Alas! poor envious weed!-for lo,
That instant came the gardener's hoe,
And lopped her from her sphere:
But none lamented when she fell ;
No passing Zephyr sighed farewell;
No friendly Bee would hum her knell;
No Fairy dropt a tear.

While those sweet flowers of genuine worth,
Inclining toward the modest earth,

Adorn the vale below:
Content to hide in sylvan dells,
Their rosy buds and purple bells;
Though scarce a rising Zephyr tells
The secret where they grow.

MORAL.

"Let no man think more highly of himself than he ought to think." What a vast alteration would take place in society if this reasonable rule were to be attended to! If every one were to fall into his proper place in self-estimation (as he must eventually do in the estimation of others) how many mistakes-how much mortification would be prevented! For it is in every sense true, that "he that exalteth himself shall be abased." They who value themselves on any account too highly, will certainly receive that humbling request from one or another "Friend, go down lower." How wise, then, how secure are they, who voluntarily take the lowest room:—

"He that is down need fear no fall."

But it requires years and much experience to know ourselves: hence it is, that self-conceit is the fault of youth and ignorance; while we look for true modesty among the wise, the learned, and the venerable.

How much better would it be to learn our own insignificance by observation and reflection, than to have it discovered to us by our friends and neighbors. Yet it often requires very broad hints from those around us, before we even begin to suspect that we had rated ourselves too highly; and sometimes even this will not do; rather than suppose themselves mistaken, some will imagine all the world to be so; and conclude that their merits are overlooked. But this is a kind of injustice that rarely takes place in society: and if, owing to accidental circumstances, it should in any instance be the case that we are thought of more meanly than we deserve, let it ever be remembered, that nothing can be done on our parts to redress the grievance. In most cases, indeed, the more we can help ourselves the better; and he that would have his business done must do it himself; but here it is just the reverse. If we set but one step towards our own exaltation, we shall assuredly have to take two or three downwards for our pains. To deserve esteem is in our power, but if we claim it, we cease to deserve, and shall certainly forfeit it.

Young people, at the period when they are acquiring knowledge, are very liable to self-conceit: and thus, by their own folly, defeat the great purpose of instruction; which is, not to make them vain, but wise. They are apt to forget that knowledge is not for show, but for use: and that the desire to exhibit what they know, is invariably a proof that their acquirements are superficial.

Besides, like most other faults, self-conceit is no solitary failing, but ever brings many more in its train. They who are very desirous to shine themselves, are always envious of the attainments of others; and, like the weed in our fable, will be ingenious in discovering defects in those who are more accomplished than themselves. The vain have no rest unless they are uppermost; and more conspicuous than all around them. The most interesting pursuits cannot render retirement agreeable; concealment to them is wretchedness.

There is no generous sentiment, no amiable disposition, no warm affection, but is chilled and blighted by the secret influence of self-conceit: and perhaps there are none who more frequently or more effectually transgress the spirit of that great commandment of the law-"to love our neighbor as ourselves," than the vain. How many are there, who, while they would tremble at the idea of defrauding a companion of any part of her property, will not scruple to use a thousand little artifices to rival and supplant her in the

opinion of others; thus endeavoring to rob her of that which she probably values much more.

There are three things which those who are conscious of indulging this fault would do well to remember:

First, That self-conceit is always most apparent in persons of mean minds and superficial acquirements: a vain person may, indeed, be clever, but can never be wise or great.

Secondly, That however they may suppose this weakness to be concealed within their own bosoms, there is no fault that is really more conspicuous; or that it is more impossible to hide from the eyes of others.

Thirdly, That it is highly offensive in the sight of God; and wholly inimical to moral and religious improvement.

Now, is there any gaudy weed who would fain become a sterling flower? Let such be assured that this wish, if prompted by right motives, and followed up by sincere endeavors, will not be in vain. But let it be remembered, that such a change can never be effected by merely adopting the colors and affecting the attitudes of one. This would be but to become an artificial flower at best; without the grace and fragrance of nature. Be not, then, reader, satisfied with imitation, which, after all, is more laborious and difficult than aiming at reality. Be what you would seem to be; this is the shortest, and the only

successful way.

Above all, "be clothed with humility; and have the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," for of such flowers it may truly be said, that, "Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

XI.

ON INTELLECTUAL TASTE.

WHEN Adam and Eve first awoke to existence, and beheld the fair creation, it is not very difficult to imagine what must have been the principal subjects of their thoughts, and their discourse. The Scriptures, which never descend to those particulars which are merely calculated to gratify curiosity, are silent on this subject. Yet we may infer, without any doubt, that the perfections of their Maker were the primary objects of their regard: and that to adore and praise him was their highest and most delightful employment. Next to this, we may reasonably conclude, that their attention was awakened to a contemplation of His works; both in admiration of their grandeur and beauty, and in investigating their principles and laws. When the sun, descending in a golden mist, sunk behind the groves of Paradise, can we suppose that our first