word; but the prudent
man looketh well to his going"--but it is accustomed to repose
confidence in others, and it will not be continually watching for evil.

A charitable spirit is opposed to the prevailing disposition for
discussing private character. It will not willingly listen to criticisms
upon the characters of others, nor the detail of their errors and
imperfections; and it will turn away with disgust and horror from petty
scandal and evil-speaking, as offensive to benevolent feeling. It is a
kind of _moral sense_, which recoils from detraction and backbiting.

3. Charity _endureth all things_. This is nearly synonymous with
long-suffering; and yet it is a more extensive expression. It will
endure with patience, and suffer without anger or bitterness of feeling,
everything in social life which is calculated to try our tempers, and
exhaust our patience. It is not testy, and impatient at the least
opposition, or the slightest provocation; but endures the infirmities,
the unreasonableness, the ill-humor, and the hard language of others,
with a meek and quiet spirit.

Finally, charity is the practical application of the golden rule of our
Saviour, and the second table of the law, to all our intercourse with
our fellow-men, diffusing around us a spirit of kindness and benevolent
feeling. It comprehends all that is candid and generous, bland and
gentle, amiable and kind, in the human character, regenerated by the
grace of God. It is opposed to all that is uncandid and disingenuous,
coarse and harsh, unkind, severe, and bitter, in the disposition of
fallen humanity. It is the bond, which holds society together, the charm
which sweetens social intercourse, and the UNIVERSAL PANACEA, which, if
it cannot cure, will at least mitigate, all the diseases of the social
state. That you may possess it in its highest earthly perfection, is the
sincere prayer of

Your affectionate Brother.

LETTER XVII.

_Harmony of Christian Character._

"And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith,
virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance;
and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to
godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness,
charity."--2 PE. 1:5-7.

MY DEAR SISTER,

In my first letter, I spoke of the importance of growth in grace, and
enumerated some of the fruits of the Spirit. I revert to the same
subj