American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1872-07-13
Judge Not, that Ye Be Not Judged.
BY MRS. II. w. BEECHER.


If those who find themselves tempted
to criticise all whom they meet, whether
| friends or strangers, would, before speak
ing, repeat this text, truly desiring to I'M
derstand, and sincerely wishing to act in
accordance with, its teaching, how much
would the tendency to harsh or careless
judgment be lessened We think few
realize how eagerly little blemishes, or
unfortunate peculiarities, are sought after,
and made the subject of ungenerous re-
mark, even about those who are called,
and honestly felt to be, friends. This
most unfortunate propensity grows upon
one gradually, and is not always indie
alive of any wish to see the failings of
others in the worst aspect, or an intention
to judge them with a rigor they would
shrink from, when exercised toward
themselves. In part, it doubtless springs
from fondness for gossip desire for
excitement, an inability to find anything
else to talk about, which will min
lister to these undesirable tastes and appe
titles. But whatever may be the reason,
it is habit which, however thoughtlessly
begun, soon ripens into injustice and
wrong. 1t is almost as injurious to those
who willingly listen as to those who in
dulge in it; begetting in them, uncon-
sciously, love, in the end almost ungov
ernable, for the same POISONOUS stimulant,
to say nothing of the injury which may
be done to those so heartlessly and care
lessly criticised and judged. 1t is only
when we stop to reflect that we realize
how common this evil is. Two persons
meet accidentally, or in a social call.
They converse on MAN. topics, apparently
in the most amicable and satisfactory
manner; and for aught an observer can
see, agree exceedingly well; but when they
separate, how suddenly the manner
.l,n
nign and condescending endurance One
would suppose they had amiably and pa
tiently worn themselves out in the
forced courtesy they had bestowed upon
each other; and the door is scarcely
closed, when they feel moved to sit in
judgment, and freely. express their minds
ooh, dear Mrs. L. is, suppose, well
enough; but l must say think her very
dull and tiresome. She appears to have
nothing but the most commonplace things
to talk about. l find it exceedingly diff
tcult to keep up a conversation. She is
thrown so much among the lovers of art,
that l endeavorcd to interest her by talk
ing of everything of that sort which |
could think of; but she answered only in
monOsyllables, and showed no knowledge
or interest in that direction"
Perhaps had you spoken of nature in
stead of art, you might have found all the
desired. We know many to whom the
works of art are so infinitely below their
realization of the living, glowing works of
nature, that they feel no enthusiasm for
the former, and are too honest to make
pretense, although they fully understand
that they will fall very low in the estima-
ton of IA certain class, if they do not man
lfcst delight in the works of the old ar
fists, or the attempts at modern improve
ments" in the new.
II don't believe Mrs NJ has any appre-
citation of music in any form. i spoke to
her when she was here to-day about our
late concerts and operas, and she didn't
manifest the least interest. | shouldn't
wonder if she thought going to operas
sinful"
Very likely she has not musical taste
That is her misfortune-not her fault.
And if she conscientiously disapproves of
operas, without attempting to interfere
with your ideas of right and wrong why
should you censure her for it? Read the
fourteenth chapter of Romans, before you
do il. But when she modestly spoke of
last Sabbath's sermon, and of some of the
benevolent meetings in session that week,
did you listen with any more interest than
she showed Tor the concerts and operas?
"Well, / declared | do believe Mrs. B.
is a perfect tJnoTdm,s- | was asking her
about some of the new books Just brought
out, and of Mr. IS last lecture; and
would you believe it, doubt if she has
ever heard of the books or been TO the
lecturer
Perhaps she did not call to talk ofbooks
and lectures, but to have Il social, friendly
chat with you, and may have felt dis
posed to criticise you as being somewhat