"Angels, affist our mighty joys, Strike loud your harps of gold; But when you raise your highest notes, His love can ne'er be told." "Be not children in understanding."-1 Cor. xiv. 20. SIMPLICITY, OR WANT OF UNDER- Deep in a meadow of rich verdure green, THE engraving shows a little child, all alone in a field. In its simplicity it fondles a deadly serpent; attracted by its brilliant and shining colours, the artless child takes hold of it without fear. She is about to take it to her bosom, when the cricket's merry chirp is heard; she is startled. In a moment the lively insect, with one spring, stands before her. Now she cries out for fear; she is greatly terrified. Thus, in her simplicity, she courts death, and embraces it; while she is frightened at homeliness, accompanied by innocence and fong. This is an emblem of the young and inexperienced. The term fimple, or fimplicity, has a twofold meaning in Scripture. There are the "simple" whom "the Lord preserveth," and the " fimple" who "pass on and are punished." In the first instance it signifies fincerity, innocence ; in the second, folly, or want of understanding. It may therefore be applied to the young and the inconfiderate of all ages, who, for want of knowledge and experience, act without fidering the consequences of their actions. con The youth knows not how to judge of objects that present themselves before him. Inexperienced, he knows not how to choose aright. He is in constant danger of putting evil for good, and good for evil; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Hence, he needs the inftruction of God's Holy Word to enable him to difcern the things that are excellent; to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good. Above all, he needs the enlightening influences of the Holy Spirit to "give him understanding," and guide him into all truth. This want of understanding, moreover, dif plays itself in the wrong choice that is often made of companions; while the homely perfon, who may have much of wisdom and goodness, is rejected, the accomplished villain is selected as a bosom friend. The youth, deceived by his showy exterior and smooth tongue, unbosoms himself to him without reserve. The villain laughs at his simplicity, betrays his confidence, and leads him into ruin irreparable. Hence, how necessary it is that the inexperienced youth should seek the council of the aged and the wife, and follow the godly admonitions of parents and guardians. This would save them many a false step, and much misery in after life. Appearances are deceitful. The ignis-fatuus looks like a friendly light, but it betrays the unwary traveller down to the secret chambers of death. Poisoned berries sometimes look like tempting grapes; ice, though it may seem firm, oftentimes breaks in, and plunges the rash youth into a watery grave; wine, when it giveth its colour in the cup, at the last it biteth like a ferpent, and fstingeth like an adder. It was when Eve saw that the tree was pleasant to the eyes, that she took of the fruit thereof, by which act she loft Eden, and brought death into our world, and all our woe. If then, an act seem to be right, be sure it is so before you do it. If any thing appears to be good, be sure it is so before you touch it. If any of your acquaintance seem to be virtuous, be fure they are so ere you take them for bosom friends. "The simple pass on and are punished; but he that trusteth in the Lord shall be delivered. |