Answer:
The author's purpose for writing this text is:
C. To persuade women it is in their best interest to have a happy marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samuel K. Jennings was president of Asbury College, a medical doctor, and a Methodist preacher. In "Advice to the Newly Married Lady," his purpose is to persuade women to make an effort to maintain a happy marriage since, according to him, it is in their best interest.
Jennings defends the claim that, if the marriage is ruined for some reason, men will find ways to deal with it - friends, gatherings, games, drinks, and so on. Women, however, cannot do the same thing (let's keep in mind the text was written in the 19th century). All they will have left is sadness and tears. Therefore, they should try their best to make things work:
But your house is your only refuge, your husband your only companion. Should he abandon you, solitude, anxiety, and tears, must be your unhappy lot.