KINDNESS by Mrs. W. E. Lowry

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 24, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 59.

KINDNESS.

By Mrs. W. E. Lowry

BY MRS. W. E. LOWRY.

KINDNESS will go farther and yield more happiness than all the haughtiness we can possibly assume. How much easier, too, it is to act kindly to our fellow-men, and even to the animals about us, than to effect a rude and boisterous demeanor, which is sure not only to make others despise us, but on reflection cause us to despise ourselves. A kind, sympathizing word falls like oil on the ruffled waters of the human breast. Every kind act we bestow will have its influence, and eternity alone will reveal the result. A gentle word of affectionate reproof will bring repentance even to the hardened heart. A kind word or obliging action, though it be but trifling, has a power superior to the harp of David in calming the unrest of the soul.

Who has not erred at least once in life, and perhaps hundreds of times? If censured and criticised, to what depths of infamy would not thousands have descended, whose temptations may have been peculiar and pressing, and to which others may not have been exposed. Perhaps they have manfully fought against them, yet yielded to the sin. Afterwards they would give worlds to recall the act, and repented in dust and ashes. Should they be forsaken? Heaven says, Forgive. And whoever will not forgive, surely the love of God is not in them.

God grant that we may scatter the blessings of benevolence in the habitations of distress, and minister to the poor and friendless. May he help us to search into the causes of sorrow and distress, and ever refrain from unkind or hasty words.