p. 10 | A Kind Spirit by Wm. Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

A Kind Spirit

By Wm. Covert

WM. COVERT

ONE object of life is to give happiness. It is not all of self, for much we owe to others. Duty demands kind speeches and pleasant actions toward our neighbors. We benefit the church and society by imparting joy and cultivating agreeableness. Sweet words are always acceptable, and he who uses them is in every proper place an honored and welcome guest. A kind spirit does not deal in scandal, nor encourage gossip. “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.” “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” “The tongue of the just is as choice silver.” “The lips of the righteous feed many.” “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom.”

Let us be in our spirits as the full-blown azalea, whose blossoms make a brilliant canopy over the whole plant, and hide every defect in foliage and stem. It would seem that this little umbrella of living beauty had been advised by Prov. 15:13, which says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”

Should we not in spirit be like the summer rose, and from our lives send forth a fragrance that is sweeter than the odor of incense? Can we not smother our evil thoughts before they have fruited, and drown our evil words before they are uttered, and learn to live for the betterment of the church and the world?

Bethel, Wis.