actions which proceed from those feelings, must be corrupted also. From a pure heart proceeds the fruit of a good life.
We ask how much a man has done; but in what degree of virtue he acts is not so carefully weighed. We inquire whether he has been courageous, rich, handsome, skillful, a good writer, a good singer, or a good laborer. But how poor he is in spirit, how patient and meek, how devout and spiritual, of this most men hold their peace! Nature respects the outward things of a man, grace turns itself to the inward. The one is often disappointed; the other hopes in God, and is not deceived. •