Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-03-06
Fo- the SPECTATOR.
It VA
Charity.

Do we often stop to reflect on this
word Charity, or to form any definite
idea of the meaning it is intended
to convey to our minds. 1t includes
a depth of meaning that / fear not
many of Us fully appreciate. 1t does
not mean simply that we are to
give to the poor, to hand out money
whenever it is asked for or needed, to
give large sums to sO~called charitable
Institutions, &c.
1t means, we must look about us eve.
rywhere for life's miseries in order to
soothe them. We must search not only
In the remote corners of poverty and
vice. but even in quiet, luxurious homes,
where apparently all is happiness; in
the brilliant and allurement haunts of
pleasure, where casual glance would
enable us:to see only glowing faces and
smiles. This is not all; we must look
still farther, look deep down into our
own hearts, for more full and com.
plete vindication of this whole word.
Charity is love; love Tor all our fellow.
creatures, rich and poor, the high in
birth as well as the 'humtle, the hOmely
as well as the beautiful, the selfish as
we'll as the loveable, the ignorant as
well as the refined, the educated and
gentle, enemies and friends. Love
them thus far, al least, that we may be
ready and anxious to do any and every
thing in our power to help them. We
know not how dependent upon our
charity those around US are, and in our
careless way We pass many whose faces
wear mask of happiness, while their
hearts are bowed down with grief.
Some of these may need but a kind
word or look to at least Tighten their
burden of sorrow. Their hearts may be
yearning for some little kindness, which
has been denied them by others. Can we
not give them our sympathy? We do
not know how many of them are home
less and friendless, cast out in the cUld
world alone, dependent upon charity.
There is perhaps nothing in life for
them but sorrow, unless it be the knowl.
edge that there is a Gracious Father,
loving and merciful, who watches over
and cares for them, and there are many
who do not enjoy this blessed comfort,
those who have not learned the won
derful trust. Oh! what a bitter lot
must be theirs Who cares for these?
1t is our dug, my dear readers, and
should be our pleasure, to do all we can
for such as these. We may not be able
to help them pecuniarily, but can we
not help them in othe ways? Yes; we
can speak gently we can give them
our sympathy We can do many trifling
acts of kindness, which will tend to
brighten their lives and kindle hope in
their hearts. Let us stuGy this word
charity and endeavor to call forth in
our hearts this monte trait.
The human heart is sensitive; yet
there are those who consider it a trifliug
matter to use harsh words that are un-
called for, words which leave bitter
sting to ranBle, perhaps for years, in
the bosom of the Innocent victims We
must be the ODes to undo these wrongs,
10 counteTact, by our asslduuus efforts
and our good influence, the troubles
caused by the thOughtless and the un-
feeling We often bear persons most
uDjustly ceDsured, and the meanest
motives attributed to them We must
shield them by covering in every way
their faults if we know them and must
not be too ready to acknowledge, even
to our own minds, that such faults really
do exist. We are not without very
seriolE ones ourselves, and we mu, {,
therefore, be lenient in our Judgment
of others. We must lose sight of
ourselves in a noble aim to promote
happiness in those about US, to make
the most of our opportunities tor doing
good. VIRGINIA,