KINDNESS EVERYWHERE by E. C. Hurlbert

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 30, 1901

KINDNESS EVERYWHERE.

By E. C. Hurlbert

HAVE we thought that more hearts pine away in secret anguish for the want of kindness than from any other cause in life? Kind words and a pleasant voice are worth a great deal more than money, and yet they are things which all can give, and give liberally, if they will. And when a few words will make a man happy, he must indeed be a wretch who will not give them. If kindly courtesy were the rule, at home and in social life, there would be much more happiness.

Kindness is like lighting another's candle at our own. That which the other gains does not take away any of the brilliancy of our own light.

Kindness is like a calm and peaceful stream that reflects every object in its just proportions.

The violent spirit, like troubled waters, renders back the image of things broken and distorted, and communicates to them that motion which arises from its own agitation.

Kindness finds its way into the hidden recesses of the heart, and brings forth treasures that otherwise would always lie hid. Harshness, on the contrary, seals them up forever.

Kindness makes the lullaby of the mother sweeter than the songs of the lark, and the care-laden brow of the father and man of business less severe in its expression.

Kindness is the law of life, the link that connects heaven and earth. It is the true philosopher's stone; for all that it touches it turns to virgin gold, the gold wherewith we purchase contentment and love.

Let us in our home write our name, by kindness, love, and mercy, on the hearts of our associates. Opportunities of doing kind acts, if sought for, are forever starting up; and it is by words, by tones, by little acts of kindness recurring daily and hourly, that affection is won and preserved. He who neglects to do these trifles, yet boasts that when a great sacrifice is necessary he will be ready to make the sacrifice, if he does it at all, will do so more for his own sake than for that of his neighbor.

We are surrounded by sensitive hearts; therefore do not breathe a sentiment or say a word that will offend another, or send a thrill

of pain to his bosom. But speak promptly when you feel kindly. Many lose the opportunity of saying a kind word by waiting too long.

Deal gently with a stranger. Remember the severed cords of affection, still bleeding, and beware not to wound by a thoughtless act or careless word. The stranger perhaps has lived in an atmosphere of love as warm as that we breathe. And we know not how the tears start, and the pain at the heart-strings, as his mind recalls the parting word, suggested by acts of love and kindness. Keenly is an unkind word felt by the lone and friendless one.

The principle of kindness underlies the whole theory of Christianity, and nowhere do we find it more happily exemplified than in the life of our Saviour. The law of kindness was in His heart, and expressed in every act. He “went about doing good.”

How true it is that—

“A little word in kindness spoken, A motion, or a tear, Has often healed the heart that's broken, And made a friend sincere.”

E. C. HURLBERT.

Waupaca, Wis.