ly expected to wear. On the contrary, we may,--we must, if we are Christians, be thus clothed with humility, and have this ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Some of our young readers would probably hear with considerable interest, that the most becoming dress and the most brilliant jewels ever worn, were offered for their acceptance. Now, this is truly the case. Clothed with humility, and adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, they would be more richly attired than in the most costly array. Who then will turn away, disappointed from such a gift, and think some sparkling bauble more desirable! Oh! remember in whose sight this ornament is of "great price.' ." It is well to pause and reflect closely upon such an assertion. Many such passages of Scripture are, it is to be feared, passed over with slight attention, so that their force and beauty are little perceived. Many perhaps, who spend some precious hours every day in reflection upon their outward decorations, have never stopped to meditate upon this striking declaration;-in the sight of GOD of great price. He who

forms the most accurate and impartial estimate of the true and comparative value of all things, He who formed and gave their lustre to those shining gems we so greatly admire, is fully aware of whatever beauty and value they possess. Yet, He says, "not with gold, and pearls, and costly array," but "with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.' It is not our present intention to enter upon that part of the subject to which the words just quoted would afford so suitable a text: nor to inquire how far the expression "not with gold and pearls," &c. may be supposed to imply a direct prohibition of a showy style of attire. That they condemn that excessive attention paid to appearance which so greatly prevails among professing Christians, cannot, however, be doubted. But our present purpose is to recommend that "inward adorning of the mind," which

is here described. Indeed, there is little fear, that they who eminently shine with these internal graces, will be prone to excess in external decoration. Humility, whose chief characteristic it is to be contented to pass without observation, will, surely, seldom be found excessively arrayed in those ornaments which expressly invite it. There may be some, however, who, though not destitute of this Christian grace, yet conform too much to the customs of those around them, merely from the want of a due consideration of the subject.

"Be ye clothed with humility." There is a grace in the very word; an attraction, which they who feel not, must be as destitute of true taste as of right principle. There is no age to which it does not belong; but to the young how eminently becoming! Humility is the very foundation of Christianity; we must be abased, before we can be exalted; and our highest exaltation must, at last, consist in the depth of our humiliation. He who is the " High and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," exhibited, during the whole period of his abode on earth, a perfect pattern of this virtue. He not only " was found in fashion as a man," but "took upon him the form of a servant;" and let us remember, that he set us this example in order "that we might follow his steps." When we are conscious of the swellings of pride or the risings of vanity, let us think of the Lord Jesus Christ,endeavour to realize his appearance, his manner, and to ascertain what conduct of feelings he would display or recommend on the present occasion. Above all, let us remember, however we may imagine the secret workings of our vain hearts to be concealed from those around us, (though even this is rarely the case,)-that His eye beholds them all, and with what sentiments we are fully informed; "The Lord resisteth the proud;" "the proud He knoweth afar off."

Be ye clothed with humility: there is a peculiar beauty

in this figure. It is to cover us completely, like a garment, and without it we must never appear. This simple attire need fear no injury. A person walking the streets in delicate and costly clothing, is perpetually in danger of its being soiled and torn; while another, in plain garments, may go about without fear of inconvenience from the common accidents to which he is exposed. So a vain, showy mind, is continually exposed to pain and mortification, from which one of an humble unassuming temper is perfectly secure. The freedom, ease, and tranquillity he enjoys can, indeed, scarcely be conceived of by those of an opposite spirit. And the garments of humility are armour as well as clothing. They form an invulnerable covering, which malice itself cannot penetrate.

"He that is down, need fear no fall,

He that is low no pride;

He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide."

Bunyan's shepherd boy sang sweetly when he sang

thus.

And

And what is this ornament on which we ought to set so high a value?—A meek and quiet spirit. O, what a different world ours would be, if this heavenly jewellery were to become fashionable! but alas! how rarely do we see it worn! we hear much outcry of wrong, insult, ingratitude. The peace of every private circle is interrupted, more or less, by some petty contention. here is a simple means which would heal every breach, calm every storm, allay every irritation. There is a certain temper called spirit in some young people, which is altogether opposed to meekness and quietness. The very terms, indeed, would probably excite in them a smile of contempt. But this would only prove them to be unacquainted with the nature of true dignity and real

manliness. That the most perfect dignity of character and manner is consistent with these virtues was eminently manifested in Him who was beyond all others, "meek and lowly in heart." That spirit which is by some so greatly admired, would, upon investigation, be found to be made up of the most mean and pitiful qualities, and to proceed from a contemptible species of vanity. But, can it be necessary to insist on the excellence of those tempers which the Bible itself recommends? Can that be mean, unmanly, or of small value, which in the sight of God is of great price!

Every word of God is true. It is therefore true, however reluctantly we may be disposed to admit it, that even a child, who subdues a rising fit of passion, or submits patiently to some little grievance that he felt disposed to resist, is "greater than he that taketh a city.” Do we need other inducements to cultivate this tem? Let us make the trial for one day; let us be peaceper able, meek, forbearing, submissive; determining not to be provoked by provocation; and remark, if that day will not be more productive of happiness to ourselves, as well as to all around us, than another in which rights have been maintained, privileges asserted, insults returned, and wrongs ever so successfully revenged. This, indeed, must be the case, because holiness and happiness, our duty and our interest, are inseparably connected.

Let our young readers then, while they wisely repress that inordinate attention to external decoration which so generally prevails, be ambitious to win and wear this choice array, these precious ornaments. Let them "learn of Him who was meek and lowly in heart, and they shall find peace in their consciences and rest to their souls."

VI.

LUCY'S WISHES.

Lucy had been standing one afternoon for nearly an hour at the parlour window, watching the carriages and passengers in the street. Idleness ever begets discontent: but instead of laying the blame upon herself, she felt disposed to complain of her condition. Almost every stranger that passed, she concluded was in happier circumstances than herself. She observed stages and carriages of various kinds, driving up to the great inn on the other side of the way. She watched the passengers as they alighted and set off again; wondered who they were, whence they came, whither they were going, and envied them because they were not staying at home. A travelling chaise, with ladies in pretty riding dresses, stopped to change horses. Ah, thought she, how happy they are going some delightful journey,--hundreds of miles perhaps, and to see thousands of curiosities: or to live at some elegant country seat at any rate they are not staying at home like me. How long have I been confined to this dull town, and this one house? then cast a forlorn glance around the room, every object of which had been familiar to her from her infancy. Then looking over to her opposite neighbours, she saw a blazing fire, and the family seated round it. How comfortable they are! thought she; so cheerful, so sociable: telling some interesting story, perhaps: not all alone in a dull room like me!

She

When it grew too dark to see distinctly what was passing in the street, Lucy slowly moved from the window, and seated herself by the fire: where, fixing her eyes upon the red cinders, she fell into a deep reverie; and began to consider what situation she would choose for herself, if she might but change her condition. Her