1. Instruction and Advice for the Young Bride “On the Conduct and Procedure of the Intimate and Personal Relationships of the Marriage State for the Greater Spiritual Sanctity of this Blessed Sacrament and the Glory of God” By Ruth Smythers Wife of The Reverend L.D. Smythers

2. Marriage – Joy? Or Fear? QuestionsAnswers (Specific Evidence) How does she describe sex at its best? Worst? What is the ideal husband like? How should the “wise bride” act in marriage? How should women act during sex? What are the happiest and most terrifying experiences a woman can expect on her wedding day?

3. Sex in the 19 th Century Sum-Up: What does Smythers tell us about the way sex was viewed during the nineteenth century? What can’t we learn about romantic love from this source?