Can anyone point to a date in history when man first gained wisdom? Wisdom is the property of humanity. The expressions of this wisdom differ at different times, to suit different peoples; and it is the differences that have always been noticed and not the similarity. Man is apt to insist on the external forms -- "my religion, my scripture, my custom is different," he says; and thus in endeavoring to enforce his ideal, he departs from the very spirit which produced that ideal; and acts upon some primitive impulse which he despises himself, whenever he recognizes it. He may say, "I wish to reform and to reach,' when he is simply driven by a blind and animal impulse to inflict pain perhaps, or to tyrannize, or perhaps to assert his personal power. This element of falseness and treachery in human motives proves to many truthful observers, that there is nothing in life worthy of devotion, and no cause worthy of allegiance.