r is scattered
broadcast. On such statements, how can a Superior pronounce
judgment?

XXVII

EIGHTH PRESERVATIVE

_To check uncharitable conversation in others_

WHEN you see charity wounded by an equal call him to order.

If to say or do anything scandalous is the first sin forbidden by
charity, not to stop, when you can, him who speaks or acts badly
ought to be considered the second.

When the discourse degenerates, represent Jesus Christ entering
suddenly into the midst of the company, and saying, as He did
formerly to the disciples of Emmaus: "What discourse hold you among
yourselves, and why are you sad?" Recall also these words of the
Psalmist: "You have preferred to say evil rather than good, and to
relate vices rather than virtues. O deceitful, inconsiderate, and
rash tongue! Dost thou think thou wilt remain unpunished? No; God
will punish thee in everlasting flames." After having thus
fortified ourselves against uncharitable conversation, we ought to
try and put a stop to it.

St. John Climacus tells us to address the following words to those
who calumniate in our presence: "For mercy's sake cease such
conversation! How would you wish me to stone my brethren--me,
whose faults are greater and more numerous?"

A holy religious replied to an uncharitable person: "We have to
render infinite thanks to God if we are not such as those of whom
you speak. Alas! what would become of us without Him?"

The philosopher Zeno, hearing a man relate a number of misdeeds
about Antisthenes, said to him: "Ah! Has he never done anything
good? Has he never done anything for which he merits praise?" "I
don't know," he replied. Then said Zeno, "How is that? You have
sufficient perception to remark, and sufficient memory to
remember, this long list of faults, and you have had no eyes to
see his many good qualities and virtuous actions."

St. John Chrysostom says: "To the calumniator I wish you to say
the following: If you can praise your neighbours, my ears are open
to receive your perfume. If you can only blacken them, my ears are
closed, as I do not wish them to be the receptacle of your filthy
words. What matters it to me to hear that such a one is wicked,
and has done some detestable act? Friend, think of the account
that must be rendered to the Sovereign Judge. What excuse can we
give, and what mercy will we deserve--we who have been so
keen-sighted to the faults of others, and so blind to our own? You
would co