EVIL OF GOSSIP
LIKE FEATHERS IN THE WIND
It is much easier to start an evil report than to stop it. Even after a rumour has been proved false the harm it has done cannot always be undone. Before repeating a bit of gossip it would be well to ask ourselves three questions. First: “Is it true?” Second: “Is it kind?” Third: “Is it necessary?” This practice would be sure to save us many bitter memories and regrets.
The pious Philip of Neri was visited by a lady who accused herself of slander. He bade her go to the market, buy a chicken just killed and still covered with feathers, and walk a certain distance plucking the bird as she went. The woman did as she was directed, and returned anxious to know the meaning of the injunction. “Retrace your steps,” said Philip, “and gather up, one by one, all the feathers you have scattered.” “I cast the feathers carelessly away,” said the woman, “and the wind carried t'r.em in all directions.” “Well, my child,” replied Philip, “so it is with slander; like the feathers which the wind : has scattered, they have been wafted in many directions. Call them back now, if you can.”
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MATREC19350610.2.9
Bibliographic details
Matamata Record, Volume XVIII, Issue 1635, 10 June 1935, Page 3
Word Count
204EVIL OF GOSSIP Matamata Record, Volume XVIII, Issue 1635, 10 June 1935, Page 3
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