How to Meet False Accusations
By Lyman Abbott
THERE are very few of us who are not at some time in our lives brought under the shadow of a false accusation. The natural way to meet it is by denial and self-defense. But that is not the New Testament way, nor the most effective way. There is a better, surer, and higher way. It is to give the false accusation a plain, simple, square denial, and then leave the life and the truth to do the rest. It is not my business to take care of my reputation; it is all I can do to take care of my character. If that is clean and pure and luminous, the light that is in me will shine on and out, and by and by will pierce the clouds and dispel them. For clouds are temporary, because earthly; but sunshine is eternal, because divine. Any one can distort my shadow; but no one but myself can distort me; and if I am not distorted my shadow will not be distorted. But if it is, what matter? Do not run after accusers. Do not trouble yourself about false accusations. Only be sure to make them false; then leave the falsehood to die. Go on with your life work; and accept the position in which false accusation, and consequent scandal and reproach, place you, only as a new opportunity to bear witness to the truth and the life by your own manifest and glorious possession of them.—Lyman Abbott.