September 24

“There is a certain unpleasantness in undiscriminating sympathy, which possesses nothing especial nor any moment of reserve. Such a character is without loneliness; we find no mystery in it to charm or lure; we have no sense of depth which we would like to penetrate; we know all, and having known all, pass on by an irresistible necessity, and leave that friend behind, he is superficial, in one word, he wants humanity. Plainly the sympathy of Christ did not want this beauty. He had in its fitting place, the Teutonic quality of reserve. He shrank from over-publicity. He kept His secret heart for those dearest to Him, though His love went over the world. He gave closer sympathy and affection to three among His disciples than to the others. He gave more tenderness to Mary than to Martha, without any favouritism. He still as a personal friend, individualised His affections. . . . Therefore remember that Christ has sanctified what is good in that quality we call reserve. Do not be too anxious to give yourself away, to wear your heart upon your sleeve. It is not only unwise, it is wrong to make your soul common property. For you bring the delicate things of the heart into contempt by exposing them to those who cannot understand them. Nor again, should you claim too much confidence as a duty due to you from your friends. Much of the charm of life is ruined by exacting demands of confidence. Respect the natural modesty of the soul; its more delicate flowers of feeling close their petals when they are touched too rudely. Wait, with curious love, with eager interest, for the time when, all being harmonious, the revelation will come of its own accord, undemanded.”

STOPFORD BROOKE