and
similar accomplishments, we may do much to overcome the sense of
shyness.

Shy people should dress well. Good clothes give ease of manner, and
unlock the tongue. The consciousness of being well dressed gives a
grace and ease of manner that even religion will not bestow, while
inferiority of garb often induces restraint. As peculiarities in
apparel are sure to attract attention, it is well to avoid bright
colors and fashionable extremes, and wear plain, well-fitting garments
of as good material as the purse will afford.

Beauty in dress is a good thing, rail at it who may. But it is a lower
beauty, for which a higher beauty should not be sacrificed. They love
dress too much who give it their first thought, their best time, or all
their money; who for it neglect the culture of the mind or heart, or
the claims of others on their service; who care more for dress than for
their character; who are troubled more by an unfashionable garment than
by a neglected duty.

When Ezekiel Whitman, a prominent lawyer and graduate of Harvard, was
elected to the Massachusetts legislature, he came to Boston from his
farm in countryman's dress, and went to a hotel in Boston. He entered
the parlor and sat down, when he overheard the remark between some
ladies and gentlemen: "Ah, here comes a real homespun countryman.
Here's fun." They asked him all sorts of queer questions, tending to
throw ridicule upon him, when he arose and said, "Ladies and gentlemen,
permit me to wish you health and happiness, and may you grow better and
wiser in advancing years, bearing in mind that outward appearances are
deceitful. You mistook me, from my dress, for a country booby; while
I, from the same superficial cause, thought you were ladies and
gentlemen. The mistake has been mutual." Just then Governor Caleb
Strong entered and called to Mr. Whitman, who, turning to the
dumfounded company, said: "I wish you a very good evening."

"In civilized society," says Johnson, "external advantages make us more
respected. A man with a good coat upon his back meets with a better
reception than he who has a bad one."

One cannot but feel that God is a lover of the beautiful. He has put
robes of beauty and glory upon all his works. Every flower is dressed
in richness; every field blushes beneath a mantle of beauty; every star
is veiled in brightness; every bird is clothed in the habiliments of
the most exquisite taste.

Some people look upon polishe