The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register

Choice of a HUSBAND by a Gentlewoman of Prudence.

To meet with a man perfectly agreeable (though the person is least to be regarded) may be a task of some difficulty, to a nice and discerning woman. His qualifications must be great to recommend him: But I shall offer some particulars, which, if observed, may contribute to a good choice: and are worthy of election, though seldom to be met with in one person. First it is necessary that he be a man of virtue and morality, having a large share of natural sense and acquired knowledge; proceeding from a liberal education, wherein that in a way of travelling may be chosen, but sure a confinement in a domestic university ; that he be well-read and a man of conversation, so as to have a general knowledge of men and things ; to be pretty much, if not entirely, master of his passions, but not without courage, though with discretion to use naturally good humoured and loving, but not jealous, nor meanly submissive; one not a perfect stranger to vice, but has seen enough of it as to have a right notion of the folly and fatal tendency of it; he may be moderately addicted to all decent pleasures, and manly diversions : love his friend and bottle a little. but at not to draw off his affection for his wife: to be a man of manners (though by no means foolish )enough to oblige and civilly treat persons of all tempers ; not to be too profuse, but have conduct enough not to live beyond his circumstances : an application enough to his own business, to keep the world from imposing upon him.