How much soever of his own natural rights the husband is required to yield, the concessions of the wife are still more numerous, and justify the inevitable conclusion that matrimony involves, as a matter of the plainest necessity, not only a greater degree of dependence on her part, but also a species of inferiority.

Let me here say again, that I would be the last person in the world to justify a tyrannical assumption of superiority on the part of our own sex. Let nothing be claimed by man, except what the necessity of the circumstances requires; and let even this be done in the most gentle manner. But if reason, nature and revelation unite in affirming that the balance of concession does actually devolve on woman, it is proper to say so. I may also add, that the more cheerful and voluntary the submission, the happier the results.

This was the conclusion of a newly married couple, among my own acquaintance. Each respected the rights of the other, but both saw how much more numerous the points were in which woman was required to yield; and both saw, too, the necessity of an umpire, in certain cases. It was therefore mutually agreed that it belonged to the husband to decide, in all matters of dispute. This point, once settled, has never, thus far, been questioned by either party.

But besides the numerous general concessions which a well regulated matrimonial state requires of the wife, and which, from its very nature, it involves, she is called to a series of smaller concessions, on which depend, much more than on all else, her comfort and happiness.

No woman can suppose herself perfect in opinions, habits or manners. But whether hers are right or wrong, she finds them daily, and perhaps hourly conflicting with those of her husband. He has been trained differently from herself. He has. been accustomed to view things through a medium somewhat different. He is more ignorant on many points than she; and it unfortunately happens that when a difference of opinion arises among mankind—and between husband and wife, no less than elsewhere-those who are most ignorant will usually be most positive, and most tenacious of their sentiments.

He is often more tenacious of habits and manners than of opinions; and especially of small habits. But what shall be done? Shall she set herself firmly against every habit which she has reason to believe is not the very best? Shall she not rather, for the sake of peace, often concede or yield a point, at least for the time?

Perhaps there is no one thing on which domestic happiness so much depends as this; here, too, as in

the matters already mentioned, the balance of con

cession devolves on the wife.

band concede or not, she must.

Whether the hus

If she insists too

She must endeavor to

long or too strenuously for what she deems to be truth or right in small matters, she does it at the expense of her own comfort and peace. I do not say that she must express her assent to what she does not believe; but I do say that she must not dispute too long about it. waive the whole subject. By contending, she will probably gain nothing, but only confirm him in his habits or opinions. By a temporary concession, that is, by suspending the question, she may possibly lead him to reflect farther, and to change his views or conduct.

So valuable is the disposition to make temporary. concessions in matters of opinion or habit, that an aged friend of mine, in giving directions in reference to matrimony prior to marriage, represented the whole question of domestic happiness or misery as turning upon this single point. After giving the reasons for her opinions, she concluded by observing" If you are both wise in this respect, you cannot but be prosperous and happy."

Effects of kindness on brute animals-on savages-on children. Case of a father. Effects of kindness on servants and slaves-on a husband. Opinion of Solomon. A new era. Its results to woman. Counsel. Beautiful ex

tracts.

CONSTANT and unremitted kindness is irresistible. I say this with the more confidence, from the effect which experience has shown that it has on the insane and the idiotic, and even on beasts. I do not believe there is an animal on earth that can wholly resist its influence.

I have watched the effects of kindness on the noble horse, the patient ox, the domestic cat and dog, and even the grovelling pig. I have read of its effects on the elephant, the camel, the lama, and indeed on almost every known animal-even the fierce lion, and the savage hyena; and I have usually found those effects obvious. The best domestic animals I have ever seen were reared by kind and merciful masters; the worst by those of a contrary disposition.

Kindness to an animal, and even to men, may not, it is true, always change, at once, habits or character. Our kindness to a savage will not, of necessity, render him civilized;-it may, indeed, leave him as much of a savage as he was before. But it will, at the least, increase his love for us, and his confidence in us, so that the more appropriate or more efficient means of changing or meliorating his condition can be successfully applied. Kindness, though it should overcome the criminal, may not reform him; but it will almost inevitably place him in a condition in which other means for his reformation can be applied.

Nothing secures the love and confidence of children like unremitted kindness. Do what else you will to them, if the general tenor of your life indicate a kind heart and kind feelings towards them, you are sure of their affection, and may lead them almost whithersoever you will.

I know a father who is sometimes fretful and peevish; and I have occasionally seen him in a rage. When he is so, his whole family feel the effects of it; sometimes-all but the wife-in blows. Yet this is not the general tenor of his life. He is, for the most part, the kind husband, and the tender and affectionate father. His periods of fretfulness or rage are but as the occasional storm in a land of serenity and sunshine; and are