Shone with such trinkets as the simple prize; While in the shop with pious works were seen The last new play, review, or magazine: In orders punctual, he observed--"The books He never read, and could he judge their looks? Readers and critics should their merits try, He had no office but to sell and buy; Like other traders, profit was his care; Of what they print, the authors must beware." He held his patrons and his teachers dear, But with his trade they must not interfere. 'Twas certain now that John had lost the dread And pious thoughts that once such terrors bred; His habits varied, and he more inclined To the vain world, which he had half resign'd; He had moreover in his brethren seen, Or he imagined, craft, conceit, and spleen: "They are but men," said John, "and shall I then Fear man's control, or stand in awe of men? 'Tis their advice (their Convert's rule and law), And good it is--I will not stand in awe." Moreover Dighton, though he thought of books As one who chiefly on the title looks, Yet sometimes ponder'd o'er a page to find, When vex'd with cares, amusement for his mind; And by degrees that mind had treasured much From works his teachers were afraid to touch: Satiric novels, poets bold and free, And what their writers term philosophy; All these were read, and he began to feel Some self-approval on his bosom steal. Wisdom creates humility, but he Who thus collects it will not humble be: No longer John was fill'd with pure delight And humble reverence in a pastor's sight; Who, like a grateful zealot, listening stood, To hear a man so friendly and so good; But felt the dignity of one who made Himself important by a thriving trade: And growing pride in Dighton's mind was bred By the strange food on which it coarsely fed. Their Brother's fall the grieving Brethren heard - His pride indeed to all around appeared; The world, his friends agreed, had won the soul From its best hopes, the man from their control. To make him humble, and confine his views Within their bounds, and books which they peruse, A deputation from these friends select Might reason with him to some good effect; Arm'd with authority, and led by love, They might those follies from his mind remove. Deciding thus, and with this kind intent, A chosen body with its speaker went. "John," said the Teacher, "John, with great concern. We see thy frailty, and thy fate discern - Satan with toils thy simple soul beset, And thou art careless slumbering in the net: Unmindful art thou of thy early vow; Who at the morning meeting sees thee now? Who at the evening? 'Where is brother John?' We ask;--are answer'd, 'To the tavern gone.' Thee on the Sabbath seldom we behold; Thou canst not sing, thou'rt nursing for a cold: This from the churchmen thou hast learn'd, for they Have colds and fevers on the Sabbath-day; When in some snug warm room they sit, and pen Bills from their ledgers--world-entangled men, "See with what pride thou hast enlarged thy shop;