Produced by Charles Aldarondo
1856.
THERE is no relation in life so important—none involving so much ofhappiness or misery, as that of husband and wife. Yet, how rarely isit, that the parties when contracting this relation, have largeexperience, clear insight into character, or truly know themselves!In each other, they may have the tenderest confidence, and for eachother the warmest love; but, only a brief time can pass ere theywill discover that the harmonious progression of two minds, each ofwhich has gained an individual and independent movement is notalways a thing of easy attainment. Too soon, alas! is felt a jar ofdiscord—too soon self-will claims an individual freedom of actionthat is not fully accorded; and unless there is wisdom andforbearance, temporary or permanent unhappiness is sure to follow.
Much has been written on the true relation of married partners, andwe cannot do a better service to the bride and bridegroom, than bygathering words of wisdom on this subject from all sources withinour reach, and presenting them in as attractive a form as possible.And this we have done in the present volume, to which, as thetitle-page indicates, we bear only the relation of editor. In itwill be found pictures of life, serious counsel, earnest admonition,and hints and suggestions, which, if wisely followed, will keep thesky bright with sunshine, or scatter the gathering clouds ere theybreak in angry storms. May this "WEDDING GUEST" receive as warm awelcome as we desire.
THE EVENING BEFORE MARRIAGE
THE WIFE
MARRIAGE
THE BRIDE'S SISTER
LOVE vs. HEALTH
THE YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER
TO AN ABSENT WIFE
THE WORD OF PRAISE
LETTERS TO A YOUNG WIFE FROM A MARRIED LADY
THE WIFE
BE GENTLE WITH THY WIFE
A TRUE TALE OF LIFE
MAN AND WOMAN
THE FAIRY WIFE—AN APOLOGUE
A BRIEF HISTORY, IN THREE PARTS, WITH A SEQUEL
ELMA'S MISSION
LIVING LIKE A LADY
LADY LUCY'S SECRET
A WORD FOR WIVES
NO JEWELLED BEAUTY
THE FIRST MARRIAGE IN THE FAMILY
ONLY A FEW WORDS
THE TWO HOMES
LOVE'S FAIRY RING
FANNIE'S BRIDAL
THE LOVER AND THE HUSBAND
NELLIE
A HOME IN THE HEART
A LEAF FROM A FAMILY JOURNAL
TRIFLES
DOMESTIC HAPPINESS
A SYLVAN MORALITY; OR, A WORD TO WIVES
PASSAGES FROM A YOUNG WIFE'S DIARY
HINTS AND HELPS FOR MARRIED PARTNERS
THREE WAYS OF MANAGING A WIFE
"WE shall certainly be very happy together!" said Louise to her aunton the evening before her marriage, and her cheeks glowed with adeeper red, and her eyes shone with delight. When a bride says we,it may easily be guessed whom of all persons in the world she meansthereby.
"I do not doubt it, dear Louise," replied her aunt. "See only thatyou continue happy together."
"Oh, who can doubt that we shall continue so! I know myself. I havefaults, indeed, but my love for him will correct them. And so longas we love each other, we cannot be unhappy. Our love will nevergrow old."
"Alas!" sighed her aunt, "thou dost speak like a maiden o