Newspaper Page Text
The Christian Index.
BY JAS. P. HARRISON & CO.
Pontributions.
For the Index and Baptist.]
NOTES ON THE ACT OF BAPTISM.
no m.
BY REV. J. H. KILPATRICK.
INCIDENTAL INQUIRIES.
1. Is there any definite truth with respect to
the act of Baptism ? t. e., is aDy definite act re
quired in baptism ? This question was virtu
ally considered in the last article, and answer
ed in the affirmative. Whatever may be
thought of the other reasous there given, the
undeniable fact of the Saviour’s baptism is
enough to settle the matter. His reception of
the ordinance interprets and illustrates conclu
sively and authoritatively his own understand
ing of the command which he has left for our
observance. Again, then, we answer the ques
tion in the affirmative. There is truth, defi
nite truth, with respect to the act of baptism,
and we see this truth exemplified in the bap
tism of the Saviour.
2. Is it desirable to know the truth, with
respect to the act of baptism ? What 1 desira
ble to know just what my Lord and Master sub
mitted to himself, aud just what he commands
me to do ? Certainly, certainly. Do I love
the truth ? Then I must want to know it. Do
I love Jesus, and do I want to please Him ?
Then must I wantjjto know just what he would
have me to do. Yes, let me know the truth,
the whole truth, however much it may contra
vene and falsify my previous notions. Let
the truth come forth in all its majesty and full
ness, and shine with all its brightness, even
though its bright light should reveal the un
scripturalness of every doctrine of my creed,
and every practice of my life.
3. Is it obligatory to search for the truth
with respect to baptism? Why not? Have
we received a special dispensation, permitting
us to remain in ignorance? “Repent and
be baptized, every one of you,” is the com
mand. Have we sincerely repented ? the next
thing is to be baptized. Have we obeyed?
Have we been baptized with the baptism of the
New Testament ? If we do not know what
this baptism is how can we tell whether we
have received it, and, so, whether we have
obeyed the command ? There are wide differ
ences of opinion about this matter. Who is
right ? Are any right ? Shall we take it for
granted that we are right without investigation?
If lam right, I would know it for myself; If I
am wrong, still let me know, for myself, that I
am wrong. If earnest, candid, prayerful ex
amination should reveal the fact that 1 am
right it will be a satisfaction to know
that, so far, at least, I am walk
ing in the way of truth and obedience. I
will thus have the “answer of a good con
science,” which I could never have so long as I
had doubts about my baptism. If such exam
ination should prove that I am in error —not
having received the baptism which Jesus com
manded, and Himself illustrated—let me for
sake my error at once, however great the sac
rifice. For the Master has said “in vain do
ye worship Me, teaching for doctrines the com
mandments of men.” In addition, let it be
borne In mind that a Divine command neces
sarily carries |along |with it the obligation to
seek to know just what that command is.
When God tells us to do a thing, and we are in
doubt as to what he means, it is our imperative
duty to try to find out. Ignorance must ever
be a poor plea, when truth is accessible. It
has been said that “when ignorance is bliss,
’tis folly to be wise.” I give no opinion as to
the truth or falsity of this declaration of the
poet, but, most assuredly, when ignorance is
sin it is folly not to he wise.
Inquiries on this subject are discouraged by
some. Others fatly declare that they do not
permit such questions to bother their heads.
This aversion to investigation wears a suspi
cious aspect. Can it be possible that people
don’t want to know, because they don’t want to
do ? The Scriptures tell us, that it is he that
“doeth evil” that “hateth the light, neither
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be
reproved,” while he that doeth truth cometh
to the light that his deeds may be made man
ifest that they are wrought in God.”
An old lady, living in the writer’s native
county, once declared with reference to this
very subject of baptism, that if she was wrong
she hoped she might never find it out. An
other said, and that not a great while since, in
the writer’s own hearing, that she was afraid to
think about the matter. What shall we say of
such language ? What does it mean ? Does
it not confess a positive unwillingness to know
and obey the truth? The Bible says prove
all things;” t. e. try them, put them to atest —
“prove all things, hold fast to that which is
good.’’
4. What qualifications are necessary for
finding out the truth on the subject of baptism?
Just the same as for finding out the truth with
reference to any other point in God’s Word.
