There is a general, and alas! too true an outcry, that trouble is the
lot of all, and that "man is born to trouble as the sparks fly
upward;" but let me ask, Is there not a vast amount made by ourselves?
and do we not often take it up in anticipation, too often indulge and
give way to it, when by cheerful resignation, we might, if not wholly
avert, yet greatly nullify its power to mar our peace. Mind, I now
speak of self-created and minor troubles; not those coming immediately
from God. Are we not guilty of ingratitude in acting thus; in throwing
away, or as it were thrusting from us the blessings he has sent--merely
by indulging in, or giving way to these minor trials. It may be said
of these sort of troubles, as of difficulties, "Stare them in the
face, and you conquer them; yield to, and they overcome you, and form
unnecessary suffering."

If we could only consider a little when things annoy us, and reflect
how much worse they might be, and how differently they would affect us
even under less favourable circumstances than those in which we are
placed; but instead of making the best of every thing, we only dwell
on the annoyance, regardless of many extenuations that may attend it.

As one of the means to happiness, I would beg of you, my fair young
Brides, not to fix too high a standard by which to measure either the
perfections of your beloved partners or your own hopes of being happy.
Bear in mind that those to whom you are united are subject to the same
infirmities as yourself. Look well to what are your requirements as
wives, and then prayerfully and steadily act up to them, and if your
hopes are not built too high, you may, by acting rightly and
rationally, find a well spring of peace and enjoyment that _must_
increase. Think what very proud feelings will be yours, to find you
are appreciated and esteemed for the good qualities of the heart and