"Larger," said the sea tortoise.
"If that is so," said the well tortoise, "how big, then, is the sea?"
The sea tortoise replied, "You having never seen any other water than that of your well, your capability of understanding is small. As to the ocean, though you spent many years in it, you would never be able to explore the half of it, nor to reach the limit, and it is utterly impossible to compare it with this well of yours."
The well tortoise replied, "It is impossible that there can be a larger water than this well. You are simply praising up your native place with vain words."
How many people there are like the tortoise in the well!
BIBLE ENIGMA.
Though 'tis not seen, yet it is known,
For oft it makes e'en strong men groan.
The proud and bold have shook with fear
When they have felt this strong one near.
Yea, monarchs have before it fell,
And feared that they should sink to hell.
But oft the sad have felt this power,
And found, in trouble's darkest hour,
Such friendly help that they have said
They never more should be afraid.
And such as felt condemned to die
Have been released and filled with joy.
Now, reader, search your Bible through,
And tell us where these things you view.
The greatest happiness of the creature is not to have the creature for his happiness.