In our general researches after Scripture truth,
there may be, and there are, many subordinate
and subsidiary qualifications—all good and use
fill in their places,—but the great and essential
qualification, and that which, if possessed, will
control and utilize all other qualifications, is an
honest, earnest desire to know the truth and to
obey it. No amount of learning, no strength
of intellect, no resort to the labors and re
searches of others, can make amends for the
lack of this. I would not be misunderstood.
Many, owing to the circumstance of early
training and subsequent associations, may be
found in possession of the truth, who yet have
no strong love for the truth as truth. Other sur
roundings might have brought about just as
strong a hold upon error; The point is sim
ply this; If we have a since.e desire to know and
to do just what we are commanded, because,
above all things, we want to please Him
to whom we belong, this disposition will exert
a marvelous influence upon our inquiries after
truth. It will, just so far as possessed, de
liver us from pre-conceived notions of our own,
as well as from a blind deference to the no
tions of others. If we have learning, it will
make us use it aright. If we are without learn
ing, it will help us to make a wise and dis
criminating use of the learning of others. And
above all, and better than all, it will cause us
earnestly to seek the guidance of the Spirit of
Truth. “Lord teach me Thy way,” will be the
sincere prayer of our hearts, and this prayer,
we may confidently expect, will be heard and
answered.
White Plains, Ga.
For the Index and Baptist.]
FINANCIAL ETHICS.
Financial troubles not only affect stock and
bonds at the broker’s exchange, and estates
and business affairs of the world, but they in
trude upoy the sacred precincts of the inner
life. When money is easy honesty is a com
mon virtue, and charity a pleasant duty. Af
fluence (not opulence) conduces to piety, and
stringency tempts to unrighteousness. A
money panic, like all great calamities, such as
war and pestilence, endangers the morals of a
people- The standard of consistency is made
lower, and Divine requirements are less forci
bly recognized. Selfishness finds a good excuse
and is strengthened ; while the nobler fea
tures ot the character under the frequent abra
sions are partially eliminated. It is true this
should not be the result. When the grape is
pressed the purple wine flows, and when the
geranium is bruised it yields its richest per
fume, but the human heart is not a festoon
plucked from the vineyard, nor is it an exotic
culled trom the green-hoUBe. We must deal
with facts as they are, and not simply specu
late upon conditions as they ought to be.
What are the causes which produce money
panics ? Are they to be found solely in un
wise and iniquitous legislation? Can such fear
ful and potent agencies be discovered in the
shrewdly managed frauds of a few money-cen
ters? Are they not rather generated, develop
ed and consummated in the vices of the masses
—extravagance, indolence and suspicion? The
present crisis has furnished bold illustrations
of these Bins —and sins they are, for economy,
industry and confidence are enjoined by the
Word o^God.
Our condition is a sad commentary upon
human nature. Capital has been extravagant
in speculations and expenditures, labor has
been indolent, shunning the sweat drop, and
coveting unbought ease, and each has been
suspicious of the other. “The lust of the eyes”
has made a profitless investment of capital i
the lust of the flesh” has decoyed labor from
the unfinished task and “the pride of life” lias
engaged them both in a nefedless dispute. The
whims ot a foolish taste have drowned the cry
of duty, and the nigh cut to pleasure and to
fortune has deluded many travelers from the
plain honest highway, while the kid glove has
refused the warm grasp to the hard palm.
The corrections of this evil is more within
the province of the moral than in the power of
the legislative body. Prudence must control
our plans for the future. “The prudent man
man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself.”
Diligence must characterize our labors. “Be
not slothful in business.” Economy, not stin
giness, must be closely practiced. “Wherefore
do ye spend money for that which is not
bread.” Mutual confidence must be restored,
and a full recognition of all manly virtues be
observed. We should not “have respect to
him that weareth the gay clothing and say un
to him, ‘sit thou here in a good place, and say
to the poor, stand thou there, or sit here under
my footstool.’ ” Give liberally and cheerfully
to every enterprise that promotes the good of
man, or the glory of God. “There is that
scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that
withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth
to poverty.” Finally maintain an honest life
with an unswerving faith in God. “Trust in
the Lord and do good, and verily thou shalt
be fed.” G. A. N.
LOVE CONQUERS DEATH.
I.
Though thy dear form no more I see,
Yet i the world not dark to me j
We meet in old, familiar walke ;
With thine my spirit dreamß, or talks
In converse sweet of holy things—
Bright thoughts, that soar on seraph wings !
