I suppose that most all the boys and girls here can tell a minister when they meet him on the street. And when you grow older I think you will not only be able to tell that it is a minister, but you may be able to tell, possibly to what denomination the man belongs—whether he is a Methodist, or a Presbyterian, or an Episcopalian or a Lutheran, or to what denomination he belongs. This cannot always be told, but in many instances this can be judged quite accurately. The study of the Bible and the contemplation of holy and good things inscribe themselves indelibly upon the face of those who give them thought and attention.
Beneath a good and generous face you will find a good and generous heart. Beneath a bad face you will find a bad heart. If we are Christians we shall become more and more like Christ. We shall grow up into His likeness, and into His image, and into His stature. We are told that not only will we become more and more like Him, but that at last, in the great Resurrection, we shall behold Him as He is, and we shall be like Him.
If I were to take some pictures and place them in a bottle they would shine out through the glass, and you could see them. So with the thoughts that are in your heart; they shine out through your face and give expressions to it. Even when the body is suffering pain the heart may be at rest. David, the Psalmist, said that God was "the health of his countenance." Even though his body was suffering pain his face might be pleasant, because God was with him, making him happy in his heart. There is an old adage that says, "handsome is, that handsome does." There are some young persons who may have a pretty face, and yet who may not be righteous and holy in their hearts; but as they grow older their character will shine out more and more, until at last their face shall be entirely changed, and all that is bad in their hearts will appear in their faces. If you want a good face you must have a good heart. Take Jesus into your heart, follow His teachings and imitate His example, and from year to year you will grow more and more like Him. Here is a very appropriate and beautiful poem, which was written by Miss Alice Carey.
TAKE CARE.
"Little children, you must seek
Rather to be good than wise,
For the thoughts you do not speak
Shine out in your cheeks and eyes.
"If you think that you can be
Cross or cruel, and look fair,
Let me tell you how to see
You are quite mistaken there.
"Go and stand before the glass,
And some ugly thought contrive,
And my word will come to pass
Just as sure as you're alive!
"What you have and what you lack,
All the same as what you wear,
You will see reflected back;
So, my little folks, take care!
"And not only in the glass
Will your secrets come to view;
All beholders, as they pass,
Will perceive and know them, too.
"Out of sight, my boys and girls,
Every root of beauty starts;
So think less about your curls,
More about your minds and hearts.
"Cherish what is good, and drive
Evil thoughts and feelings far;
For, as sure as you're alive,
You will show for what you are."
Questions.—How will a plastic face look when you squeeze it on the head and on the chin? When persons are serious or angry, are their faces lengthened? When people laugh what happens to their faces? Suppose one were to be cross and ugly constantly what would occur? If a person were to laugh constantly, what would be the effect upon their face? Can you tell a minister when you see him? If you put pictures in a bottle do they shine through? Do thoughts in the heart shine through the face? Can you repeat that couplet which begins: "Handsome is—"? If we think Christ's thoughts constantly do we become more like Christ? If we think bad thoughts do we become unlike Him? What book is it which says: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"?
