The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-08-28
ss b RIA 8 9.


Wo are charged by an inspired writer not 10
think more highlyof ourselyes, than We ought to
think. All Of us can the propriety OF this cau-
ton. II the need of 1t is not apparent IN our own
case, we are acquainted with not few who would
do well to- take heed to it. But, perchance, we
may stand las greatly in need Of il as our neigh
bors and yet be blind to the fact. 1t is uncom-
mon for US to set too low an estimate on our worth.
It's very common for ps TO- rate our worth too
high. For ono manwho feels and acknowledges
heis Thought too highly OF, there are hundred
who are settled in the belief that they are not ap-
preciated.I aG - -. 90 AiT =.
We hate and abhor vices that we practice. That
is strange; but it is not more strange than the
admiration we really feel fpfTirtues whose inner
beauty and sweetness We are ignorant OF modesty,
like other excellent things, is very often extoned
and put on by mon whose confidence in. them
selves reaches the degree Of assurance Modesty
is gold; assurance is brass. Yet we venture the
assertion that the base coin procures more reputa-
tion-such as it tis--than thesAne gold. But they
who avail themselves of, the Irtue lodged In the
brass are always crafty enough to try to begulle
their du2es by making them, receive it for gold.
1t is curious to note how many they deceive.
There aresome, hosevers who ays not imposed
upon by, the specious seemihgs Rus If. they have
penetration enough to discern the quality OF the
metal it is ,notalways safsf for them to let the
duped have the benefit Of their ssgacity. The ad-
mration felt for the dealers in brass is 80 general
and 80 intense that one;is in danger OF being ae-
cused Of possessing and using the article hlmseif
ifhe dare be 80 imprudent. as to try to open the
eyes Of the deceived. Such an attempt is regard
ed as charging them with Ignorance and folly. It.
is accordingly resented as an aifront, and he who
would do the service receives soorn and abuse as
his reward. - '"'-r' -, - : ~
The traffic in brass is Tar from being monopoly.
It is used with craft and success by every calling
and occupation. Tho members Of tho bar are
commonly supposed ia .pobsess an uncommonly
large quantity Of the profitable article. But in
our Judgment, that lsatned profession does not
make nearly SO efficient use OF It as they who
practice the healing art. II wehtake as true all
that medical men toll us concerning the extent of
their practice, and the cures they perform, we are
obliged to believe that they work miracles, NOT
only on their patients, but also on themselves, for
mortal strength and "toushness are not equal to
the physical lnbor. They, would have US belsve
they undergo, and their onres involve the possess
sion of supernatural wisdom and power. Nor is
tho pulpit free from the odium OF dealing
in this unworthy ] thing. 1t is wonderful
how extensive reputation some. preachers ac-
quire, what numbers they draw after them by the
aid Of Q pleasing manner, a9musiotl voice, well
modulated, graceful gestures, and q fine counte-
nance. Those endowments, used with art, stand
in the stead of parts and knowledge. They pos
sess but ordinary talents and small stock Of tho
illogical attainments.; Their literary acquirements
arc barely respectable, their scholarship deficient;
and yet by the de1terous use ofyoice, manner and
eye, they enabled to pass for men OF eloquence
and eruditon. - - ffE5tGg syi
II one looks only at the present, Il he is anxious
only to receive immediate remuneration, it would
be wise to choose commonplace mental endow-
ments with unbounded assurance, in preference to
superior parts with culture and learning, if those
high gifts are accompanied with modesty. The
former pays better than the lattet. The latter
may have its reward hereafter but that hereafter
is distant. The former receives large gains, and
that immediately If brass passes for gold, it is
the same as if Il were gold. There are some, not
withstanding, who are far-sighted enough to covet
tho best gifts even Though consciousness Of their
possession is their only reward. There are also
some with vision clear enough to distinguish gold
from brass, though they are aware they have no
gold. - " 'J'i - - =. "a ~. - ,y .
In . book recently published in London, 'Views
and Opinions, By MATTHEW BROWNE there is an
essay "On Forming Opinions Of Books" from
which we take theiollowing extract, brought to us
in the last number Of the Bound Table. The re-,
marks are Of interest and although only laterahy
cognate to our subject, We think they will not be
considered out Of place. 1t Is because the market
is gutted with brass that there is 80 little demand
for gold. Mr.. BROWNE says: Il,
''It is fact that the general reception Of books
words, what is best falls fat what is bad, or at
all events, tar short o. best, is received with ap-
phuse Nobody will deny that it is invariably the
worst aud the most tbreadbare jokes,which are
most generally taken up at play. 1t is tho Same
with books o mans best must be greatly anoyed
or it is not accepted by the majority OF readers
This is 80 strictly true that persons who have to
write for certain publcs know perfectly we'll their
cue and act upon it, unless they can afford to dis
regard money profit And the cue is thus write
for intelligent people, but slways write what used
to interest you several years ago. In other words,
treat your audience as il they were ten years your
juniors Then, again, the highest qualities Of ali
kinds of art, those which yield the most enduring
delight, are those which depend upon unity OF con.
cephon, upon the proportionate development Of
parts with strict reference to certain general
effect. The best humor and the best pathos are
precisely Of this kind, and 80 Of other qualities.
Now, the characteristic Of quite average minds is
that they do not care for permsnence Of effect and
will not, cannot let us say, dwell patiently upon
works Of art till tho deeper fountains of enjoyment
wake up. for them. They feel the first attraction,
they think that is all, and then they are off to
something new. That is their idea Of reading.
Hence it may be truly said not only that unity is
thrown away upon them but that it is positive Of
fence and stumbling block"
DISPATCHES FROM San Francisco give encouIa-
gng accounts of the progress and prospects Of the
ID