All men are physiognomists to some extent, even without knowing it; for every one forms some idea of the character of others from the features and expression of their faces. And the idea they form would seldom fail of being correct, were it not that people often act the hypocrite, and make their faces lie as they do their lips and actions.
And what is thought to constitute the most exalted human beauty here on earth? What sort of a face do people of high culture and a truly Christian spirit commonly regard as most beautiful? Is it not that combination of features and that expression which reveals the most and the highest order of mind?—that which expresses the noblest qualities of heart in union the most exalted powers of intellect?—that which seems in the highest degree instinct with the divine attributes of wisdom and love? To a cultivated mind that face, and that only, is beautiful, which reveals a beautiful soul; and it is beautiful just in the degree that it expresses the thoughts, feelings, aspirations and hopes of such a soul. A person's face speaks as plainly as his lips, and often more truthfully. For many a time does the face reveal thoughts and feelings which the lips vainly strive to conceal. The looks often contradict the words. And if the graces of heaven—humility, meekness, resignation, courage, benevolence, gratitude, hope, love, trust—really dwell in the heart, they will to some extent reveal themselves in the countenance even in this world. And those who have any just appreciation of the spirit of true religion, will call that countenance most beautiful which expresses the largest measure of these heavenly graces.
