The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE.
23T
rtram your affecliions, therefore, with vigor ; it will
cost you far less pa'n to stifle them in their birth,
than to languish through the years of woe which are
inseparable from an unsuitable marriage.
If I am correct in my statements concerning love
and marriage, the true idea of courtship is already
obvious. What is it in its beginning, but an opportunity
for the parties to ascertain their fitness for
each other ? What, in its progress, but a means of
forming and strengthening that genuine affection,
which is the true basis of marriage ? With every
young lady the paramount question concerning him
who offers her particular attentions, ought to be,
" Is
he worthy of my love ? " Her first aim should bt
to decide it. She should observe him well and
thoughtfully, — study his character as it may be
expressed in his countenance, his words, spirit, ana
actions. Through her parents she should inquire
into his previous history, and learn especially if he
HAS BEEN A DUTIFUL SON AND AN AFFECTIONATE
BROTHER. This last is a vital test, though it is generally
overlooked ; but very sure I am, that a young