est degree; but as citizens of a great world, subject with all the families of earth to the same supreme Head, lovers of truth, with the bible for their guide, and aspirants to an immortality, in which the language of universal love will exclude all reference to sect or party.
If, in our after-intercourse with society, we must unavoidably attach ourselves to one party or another, in almost everything we do, and if in such association it is almost impossible to keep our feelings un warped by prejudice, let us at least endeavor to impress strong characters of truth upon the open and unbiased mind of youth, so that having preoccupied the sphere of thought and feeUng, by those clear facts of pre-eminent importance, respecting which mankind are not able to disagree, there may be less room left for points of minor moment, and especially for those little causes of dispute which call forth so much of the rancor and bitterness of party spirit.
It seems to me that in these important matters, the tendency of the times to obvious and immediate results, operates in an especial manner. It is not now the man who serves his Maker most faithfully, who is most looked up to by his fellow-Christians; but the man who comes forward, and gives largely, who makes speeches, or writes pamphlets, for the support of some particular set of opinions. All these are results — they are what can be seen and heard of men — they strike the attention, rouse into action, and give people something to do. All this kind of excitement, and this advocacy of certain parties and opinions, is particularly agreeable to the young; and could it be conducted without prejudice or animosity, might certainly be advantageous in calling their energies into exercise. But, alas! we forget in those stirring moments, when the young spirit is fired by a high impulse to be doing something in a great and good cause — we forget the contempt which is at the same time inspired for those who are inactive, the pride which swells the bosom of the young aspirant to be foremost in the field; and, worse than all, the bitterness and the rancor which are called into exercise against those who oppose themselves to his career, or who presume even to call in question either its wisdom or its expediency.
I have sometimes imagined a visitant from another
