The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-16

To study human nature is very largely taken
ss the business or amusement OF misanthropy'
When n man has become pretty familiar with
his own weaknesses. deficiencies. positive
faults. mistakes and misdoings 1t Is quite
consolation 10 study human nature and
find out how fools and sinners OF every degree
and hue abound in the world. 80 his misery IL
consoIed and cheered by company; and per-
hans he feels advanced in the scale OF being
by the multitudes he counts beneath and be-
hind him. That assignment OF place IS his
own. and be has the thing all in his own hand
TO study human nature in this way is not
80 very dignifed. II is game played at by
the lowest, and it is neither healthful nor ee-
waiting.
On the contrary, there is no study'so honor
able. 30 wholesome. SO useful and so emo
bling as the honest, just, liberal, wise and
kindly study of character. 1t makes US re-
cognize the features of one family; 1t shows
the wreckage Of divineness and the Kicker
ing sparks of deity in man; prepares us for
sympathy with the most unlucky, and pros
trates rs in o general confession. Recog-
nized greatness compels us to own our rela-
tionship to absolute perfection in the highest,
and conscious weakness makes us acknowl-
edge ourselves but dust and ashes.
If we want 10 find fools and knaves we can
be gratifed to the full We can find plenty
Of badness in the best. and supply all def
ciencies from our own experiences. But If we
take ourselves fairly and justly and truly
Judge. we'll find much on which 10 build a
hone. abundant elements of manhood that,
by the help Of heaven can be made to com
bine and grow into beautiful and fruitful
character.
10 many the study OF character is a crusade
against humanity, q sort Of tiger hunt in
spired and led by diabolsn. And when these
students come together to compare views to
their feast of gossip and symposium of dis
gusts their set out is like tho ingredients ofthe
witches caldron, or the furnishing of Kirk
Alloway's holy table Characters are chopped
into mincc meats and scandal potions quaiied
in the dreadful reyelry Such studies are
hardly profitable OF wholesome.
The study OF character is high duty and
Just appreciation is what we owe 10 one an
other Flattery and obsequousness are
offensive and dishonorable. Respect and
consideration are every mans right
No one can bo fair Judge of character
whose mind is filled with creations Of his own
fancy, ready TO be adapted or applied TO any
pleasing subject. Nor one whose bosom's
possessions are ugly and unpleasant impress
sions: whose associations have been unfortu-
nate and his observations discreditable. To
look into character, TO observe mankind,
that we may find food for satire and bitter
ness and justification Of hate is devils Office.
But justly, patiently compassionatey and
wisely to study the character jealousy do
Ing Justice in the secret courts of our own
souls, and with sincere modesty and care
making our judgment belongs to the highest.
1t is thus that we turn t. the best advantage
thefaults and Weaknesses as well as tho graces
and virtues of others feeding our best
aspirations and efforts on what is best IN
them, and warming our sympathy with
him who came not into the world to condemn
the world. but that the world through him
might be saved And it is thus that we make
the very best use OF every onein our daily busi-
ness, like wise men using our knowledge Alright,
avoiding antagonisms, wisely dealing with
weaknesses and vices and applying strength
where it will 10 most good.
In this way how much time and temper and
labor do we save, If we would only take it
Us great truth That which is crooked can
not be made straight, and that which is count
ing can not be numbered.