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Literary
March 22, 1842
The Caledonian
Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont
What is this article about?
An essay on the virtue of charity, opening with a poetic quotation, describes it as a benevolent force that purifies the mind, promotes kindness and justice, and aligns with divine principles, urging tolerance and goodwill toward others.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
CHARITY.
"Charity, decent, modest, easy, kind,
Softens the high, and rears the abject mind,
Knows with just reins, and gentle hand to guide
Betwixt vile shame, and arbitrary pride."
Of all the virtues that should swell the bosom of the philanthropist, charity stands in the front rank. It is the river of benevolence which flows through all the regions of the soul, causing the true principles of honor, magnanimity and virtue to flourish for the benefit of mankind. Charity purifies and exalts the mind above every thing mean and sordid, and directs all its efforts to objects of practical utility.
It teaches us not to scorn, contemn, ridicule, calumniate, or make use of every possible means to destroy the reputation of those whose religious opinions differ from one's own; but to cherish and befriend the pure spirit which characterized the son of man. It is that heaven-like virtue which stimulates man to adore God as the supreme object of his love, and to exercise friendship and good will towards man, accompanied with acts of justice and kindness. The more it is examined and practiced, the more beautiful and lovely it appears. It suffereth long and is kind; doth not behave itself unseemingly-seeketh not her own--is not easily provoked-thinketh no evil. In truth it is in perfect harmony both with the attributes and the word of God.
"Charity, decent, modest, easy, kind,
Softens the high, and rears the abject mind,
Knows with just reins, and gentle hand to guide
Betwixt vile shame, and arbitrary pride."
Of all the virtues that should swell the bosom of the philanthropist, charity stands in the front rank. It is the river of benevolence which flows through all the regions of the soul, causing the true principles of honor, magnanimity and virtue to flourish for the benefit of mankind. Charity purifies and exalts the mind above every thing mean and sordid, and directs all its efforts to objects of practical utility.
It teaches us not to scorn, contemn, ridicule, calumniate, or make use of every possible means to destroy the reputation of those whose religious opinions differ from one's own; but to cherish and befriend the pure spirit which characterized the son of man. It is that heaven-like virtue which stimulates man to adore God as the supreme object of his love, and to exercise friendship and good will towards man, accompanied with acts of justice and kindness. The more it is examined and practiced, the more beautiful and lovely it appears. It suffereth long and is kind; doth not behave itself unseemingly-seeketh not her own--is not easily provoked-thinketh no evil. In truth it is in perfect harmony both with the attributes and the word of God.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
Poem
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Religious
What keywords are associated?
Charity
Virtue
Benevolence
Philanthropy
Kindness
Religious Tolerance
Moral Instruction
Literary Details
Title
Charity.
Key Lines
"Charity, Decent, Modest, Easy, Kind,
Softens The High, And Rears The Abject Mind,
Knows With Just Reins, And Gentle Hand To Guide
Betwixt Vile Shame, And Arbitrary Pride."
It Suffereth Long And Is Kind; Doth Not Behave Itself Unseemingly Seeketh Not Her Own Is Not Easily Provoked Thinketh No Evil.
In Truth It Is In Perfect Harmony Both With The Attributes And The Word Of God.