Editorial December 11, 1902 Issue

Meeting Criticism

IN counselling the Colossians Paul said, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man,"—and the injunction is certainly very wise and pertinent.

To remain silent and self-possessed when the person or cause we hold dear is being misrepresented or traduced, is a test even of saintliness, and there is need of prayerful seeking for that grace which will enable us to resist the temptation to reply to irritating criticism, when we would: better far keep still. The promptings of a sense of loyalty and of injustice may, and often do, tug at their leashes, while protest and denial bay loudly for their quarry, but he who keeps all in steady subjection to the wisdom that is Love, will have accomplished more than he that taketh a city.

Without doubt the best counsel and motto for us all in this matter, is couched in that single word, "Don't," for the inoffensiveness of our silence will be no less impressive and discomfiting to the antagonistic and disputatious, than it is strengthening to us and commendatory of our faith.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Meeting Criticism

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access