Attempt > Volume 3

THE ATTEMPT.
57
social happiness. He has claimed freedom of thought for himself, let him allow the
same in others, and if he cannot agree in opposing judgment, let him respect it. A
beautiful definition of tolerance was lately given in a speech, reported by one of our
national journals,—it was as follows :—" The true spirit of toleration is this, that all
honest conviction ought to be respected, not that the thing of which a man is con¬
vinced, not that the opinion is to be respected, but that the conviction is to be
respected ; that is to say, a man's honest belief is to be respected, whatever you may
think of the opinion which he believes, .... and you are entitled to expect
the same measure in return." We cannot but respect free, unbiassed judgment—
that which has been formed after hearing all that could be said for, and more espe¬
cially against the argument. The mind must be kept open to criticism of opinion,
and, when a person is fully convinced, and can bring forward reasons and arguments
in support of his ideas, he may then truly be said to have an opinion. " A man
that can render a reason, is a man worthy of an answer."
Respect for conviction will generate tolerance. The strong will not despise the
weak. " There is a beauty and a use in strength, there is a beauty and a use in
feebleness. All are not made alike. God, who cuts no two leaves upon a tree after
the same invariable model, shapes also His soul-work after His own will, variously."
Kathleen.
§aljn Cbarms.
Starry eyes of blue,
Fairy locks of gold,
WeaAdng round the heart
/Ties of love untold.
Parted lips so red.
Tiny pearls between,
Vieing with the gems
Of some elfin queen.
Rounded rosy cheeks.
Dimpled by a smile.
Angel-like and pure.
Free from shade of guile.
Eager little hands.
Soft plump lily arms ;
Who can tell the sum
Of those baby charms ?
Busy little tongue.
Prattling loving words.
Dearer to the heart
Than all wealth afibrds.
ASTELBE.
H