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The first and the second marriages, or, The courtesies of wedded life. Leslie, Madeline, (1815–1893).
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THE FIRST AND THE SECOND MARRIAGES; OR, THE COURTESIES OF WEDDED LIFE.

BY

MRS. MADELINE LESLIE.

BOSTON: SHEPARD, CLARK & CO. NEW YORK: W. P. FETRIDGE & CO. PHILADELPHIA: H. COWPERTHWAIT & CO. CLEVELAND, OHIO: JEWETT, PROCTOR & WORTHINGTON.

1856.
page: 3[View Page 3]

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by C. STONE & CO. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY W.F. DRAPER, ANDOVER.

THIS VOLUME
IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED
TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND,
ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF OUR MARRIAGE.

page: 4-5[View Page 4-5]

PREFACE.

THE object of this volume is indicated by its title. It is to exhibit "The courtesies of wedded life." It treats of courtship and marriage, of the relation of husband and wife, of their responsibilities and privileges, and of their trials and rewards. It aims to assist them in their reciprocal duties, and in the attainment of the pure and blissful ends of wedlock. It shows how piety enables them to bear with each others' infirmities, how it smoothes asperities of temper, assimilates dispositions and tastes, conforms character to the noblest standard, and adorns them with graces surpassing those of the muses.

These subjects have often been treated in a didactic style with distinguished ability. Many of them have found a place in the representations of the stage, and in the numbers of the poet. The author, deeply impressed with their grave importance, lying as they do at the foundation of society, has attempted to present them in a series of life-like pictures drawn from personal observation page: 6-7 (Table of Contents) [View Page 6-7 (Table of Contents) ] tion. Imagination has furnished the drapery of these scenes, but their "propriae personae" are living characters. If any readers should see their own likeness in the picture, and should find their own history in the incidents, their silence may prevent others from recognizing them and from discovering their failings, while their own reflection may assist them to overcome the same, and to obey more perfectly the precepts, "Wives, reverence your husbands," and "Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them."

The original design of this work embraced several collateral topics, here treated with brevity, and in some instances entirely omitted, lest the volume should increase beyond the prescribed limits. For all its omissions and defects we invoke the charity of a candid public to whom we now send it on its mission of love. If it shall produce a more just appreciation of the marriage institution, multiply the cordialities and amenities of wedded companions, and increase the happiness of home, the labor of its preparation will be abundantly rewarded.

CONTENTS.

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