more. Why did Christ take up the cross? Not for affliction's sake, or
for the cross's sake, as if suffering were a good thing in itself. No.
But that He might thereby _do good_. That the world through Him might be
saved. That He might do good at whatever cost or pain to Himself.

_Sermons_.

The Crucifix. August 23.

If I had an image in my room it should be one of Christ _glorified_,
sitting at the right hand of God. The crucifix has been THE image,
because the idea of torture and misery has been THE idea in the
melancholy and the ferocious (for the two ultimately go together),. . .
and thus ascetics became inquisitors. . . .

_MS._ 1843.

Love to God proved. August 24.

Our love to God does not depend upon the emotions of the moment. If you
fancy you do not love Him enough, above all when Satan tempts you to look
inward, go immediately and minister to others; visit the sick, perform
some act of self-sacrifice or thanksgiving. Never mind how _dull_ you
may feel while doing it; the fact of your feeling excited proves nothing;
the fact of your _doing_ it proves that your will, your spiritual part,
is on God's side, however tired or careless the poor flesh may be. The
"flesh" must be brought into harmony with the spirit, not only by
physical but by intellectual mortification.

_MS. Letter_. 1843.

Training of Beauty. August 25.

There is many a road into our hearts besides our ears and brains; many a
sight and sound and scent even, of which we have never _thought_ at all,
sinks into our memory and helps to shape our characters; and thus
children brought up among beautiful sights and sweet sounds will most
likely show the fruits of their nursing by thoughtfulness and affection
and nobleness of mind, even by the expression of the countenance.

_True Words to Brave Men_. 1848.

Ignorance of the Cynic. August 26.

Be sure that no one knows so little of his fellow-men as the cynical,
misanthropic man, who walks in darkness because he hates his brother. Be
sure that the truly wise and understanding man is he who by sympathy puts
himself in his neighbours' place; feels with them and for them; sees with
their eyes, hears with their ears; and therefore understands them, makes
allowances for them, and is merciful to them, even as his Father in
heaven is merciful.

_Westminster Sermons_. 1872.

Penitential Prayer. August 27.

Faith in God it is which has made the fi