Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/216

200 or the unworthy, for certain objects, especially what they call "personal distinction."

It is wise of the Government to recognise public spirit by the grant of titles; but the indiscriminate showering of these empty honours is perverting our instinct of charity. No one in these days can indulge the luxury of giving away a few thousand rupees, however earned, without being overtaken for his folly by the inevitable Khan Báhádurship or some such "mark of His Excellency's favour."

The grand old doctrine of THINKING WELL, SPEAKING WELL, AND ACTING well—the triple badge of Oriental charity, is becoming forgotten day by day, and in its stead we have a grosser, an unreal substitute, the giving to others that which may not be of particular use to oneself. It is hard to convince some people that there is not the least flavour of charity in the miser leaving his millions to a charitable institution. There is no merit in it. The wretch leaves his hoardings behind simply because he cannot take them with him to where both the miser and his money are equally unwelcome.

One of the best means, perhaps, to obtain an