As virtue is the reduction of supernatural principles to action, as it is the practical form that our service of God must take and the instrumental means of our salvation, its acquirement should be one of the great cares of our life. It is the height of folly to attend to trivial advantages, and neglect those that are solid and permanent ; to interest our selves in the business of others and forget our own; to decorate the exterior of a house with profusion, and leave it uncomfortable and unhealthy within; to clothe ourselves in purple, while starving ourselves and shortening our lives. So it is with those who satisfy all the cravings of the body, who develop all the faculties of the intelligence, and neglect the nobler impulses to virtue which spring from grace. It is the supreme folly, to make every provision for the brief period of this life and none whatever for that existence which will last for ever. There are many who have the fullest knowledge and every assistance, and yet do not bring forth fruits of virtue; they suffer the temporal disadvantages that belong to the followers of the Crucified, and yet enjoy none of their spiritual compensations. "What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith but hath not works?" (Jas. ii. 14). Take care to crown the edifice of faith and grace by leading a life of virtue. Each day brings its openings for works of faith, of benevolence, of self-restraint. Do not neglect a single one.
