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Show CHRIST never said it was any man's right to indulge in Intemperate In-temperate denunciations of another, anoth-er, however flagrant his crimes. His principle was that no one should dare to criticize his neighbor unless un-less his own heart was filled with compassion and generosity. Criticism of others is justified only when it is tempered with charity. Parents scold their chili dren for their misdeeds, but they do so In the spirit of pure love. This Is the same Impulse that should govern anyone who professes profes-ses to be shocked and alarmed by the wrong-doing of others. Every rebuke should be accompanied by an inner prayer that the culprit will be inspired to amend his ways. Abusive tirades, bitter demands for punishment, outright condemnations condem-nations are the self-Droclalmina ' signs of the negative critic.' They are often the hallmark also of the hypocritically self-righteous. They serve only to hurt and degrade the wrongdoer, who might, with Just one word of understanding and love, be stirred to repentance and reform. - This was the cast' on Calvary, when the heart of Dismas was moved to sorrow by the patience and compassion of Him whom he had so often outraged. O |