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38 CHARITY.

that it is socommon. Why is so much of
our conversation made up of uncharitable
talk about our neighbours, companions—
perhaps those we calkour friends? Is it not
because the heart is wrong and loves scandal
—-caricature—ridicule—and the tongue finds
it easy to exercise itself in this way ?

Perhaps my readers may think that they
wiil become duli and uninteresting, if they
only speak of pleasant things. It is not So,
my dear young readers. Nothing can better
show good sense—a goo! heart—good taste
—good talents, than the habit of perceiving
and pointing out the good qualities of others.
Which shows the best taste—going forth
‘ato the fields to gather noxious weeds and
offensive plants; or going forth to gather
sweet-scented flowers and lovely blossoms?
Which is most lovely—one who is addicted
to making and exhibiting nosegays, gathered
and grouped from the pleasant things*in the
characters of their friends; or one who is in
the habit of treasuring up the unpleasant
things they can discover in those around
them, and retailing them for the poor com-
pensation of a smile or a laugh?