Chapter 6: 'Science and Health' by Mary Baker Glover

Chapter VI - Marriage

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pain nor sin. Systems of physic and systems of doc-

trines treat of the pleasures and pains of personal sense;

but Christ takes them all away, and the epoch ap-

proaches when to understand this Principle of being,

will form the basis of all harmony and progress. At

present we live ridiculously for fear of being thought

ridiculous; are slaves to fashion, appetite, and sense;

in the future we shall learn Soul is an architect that

makes men and women beautiful, noble, and not to be

blotted out. We ought to weary of the fleeting and

false, hence, of personal sense, and cherish nothing that

hinders our highest self-hood.

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Frugality is essential to domestic prosperity, and so

is affection; but to silence the voice of conscience to

gain wealth, is trade without profit. The genius of

woman shrinks from controversy with a knave, or a

fool. A man respects the reputation of a woman, but

a mouse will gnaw in the dark a spotless garment.

Culture and refinement are not things of the toilet,

but reflections of head and heart. Innocence is a gem,

worn unconscious of pick-pockets. Husbands that

dissipate care in the club, are poor stocks in ready mar-

kets. A husband is the best friend, or worst enemy

of his wife. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty vain, but

a woman of Wisdom, should be praised." A bad

woman is a loathsome leprosy, dangerous to all that

approach her. In marriage, avoid disparity in ages,

tastes, or education, and make choice only of those

qualities that wear well. Jealousy is the grave of

affection; mistrust where confidence is due touches

with mildew the flowers of Eden, and scatters to the

four winds the leaves of love. A bridal altar is the

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verge of a new existence; wherein the old is fading

out of the experience, to admit the new; two beings

mingling into one; be not in haste to take the vow,

"until death do us part," but consider well its obli-

gations, responsibilities, and relations to all your future

happiness; "judge before friendship, then confide till

death."