The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-06-10
Our @lip.


We should doubtless all be astonished,
could we ascertain, with tolerable accuracy,
the proportion Of gossip which mingled in
our daily social intercourse. So easy do
We slip into the habit Of discussing other
peoples affairs, Of retailing small bits Of
news, Of repeating their petty sayings
and doings, Of canyassing their characters,
and portraying their faults, that we are
hardly conscious Of the practice until
something occurs to bring it to mind The
habit is not, as Is sometimes asserted
mainly the result Of an ill-natured dispo-
sition, that enjoys the recital of evil, and
takes pleasure in others pain. Sometimes,
without doubt, spite and malice creep
into chit-chat, and find their vent in sean
dial; but more commonly the gossip Of
which VIC complain is the natural result
of certain vacancy of mind. People talk
Of their neighbors, and canvass their af-
fairs, because they have nothing else read
lily at hand to talk about. Not having
any absorbing thoughts or intense objects
Of interest, they drift into this current Of
conversation, from the ease with which il
viii carry them ON. Thus we usually find
that the confirmed gossip is also idle,
thoughtless and purposcless. Directly the
hands are busy with efficient employment,
or the mind is eager in working out ideas,
or the soul is filled with enthusiasm for
any object, the lips cease talking about
their neighbors. Having subjects of so
much greater interest to occupy our
thoughts, We have no time for the dis
cussion Of peccadilloes or the dissem-
ination Of rumor. We not only re-
gard ii as an impertinence to interfere in
the private affairs Of another, but we lose
all desire to do so, because we are far
moro interested in something better worthy
Of our attention.
II this be so it follows that the best cure
for gossip is not 50 much the restraint Of
nm unruly tongue as the supply Of vacant
mind. This, like many other evils, is best
remedied by positive, not negative meas
ures-by filling up deficiency, rather
than by cutting off redundance. Lit
erary or artistic culture is one great meaus
in this direction. Those who read with
care and discrimination, those who are
pursuing some special branch of study,
those who delight in music, painting or
sculpture, are seldom inclined to resort to
gossip to gil up their hours Of conversa-
ton. The same is true of those who have
some great enterprise at heart, whether Of
benevolence or reform, which commands
their enthusiasm, and those also who thirst
fer knowledge in any direction. Conver-
sation may be made one of the best means
of acquiring information and stimulating
thought. Every one we meet possesses
some knowledge which we have not, and
which we might make our own, had we
the ability and tact to draw it out. Some
Of the finest lessons we ever learn are oc-
casionally gained by chance interviews
with persons who at first seem most unat-
tractive. Conversation is also an impor-
tant means of digesting knowledge that
we have already received. Two or more
persons, in talking over what they have
read or heard, in comparing ideas aud fur
nishing new illustrations, will more than
double the value Of their previous acqui-
sition. knowledge is in this way not only
impressed permanently upon the mind,
but is assimilatcd with it, so as to form
part Of the very nature. New light is
shed upon dark places, fresh matter for
thought and reflection is suggested, and
what was before crude and heavy material
is now an organized and active force.
Not mind alone, however, but the heart
also may be quickened and elevated by
conversation. Feelings and emotions are
not only strengthened by expressions, but
are communicated to others with wonder
ful rapidity. The soul that is vital with
enthusiasm, cannot help vitalizing another
with whom it comes in contact. The
earnest philanthropist does as much good
to the community by the unconscious dis
semination Of benevolent sentiments, as
by his actual efforts to relieve distress or
promote reform. Thus, whether in giving
or in gaining good, conversation may be
made most important factor. Not that
any one should study and weigh all his
words, with view to their effect; this
would at once render them formal and
lifeless, but that the mind and heart should
be SO occupied with worthy themes that
the lips will freely and gladly give them
utterance, and forget to descend to the
petty gossip which now furnishes and de-
faces so much of our social intercourse.
For il is as true now as in the days Of old,
that "out Of the abundance Of the heart,
the mouth speaketh. r--Paila. Ledger.
Silence.