CHARITY by Cornelia Snow

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1900

CHARITY

By Cornelia Snow

CORNELIA SNOW.

(Blaine, Me.)

THE sunlight, which pours its bright rays over all things, transforms, as if by magic, that which it touches. The landscape, which before was dull, cold, and uninteresting, suddenly glows with beauty. We forget the rude angles and unsightly ridges in viewing the brightened scene. In like manner love changes our conception of our fellow creatures.

It is easy to discern faults in others if they are studied with the eye of criticism. Their ways, manners, beliefs, and practices give occasion for fault-finding, to those who yield to this most common temptation.

But Christian charity reveals to us the good in others, and turns the attention from disagreeable traits. Especially does it close the lips against speaking disparagingly of those with whom we daily come in contact.

The mother who loves her child may realize that he has imperfections, but her love would forever prevent her from parading those faults to the view of the world. Family pride and affection may hinder one from mentioning the mistakes, or failings, of those in his own household. But that charity which “never faileth” will keep the child of God from indulging in unkind criticism of those outside his family circle.

Not even self-sacrificing deeds will win hearts for the Master, unless the love which forgives all injuries, forgets all slights and wrongs, and recognizes the possibilities in every erring human soul, actuates the motives