Slander | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1886

Slander.

WHAT is slander? It is the spreading of statements calculated to damage an individual, for the mere gratification of personal spite or envy.

Slanderers often pretend to do their dirty work in the interest of truth and righteousness. They are "actuated by a public spirit;" it is their "concern for the honor of their Master;" and so, with their tongues set on fire of hell, they administer the brimstone slanders in the treacle of sickly cant, and, "for the good of the cause," they destroy the influence of those who are spending their life's blood for its extension.

Slander is a sign of littleness. Only narrow, mean souls will stoop to such ignoble business. The slanderer is usually despised by those who listen to him; even by those who encourage him and seem to be pleased with his vile insinuations.

Why do those professing the love of Jesus Christ slander their brethren? I am afraid it is not very difficult to discover. The reason lies on the surface. Doubtless one more fruitful source of slander than any other is envy.

Some people slander their fellows out of sheer selfishness. They cannot endure the thought of any one being more useful, or having more ability, or being more beloved than they are, or being useful or beloved at all. They want all the love and all the worship of their circle for themselves; and if they see any one else rising up, they at once set to work to pull him down.—Sel.