Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-06-10


fered ranks weeds to choak & root out virtu.
Gus plants natural to the soil, or else che
rishine poisonous flowers merely for show
thinking at the time of settlement, to
impose empty show on the governor tor
plants of real use. This, to me, seemed
singuIar-as the governor in great kind
ness had given them perfect rule, and a
list Of all the kinds Of fruits which would
be acceptable.
Others still, though they knew that their
own was all that concerned them. seemed
zealously employed in endeavorln@ TO per-
suade Others to take better course at
the same time wholly neglecting their own
which appeared in much worse sltua-
ton.
Some of the gardeners directed all their
care to few plants-others had great
variety.
The growth of one plant in particular,
they all seemed assiduously striving TO as
sist-but thought TIE soil quite unlavorA-
bile to it, as it dwinded pale and sickIy,
and in no part of the garden was seen TO
hourish--this plant was called happiness
Sometimes, indeed, i grew, and even
blossomed for fruit; but either by some
poisonous weed infected, or the pest,en-
tial vapors oil the atrnosp here, it always
blasted before il came TO maturity. per
ceived how ever, thatit succeeded best where
waterpd by henevolence, and where its
roots entwined with those of the sweet
herb OF contentment. Noplant in the gar
den made prettier appearance1than SIM
certy; but | observed that it was want
ing in some of the alletments, and, those
who cultivated it had tS pay particular
attention to il, lest the vines Of dIssimu-
lation spring up and CLOAK ii.
With few exceptions all were striving
to promote the growth Of a plant called
riches but | found this was of no real
use, unless used as manure for the other
plants. was surprised to see the pre-
ference that WAS in some instances given
to this plant, for, as sill looked, Jaw
one or two plucking up 4 certain herb call
ed honesty, to make room for It's expansion
On seeing my surprise, my guide assured
me that these persons were in the depth
Of folly for, said lie. the latter was of
far greater value than the former, and be-
sides, honesty, instead of hindering the
growth, will by loosening tie earth a.
round lis roots, cause more luXur1nt
growth.
lie then directed my attention to plant
of most exquisite TIM, which, he said,
grew spontaneously, wherc tie rash hand
Of the gardener was not employed to pre-
vent it. He further said that where it
0ouris1ed il servel as useful monitor 10
direct and spur them on to duty-the name
of this curious plant was conscience and
! could not help won lering why It was
not universally cherished, hit learned
that it impeded the growth OF some other
noxious weeds, such as drunkenness, ga
ming. sc. and where the proprictors were
bent on cherishing these, though they were
sensible they would be injurious to them,
yet to promote Their growth they would
break down this balny herb of conscience.
When had learned the condition on
which these gardeners worked, | could
not help expressing ny surprise to my
conductor. Why. said |, since the term
of trial is so short, and since so rich re-
ward is offered for well doing, why do
they not devote their whole attention to
preparation for the grand review, or why
are so many found trampling down the
most delightful flowers, just blossoming
fruit, merely to make for themselves beds
of sloth ?
NV guide turned a sorrowing eye on
me, and thus addressed me" Learn from
what you now see, the important duty you
are called upon to perform. Ihis IS the
garden Of the human heart, and yon your
self are among the gardeners |! Instead OF
commenting on the mode pursued by O.
taos, look diligently to your own aIIot-
m n.-and be prepared 10 render,an ac-
count 10 the Judge of all the earth" |
Iawoke from my slumbers-my guide
was missing, the rich fields bal vanished,
and the dark shades might filed my "a
partment. o'lp'
4. - o;yaG by = copOnr.