But there is this difference between the animal creation and plants: whereas in man and beast every individual is affected in character by the curse, there being not a single one that does not to a greater or less degree manifest depraved traits; it is not so with plants. Very many plants are not only harmless and innocent, but are wholly beneficent. They have no trace of evil in their natures. In them the curse is seen only in diminished vital force. All the life that they have, however, is good and wholesome and clean. Between the wholly vicious plants, and the wholly innocent, there are various degrees, some being vicious, yet not positively murderous. But it is in plant life that we find the nearest approach to perfection on earth. In the best specimens, of which there are very many, the life has not been perverted, but only diminished in degree. They cannot, when eaten, impart as much life and vigour as in the beginning, but what they do give is the pure life of the Word that brought them forth. EVCO 247.1