others as we would
they should do to us." And who would like to have his faults made the
subject of common conversation among his acquaintances? If no one would
like to be thus "served up," let him be cautious how he treats others.
And, if it is contrary to charity thus to speak of the faults of
individuals, it is not the less so to speak of the faults of masses of
men, as of the clergy or of the church. The injustice is the more
aggravated, because it is condemning by wholesale. A member of the
church of Christ, who speaks much of its corruptions, is guilty of the
anomalous conduct of _speaking evil of himself_; for the members of
Christ's body are _all one in him_. It may sometimes be our duty to
speak of the faults of others; but, where charity reigns in the heart,
this will be done only in cases of unavoidable necessity, and then with
great pain and sacrifice of feeling. The benevolent heart feels for the
woes of others, and even compassionates their weakness and wickedness.
It will desire, therefore, as much as possible, to hide them from the
public gaze, unless the good of others should require their exposure;
and even then, will not do it with wanton feelings. But these remarks
apply with much greater force to the practice of Christians speaking of
one another's faults. Where is the heart that would not revolt at the
idea of brothers and sisters scanning each other's faults, in the ears
of strangers? Yet the relation of God's children is far more endearing
than the ties of consanguinity.

2. Charity _believeth all things, hopeth all things_. This is the
opposite of jealousy and suspicion. It is a readiness to believe
everything in favor of others; and even when appearances are very strong
against them, still to hope for the best. This disposition will lead us
to look at the characters of others in their most favorable light; to
give full weight to every good quality, and full credit for every
praiseworthy action; while every palliating circumstance is viewed in
connection with deficiencies and misconduct. Charity will never
attribute an action to improper motives or a bad design, when it can
account for it in any other way; and, especially, it will not be quick
to charge hypocrisy and insincerity upon those who seem to be acting
correctly. It will give credit to the professions of others, unless
obviously contradicted by their conduct. It does not, indeed, forbid
prudence and caution--"The simple believeth every