A GOOD example is the Word, made flesh. It is God's gracious means of expressing Himself in language which mortals can understand. The silent, constant reproach of a good example should cause us to become metaphysicians. When we come into contact with that in others which is higher than any mentality we ourselves are conscious of possessing, it is not enough to love it, to admire it; but, if we are truly to benefit from any such God-sent message, we must pause to investigate further, to analyze prayerfully and with heartsearching the reason for our admiration. There are certain qualities which appeal to the whole of the human race; before love concentric, love spontaneous, love light-hearted but deep and sincere, love impersonal and universal,—before these all opposite qualities fall down in homage. Love creates, in those less attuned to God, an earnest longing which is ever fruitful of good.
Well it is for the man who does not remain satisfied with admiration alone, or with longing, but who pushes his researches deeper and deduces the cause from the effect produced; who drives the lesson deeper home, finding out thus his own deficiencies and getting the full benefit of the blessing. This habit of research should be followed up by all would-be metaphysicians, and all qualities found in another which appeal to his higher sense, to that which is Godlike in himself, should not be allowed to pass without challenge, but should be watched and carefully traced to their God-given source, and thereby already partially made his own. To neglect such opportunities is to allow the seed to fall on stony ground; therefore let us be alert, and as soon as we come into contact with any quality in others which is uplifting, purifying, or which gives us a strong sense of silent reproof, let us not loosen our hold upon the angel visitant till the full benefit is received. If such blessing is perceived in its true value, it causes unspeakable gratitude to God and to that individual who has thus reflected God. Frequently we are inclined, through idleness, or it may be in a grudging spirit, to put aside another's nameless charm with the characterization, "Such a pleasant manner," or a similar criticism, not facing the fact that, were it superficial manner merely, it could never have appealed to our hearts at all, and that "manner" is in truth but the outward and visible sign of inward grace.
Again, to point the finger and cry "Personality!" as soon as we find those who are beloved of their fellows, is ofttimes not only to decry qualities which have their pure source in the deep heart of God,—perhaps, too, to put a stumbling-block in the path of some Truth-seeker who is more humble than ourselves,—but it will also do our own growth inestimable harm, for it is indulging subtle destroyers of character, such as jealousy and hypocrisy. Let us never forget that goodness, spirituality, is, must be, attractive, for it is the reflection of God, and so our attractiveness must necessarily increase with the goodness we reflect.
