Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-18
True Charity.
From the Philadelphia Ledger. ]

The term charity, sy modern custom,
has been greatly circumscribed from it's
original Specification. 1t has gradually
come to stand chiefly for almsgiving, or,
at least, for outward acts of benevolence
to the needy. But originally, its meaning
was far broader; it was used synony-
meusly with love, and the same Greek
word stands for both. Perhaps we may,
however, consider charity, in general
sense, as the whole outward manifesto
tions Of that deep principle of love which
is over and above all else, and which
gives a soul to intellect, freedom and
manhood. 1t will, therefore, consist
chiefly in the desire and act of promoting
the good of others in any and every way
that lies within our power. Almsgiving
will, of course, be included in this, though
forming but small portion of the duties
involved. Indeed, aims may often be
given from motives so low as to prevent
them from legitimately coming under the
head of true charity. n
In the desire for the best good of others,
for their entire well being, body, soul and
spirit, and in the efforts that spring from
this desire, are we to look for the in
creasing elevation, prosperity and hap
piuess Of mankind. Not in Q feeble SEN
timent which wishes well to all because
not tempted to wish them ill, and which
does good only to those who do good to
US, but in unremitting and unwearied
efforts to do good to all our fellow men.
True charity is no dream of benevolence,
but is constant and untiring, gentle and
forbearirg even to enemies, generously
making allowance for others failings,
and above all, seeking and securing in
various ways their best welfare.
Though some persons naturally pos
sess the spirit Of charity more conspicu.
ously than others, yet it is capable of
cultivation in the hearts of all. Nothing
SO quickly produces right feeling as
actions done from right principles.
Every heart warns to the one whom he
benefits. Let any one try the expert
ment Of giving whatever he has to be-
stow-time, money, sympathy, assis-
tance-to one for whom he feels no
regard. Gradually an interest is formed
which deepens into anxiety, and will
seldom fail to end in affection. Even
gentleness and courtesy of manner will
tend to produce the same qualities in
the heart, and the small Offices of kind
ness and attention that we show to
Others will gradually become habits not
only of form but reality. Persons who
blame themsel for want of feeling,
and who vainly strive to work them.
selves up to right state of heart, would
most effectually accomplish what they
desire by the immediate and energetic
action which would naturally follow such
a state, and by beginning earnestly with
daiy, they may end joyfuly in fraternal
love.
u Charity overlooks many faults, failings
and errors, that if noticed and resented
would render daily intercourse intoler-
able 1t is well sometimes to shut our
eyes to many such things, or rather to
throw over them the mantle Of charity,
which will cover them from the blaming,
complaining spirit that only aggravates
what it cannot cure. In all evil there
may be found germs of goodness. Char
ity will discover these, and in cherishing
and cultivating them, will most efectu-
ally root out the weeds. He who traces
the truths from which error has sprung,
and the virtues that lay at the foundation
of many vices, accomplishes more by
loving and promoting the good than the
most bitter and violent opposer Of the
evil itself. e,ttg
Such charity will not lead any to be
lax. Those who make the most allow
anees for others, are usually the most
pure and free from ain in themselves,
while those who most unpityingly judge
and condemn their neighbors, are fire.
quently themselves the most guilty. True
charity ever implies self-denial, and will
even make allowance for intolerance and
uncharitableness itself. In cultivating
and carrying out this principle, we are
most truly approaching to and partaking
of the nature Of that Eternal charity upon
whose faithfulness we are ell reposing,
and without which life itself would be
worse than death. a 5a