?

dressy Susan' I could not have believed that a few years would have made such an alteration. And who is that neat, respectable matron at the next housé, surrounded by her little, cleanly, orderly group of children'? I certainly recognize the cheerful, modest countenance and respectable appearance that I used so to admire in Mary` Well',

the only change in her` is as natural and pleasing as from the chaste blossoms of spring' to the ripening fruits of autumn`; but in the other', it is as contrary and disgusting' as if the flaunting poppy should ripen to the loathsome toadstool."

Many a husband, who has been won by finery, has been weaned by slatternly negligence.

It was a saying of Augustus Cæsar, the Roman emperor', that rich and gay clothing is either the ensign of pride', or the nurse of luxury.

A profusion of fine bows, feathers, necklaces, and earrings', may be regarded as the outward and visible sign of inward emptiness and vanity.

A minister, calling to visit a lady, was detained a long time while she was dressing. At length she made her appearance', bedizened in all the frippery of fashion and folly. The minister was in tears. She demanded the cause of his grief'; when he replied', "I weep, madam', to think that an immortal being should spend so much of that precious time which was given her to prepare for eternity', in thus vainly adorning that body which must so soon become a prey to

worms.

A lady once asked a minister whether a person might not be fond of dress and ornaments without being proud'. "Madam'," replied the minister', "when you see the fox's tâil peeping out of the hole', you may be sure the fox is within." Another lady asked the Rev. John Newton what was the best rule for female dress and behavior'? 66 "Madam'," said hè, "so dress, and so conduct yourself, that persons who have been in your company will not recollect what you had on." This will generally be the case where singularity of dress is avoided', and where intelligence of mind and gentleness of manners are cultivated.

Two holy apostles have not considered it beneath them to describe a well-dressed woman. St. Paul directs', "That women adorn themselves in modest apparel', with shamefacedness and sobriety'; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array'; but', which becometh women

professing godliness', with good works." St. Peter also exhorts', "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, and of putting on of apparel'; but let it be the hidden man of the heart', in that which is not corruptible', even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit', which in the sight of God is of great price."

Solomon winds up his description of a virtuous woman, and one that is worth seeking in marriage', in these words': "Favor is deceitful', and beauty is vain'; but a woman that feareth the Lord', she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands', and let her own works praise her in the gates."

This is a good place to set down the following remarks on the importance of teaching young women to pay attention to something better than mere outside show and finery. "The importance of female education will rise in our opinion', if we consider women as persons who may become wives and mistresses of families. In this situation, they have duties to perform which lie at the very foundation of human life. The support or the ruin of families depends on their conduct. A judicious woman, that is diligent and religious', is the very soul of a house. She gives orders for the good things of this life', and for those also of eternity.”*

It was a judicious resolution of a father', as well as a most pleasing compliment to his wife', when, on being asked by a friend what he intended to do with his girls', he replied', "I intend to apprentice them to their mother', that they may learn the art of improving time', and be fitted to become like her-wives', mothers', heads of families', and useful members of society." Equally just, but bitterly painful, was the remark of the unhappy husband of a vain, thoughtless', dressy slattern:-"It is hard to say it', but if my girls are to have a chance of growing up good for any thing', they must be sent out of the way of their mother's example."

* Gisborne.

LESSON LXXV.

SELECTIONS FROM THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON.

WHOSO loveth instruction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband'; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast'; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread'; but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

The lip of truth shall be established forever'; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD'; but they who deal truly are his delight.

The hand of the diligent shall bear rulè; but the slothful shall be under tribute.

. A wise son heareth his father's instruction; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his lifè; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

The soul of the sluggard desireth', and hath nothing'; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

There is that maketh himself rich', yet hath nothing'; there is that maketh himself poor', yet hath great riches.

Wealth obtained by vanity shall be diminished'; but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction'; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wisè; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. He that spareth the rod hateth his son'; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Go from the presence of a foolish man', when thou perceivest not in him the words of knowledge.

Fools make a mock at sin'; but among the righteous there is favor.

There is a way which seemeth right to a man', but the end thereof are the ways of death.

He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly'; and a man of wicked devices is hated.

In all labor there is profit', but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence', and his children shall have a place of refuge.

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of lifé, to depart from the snares of death.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding', but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker'; but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness', but the righteous hath hope in his death.

Righteousness exalteth' a nation', but sin is a reproach to any people.

A soft answer turneth away wrath'; but grievous words stir up anger.

The eyes of the LORD are in every placé, beholding the evil and the good.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is', than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

A wise son maketh a glad father', but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

The LORD is far from the wicked', but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul'; but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Commit thy works to the LORD', and thy thoughts shall be established.

When a man's ways please the LORD', he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Better is a little with righteousness', than great revenues without right.

How much better is it to get wisdom' than gold'; and to get understanding' rather to be chosen than silver.

Pride goeth before destruction', and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the lowly', than to divide the spoil with the proud.

The hoary head is a crown of glory', if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Ile that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he who taketh a city.

LESSON LXXVI.

THE ADVANTAGES OF APPLICATION.

LOUISA SIMONS was a bright intelligent girl of fourteen', amiable and ambitious', the joy of her parents', the pride of her teachers', and far advanced in all her studies except arithmetic.

"Oh mother`!" she exclaimed frequently, "this is the day. for the blackboard'; a black day to me! I hate arithmetic": I wish the multiplication table had never been invented.

Mrs. Simons sometimes reproved her for her vehemencè; sometimes soothed', and sometimes encouraged her'; but finding her more and more excited, she addressed her one day gravely and anxiously',-" My daughter', you make me unhappy by these expressions. I am aware that many minds are so constituted as to learn numbers slowly'; but, that close attention and perseverance can conquer even natural defects', has often been proved. If you can pass over a rule carelessly', and say you cannot comprehend it, from want of energy to grasp it', you will never learn'; and your "black" days, when you become a woman and have responsibilities', .will increase. I speak feelingly on the subject', for I had the same natural aversion to arithmetic as yourself'. Unfortunately for mé, a schoolmate, quick at figures', shared my desk. We had no blackboard then', and she was kind', or unkind' enough to work out my sums for me. The consequence is, that I have suffered repeatedly in my pursé, and from my feelings of ignorance. Even now I am obliged to apply to your father in the most trifling calculations'; and you must have sometimes noticed my mortification under such circumstances."