Cosmogony, will linger about the heart, while Poetry succumbs to
science."--"And the bare bones of this poor embryo earth may give
the idea of the Infinite, far, far better than when dignified with
arts and industry; its oceans, when beating the symbols of countless
ages, than when covered with cargoes of war and oppression. How
grand its preparation for souls, souls who were to feel the
Divinity, before Science had dissected the emotions and applied its
steely analysis to that state of being which recognizes neither
psychology nor element."--"Usefulness, if it requires action, seems
less like existence than the desire of being absorbed in God,
retaining consciousness.... Scorn trifles, lift your aims; do
what you are afraid to do. Sublimity of character must come from
sublimity of motive."

So far as hereditary and family influences can account for the character
and intellect of Ralph Waldo Emerson, we could hardly ask for a better
inborn inheritance, or better counsels and examples.

* * * * *

Having traced some of the distinguishing traits which belong by descent
to Mr. Emerson to those who were before him, it is interesting to note
how far they showed themselves in those of his own generation, his
brothers. Of these I will mention two, one of whom I knew personally.

Edward Bliss Emerson, who graduated at Harvard College in 1824, three
years after Ralph Waldo, held the first place in his class. He began
the study of the law with Daniel Webster, but overworked himself and
suffered a temporary disturbance of his reason. After this he made
another attempt, but found his health unequal to the task and exiled