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TT MAN endowed with uncommon vigor of mind—especially superior 
/-J- power of invention or origination of any kind—is called a Genius. 
—What we call Genius, is generally connected more or less with the exer¬ 
cise of imagination, and reaches its ends by a kind of intuitive power. 
Balmes, who was a man of genius himself, says that men of true 
genius are distinguished by the unity and extent of their conceptions. If 
they treat a difficult and complicated question, they simplify it, consider it 
from a high point of view, and determine one general idea which sheds 
light upon all others. 
If they have a difficulty to solve, they show the root of the error, and 
with a word they dispel all the illusions of sophistry. 
If they use synthesis, they first establish the principle which is to 
serve as its basis, and with one dash trace the road to be followed in order 
to reach the wished-for-result. 
If they make use of analysis, they strike in its secret resort the point 
where the resolution into the constituent parts is to commence; they at 
once open the object, and reveal to us its most obscure mysteries. 
If there is question of a discovery, while others are seeking here and 
there, they strike the ground with their foot, and exclaim: “ The treasure 
is here” They make no long arguments, nor evasions; their thoughts are 
few, but pregnant; their words are not many, but in each of them is set a 
pearl of inestimable value. 
But, ye men of genius, remember, the day will come and the hour, 
when you shall have to render a strict account of all the grand gifts you 
may have received from the Lord.—Oh, that you may be able to do this 
with joy and not with grief, else the reckoning will be fearfully against 
you! 
