All men in truth are brothers—equal in the sight of God—and woe to him who, convention-bred-to-bone, suffers superficiality to cloud the sky of human intercourse; who allows a feeling of innate superiority, begotten of finery of manners, or social eminence, or pride of intellect, to interrupt the gentle flow of friendship. To wish everything to be done for us, or to exact the homage of those with whom we have, to do by force of personal charm, is to enthrone selfishness in the guise of love, "hiding grossness with fair ornament." The true spirit is seen in him who, in each thought and word and deed, evinces calm and careful consideration for every right and feeling of his fellow-man. He who all the time thinks of God first, of his neighbor next, and of himself last,—he is a true Christian.
To abide and grow in grace one needs to be truly grateful for each favor, lie it great or small;nor stint the praise so prized of all true hearts for golden deeds, vying with his brother in kindliness, gentleness, and loving service alone. If all were to make this code of conduct their guiding star in the walk and talk of life, the harsh, grating voice of discord would be forever hushed and universal harmony be realized. Then would the course of friendship, the mingling of men, be a thing of joy forever,—of beauty, grace, and charm,—and human intercourse, like the gentle ripplings of the evening breeze, give forth only sweet strains of peace and love.
