Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-11-29
Texture and Fibre.
observations Of a Philosophical Friend
Of Ours)

observations of a Philosophical Friend
Of Ours)
Spirits are not finely touched but 70
fine issues"
We know well enough what texture and
fibre and grain are when we talk OF ma
terial things. as cloth, or wood or stone,
and it IS easy TO get an idea of the
very different characters Of hearts ana
minds. Only, when we pass to this re-
gion Of spirit, we can hardly conceive
or have any appreciation OF what IS
above and beyond Us. Stil. we believe
and know that there are degrees OF good
ness and excellence In the direction or
our rise and advance, above and beyond
our limits; which eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard nor hath It entered into the
heart of man TO couceive-aWay above our
experiences.
1t is very important for our peace and
satisfactory intercourse with the world
that we should know the very great diff
ferences that exist between men-h0w
very different their hearts and minds and
souls are IN texture. fibre, and grain.
II we act on a superficial view Of Mr.
Jcfersons proposition that all men are
free and equal and on n dead level we
win make fools OF ourselves and help 10
infinite confusion. Just as there are re-
fined and beautiful bodies that seem 10
be almost immaterial, Of the souls es-
sence, and unponuted temples OF the
mind. and these are very Opposites OF
exaggerated brutality. the embodimsnts
Of vulgarity. 30 minds and souls differ.
And we move about among them OF every
degree and style, from the highest 70 the
lowest; though, strangely. the outsides
do not always bespeak the inners. We
have 10 say
Ave, in the catalogue ye 90 for mon.
AS hounds ana greyhounds, mongrels
spanlels. ours,
shoughs, waterways, and demi-wolves
are classed
All by the name OF dogs; the valued fee
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the
subtle,
The house-keeper. the hunter. every one
According to the gift which bounteous
nature
Hath in him closed. whereby he does re-
ceive
Particular addition from tho bill
That writes them al alike: And 50 OF
men.
There are men and women finely touch
cd whose hearts and minds are OF the
finest and most delicate fibre, texture,
and grain; responsive 10 the gentlest.
/ highest, and tenderest thought and feel
/ ing and emotion receiving and retaining
/ the finest and softest impressions, with
ready sympathy for all that IS pure and
| gentle and good. They are like strlnged
! instruments IN their responsiveness; like
! the best and costliest paper for being
written on, or the finest gold for taking
accurate stamps and retaining them
And then there are souls that are like
the coarsest straw paper for writing on
/ whatever you write IS ell blurred and
] blotted and mixed; no mark nor letter
can be distinctly made or defined. They
are like rough musical instruments with
few strings. and they out of tune. They
are Ike soft, yielding metal or dirt, that
| neither takes accurately nor holds the
seal And. all between the best and the
worst, there are degrees and varieties.
And all have their various vocabularies
and adaptations-they must DO addressed
in their own language and treated in
their own way. Who would write with
n fnely-pointed pen on wrapping-paper2
OR what sculptor would attempt 10 make
q statue Of Minerva out OF rough con-
| glomerate? The rough paper and the
conglomerate have their uses, as well
| as note-paper and Parian marble. Each
| IS dignihed and good in its time and
place. and out OF place each may be-
come ridiculous. IL IS unwise to cas-
our pearls before swine. and even more
absurd 10 introduce a pig into a parlor
And yet II IS the highest manhood 70
be able, Familiarity. respectfully, and en-
lighteningly. 10 deal and associate with
all sorts; TO be all things 90 all men,
lust as the Gun Is made TO shine on the
evil and on the good and the rain 70
fall on the just and on the unjust. 1t
pleases and comforts and cheers by IT.
| unconscious emanat'ons, Its influence
the virtue that goes out of H. Wise and
unwise receive blessing and return a
willing tribute OF honor TO the pure and
| .~onI man