to the grave, his immortal spirit repaired to a court, where no Herod desires to have his brother's wife--where no Herodias thirsts after the blood of a prophet--where he who hath laboured with sincerity and diligence in the work of reformation is sure to be well received--where holiness, zeal, and constancy are crowned, and receive palms from the Son of God, whom they confessed in the world. 'So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed, And yet anon uprears his drooping head, And tricks his beams, and with new spangled ore, Flames in the forehead of the morning sky-- He hears the unexpressive nuptial song In the blest kingdoms meek of joy and love. There entertain him all the saints above, In solemn troops and sweet societies; That sing, and singing in their glory move, And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.'"--MILTON. THE UNHAPPY ATTACHMENT. The institution of marriage is a provision made by Divine Providence to promote human happiness; but owing to the imprudence and haste with which it is sometimes contracted, it not unfrequently becomes a source of extreme wretchedness. This union should never be formed, except by those who have a strong affection for each other; and even then, the utmost degree of prudence should regulate their conduct, both in the appointment of the time when it should take place, and the adjustment of the various interests which it involves. When persons marry mainly for the purpose of adding to their worldly estate, or obtaining a higher position in society, it rarely happens that an alliance entered into from such motives can be productive of domestic happiness. And even when the purest feelings of affection and love influence the youthful pair, inspiring them with the determination to sacrifice the esteem of friends, and the attractions of this world's wealth, rather than break the solemn vow and separate for life, they should beware of rashness and headlong impetuosity, pondering well the desirableness of the connection they are about to form, and feeling well assured that it is really a step which must conduce to their welfare.