A Book

FOR ALL WHO HAVE WORN, ARE WEARING, OR ARE LIKELY TO WEAR THEM.

WARD, LOCK, & CO., WARWICK HOUSE, DORSET BUILDINGS, SALISBURY SQUARE, E.C.

251. c. 766.

PREFACE.

THE present volume, consisting of detached papers all bearing on one and the same theme, is based on a work edited by the Author whose name appears on the title-page. While it has undergone some modifications, as re-compiled and recast for the English public, thanks are due to the original Editor for his kindness in permitting and promoting its publication in this form; and the reader will, we are persuaded, be not unmindful of the tribute of gratitude which may be claimed by the varied writers who have thus employed their pens in seeking to further the domestic happiness of their fellow-men.

The design of the work will be best unfolded by citing the words of Mr. Arthur himself:

"There is," he says, "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 who contract this relation have a large experience, a clear insight into character, or any true knowledge of

themselves! In each other they may have the tenderest confidence, and for each other the warmest love; but only a brief time passes ere they 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 much wisdom and forbearance, temporary or permanent unhappiness is sure to follow.

"A great deal 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 counsels, earnest admonitions, 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."