The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-10-16
For the Literary Echo.


Kindness is ono or those heavenly
sister virtues which cannot be too highly
estimated. Her poles are heaven and
the heart of men. Descended from
above to men she forms an organic con-
Meeting chain by which men may be
drawn upward, whose magic links are
scattered everywhere. Natures greatest
lesson to the eager pupil is to lead him
to the treasury out of which he may find
the lovely sister cleaning in modesty
like the half-hidden violet from its
grassy home; touch and her temple
opens to initiate him in her sacred mys-
terry; his heartstrings are vibrating by
its electricity, and joy, and peace, are
his for keeping them alone. Thus hav-
ing found her source in the great Author
who cherished this feeling prominently
in his heart, it will make us at once
happy and useful-sympathizing and
participating in the joys and woes of our
fellow men.
There is nothing so quickly pcrccpti-
bic and deeply appreciated as her be-
nign influence. A kind heart is the
brightest ornament man can wear. Kind
ness established and cultivated in ones
self, will not be left alone she soon
attracts corresponding hearts notwith-
standing her retired concealment, she
solicits sympathy and never asks in vain ;
she sheds a lustre around her whose
power changes the. brute to lamb,
makes enemies friends, and silences the
false answer.
A kind heart, though unseen, is the
best passport for the journey of life /;
without it the world may be unfolded to
our eye with all the grandeur nature
and art can produce, but still it is life
less, whilst with it the domestic life that
gives beauty and life to those sceneries,
will open its gateways for our reception
and admiration. A kind word spoken
by the wayside to the weary wanderer is
like the breaking forth of spring, with
bright and cheerful promises, his whole
being is quickened and he goes on re-
joicing.
Be kind, little as its expenditure it
will pay compound interest both to
the giver and receiver. o be kind to
the hoary head and the feeble uplifted
hands will shower blessings upon you.
Have kind word for the weeping child,
soliciting your sympathy and its little
heart, pceping through the innocent
eyes on whose lids the tears yet trem-
bic, will leap for joy. BE kind to your
children and they, when your sun glides
down to the western sky, will close your
eye in peace. Be kind to the wife of
your bosom and her love through life,
like that when first the maiden with
modest downcast eye told you the Ian
guage of her heart. Be kind to your
friends and their regard for you will
know no limits. Have kind word for
the stranger and the smile on his coun-
tenance will bespeak his gratitude. Be
kind to the aff1uent and the lowly, and
their respect and affection will hail you
as messenger of peace. Be kind to
the good anil it will animate them to
still higher attainmcnts. Yea, be even
kind to the fallen, and you may touch
unaware a deep-seated heart-chord, not
yet polluted with the stain Of past
rccreancy, and thus call forth two trem-
bling tears in the sight of angels, and
precious jewels in the sight of God.
o be kind, little as its expenditure,
its reward may be keystone to bliss
full eternity. s.
stoningtOn, Ct, October, 1852.