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CHAPTER V.

THE SUBJECT OF CHARITY CONTINUED.

In the evening Rhoda entreated her papa to continue his conversation about charity; which their guests had prevented his doing on the preceding day.

Mr. Bloomfield readily granted her request; and said, "I believe we were speaking of charity not being easily provoked."

"Yes, papa; and, then, I find, in the same verse, the apostle goes on to say, that, 'charity thinketh no evil.'

"You are quite right, my dear child : and pray observe the beautiful simplicity

of that little sentence. How truly does it denote the generous, indulgent, confiding, character of charity! which is never disposed to think evil of others. In the next verse, we read, that charity 'rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.' From these words, we learn, that no one whose heart is influenced by this divine grace can take any pleasure in sin or folly, himself; neither can he sanction it in others: but, on the contrary, he delights in practising, and in promoting, virtue. A Christian will always rejoice in seeing the truths of the Gospel flourish; for he knows their infinite value to poor fallen human nature.

"Let us now proceed to the next sentence 'Charity beareth all things.' This implies the gentleness and humility of

charity, that meek and unrevengeful spirit which every follower of Christ ought to cherish; for He was indeed a bright example of this excellent virtue. He bore all things for us,-insults, privations, fatigue, intense mental anguish, and excruciating bodily pain. Yet He was meek and patient; forgiving his enemies,- even those who condemned Him to a cruel death.

"We learn, too, that charity 'believeth all things.' I have explained to you, my child, that charity signifies love: therefore, you will understand, that, it is the companion of faith; for, if we love God, we must believe all that He has graciously revealed in his holy word; and we shall trust in his goodness and wisdom for every thing; knowing that He is able

and willing to make us happy both here and hereafter.

"But there is another sense in which charity may be said to believe all things. It is this: it believes in the good intentions of others, until it has convincing proofs to the contrary; and is always very reluctant to condemn any one."

"I wish I had thought of that yesterday," said Rhoda, "when Rupert broke my china: I should not have been so angry; but I did not believe at first that it was an accident: that was uncharitable, papa; was it not ?”

"It certainly would have been charitable, my dear, if you had been less disposed to blame your young playfellow : however, I trust in future you will not be so hasty."

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"I will endeavour not to be so," answered Rhoda.

“Shall we leave this subject now, or would you like to continue our conversation?" asked Mr. Bloomfield.

“O, pray go on, dearest papa," cried the little girl; "for I wish so much to know what this means- Charity hopeth all things.'"

"It signifies," said her father, "that charity teaches us to hope that those who are in error will repent; and, also, that they may be forgiven through the merits of our blessed Saviour. We find, also, that charity endureth all things.' Here is another effect of this gentle virtue on the heart of man. In enables him to endure, without murmuring or repining, every affliction with which the Almighty

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