The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-05-16
character. What must be shought Of the

Soue event, circumstance, OF PecuiidFhy
Of manner to'render the wise, aud benevo-
:ent, ridiculous, or despicable in the opin-
ion of, others! Is it no harm to tri1e with
character: to throw your neighbor into a
position, in which his good sense may be
questioned, or his integrity suspected; to
degrade him from the walks of popular
respect, and usefulness! Is garrulity inno'
cent, when it sanctions rumors, which
ought without most positive and undenia.
bic proof to the. contrary be received as
fulsehoods? But suppose the evil report
true. Its propagation then is more offen-
sive. because it assumes the maIignity of
intentional calumny. Truth aggravates
scandal; and notoriety g 1venoms the other
wise harmless censure. Who knows not
that errors in opinion, weaknesses of ma
ture, and darker shades of sin are TIE
common fruits of all human experience!
As man of mercy, do you find amuse-
ment in errors and infirmities of the affiict.
ed, the unhappy and the fallen? Is it not
sufficient for you TO know, that they are
diseased, but you must tear off the ban
dages ard exhibit their wounds and ulcers
TO the world! Nay but no harm was meant.
I. was only little pleasantly. A mere
harmless conversation to pass away time.
What sad reflection is thus heaped upon
the idle propensity of an ungoverned
tongue! If the offender had been an avow.
ed enemy: was the rumor based upon ma
lice prepense, then one might have guard
ed against the attack. But it was thou my
supposed we'll wisher that hast done me
this uncalled for wrong. "We took sweet
counsel together; we walked in the house
of God as friends" An injury done to
another can never be justified by the plea
of not intending it, when the mischief has
been occasioned by thoughtlessness.-
Should the madman be permitted to throw
frebrands in the harvest field, because he
might with truth, ask am / not in sport!
In speaking lightly OF others did the gar
rulous person mean no harm! Grant it,
But harm was done. And why ought not
principle dictate the duty, to set watch
before The door of the lips, to prevent the
injurious speech? take the matter home to
yourself and reflect upon the impolicy Of
The loquacious spirit How would you
like to be thrown by professed friend, into
the awkward position of being either dis
pissed or ridiculed? Should it be- any source
of qualification to learn that circumstance
oflife Beyond control were bruited by town
talk to your disadvantage: and even that
your best intentions to maintain truth, and
do good were perverted into acts of abso-
lutte folly, or Of intentional wickedncss?
By the law of retaliation, may you not
provoke similar returns Of unkindness;
or perhaps of designed rancour? Is there
no weak point in your character, which
errors or malice may not de-
tect! Is your citadel Of purity and CORE Ct
taste so strong, and we'll defended, that
neither the suspicion Of the guilty, nor the
fancy of the tatller can penetrate them!
Are you above remark! No, you are not.
Then remember, that the measure which
you deal to others, will be measured to
you again. Every attempt that you make ,
to render anothe. contemplate, Injuries
YOURSELF 1t destroys that tender sympa-
thy which should bind you to the interest
and happiness Of human nature Can you
say, that the circumstances of future life
shall not be such, as to compel you to need,
and ask the Offices of kindness from the
very person whom you have wounded or
injured? At least, it is uncertain, at what
moment you may require the support of
conscipusrec to mitigate the wounds,
thoughtlessly, perhaps, inflicted by others
upon yourself What if the person viii
fed has not your share Of good sense, ex.
alted reputation, or even christian gifts
and graces. He at least is man-one of|
The human family, for whom Christ died;
and claims of you the same thoughtful con.
sideration and Kindness that you expec.