hastily all manner of evil would be directly contrary to love. In the things which we either see or hear, there must of necessity be a great deal which cannot come under our observation. Acts are visible ; but the motives which lead to them are hid from us. Results too may be visible ; but all the circumstances that led to them, and the precise manner in which they were brought about, may be very imperfectly known by us : and yet on these depends the innocence or criminality of the persons engaged in them. Now charity will not judge from outward appearances, or from partial information ; but will suppose and believe that there are many things connected with the event, which, if fully known, would in some measure, if not altogether, justify the person condemned. In our courts of law, the judge always considers himself as, in some degree, counsel for the person accused. Now this is what we should all be, in our daily conduct : a person accused is, as it were, brought to our bar for trial : and, instead of pronouncing a sentence of con- demnation upon him instantly on the statement of his accuser, we should suspend our judgment till we know what he has to say in vindication of himself: and if we are not likely to gain that fuller information, we should take for granted that there are some circumstances, though unknown to us, that would give a different colour to the transaction, and constrain us to give a sentence in his favour.]
3. It " hopeth all things"—
[The reports we hear may be so full and circumstantial, and be corroborated by such a weight of evidence, that we can scarcely withhold our assent to the statement. Yet, if we cannot altogether believe that the accused person is less guilty than he is represented, we should "hope" it. We should not so defini- tively pass judgment on him, as if it were impossible for us to err ; or as if more perfect information might not give us a more favourable view of his conduct. If we are compelled to con- demn him for an evil act, we should hope that the act was not formed into a habit : or, if we are constrained to lament that his iniquities are become a habit, still we should hope that he is not altogether incorrigible ; we should not despair of seeing a change in his favour, or give him over as altogether reprobate. This is the way in which a loving parent acts towards his son ; and it is the way in which we should act towards all the human race: we should believe, where we cannot see; and hope, where we cannot believe; and cherish desire, where we can scarcely entertain a hope.]
4. It " endureth all things" —
[Much will we bear from a beloved object, many unkind- nesses, and many injuries : and, especially if we have a prospect