The Wedding Guest: A Friend of the Bride and Bridegroom

Produced by Charles Aldarondo
1856.
THERE is no relation in life so important—none involving so much of happiness or misery, as that of husband and wife. Yet, how rarely is it, that the parties when contracting this relation, have large experience, clear insight into character, or truly know themselves! In each other, they may have the tenderest confidence, and for each other the warmest love; but, only a brief time can pass ere they will discover that the harmonious progression of two minds, each of which has gained an individual and independent movement is not always a thing of easy attainment. Too soon, alas! is felt a jar of discord—too soon self-will claims an individual freedom of action that is not fully accorded; and unless there is wisdom and forbearance, temporary or permanent unhappiness is sure to follow.
Much has been written on the true relation of married partners, and we cannot do a better service to the bride and bridegroom, than by gathering words of wisdom on this subject from all sources within our reach, and presenting them in as attractive a form as possible. And this we have done in the present volume, to which, as the title-page indicates, we bear only the relation of editor. In it will be found pictures of life, serious counsel, earnest admonition, and hints and suggestions, which, if wisely followed, will keep the sky bright with sunshine, or scatter the gathering clouds ere they break in angry storms. May this WEDDING GUEST receive as warm a welcome 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