Totes oculus

Thomas Brooks

They say of the nightingale, that when she is solitary in 
the woods, she is careless of her melody; but when she 
perceives that she has any auditors, or is near houses—then 
she composes herself more harmoniously and elegantly. 

Truly, this is the frame and temper of the best of hypocrites. 

Oh! but a sincere Christian labors in all places, and in all 
times, to approve himself to God. He labors as much to 
approve himself to God in a forest, where no eye sees him
—as he does when the eyes of thousands are fixed upon him. 

The sun would shine bright, though all men were asleep at 
high noon, and no eyes open to see the glory of his beams. 
Just so, a sincere heart will shine, he will labor to do good; 
though all the world should shut their eyes; yet he will eye 
his work, and eye his God. He knows that God is totes 
oculus—all eye, and therefore he cares not though others 
have never an eye to observe him, to applaud him. Let God 
but secretly whisper to him in the ear, and say, "Well done, 
good and faithful servant!" and it is enough to his soul, 
enough to satisfy him, enough to cheer him, and enough 
to encourage him in the ways and the work of his God.



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