OF GROWTH IS TREES. 105 



The tree unfolds from the seed and runs through all the 

 various phases of its life, according to peculiar laws which 

 ■are ineffaceable, and can never be set aside by circumstances, 

 adverse or otherwise. And, like the trees and flowers, human 

 nature exists under a vast variety of form. We differ from 

 each other, not only in our features, but in our tastes and 

 modes of thought. These differences of character are consti- 

 tutional, the result of the operation of those peculiar laws 

 of life which have governed us from the commencement of 

 existence. This variety of talent and disposition is a wise 

 and benevolent provision of Nature. It brings men together. 

 It enables them to be of service to each other, and thus 

 strengthens the bonds of mutual dependence, respect, and 

 good-will. Since, then, human nature is so constituted, it 

 shows not only ignorance and narrowness of mind, but a want 

 of courtesy and even common sense, to cherish unkind feel- 

 ings toward any man for a mere difference of opinion, or a 

 want of sympathy with us in our favorite pursuits. On the 

 contrary, charity and forbearance are indicative of a mind 

 enlightened, expanded, and noble. It is an endorsement of the 

 fact that its possessor appreciates freedom. We cannot all 

 think alike. There are natural antipathies and mutual attrac- 

 tions. If the former were not a reality, the latter could have 

 no existence, and life would be without some of its choicest 

 blessings — the sweet sympathies of mutual love, and the warm 

 and appreciating grasp of the hand of friendship. 



A tree cannot flourish in an unfavorable soil, however 

 healthy the germ which the seed encloses. So a man may 

 be richly endowed with natural talent, and yet that talent 

 will continue rudimentary, and ultimately become abortive 

 through the long continuance of unfavorable circumstances. 

 These facts ought ever to be borne in mind if we would form 

 a just appreciation of others. The first duty which a man 

 owes to himself is to develop himself. Circumstances form 

 character. " He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, 

 but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." There must 

 be an affinity for what is true and noble, and then there will 

 be progress. We may extricate ourselves from an unfavorable 