. n.
Despite the grave's repulsing bars
Thus do we meet, beneath the stars ;
I mean, that I thy deathless part
Can still clasp to my faithful heart,
And lip to lip, and kiss for kiss,
Feel love’s unutterable bliss!
in.
Why, then, should I becloud the day
With grief, and clothe the world in gray,
When evermore, whate’er betide,
An Angel walketh by my side,
Within whose Heaven-ward wooing eyes
The world of all my being lies ?
Charles W. Hubmkb.
Do You Want a Minister F —A
capable, energetic minister desires the
charge of a church, in city, town or
country. He has a small family.
Brethren in want of the services of
such a pastor, can receive further in
formation by addressing this office.
Literature Secular Editorials Current Notes and News.
INDEX AND BAPTIST.
Publication Rooms—2l and 29 South-Broad Street
pECULAR JLDITOR.IALS.
LEGALIZED GAMBLING.
Among the most commendable acts
of the Legislature, at its recent ses
sion, is the law that was passed to re
peal the old act, under whose provi
sions that stupendous public nuisance,
the Georgia State Lottery, had legal
existence and encouragment. Much
credit is due to Senator Hester for the
manly way in which he championed
the bill of repeal, and the strenuous
exertions he made to rally to its sup
port a large majority of his co-legisla
tors. It is natural that a few inter -
ested parties should have maligned
the motives of those who introduced
and supported this measure, and that
all who had “axes to grind,” in this
unwarrantable business, should exert
themselves to the utmost to keep the
machinery in motion that supplied
the motive power for grinding their
axes.
To the credit of our people he it
said, that the final repeal of the ini -
quitous Lottery law received, their al
most unanimous endorsement, and the
press of the State, with very few ex
ceptions, endorse the successful work
of Senator Hester, and his able co-la
borers. The Columbus Times, the
only paper of any note among the ad
versaries of the measure, considered it
necessary to employ ridicule, rernaik
mg that “the fine pathos of Senator
Hester falls flat,” to which flat remark
the Savannah News pertinently re
plied :
So. But we think we can assure the senator
that if he never falls any flatter than he did
when he attacked the lottery, he will stand
erect for many a long day. The charity that
furnishes an excuse for gambling and demor
alization among the ignorant and superstitious
we look upon as utterly unworthy ; and those
who have watched the mob of idle and half
starved negroes “playing policy” at (he differ
ent branches of the Georgia State Loftery, will
agree with us that the concern is not only de
moralizing but it is a positive nuisance.
The general feeling relative to this
legalized gambling scheme aohssg our
people, and the press in general, finds
concise expression in the comments
upon the repealing act, made by the
editor of the Southern Christian Advo
cate, viz :
We received this intelligence with intense
satisfaction, and only echo the sentiment of the
religious and moral people of the State, who
give the subject any thought, in returning
thanks to Mr. Hester, and to his co-legislators,
who joined him in carrying through his bill.
The legal protection of this insidious and al
luring form of gambling, is a reproach to any
people, and we heartily rejoice that the General
Assembly has removed this blot from the
statute books of the Commonwealth.
The condemnation of this species of
gambling is becoming common all over
the country, and moral and religious
people are properly outspoken and
aggressive in advocating and securing
its suppression.
Recently all the evangelical minis
ters of Richmond, Virginia, met, and
by a series of well-considered resolu
tions, condemned a similar scheme,
originated in that city, and whose de
moralizing influence is seriously felt in
that community.
The Richmond Christian Advocate,
commenting on this Lottery enter
prise, says :
“We are credibly informed that the privi
lege of running this lottery Is farmed out for
SIO,OOO a year to men who know all the ins
and outs of lottery gambling. Think of this !
Under the great seal of the State of Virginia,
the right to make men gamblers is farmed out
in the light of day for SIO,OOO a year.”
Happily for us, this disgraceful
blot upon the statutes of the Empire
State of the South, has been removed,
and the flimsy and dangerful fabric
which was raised upon it will soon be
swept out of existence. We will hail
the day when it will have passed away,
and is buried beyond resurection,
among the dust and rubbish of the
past.
