ted by an incurable disease,
especially if hereditary, cannot reasonably expect a young lady to
sacrifice herself upon him. There are other offices, beside that of the
nurse, demanded of a wife, and the cases should be rare, in which all
other considerations are merged in this.

But there may be health, and still a deficiency in Energy of Character.
With this trait as the foundation, you may anticipate a fair
superstructure; but if this be wanting, you ought not, and cannot, look
for anything but poverty, and wretchedness, throughout your connection.
A worldly-minded man, will be far from an interesting companion; yet, in
the issue, it is better to trust yourself with the slave of business,
than with a palpable drone.

Similarity of Fortune is to be desired in those who contemplate
marriage. There need not be, it is true, entire equality in this
respect; yet a great disparity of circumstances is often the source of
melancholy evils. The individuals thus joined, will probably differ in
their habits, and in their views of economy, of dress, and style of
living. One shall appear mean, and the other extravagant. She, who is
raised suddenly from poverty to affluence, must possess rare humility,
to escape undue elation and pride. While to one accustomed to opulence,
there will seem a degradation in the condition of a destitute husband.
These evils will spring up also in the character and feelings of the
husband, where the wife has lived in circumstances entirely unlike his
own. Instances there are, and will be, in which such consequences will
not follow; but the tendencies are strongly in this direction.

The Ages of those joined in marriage, should be somewhat near each
other. How else can there be true sympathy between them? One shall
charge the other with levity, and that allegation be retorted by the
charges of moroseness, and insensibility to enjoyment. It is well,
perhaps, that there be that difference of age, which nature indicates in
the sexes. It is not of two, or four, years we speak. The great poet of
humanity writes, and perhaps wisely,--if these be the limits,--thus:

"Let still the woman take
An elder than herself; so wears she to him,
So sways she level in her husband's heart."

Much has been said in relation to the expediency of Early Marriages. In
Italy, early marriages are regarded as so important, that in many
churches and fraternities, there are annual fund