sceptical towards any thinker, neither credulous of his views. A man, whose mind is full of error, may give us the genial sense of truth, as a tropical sun, while it rears crocodiles, yet ripens the wine of the palm-tree.
‘To turn again to my Ancients: while they believed in self-reliance with a force little known in our day, they dreaded no pains of initiation, but fitted themselves for intelligent recognition of the truths on which our being is based, by slow gradations of travel, study, speech, silence, bravery, and patience. That so it may be with you, dear, hopes your sister and friend.’
A few extracts from family letters written at different
times, and under various conditions, may be added.
‘I read with great interest the papers you left with
me. The picture and the emotions suggested are
genuine. The youthful figure, no doubt, stands
portress at the gate of Infinite Beauty; yet I would say to
one I loved as I do you, do not waste these emotions,
nor the occasions which excite them. There is danger
of prodigality, — of lavishing the best treasures of the
breast on objects that cannot be the permanent ones.
It is true, that whatever thought is awakened in the
mind becomes truly ours; but it is a great happiness to
owe these influences to a cause so proportioned to our
strength as to grow with it. I say this merely because
I fear that the virginity of heart which I believe
essential to feeling a real love, in all its force and
purity, may be endangered by too careless excursions
into the realms of fancy.’
‘It is told us, we should pray, “lead us not into temp-