There is no intelligent man or wo
man living in Georgia, but has had
evidence of the degrading tendencies
and deleterious effects of this public
gambling, endorsed and authorized by
the State, in violation of all morality,
and the dictates of reason and Chris
tianity. The friffling good done by
means of this so-called “State Lottery”
has been ridiculously disproportionate
to the vast amount of evil which has
ATLANTA, GA., MARCH 2, 1876.
been its constant and legitimate conse
quence. Under the thin disguise of
public charity, great private harm has
been legally permitted, and disgrace
ful demoralization, especially among
the lower and unfortunate classes of
society, has been countenanced and pro
moted by legal enactment. The plea of
“charity,” so glibly advanced in sup
port of this evil institution, is Jesuiti
cal in spirit, and attempts to inculcate
the sophis:ry that “the end justifies
the means,” and reminds us of the
historical truism, expressed by an emi
nent French woman, prior to her exe
cution, in the days of France’s reign
of terror: “0 liberty, how many
crimes are committed in thy name!”
We could not refrain from expres
sing our views upon this subject, in
such terms as its importance to the
moral health of our Commonwealth de
mand, and desire to express our grat
ification over the repeal of a statute
which has so long disgraced the fair
escutcheon of Georgia, and which has
been the fruitful source of loss, dis
tress and demoralization to thousands.
“PEOPLE WILL TALK.”
Recently we reprinted in these col
umns a number of old fashioned verses
under the title above given. Artisti
cally considered their value is nil, but
there is a deal of homely truth and
practical philosophy in them. The
lines inculcate the lesson of common
experience when they state that if you
listen to all that is said as you go,
worry and fretting will be your por
tion, for people “will talk.”
If you are a lamb they will hint you
are a disguised wolf ; that your modesty
and humbleness is assumed ; if you
are bold and disposed to assert
your independence, you are brazen,
conceited or vain ; if you are a little
“out at elbows,” or the unhappy pos
sessor of a shabby hat, “they” (what
a world of spite and malice that little
word contains sometimes,) will hint
that you are a “strapped” individual,
unworthy of credit; if you dress fasli
ionably"people will talk,’’and naughtily,
too, to the effect that you are a spend
thrift, and your unpaid bills as numer
ous as flies in summer time, and so
ad nauseam.
The verses teach that to get the
better of this irksome gabbling, we
should go right on in the way that
duty points out, minding our own
business, and doing as we please, which
is certainly good philosophy, provided
always, of course, that what we please
to do, when done, will please conscience,
truth aud the ever watchful eye of
God. Horace says:
The man resolved, and steady to his trust,
Inflexible to ill, aud obstinately just,
May the rude rabble’s insolence despise,
Their senseless clamor and tumultuous cries ;
and the truth of this is proven by his
tory and daily experience. Homelier,
but equally as true and as pointed in
principle is the late Mr. Davy Crock
ett’s wise saying, “Be sure you’re right
then go ahead!”
Aye, be sure you are right, dear
reader, then you can go ahead, with
out the least disturbance of your men
tal equilibrum on account of what the
people talk, relative to you or your
actions; don’t go too far, however, in
your opinion of the opinion of other peo
ple ; hear it but only mind it sufficient
ly to satisfy your common sense that
the talk is either foolish, or malicious ;
should there be a grain of truth in it
profit by it, by all means, it- may save
you trouble and chagrin; besides, we
are much more apt to have our faults
told to us, and our blemishes pointed
out by our enemies than by our friends;
the latter are either too much biased in
our favor or too good natured to offend
us by close criticisms; strangers or
opponents are not under such restric
tions, hence “people will talk” some
times in a way that will profit us. The
truth sometimes shows itself under
strange disguises, and even the chronic
village gossip may chance to let some
of her genuine coin slip from his
tongue unawares. There is truth in
the bray of a donkey, we must beware,
however, of confounding it with the
voice of a lion; and this brings us
back to our opening statement, namely,
that “people will talk.”
GEORGIA NEWS.
—lt is generally believed that the recent
destructive fire in Eatonton was the result of
incendiarism. Loss about $40,000.
—Mr. James P. Camp, of Griffin, a well
known hotel keeper, died in Macon recently.
—A system of lecturing to the young men
has been inaugurated in Thomaston. Rev.
T. H. Stout delivered a very interesting lec
ture which, by resolution will be printed.
Others will.be delivered by Rev. J. B. Payne,
H. T. Jennnings, J. Y. Allen and others.
—The citizens of Blufiton are determined to
keep up their character for sobriety, as they
have had a law passed prohibiting the sale of
liquor within three miles of the place.
