fusion. She thought little of James at home, and at evening returned moody and sad, complaining of every body but herself, and disgusted with every thing around.

James had been alone, and was now longing to read a passage from a new book, which Eliza had laid on the table at noon. This he was sure would please her; but she heeded it not. She sat down discontented, and turned away from James, who strove to caress her. But the house was in no better order than in the morning. The best china tea-set had been spoiled, by breaking two cups and a bowl, in dusting them. The carpet had had some acid, which was to be used in cleansing the brasses, spilled upon it, and was spoiled; and the children, while James had been absorbed in the new book, had begun to play ball in the sitting room, and broken the large mirror. So tired and peevish was Eliza, that she spoke harshly to the children, would not even kiss the babe, and, finally, hinted in an unkind tone, that every thing would be wasted. James would have retorted; but just then the same beautiful being who appeared the day before stood before them, and said: "Unwise children; you are both disappointed. You each thought that, with what knowledge you had, you could do the other's duty better than it had been done. You now find it impossible to do as well, when you have double that knowledge. Let to-day's experience teach you, that it would have cost James no more trouble to inquire what a husband ought to be, than to find out what a wife ought to

do; and his habits and constitution fit him to perform a husband's duty, when he knows it, much better than they do to perform a wife's duty. Had he sought to know his own faults, rather than Eliza's, and labored as hard to correct them, as he has to be unhappy, because of what he saw in her, he would constantly have exhibited to the world the character of a perfect husband. But it is no part of his business to exhibit the character of a wife; he has something else to do; and be you both reminded, that half the trouble, to which Eliza has subjected herself, in looking up things in which James is deficient, would have made her the paragon of her sex as a wife. It is not her calling to show what a husband should be or do, but what a wife ought to be. Let her inquire for, and correct her faults, and James cannot withhold his love. And let both remember, that no other besides yourselves can make you really better. This changing works' to teach the other, which you both thought was so easy, and so bright an idea, has turned out to be useless, and now, after having tried each other's places, and experienced each other's trials, I trust you are ready to return to yourselves to-morrow, and profit by your lesson." They were silent. But tears told how much they regretted their folly.

The next morning they rose and went to the duties to which God had destined each; and each thereafter thankfully and diligently performed the appropriate duty, — striving chiefly to remove personal defects, and exhibit a pattern

of perfection in each sphere and character. And now, with ten children around them, with gray hairs on their brows, and wrinkles on their cheeks, the worthy couple love each other better than in youth; and find that wedded love sends up waters growing every day sweeter, brings joys every day brighter, and affords anticipations every day more holy and enrapturing.

26*

LOQUACITY.

BY BISHOP MORRIS.

It

LOQUACITY, which, according to Walker, means "too much talk," is a fault as disagreeable as it is common. is not restricted to either sex. In either it is unlovely, and when indulged to excess, becomes reprehensible in the estimation of all judicious people.

Loquacity is objectionable, because it savors of vanity. It indicates that the speaker wishes to bring himself into notice by a display of words; and, consequently, that he presumes much upon his own intelligence, and upon the ignorance of others, as if they knew nothing until he enlightened them. The talkative individual seems, also, to take it for granted, that his neighbors have leisure and patience to be lectured by the hour, on any subject which fancy, inclination, or accident may lead him to introduce. This is a great mistake in most cases. Such a character would do well to study the import of Solomon's maxim, "A fool's voice is known by multitude of words.”

Again-loquacity is troublesome. It breaks in on the regular calling of all who have the misfortune to be assailed

by it. Few things are more annoying to a man of business or a man of study, than to be frequently interrupted by the idle and loquacious. It embarrasses him in his necessary avocation, and of course chafes his feelings; and, unless he possesses uncommon forbearance, lays him under temptation to rudeness of manner. There are individuals in every extensive community who seem to have no employment but to talk. They are generally very willing souls to give direction concerning the business of others, while they neglect their own; for, as Solomon said, "every fool will be meddling." But they are as poor counsellors as they are unpleasant companions. Let it not be supposed that talkative characters are peculiar to this age or country. Paul said, "There are many unruly and vain talkers a n deceivers, especially they of the circumcision, *** whose mouths must be stopped; " and he instructed Titus to "rebuke them sharply."

It is frequently observed, that they who talk most do it to least purpose. Public speakers, of a loquacious disposition, are generally diffusive; they often lack point, and obscure their arguments by a superabundance of words. If they be members of deliberative bodies, they are apt to become troublesome, lose their influence, and sometimes secure to themselves an unenviable notoriety. Such orators might profit by the advice of St. James, "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."