, when we see nothing but coldness
and selfishness in our fellow creatures. Ah believe me, the chords of
the human heart are very tender and if touched by a sympathetic hand
will produce sweet sounds but if touched by the unfriendly hand of
coldness and indifference, the sounds will be harsh and discordant.
There is no one so low, so ignorant, so fallen, but has claims upon our
sympathies. The Turks collect every scrap of paper that comes in their
way, because the name of God may be written upon it. Deal tenderly with
every fellow creature, for all are made in the image of God. A few kind
words have saved many lives from shipwreck. Phariseeism says to itself
after hearing of the sin of some poor mortal "I am holier than that
person. I have never sinned in that way," forgetful of the fact that
they have never been tempted in the same way. The religion of humanity
says "here is a poor mortal who has been sorely tried and tempted, we
will show him his error and help him to do right." Phariseeism sends to
the boy who has been arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, a tract with
"Thou shall not steal" in large letters. The religion of humanity says,
"the boy was hungry and we will feed him." Phariseeism says to the poor
shivering outcast, "the Lord chastiseth those whom he loveth." The
religion of humanity takes her in and clothes, feeds and warms her. To
the poor woman who is struggling for daily bread, each day sadder than
the last, Phariseeism says, "bear thy burdens meekly." The religion of
humanity says, "we will do something to lighten her sorrow."

Phariseeism sees nothing to condemn in itself, forgetful that the sins
they are committing may be greater in the sight of God than the sins
which they are condemning in others.

I have often thought if a magician would wave his magic wand over a pool
of water so that, not only the features but the mind, the motives, the
passions were reflected, what consternation it would produce in the
minds of the Pharisee.

O be charitable even as Christ was to the sins of humanity, be
sympathetic even as He was to the sufferings of mankind; be kind even as
He was to the poor; be merciful even as He was to erring women, speak
comforting words even as He did to the weak hearted; speak cheerful
words even as He did to the weary and sad.

Who ne'er his bread in sorrow ate
Who ne'er the mournful midnight hours
Weeping upon his bed has sate
He knows you not, ye Hea