—There are some of the finest water power
localities in the State for sale in Upson coun
ty.
—The Macon Telegraph and Messenger re
lates the following terrible calamity which oc
curred last week in Warrior district, Bibb
county:
While Mrs. R. Mitchell, a widowed sister of
Col. John Braswell, was at the well, a little
daughter of Col. Braswell some seven or eight
years of age, came running out of the house
with her clothing on fire. While attempting
to extinguish the flames the dress of Mrs.
Mitchell took fire, and before she could rid
herself of her clothing, was so severely burned
that she is not expected to recover. The little
girl died from the effects of her burns in
an hour and a half. It is not known how her
clothing took fire.
—The Tallapoosa copper mine, now one of
wonders of Georgia’s mineral wealth, is loca
ted in Haralson county, about four miles from
where Polk, Paulding and Haralson counties
corner. It is directly on the Dallas and Bu
chanan road —eight miles from the first and
twelve miles from the latter town, and twelve
miles from Rockmart.
The incorporators of this company are John
S. Hamilton, of Clarke; David E. Butler of
Morgan; Alfred Einhorn and A. B. Cohen,
New York ; Geo. B. Turpin, Benj. L. Wil
lingham, W. G. Woodfin, J. Monroe Ogden,
Chas. J. Williamson, Richard J. Lawton, J.
H. Hertz, James A. Ralston, of Bibb county,
Ga. The present directors are Dr. Jas. S. Ham
ilton, David E Butler, Ab. Cohen, John C.
Curd and W. G. Woodfin.
—The new Catholic school-house in Augus
ta will be completely finished a week from to
day.
—The Spirit of The Age, anew Temperance
paper will soon be issued in Athens.
—The proposition now before Congress to se
cure to the Southern States the refunding of the
cotton tax, illegally collected by the Govern
ment, would give to,Georgia the sum of sll,-
897,094. The proposition is to place the amount
due each State into the several Treasuries, as a
permanent School Fund.
—The Terrell Industrial Association will
meet in Dawson on. the 10th of March.
—The regular weekly line of steamships
plying between Brunswick and New York is
doing a good business.
—The Ellijay Courier has a peculiar way in
writing up town affairs. Here is a home
thrust applicable to other places in Georgia,
besides Ellijay;
It looks discouraging for a town no larger
than Ellijay to have from one to a dozen
loafers lounging around doing nothing.
If it only made times hard wiih them we
would have no objection to their loafing, but
they all have to live, and there is no telling
where their support comes from.
—ln Fannnin county corn is selling for fif
ty cents cash, merchants offering sixty cents in
trade. Wheat is selling at from one dollar to
one dollar and twenty cents cash, and pros
pects fair for another crop.
—The first halibut of the season made their
appearance in the Savannah markets on the
24th ult.
—Brunswick will contribute to the Centen
nial a gigantic stick of yellow pine sixty-four
feet in length, and measuring twenty incites
one way by nineteen the other.
—“Josh Billings” will lecture before the Y.
M. Library Association of Atlanta, soon.
—Mr. Howard Van Epps has been ap
pointed Solicitor of the Atlanta City Court.
—A few days ago Mr. James Zittauer went
to the Railroad Station No. 2. (Central R. R.)
to draw some money due him. His body was
afterwards found on the track with both legs
cut off by a passing train. It is the general
opinion that he was killed and placed on the
track by three negroes; 'proof to this effect
is very strong.
—Parties have piomished to furnish the El
berton Air-line Railroad with iron and take
one-third of the pay in cash and the remaining
two-thirds in bonds of the road. People liv
ing along the line of the road will get up the
cash.
—The corner-stone of the new Synagogue
Mickva Israel, in Savannah, will be laid by
Grand Master David E. Butler, with appro
priate Masonic ceremonies, this week.
—The Griffin News says:
We learn from a gentlemen who has recent
ly travelled through Upson, Pike, Meriwether,
Spalding and Henry counties, that the wheat
and oat crop never was more promising than
they are at this time, and that there is a large
acreage of grain sown.
—Miss Fannie Andrews, of Washington,
Wilkes county, daughter of the late Judge G.
Andrews, has written a novel —“A Family Se
cret”—which will soon be issued from the
press of Lippincott &Cos., Philadelphia.
