As we were passing through dense forests of fir trees and cedars recently in British Columbia, one
feature struck us forcibly and brought thoughts of greater things:Where the forest was so dense
that the trees stood only a few feet from each other, they were tall, smooth, and straight as
arrows, shooting their heads far up toward the sky. Where, here and there, a little space was
comparatively bare, the trees were ill-shaped and crooked. How like God’s people! was what
came to mind. First of all, where trees are thus very dense, they are all of one kind. So, before
God’s people can stand together closely knit, they must guard against unconverted persons getting
in as if of them. Having confidence in each other as being children of God, they now can cling
to each other in love; and the more they do this, the more they will develop in Christian
perfection.

All these trees so pressed against each other that it made them shoot up their heads toward the sun.
So, if we stand close to each other in love, the pressure we shall be under from the faults and
failings we shall find in each other will compel us to look unto Jesus, the beginner and finisher
of faith. In Him we shall see love, patience, grace, and faithfulness combined in perfection and
constantly exercised toward each one of us. This will send us back to our place among our
brethren, ready to act in the same way.

If we do not thus continue with each other, like David’s men who were all "of one heart to make
David king," and therefore "could keep rank" (1 Chron. 12:38), but stand aloof in supposed
superiority, we shall not fail to grow one-sided and crooked. We need one another, if but to make
each other grow straight.