—the accumulation of discoveries, the outcome of brain-work which has continued more than two millions of years. When it is considered how small are the reason, thought and consequent judgment of young minds it is not surprising. I often think we older heads are much too exacting in expecting our dear young students to receive instruction patiently as we impart it."
The girls whose expression had been gradually changing to one of affectionate attention, are about to speak when she continues:—
"No, my birdies, you shall not excuse yourselves for being truthful. You must always give me your opinions, that I may know what knowledge you have attained, and what remains for me to do—though it would conduce more quickly to your improvement if you sometimes reflected before giving them. While entreating you to think, I forget not the immense difficulties so placed before you. I know your powers are yet feeble; but habit strengthens. Never forget the old maxim, 'Think or Sink.'"
'Certain 'tis, one of those two
All human kind must do.'
"Now is spring. By close of autumn we shall have run through all the ages of which we have record. Then we will ascend this marvellous ladder of life, and study each step more closely. By the time we reach our own brightly happy era, both my dear student will acknowledge that there is no degradation, but an indisputable wisdom, in evolution; giving loving confidence in the Infinite, and an elevating assurance of still greater advancement in future ages—towards which we work when we think honestly and act conscientiously. You are inclined to believe the poor creatures in that case not human models, because their forms are unlike our own.
