Scandals

“It is impossible but that offences will come, but woe unto him through whom they come.“* The inference is fair, that a largo measure of guilt belongs also to him who extends the circle of offences. To the existence of an offence, scandal or stumblino — block, in the scriptural sense, some degree publicity is essential. This evil is produced by the practice of talking about the Bins of brethren. Almost every church hag some mischievous tongue of this sort. Profound silence would olten prevent the spread of dishonourable reports. The rule is as old as Moses: Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people. ‘’j- Abhor

Luke 17: 1. f Lev 19: 16.

the slightest approach to this hateful char racter. Be tender of the reputation of a brother; and where you can not deny an evil report at least show how truly you disrelish it. ‘’ The north wind driveth av,^ay rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.”*