the green leaves of the laurel to their own destruction.

Many a time have I overtaken flocks of sheep, some of which were lying
along the road "_down with the staggers_." This last is the name of
the disease which is brought on by taking laurel. The old sheep avoid
it. They will not taste it. The young sheep and lambs are the only
ones that incline first to taste and then eat it. It is hardly
necessary for me to point out to you the lesson of instruction to be
gathered from what I have just said. The _staggers_, by veterinary
surgeons, is said to be a kind of drunkenness often fatal in its
effects.

The Prophet Isaiah speaks of some who "are drunken, but not with wine;
who stagger, but not with strong drink." I fancy I hear someone in the
congregation say: "I guess they must have taken laurel." Precisely so,
friend! They took the very laurel that has been the ruin of thousands
of the Lord's sheep and lambs. Let me tell you exactly what I mean.

The love of _worldly pleasure_ is laurel of _one kind_. It blooms
forth in the desire for fine dress, gay company, night gatherings,
social parties, and the like things.

_Worldly treasure_ is laurel of _another kind_. It blooms forth in the
desire for worldly possessions, no matter how obtained, and only to
gratify selfish ends. I have known some old sheep to take this kind.

_Ambition to be great and highly honored_ is still _another kind_.
This is the "deer-tongued" laurel, the very tallest kind that grows,
and has the richest looking flowers. But it is just as poisonous as
any, and it blooms forth in the desire to be admired for beauty, to be