"Keep clear of personalities in conversation. Talk of things, objects, thoughts. The smallest minds occupy themselves with persons. Do not needlessly report ill of others. As far as possible, dwell on the good side of human beings. There are family boards where a constant process of depreciating, assigning motives, and cutting up character, goes forward. They are not pleasant places. One who is healthy does not wish to dine at a dissecting table. There is evil enough in man, God knows. But it is not the mission of every young man and woman to detail and report it all. Keep the atmosphere as pure as possible, and fragrant with gentleness and charity."
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John Hall (Presbyterian pastor)
1829 – 1898
John Hall Magowan (1829–1898) was pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City, from 1867 until his death in Bangor, County Down, Ireland. The landmark New York church, that still stands today on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, was built during his tenure.
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