The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1864-11-25

Sdu U.s. LUZ IL bHG
heart be as nest of unclean birds if
onr souls enemies be in the citadel of
life, we are in danger Of losing every
thing" .'
Henry had dropped bis eyes to the floor,
and partly turned away his face to hide
the crimson stain that covered it.
"Tbat is the only evidence you have
that [ keep bad company" he said, with u
sobered air. .. ..' a' es.
"No." av d. .H .a.
Po'lip turned quickly, with fash of
surprise. GU
II have noted other indications of late
"What are they?" -a
"Yon are getting too much inclined, in
your jadgmen: Of others, to search for
evil Instead Of good; to find blemish in
stead of beauty" Es. a1 ...a.
"Is that so, Uncle Philip ?" ..'-.N'.
"AccordinS to my observation. Il
didn't use to be so. There was time
when your charity was broad mantle
Oi late it has become torn shred. Why
this change? One thing is certain the
influences which move you cannot come
from angelic spirits; for they seek out
and develop the good in man fur which
they have affinity. 1t is plain that you
have permitted yourself to be Influenced
by other companions. Spirits Of baser
sort, who take pleasure in detraction.' -s'
"Your speech sounds harsh, Uncle
Philip" answered the nephew. :" 1 cam
not be altogether as you intimate
81 speak strongly because l wish to be
heard. Your feet it seems to me are leav-
ing the pleasant ways in which they have
so long WALKED, ana wish to get them
back to the old true paths. | will turn ii
leaf or tw" in your memory, and by what
we find there shall your present state be
Judged. 1t was only yesterday that
one spoke kindly Of Mrs. Noble, in your
presence, aud extol.cd her go,d qualities
How did you respond, Henry ?" ...
."Not as [ should have responded," he
answered, frankly. m Peg. ~
"You spoke of her faults aud pecullari-
ties; Of the petty wrongs she had done !;
Of her observation-disclosures towards others
and this to her injury; for the one who
had seen and admired her good qualities
was influenced 10y what you said, aud will,
fear, when she thinks Of Mrs. Noble, re,
member more of what you affirmed than
Of the good winch she b I'd SEEM '
at Was wrong in me very wrong ''--
said Henry, in real self-condemaation.-
"What could have possessed me at the
time p .aa.... !5
at was not my Henry of DID," replied
Uncle Philip, with a regretful tenderness
that touched the young man "but my
boy hurt and demoralized by bad compa-
ny" or. .a. . t.r. -.
"Dear Uncle don't use the words bad
company. They sound so harshIy-in.
volve so much that does not exist. l can
not bear them" ..tn. .u~ III.
at is always best and safest to call
things by their names, Henry. That you
have been keeping evil company of late is,
alas too apparent. There has been de-
morali1ation; will not call the work
done in your mind by any softer Phrase
A year ago, if Harvey LING had been
mentioned in your presence, you would
not have curled your lip, nor uttered au
expression OF contempt for a harmless
young iran, Harmless, did | say? That
does not give u just idea of bis character.
l should rather speak Of him as useful,
honorable, aud faithful in his sphere of life
He is not brilliant, nor has he the cultiva,
tlon seen in many others but no man
can say aueht against his integrity. A
kind son and brother, he has sustained his
family since his fathers death in comfort
aud responsibility, For this he should
have all honor. This you should tell of
hun when his name is mentioned, and not
seek to burt him with coutemp,unus aud
depreciating language. OF yourself kind
BY nature, You would MT have done 50
mean thug. Bad associates transfused
their spirits to you for the time You
opened the door for them, aud they crow
ded in, possessing your Thoughts and feel
lnss. All, my boy, if you had been with
angel-cUmpanious you would have felt and
spoken very differently of this young man
They would have recognized his good
qualities, aud touched your heart with their
own Kindness" ..t eIsE :.
II am angry with myself, Uncle Phil.
lp," said his nephew, shame spots marking
lis face. elbow could have so iorgot-
ten to be just and generous! Harvey
Long never injured me; why should
have sought to injure him? 1t must be
as you say An evil spirit hath done
this" ...-
Nothing so rapidly d"praves the NOR
al sense as bad cDWpany,' replied the un-
Gle. ave see how this works in the visl
BILE world of men. How does it work p
Not 50 much by physical as by mental i'm.
pIessions.
1t is the wicked thought exciting the bad