Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-10-13


illustrious fame OF Solomon was well known
to all the world, he was the most august
parsonage that ever ruled under the title
ola king he was seated on throne oil
ivory, Cd his head was placed the royal
diadem, his vestments were composed OF
the richest brocade, embroidered with
gold the dazzling splendor Of his equi-
page was indeed understandable. Wher-
lever he went he was welcomed with songs
Of triumph and joy. But though sur
rounded with ell this prcfnsion Of maguif-
cence, yet all his glory was eslipsed by
one Of these simple flowers Where is
the pencil of RaphaeB, aided by the bril-
liant imagination OF Vest to form
flower like nature has formed The lily ?
Where is the country that can produce
any raiment comparable to that which
clothes this beautiful flower Go then We
followers of the fashions. deck yourselves
ia all the elegance Of the modern style
clothe yourselves 10 the mos costly and
gay attire, yet see your vanity humbled
by the native elegance OF the lily outshin-
ing you.
IS Peaceful and Iowly in their native soil,
They neither know to spin, nor care TO toll,
Yet with confessed magnifcence deride
Our mean attire and impotence of pride "
Alas! how often does the passion for
dress lead those who are actuated by it TO
destruction! how often does the tradesman
behold his hopes frustrated and the ear
nings which bis ir,lgality had collected,
destroyed by this captivating passion. Aud
how many patTimoniai estates have been
coniscated by it. Mr.. Addison when
speaking on this subject, gives an example
OF female warrior celebrated by Virgil,
who, the poet relates, for rich and spIen
did suit of armour betrayed herself into
ruin. And in the sacred eucharistic ode,
the mother of Sisera is represented as an
ticipating the glorious victory Of her 500,
and instead of noticing the signal service
her hero would execute for his country,
| by quelling an instruction of the most dan
gerous nature, her vain aud groveliine
thoughts are occupied in the following So
liloquy +" Have they not sped ? Have
they not divided the prey ? To Sisera a
prey of divers colors, OF needle work of
divers colors, of needle work on both sides
meet for the necks of those that take the
spoil :" She does not reflect on the glo-
rious renown he would gain, she does not
behold his brow eneircIed with the laureis,
@hieh the ce,sqaeser merits, nothing is
superior in her Imagination han to be clad
| Ia robes OF the nost splendid CoioEs--tiss
TO her is the NEST noble spoil he can win
But has the impetuous current of time
which has conveyed TO the shores of obliv-
ion many ofthe follies of our ancestors, has
it borne Oh its pillows, this little foible
No, instead Of decrease, we find there
is an increase of a fondness for dress. -
oh, that men would learn wisdom, and
no longer indulge in fashions that are cal
cuIated to induce disease add death.
Accompany me to yonder sequestered
valley, where stands the humble cottage
Of the venerable Alphonso. Behold his
beautiful daughter Miranda, on whose
cheek are painted the roses of health, and
whose countenance is arrayed in smiles.
Clad in homely, but neat attire, see
with what activity she performs the duties
of the cottage. Accustomed to industry
and domestic enjoyments, pride has never
corroded her peaceful heart, nor has re-
morse e'er troubled the tranquility of her
soul. Her fair form has never been tor
tured by the machines of fashion, but hap
Ply aud contented, she exhibits an emblem
of health. | might now proceed to draw
the contrast between this person and the
people Of fashion, but | forbear lest /
should trespass on the time and patience
Of my readers.
THE LAY PREACHER.