p. 659 | Ungenerous Criticism by William M. Salter

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 4, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 42.

Ungenerous Criticism.

By William M. Salter

A COMMON fault is that of needlessly criticising others. Almost every day we see those whose infirmities tempt us to make light of them, whose singular looks or awkward habits or careless dress make them the ready objects of satire. There are faults peculiar to different classes of people; and this one of criticism, though quite common to the ignorant and vulgar, is particularly the fault of people of culture—at least, of people of cultivated and refined tastes. They see the incongruities as no others do; they are shocked at the improprieties, and take a satisfaction, and sometimes delight, in pointing them out, talking of them, and laughing over them. This makes up much of what is called the harmless gossip of society; but it surely is not a very noble employment, and, if the reflections must arise in our minds, it were better that they should stay there. I think something of reverence ought to pass over us when we speak of any human being. We may seek to improve, to correct, to refine others, for this is all consistent with respect for them; but I see not how we may make light of them, for this is the opposite of respect. And, surely, I need not speak of scandal and of the devilishness of the delight which some people take in it. Human nature never seems meaner than when so occupied. Scandalous things there are in the world; but why repeat them, why pass them on? Would it not be a good habit not to hear them, save for self-protection and for the protection of others? Yes I ought to add, would it not be a good habit not to believe them, to distrust those that bring them to our notice, and in every case demand a justification for their doing so? Gossip is the occupation of idle minds; scandal is the occupation of ungenerous ones. Hate scandal and scandal-mongers, would, I think, be a good rule of private ethics. Spread the reports of goodness in the world; and, if we have no such reports, let us, in Heaven's name, keep still. We shall at least do one good thing by doing this.—William M. Salter.