Backbiting | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 25, 1859

Backbiting.

If Christians would generally conform to the following rules, drawn up by the pious Charles Simeon, for the government of his own conduct, much mischief might be saved in churches and communities. The influence of many excellent people is undermined, and the reputation of ministers often sacrificed by idle habits of gossip, without any intention of doing harm.

The longer I live, the more I feel the importance of adhering to the following rules, which I have laid down for myself in relation to such matters:

1. To hear as little as possible what is to the prejudice of others.

2. To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to.

3. Never drink into the spirit of any one who circulates an ill report.

4. Always to moderate, as far as possible, the unkindness which is expressed towards others.