Produced by Charles Aldarondo
THE WEDDING GUEST:
A FRIEND OF THE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM.
EDITED BY T.S. ARTHUR.
CHICAGO, ILL.:
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.
CONTENTS.
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