. The narrowness and jealousy, which would
confine a wife or a husband forever within four walls, will
not promote the sweet interchange of confidence and love;
but on the other hand, a wandering desire for incessant
amusement outside the home circle is a poor augury for
the happiness of wedlock. Home is the dearest spot on
earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary,
of the affections.
(A useful suggestion)
Said the peasant bride to her lover: "Two eat no more
together than they eat separately." This is a hint that
a wife ought not to court vulgar extravagance
or stupid ease, because another supplies her
wants. Wealth may obviate the necessity for toil or the
chance for ill-nature in the marriage relation, but nothing
can abolish the cares of marriage.
(Differing duties)
"She that is married careth . . . how she may please
her husband," says the Bible; and this is the pleasantest
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