its; for these days afford terrible examples of the neglect of these homely virtues. The happiness of your future life will be increased or diminished by your choice of a partner; therefore, be guided by discretion, as well as by affection; and let her be such an one, in every sense, as you will never be ashamed of. Call to mind there are as many duties required from the husband as the wife; and a little self-denial and patience on both sides will produce that domestic happiness I pray may be your lot. Let mutual confidence prevail, for concealment between man and wife is a great bar to peace. I shall not enter upon all the duties of the married life, as I rely upon your goodness of heart, that you will not violate any of them. Should you become a father, your duties and your cares will multiply, but you will also have your comforts: and as you will have been guided by wisdom hithertowards, so here the words of wisdom will assist you still ; and the duty of a father is so clearly pointed out both by religion and common sense, that I need not dwell up on it, though it is the most important of all duties. In your house exercise hospitality, but shun all unnecessary waste, and superfluous feasting; these ill agree with the calls of a family, or with the attention we owe to our poor neighbours, who surely have a claim upon our bounty when we are enabled, by Providence, to become bountiful. We find a blessing attending upon charity when it is secret and unostentatious : that charity is best which exercises a spirit of discern ment. Let prudence superintend your househould in every department, and propriety regulate every part. Here, my dear boy, I lay down my pen; and call upon your affection to accept and improve your FATHER'S GIFT, which was written with a view of your temporal and eternal interests. When you are yourself a parent, you will know with what anxious tenderness my heart is filled; and with humble trust do I commmit you to "Him who alone can keep you from falling." YOUTH AND AGE, By G. Tucker, of Virginia. Days of my youth! ye have glided away; Days of my youth! I wish not your recall; Hairs of my youth! I'm content you should fall; Days of my age! ye will shorly be past; |