Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/106

 his daughter to the same source. Reverting then to his own perplexities, he could not but acknowledge, that, in forming a union for life with prudence, on the approbation of friends, as well as the mutual affection of the parties concerned, eventually depended the happiness of themselves and all their connexions.

"Yes," said he, with a sigh; "I am now sensible, that out of a thousand instances of wretchedness in a marriage state, there is scarcely one that does not originate from the imprudence of youth, in forming connexions contrary to the advice and inclination of their parents and friends. Parents may sometimes be selfish, arbitrary, and unfeeling; but youth is too generally impetuous, obstinate, and inconsiderate. They permit their passions to lord it over their reason, and are only convinced, by sad experience and painful consequences, of their own too hasty determinations in such points, as must decide their future happiness or misery."