192 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST, 



It is to be observed, however, that all trees do not 

 share alike in the desolation that seems to overspread 

 the face of nature at this season. Some are by habit 

 evergreens, and retain a perennial verdure. And what 

 a happy emblem do these afford us of the manner in 

 which God preserves the graces and virtues of his 

 people, still flourishing and green, as it were, when all 

 around them is barren and desolate! Noah, Joseph, 

 Daniel, and many besides perhaps, in every age of the 

 world, have been thus suffered to stand as illustrious 

 monuments of holiness ; men perfect in their genera- 

 tion, whilst the people among whom they lived were 

 grievously corrupt. It is to be remembered then, that 

 those who would resemble them — who would flourish 

 like the fir-tree, or the laurel, amidst the storms and 

 frosts of winter— ^must have no fellowship with an 

 evil and adulterous generation ; for it is written, ** The 

 Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself," 

 and he only is pronounced " Blessed, who walketh not 

 in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way 

 of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful ; 

 whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who 

 meditates in his law day and night." To him, indeed, 

 alone the promise belongs — ** He shall be like a tree 



