p. 119 | JUDGE NOT by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 11, 1878

“JUDGE NOT.”

By Eliza H. Morton

Gossip and slander are evils alarmingly prevalent at the present day. The habit of criticising the acts of others is generally formed in childhood, and grows with the growth until it becomes almost second nature. It is so easy to see our neighbor’s faults and so interesting to talk them over with congenial spirits, that many of us often yield to the temptation.

The text, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” is frequently met with the words, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” It is supposed by some that the latter text gives any permission to expose the foibles of their fellow-beings. This is a mistake. It is true that we may know those whose lives are impure, but it is not true that we are at liberty to blacken their characters still more by scandal. It is no small task to govern the tongue; but it must be done, or ruin will be the result. Jealousy causes much evil speaking, and envy still more. Such feelings should not control the life or dwell in the heart of the Christian. Our mission is, to help the erring, encourage the faint-hearted, and to “do to others as we would be done by.” If evil meets us on every hand, we know that,—

“However hid by saint-like face, The current of that life which flows Away from Heaven, away from grace, God knows,”

And in his own good time he will “judge the secrets of men” with a righteous judgment.

Parents, beware how you speak disparagingly of others before your children. By so doing you will sow seeds of wrong which will hereafter bear a plentiful harvest. Brethren and sisters, be true to your trust, and you will not fear to be judged with the same judgment you have exercised, and in the great day, when you stand before the “Judge of all the earth,” joy will lighten your faces, and peace dwell in your hearts. ELIZA H. MORTON.