Article June 1, 1912 Issue

FORECASTING

A. B. FICHTER.

Without any modifying clause Christ Jesus said, "Judge not,"—but by way of explanation we have many another of the Master's statements, including that spoken in the worst case of proven sin, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." Condemnation is negative, it has no help to offer; but the gentle encouragement to do better is the greatest help, as it holds out to the sinner the possibility of a life unsoiled by sin, and thereby opens the door of hope. Yet condemnation, the habit of criticizing, seems to be mankind's favorite occupation. Nor is this true only of those who are generally called the worldly-minded; even professed Christians sometimes act and speak as if they had merited the special privilege of sitting in judgment, and believed themselves particularly justified in passing unfavorable comment on another's opinions, words, achievements, or deeds.

But to criticize that which is past and to condemn it in ourselves or in others is not the only form of judgment indulged by mankind. We are apt to go farther. Out of the evidence of the past we believe ourselves competent to form opinions concerning the future; we approach persons and events with prognostications and prejudices, wise prophecies and foregone conclusions, and often we are proud of what we consider our astute perception.

In ordinary experiences this attitude of a prejudiced mind brings unsatisfactory results; even a well-trained dog when approached with a stick is apt to turn ferocious, and when we meet people of whom we have by hearsay or on short and superficial observation formed unfavorable estimates, it is very rarely that these unfortunate impressions are corrected. What is true in superficial, ever-day affairs must be an indication of the operation of a tendency equally active in cases of the gravest aspect.

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