Indulgence

16. Spiritists, today we would like to speak to you about indulgence, that sentiment so sweet, so fraternal that all people should have for their brothers and sisters, but which few put to good use.

Indulgence does not see the defects of others, or if it does, it avoids talking about them or publicizing them. On the contrary, it hides them so that they do not become known, and if malevolence uncovers them, indulgence always has an excuse to mitigate them, that is, a plausible and genuine excuse, and not one of those that has the appearance of mitigating the wrong but actually emphasizes it with clever perfidy.

Indulgence is never concerned with the wrongs of others – unless it can be of assistance – and furthermore, it takes care to mitigate them as much as possible. It does not make shocking remarks, nor does it have reproach on its lips; it counsels only and usually in a quiet manner. Whenever you criticize, what conclusion should one derive from your words? That you, who reproach, do not practice what you condemn and that you are more worthy than the guilty party. O People! When will you judge your own hearts, your own thoughts, your own actions, without concerning yourselves with what your brothers and sisters do? When will you look upon yourselves with your stern eyes?

Therefore, be stern toward yourselves and indulgent toward others. Remember God, who judges in the last instance, who sees the secret thoughts of each heart, and who, consequently, frequently forgives the wrongs that you condemn, or condemns those that you excuse, for he knows the motives for every action; and bear in mind that you, who proclaim loudly, “Anathema!” might perhaps have committed even more serious wrongs.

Be indulgent, my friends, because indulgence appeals, calms and uplifts, whereas sternness discourages, keeps away and angers.

Joseph, a Protector Spirit (Bordeaux, 1863)