—The Greensboro Herald says our farmers
have learned wisdom from experience, and
manifest a disposition to economise in their ex-
$3 A YEAR IN ADYANCE.
penditures. We hail this as the first step to
wards prosperity and independence.
—A Mormon preacher recently held forth
at the Bartow Iron works.
—Thecity council of Cartersville has plac
ed the retail liquor license at S2OO per annum,
payable quarterly.
—Edgar Hubert, of Polk, was the succesful
candidate fol a cadetship at West Point at
the recent examination in Cartersville.
—Mr. James Brownlow, an old soldier of the
war of 1812, and the Creek war, died last week
in Rome.
—The Macon public library realized, from
Gen. Toombs’ lecture, the net amount of $132.
—The old Methodist church in Sandersville
has been pulled down. The oldest inhabitant
doesn’t remember when it was built.
—Farming operations are going on actively
throughout the State.
LITERARY GOSSIP.
Thus far fifty thousand copies of that
unpopular poetical gem, Longfellow’s
Hiawatha, have been sold.
—Longfellow celebrated his sixty
ninth birthday on February 27th. His
first important literary work was a
translation of the Coplas de Manrique,
in 1833.
—Two new works of fiction, written
by Georgia ladies, will soon be issued
by Northern publishers.
—Dr. Ray Palmer, with deep spiri
tual insight, well says:
In the history of one who attains a high
place in literature there are commonly three
stages or periods. The first is the period of
intellectual germination and the awaking
consciousness of power—the period ot as
piration and desire, of tentative experiments,
of rebuffs, struggles, and successes; the result
of all being development, experience and
self-knowledge. The second is the period
of well-balanced faculties, of fertile imagina
tion, of affluent thought, of mature self
culture, of artistic skill and quiet self-reli
ance , with a secure place iu popular favor.
Lastly, the third period is that in which the
highest laurels have been won, and the man
has reached his pedestal; has begun to stand
idealized, and invested with a certain divine
halo —like figures of Christ and the saints
in the paintings of the old masters —while
his best works are becoming set, like gems,
in the memories of men.
—The London Athenaeum says :
While so many of the great old poets rest
unheeded on our shelves, what room is there
for the small new poets ? Why do they write,
and for whom? There is no demand, and
yet the supply is still increasing. The an
swer is not far to seek. The writing of poetry
always blesses him who gives, even when
it has no such power for him who takes. The
verse-writer may not have the strong intel
lect which, penetrated by the heat of a strong
passion, makes the poem that will live. He
may only have a sensitive nature, which ex
presses itself in a feeble cry of yearning, of
desire, or of piety—but in that cry he finds
relief. Or he may have a cultivated mind,
which delights to reproduce with what cun
niugit may, the forms of verse which have
had an interest and a charm for him. And
thus the poems which will ordinarily fall in
the reviewer’s way are mainly either an ex
pression of personal feeling or an exercise of
skillful ingenuity.
There is the same use in the moral
and intellectual world for “small new
poets,” provided they are poets, not
simply verse-writers, that there is for
dewdrops, meadow rills or small song
birds in the natural world; because
these are not, respectively, ocean waves,
rivers, or eagles, it does not follow that
their existence is not essential to the
harmony and perfection of creation.
Each has its mission of beauty or util
ity to fulfill, and does fulfill it as per
fectly as any of the grander or
mightier creations of Jehovah. It is
folly to despise a pebble because it
does not have the dimensions of a
mountain. A minor poet is as much
to be respected for the work he may
do as one of the great poets, for
poetry’s sake ; provided always, that
the distinction between a poetaster and
a poet is critically kept in view.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson is to de
liver the oration before the literary
societies of the University of Virginia,
at the next commencement.
—What is more like a true friend
than a book-case filled with real books?
They make our dark days bright, and
the fair fairer; they counsel and con
sole ; they are wise, % wilty, grave or
severe, as our own changeful moods
may wish them to be; they do not re
gard our poverty or our wealth; they
speak to the humblest and to the high
est with the same respect and courteous
sympathy ; the robe of the king or the
garb of the laborer have no influence
upon the subject or the manner of their
discourse ; they show themselves the
same to all, and under all eircum
stances, and are, therefore, true phil
osophers. He who rejects a good book,
or treats it with disdain, rejects the
pure gold of friendship, and does
foolish ham to his head and his
heart.