My dear young friend,
It is most kind of you to ask the advice of an old man. I presume from the
invitation that you are an orphan, for which you have my condolences. But as you
ask, I will give you this old Christian’s advice on the selection of a wife.
All depends upon one rule, and one principle. The rule is simply this: for
the Christian, there is no divorce. One cannot change wives as one changes one’s
garments. The principle is likewise simple: your marriage is a portrayal of how
Christ loves the church. If you will remember these in all your thinking, you
will not go far astray.
As a primary example, ask yourself this: “Am I willing to deal with her
faults, as Christ dealt with the faults of the church?” It is a grave mistake
to believe that you can produce a change of character by the methods of this
world. If you beat her, does not this harden her faults into pride? Can you by
force make her gentle? Will threats bring about willing hands? It is absurd even
to think it.
No, you must be willing to deal with her faults by the methods of Jesus. Are
you prepared to sacrifice for her sake, knowing that she is the offender? Jesus
did so for us. Will you grant her forgiveness, no matter how often she offends
you? Jesus will. Will you treat her from a heart of pure love, as Jesus does?
You may think, “These are questions she might ask of me – but what have
they to do with selecting her?” The matter is simple: if you cannot endure her
faults and correct them as Jesus does, then should you bind yourself to those
faults? Consider your own strength of character. You must always seek her
restoration and purity, striving ever for harmony in your home. If the task is
beyond your strength, why would you attempt it?
I must give you some words of warning, as an old Christian to a new one. You
may think this foolishness, but bear with an old soul. You must learn what
factors should not be considered in choosing a wife.
First, there is the matter of her appearance. Nothing so bedazzles the male
mind as a beautiful wench. But consider: there is no divorce. Beauty soon fades.
If the matter is important to you, how will you treat her when it does? Will you
rail against her for her faded beauty? She has no recourse in the matter, for
God causes all mankind to age. If you are not willing to love her in old age, do
not marry her.
It may be that you have learned that lesson. If so, then I must caution you
about another great abyss: money. Often a young man finds a rich wife – and a
new master. Money is an excellent servant, but a poor master. He who marries
money marries that master. Would you have your life ruled by your wife’s
ambition and pride?
What then should a man look for? Many things; but here are four that seem
most important to me.
First, there is gentleness. Has the woman a younger brother? Does she cuff
him about as if he were a dog? Then she will soon cuff you. Look rather for a
woman of gentle spirit, with kindness in her heart.
Then there is the matter of chastity. By this I mean two things. First, that
she have no bed partner but you, and that after the wedding. For if she will
have relations with you outside of marriage, you will know that she does not
honor marriage – and you will ever suspect her virtue. More than this, she
should be one who is modest, especially in dress. This betokens a woman who
knows herself to be worthy in God’s sight, and therefore in yours.
Third, ask this: is she willing to aid one and all? Is her life one of
Christian charity? If so, you will be housed in a generous heart. There is no
finer accommodation.
Last – in sequence, not in importance – is she pious? Does she honor God
in her conduct? Then she will have no trouble in honoring the one whom God has
set over her, especially as you will take pains to rule over her as God
commands.
Do remember that this woman shall be flesh of your flesh, your own flesh in
another body. There is no closer bond. Are you willing to sit by her sick bed
and watch her die slowly? Knowing that she is your very own body, that your own
flesh is going down to the grave? Or, should God be so gracious as to grant you
many years, will you watch her gray with age and love her? Love her in her old
age even more than in her youth?
These are tests by which you might measure your intended bride. They are also
measures of yourself. Take an old man’s warning. If you are not prepared for
these things, then remain as you are. If you are to be roped together for the
rest of your lives, it is best to know what is on the other end of the rope.
Trusting this to be of assistance,
I remain,
Isaac the Alchemist
