Mr. John Martin used to give two advices, both to his children and others, in reference to marriages. One was, "Keep within the bounds of your profession." The other was, "Look at suitableness in age, quality, education, temper, etc." He used to observe, from Genesis, ii, 18, "I will make him a help-meet for him;" that there is not meetness, there will not be much help. He commonly said to his children, with reference to their choice in marriage, "Please God, and please yourselves, and you shall never displease me;" and greatly blamed those parents who conclude matches for their children without their consent. He sometimes mentioned the saying of a pious gentlewoman, who had many daughters.--"The care of most people is how to get good husbands for their daughters; but my care is to fit my daughters to be good wives, and then let God provide for them." 1311 MATRIMONY. The sum of all that makes a just man happy Consists in the well-choosing of his wife: And there, well to discharge it, does require Equality of years, of birth, of fortune; For beauty being poor, and not cried up By birth or wealth, can truly mix with neither. And wealth, when there's such difference in years, And fair descent, must make the yoke uneasy. --_Massinger._ 1312 MATRIMONY. 1. That man must lead a happy life 2. Who is directed by a wife; 3. Who's free from matrimonial chains 4. Is sure to suffer for his pains. 5. Adam could find no solid peace 6. Till he beheld a woman's face; 7. When Eve was given for a mate, 8. Adam was in a happy state. Epigram: Read alternate lines,--1,3; 2,4; 5,7; 6,8. --_Cowper._ 1313 FROM A WORK ENTITLED "SKETCHES OF PERSIA." The following admirable lines were inscribed upon a golden crown having five sides, which was found in the tomb of Noosherwan. _First Side._--"Consider the end before you begin, and before you advance, provide a retreat. Give not unnecessary pain to any man, but study the happiness of all. Ground not your dignity upon your power to hurt others." _Second Side._--"Take counsel before you commence any measure, and never trust its execution to the inexperienced. Sacrifice your property for your life, and your life for your religion. Spend your time in establishing a good name, and if you desire fortune, learn contentment." _Third Side._--"Grieve not for that which is broken, stolen, burnt or lost. Never give order in another man's house; accustom yourself to eat your bread at your own table." _Fourth Side._--"Take not a wife from a bad family, and seat not thyself with those who have no shame.