We are sometimes made aware of a kindness long passed, and realize that there have been times when our friends' thoughts of us were of so pure and lofty a character that they passed over us like the winds of heaven unnoticed when they treated us not as what we were, but as what we aspired to be. from A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers

Summary

This quote reflects on moments when we discover acts of kindness from our friends that occurred long ago. It emphasizes the realization that in these instances, our friends saw and treated us not for our flaws or current state, but for our potential and aspirations. These benevolent gestures, often brushed aside or forgotten at the time, are compared to the gentle winds of heaven, as they both go unnoticed in their immense purity and elevated character.