In consequence of this enfeebled state of their constitution, induced by a neglect of their physical education, as soon as they are called to the responsibilities and trials of domestic life, their constitution fails, and their whole life is rendered a burden; for no person can enjoy existence when disease throws a dark cloud over the mind and incapacitates her for the proper discharge of her duty. It would seem as if the primeval curse, that has written the doom of pain and sorrow on one period of a young mother's life, in this country, has been extended over all; so that, the hour never arrives when "she forgetteth her sorrow for joy that a man is born into the world." Many a mother will testify, with shuddering, that the most exquisite sufferings she ever endured, were not those appointed by nature, but those which, for week after week, have worn health and spirits when nourishing her child. And medical men teach us that this in most cases, results from debility of constitution consequent on the mismanagement of early life. And so frequent and so mournful are these and other distresses that result from the failure of the female constitution, that the writer has repeatedly heard mothers say that they had wept tears of bitterness over their infant daughters for the sufferings which they were destined to undergo; while they cherished the decided wish that these daughters should never marry. At the same time, many a reflecting young woman is looking to her future prospects with very different feelings and hopes from those which Providence designed. American women are exposed to a far greater amount of intellectual and moral excitement than those of any other land. Of course, in order to escape the danger resulting from this, a greater amount of exercise in the fresh air, and all those methods which strengthen the constitution, are imperiously required. But instead of this, it will be found that owing to the climate and customs of this nation, there are no women who secure so little of this healthful and protective regimen. Walking and riding, and gardening in the open air, are practised by women of other lands to a far greater extent than by American females. Most English women, in the wealthiest classes, are able to walk six or eight miles on a stretch, without oppressive fatigue; and when they visit this country, always express their surprise at the inactive habits of the American ladies. In England, the regular daily exercise in the open air is required by the mother as a part of daily duty, and is sought by young women as employment. In consequence of a different physical training, English women in those circles that enjoy competency, present an appearance which always strikes American gentlemen as a contrast to what they see at home. An English mother, at thirty or thirty-five, is in the full bloom of perfected womanhood, as fresh and healthful as her daughters. But where are the American mothers who can reach this period unfaded and unworn? In America, young ladies in the wealthier classes are sent to school from early childhood, and neither parents nor teachers make it a definite object to secure a proper amount of fresh air and exercise, to counterbalance their intellectual taxation. As soon as they pass their school-days, dressing, visiting, evening parties and stimulating amusements take the place of study, while the most unhealthful modes of dress add to the physical exposure. To make morning calls, or do a little shopping, is all that can be called their exercise in the fresh air; and this, compared to what is needed, is absolutely nothing, and on some accounts is worse than nothing. In consequence of these, and other evils, the young women of America' grow up with such a delicate constitution, that probably eight out of tea become subjects of disease either before or as soon as they are called to the responsibilities of domestic life. Original. THE HUSBAND TO HIS SICK WIFE. BY REV. C. W. DENISON. WIFE of my youth! since we were wed, "Tis now a half a score of years; And vowed, before the nuptial shrine- Dear Mary! what a chequered scene, Since then, have we together passed! See! light and shade close interveneThe pleasant calm, the bowling blast: But, Mary, in the clouds that swept On wings of gloom across the sky, How many mercies sweetly slept, To pour upon us from on high! The darkest storm-cloud often bears Each cloud becomes, like Israel's, Mary, I see thee drooping now; I hear thee moaning by my side; Thy life-spring ebbing in its tide: Yes, Mary, 'tis a blissful thought, To meet and fade at close of day: When its companion-cloud is gone- MARRIAGE. MARRIAGE always effects a decided change in the sentiments of those who come within its sacred pale under a proper sense of the responsibilities of the married state. However delightful the intercourse of wedded hearts, there is, to a well-regulated mind, something extremely solemn in the duties imposed by this interesting relation. The reflection that an existence which was separate and independent, is ended, and that all its hopes and interests are blended with those of another soul, is deeply af fecting, as it imposes the conviction that every act which shall influence the happiness of the one, will color the destiny of the other. But when the union is that of love, this feeling of dependence is one of the most delightful that can be imagined It annihilates the habit of selfish enjoyment, and teaches the heart to delight in that which gives pleasure to another. The affections become gradually enlarged, expanding as the ties of relationship and the duties of life accumulate around, until the individual, ceasing to know an isolated existence, lives entirely for others, and for society. But it is the generous and the virtuous alone, who thrus enjoy this agreeable relation. Some hearts there are, too callous to give nurture to a delicate sentiment. There are minds too narrow to give play to an expansive benevolence. A degree of magnanimity is necessary to the existence of disinterested love or friendship.-Border Tales. |