Herald Of The Times

ON CANDOR.

The following are the concluding remarks of a sermon, by a distinguished and venerable clergyman.

"On the whole, in whatever view we regard the actions of men, we perceive many motives or exercising candor. They, who have experienced few of the difficulties which attend a virtuous course, who being far removed out of the reach of the strongest temptations, are unacquainted with their force, may be disposed to be uncandid; they may severely censure the slightest deviations; but when they consider what human nature is, when they reflect on their own frailty, the frequent faults which, notwithstanding all their advantages, they have committed, they will learn to be more candid. There are Christians, who are disposed to overlook, their own imperfections, whilst they treat the imperfections of others without mercy. They seem to think that they shall by these means compound for their peculiar vices, or at least ward off the censures of the world. To such persons I would recommend the study of their own characters. Let them endeavor to become acquainted with their own hearts, and to reform what is amiss in their own conduct. Self-examination will afford them sufficient employment, and leave them no time to censure the conduct of their brethren. This advice is conformable to the precepts of our blessed Saviour. Let him, said he in a memorable instance, let him who is without sin, cast the first stone. Again, why beholdest thou the mote which is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam which is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote which is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam which is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to pull out the mote which is in thy brother's eye. The man, who has repented of his own vices, will view his brethren who are still under the dominion of sin, with compassion and affection, not with severity or ill-will. He will desire, he will endeavor to reform them, as he knows by experience that the paths of wickedness lead to misery and destruction; but the means, which he employs to effect this benevolent purpose, will be kind words, and charitable exhortations. I have thus endeavored to recommend candor; and I would now entreat you to become acquainted with this amiable virtue. Cherish her as your companion; embrace her as your friend. Her presence will diffuse peace through your minds, and calm the tumults, which severity and censoriousness excite in her absence. Forget not however, to associate her with every other virtue; for the virtues appear to the best advantage in each other's society, and are in general inseparable companions; when one is banished, the rest will be inclined to depart. I exhort you therefore in the words of the Apostle Peter: Add to your faith, fortitude; and to fortitude, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."