The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-12-06

| tho air that blows over ana
rests upon It, all the elements that are nsces-
sary and essential TO feed and cherish and
grow tho seeds and germs that are committed
to its bosom. The land is made to thirst for
moisture. and gasp for fresh life-giving air.
and open its mouth and draw into its soul
nourishment and body and v<tuc; and in
deed to draw from its own deepest depths
mysteries Of fertilization TO load and charge
itself with all tho constituents Of grain. Of
fruit. of herbs and flowers and sturdyioaks.
But the ground was made good by all that
was done for it. Its education and training
and experiences gave it longings and cravings,
and life and power and means and material
for good. The art or science of horticulture
is the best and fullest unfolding and ex-
PLANTATION of the parable Of the Sewer; and
merits and responsibility are the character Of
the soil
We are responsible for our characters. We
get the bare ground work OF rough material
as our natural portions. The heather says:
I'VE were born for virtue, but without it,"
And our way of treatment, our cultivation.
determines our quality, our life work
and our harvests. We may give up our
souls TO the common crowd. enfeoI
our honor to popularity, and lose
our individuality the immediate Jewel of
the soul. in partnership with the low. high or
indifferent rabble. And we may never know
that we have being beneath the surface.
We are often all papered over with superb
cialities and our veritable selves are not skin
deep. And what of truth or manhood can
abide with us? Or like unweeded gardens
too many allow things rank and gross in ma
ture 10 possess us merely" and where is the
hope of manhood in such a company? This
preparation of soil is the great secret Of edu-
cation and discipline. Wen reap what we
sow, but well reap according TO the character
of the soil
Shakespeare is called the Myriad Minded
Man" He was n tree bearing fruit for all
His touches of nature and photographs from
real life interest every human being. His
words reyerberate in the depths Of the
thoughtful soul and make the shallow one
lament the Imprisonment Of its superficial
ties. The general world Is all beaten by the
tread Of the thoughtless, heartless crowd or
all preoccupied with its foles and vices.
A human soil may be SO saturated with |
covetousness, with pitiful selhshness, with !
the qualification Of low and common appe- |
tites. with rank. folly and idle occupation and
sensuality. as TO be imperyious to al hon |
orable idea. immoyable to generous impulse |
and utterly inappreciative of pure or high |
or manly thought, so that when stirred il |
casts up only mire and dirt or no1ious
growths. But quite on the contrary the Gull
waited and disciplined soul. cherished by good
company and fed on truth, may be
good soil, indeed. The qualities Of
this soil are an honest earnest, unselfsh
love Of truth, bright and lively sensibilities,
fresh and warm sympathies. pure and dis
tastes, large and high aspirations
after perfect ideals, wholesome. natural appe-
tites and a strong digestion.
Whatever is committed to this soil comes
10 the light enlarged. ennobled. enrched-the
BEST of its kind The essential qualities of this
soil are wisdom and understanding, counsel
md might, knowledge and the fear of heaven.