J74 GENERAL REQUISITES. 



But after all conferences, the parties themselves are the 

 only rightful arbiters. 



Let no human being marry or refuse marriage against 

 their own will. 



Having introduced our young people to each other, let 

 us leave them prepared in the best possible manner to make 

 each other's acquaintance. 



General Requisites. There are conditions to happy 

 marriages too well known to demand explanation or discus- 

 sion here, to which we will allude in the briefest possible 

 manner. Vigorous health, freedom from hereditary taint, 

 moral stamina, self-respect, industrial and useful disposition, 

 genuine benevolence or kindness, personal habits of cleanli- 

 ness, order, temperance and conscientiousness. 



We must not expect perfection, but look for the highest 

 aggregate combination of these qualities, which all of us 

 associate with a lovable character. 



Likeness to Each Other a General Rule. The 

 parties to a happy marriage must be substantially alike. By 

 a fixed law of mind, like loves like, and affiliates with it ; 

 but dislikes unlike and fails to intermingle therewith. 



Similarity is the great bond of association. Not only 

 do philosophers fraternize with philosophers, poets with 

 poets, etc. ; but individual men and women choose for inti- 

 mate friends those as nearly like themselves in taste, doc- 

 trines, habits, likes, etc., as is possible. 



Are not those whom friendship's sacred ties bind 

 together, drawn to each other by like traits ? They love 

 each other because each likes the same things. Christians 

 love Christians, but dislike atheists, while votaries of any 

 science love students of the same science best. 



1. We like whatever renders us happy, because thereof 

 and in proportion thereto ; but hate whatever renders us 

 miserable, because of this misery and in proportion to it. 

 Indeed, by this involuntary shrinking from pain and love of 

 enjoyment, nature drives us from disobedience and attracts 

 us to obedience of her laws ; and has therefore rendered it 



