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6. For restraining grace, that I have been withheld from more open and gross violations of God's holy laws.
Before her marriage, she laid down the following rules:--
1. I will admit the addresses of no person who is not descended of pious and creditable parents.
2. Who has not the character of a strict moralist,--sober, temperate, just, and honest.
3. Diligent in his business, and prudent in matters.
4. Fixed in his religion, a constant attender on the public worship, and who appears not in God's house with the gravity becoming a Christian.
5. Of a sweet and agreeable temper; for if he be owner of all the former good qualifications, and fails here, my life will be still uncomfortable.
These rules governed her in her choice.
She had that elasticity of mind and buoyancy of heart which belonged to her nervous, bilious temperament.
Capable of the tenderest emotions, and being a ready lover of beauty and virtue, it was not strange that she should be interested in a young gentleman whom she had seen so much at her father's house, and whom that father had taught her to respect.
Her rolling black eye had often telegraphed to his heart; and
Mr. Turell was not so much surprised as delighted to receive the following anonymous letter:--
Sir,--You are to me the most agreeable person in the world;
and I should think myself very happy if Providence should order it as I desire; but, sir, I must conceal my name, fearing you should expose me; and if you do not incline to find me out, I must submit to my hard fate; but if you comply with my desire, I am your obliged friend.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Love's polarity in this letter-missive was not to be mistaken; and the consequence of it was the marriage above recorded; and a happy marriage it was. She loved to love.
The following letter from
Dr. Colman to his daughter is pleasant proof of domestic joy:--
My Dear,--Your letter of the 9th of this month was exceedingly pleasant to me and to your mother, wherein you express your great contentment in the kind disposals of
Providence respecting you. No worldly thing can rejoice us more than your happiness in
Mr. Turell, and his in you. You will emulate his tender regards to you and his incomparable good temper; and, learning of
