2. Another indispensable requisite is an AMIABLE DISPOSITION.  Whatever good qualities a man may possess, if he is selfish, morose, sour, peevish, fretful, jealous, or passionate, he will make an uncomfortable companion.  Grace may do much towards subduing these unholy tempers; yet, if they were fostered in the heart in childhood, and suffered to grow up to maturity before grace began to work, they will often break out in the family circle.  However, you will find it exceedingly difficult to judge in this matter.  The only direction I can give on this subject is, that, if you discover the exercise of any unhallowed passions in a man, with the opportunity you will have of observation, you may consider it conclusive evidence of a disposition which would render you miserable.

3. The person of your choice must possess a WELL-CULTIVATED MIND.  In order to produce a community of feeling, and maintain a growing interest in each other’s society, both parties must possess minds well stored with useful knowledge, and capable of continued expansion.  We may love an ignorant person for his piety; but we cannot long enjoy his society, as a constant companion, unless that piety is mingled with intelligence.  To secure your esteem, as well as your affections, he must be capable of intelligent conversation on all subjects of general interest.

4. His sentiments and feelings on general subjects must be CONGENIAL with your own. This is a very important matter.  Persons of great worth, whose views and feelings, in relation to the common concerns of life are opposite, may render each other very unhappy.  Particularly, if you possess a refined sensibility yourself, you must look for delicacy of feeling in a companion.  A very worthy man may render you unhappy, by an habitual disregard of your feelings.  And there are many persons who seem to be utterly insensible to the tender emotions of refined delicacy.  A man who would subject you to continual mortification by his coarseness and vulgarity, would be incapable of sympathizing with you in all the varied trials of life.  There is no need of your being deceived on this point.  If you have much delicacy of feeling yourself, you can easily discover the want of it in others.  If you have not, it will not be necessary in a companion.

5. Another requisite is ENERGY OF CHARACTER.  Most people think some worldly prospects are indispensably necessary.  But a man of energy can, by the blessing of God, make his way through this world, and support a family, in this land of plenty, by his own industry, in some lawful calling.  And you may be certain of the blessing of God, if you obey and trust him.  A profession or calling, pursued with energy, is therefore all the estate you need require.  But do not trust yourself with a man who is inefficient in all his undertakings.  This would be leaning upon a broken staff.