Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-10-05
Ono Secret of II Happy Life.

We were in company the other day with a
gentleman apparently fifty or sixty years Of age
who used in substance the following language
-"Were to live my life over again, should
make it a point to do kindness to fellow being
whenever had the opportunity. regret very
much that my habit has been so different, and
that have been indulging feelings so unlike those
which would lead to such a course oflte. TWAS
too much my way to let Others take care ofthem
selves while took care of myself If some lit
tie .respass was committed on my rights, or if |
suffered some slight inconvenience from the
thoughtessncss or selfshness of others, | was
greatly annoyed, and sometimes used harsh and
reproachtu language towards the offender. |
am now satisfied, that my own happiness was
greatly impaired by this course, and that my
conduct and example contributed to the irrita-
tion and unhappncss of Others"
at was but the other day, continued the gen.
tlcman, that was passing along the street, and
4 coachnan was attempting to draw light cur
rage into the coach-house. He tried once or
twice without effect, and just as came up, the
carriage occupied the whole sidewalk, and pre-
vented my passing The hostcr looked as if it
ought not be exactly SO, and there was some
thing like faint apology in his smile. 1t was
on my tongue to say, in with your carriage, man!
and not let it stand here blocking upthe passage
But a better impulse prevailed. | wcut to the
rear of the carriage and said'--Now. try it again
nv good fellow while gave a little push. and
in the carriage went. and out came the pleasant
"Thanke sir--muth obliged" | would not
have taken twenty dollar bank note for the
streak of sunshine that this one little act Of kind
hess threw over the rest Of my walk, to say no.
thing of the lighting up Of the coachman's face.
And when look back upon my intercourse with
my fellow men all the way along, | can conf
IDENTIFY say, that l never did kindness to hui
man being without being happier for it. So
and wanted to live the happiest life | could, |
would just simply obey the bible precept, to do
good unto all men as | had opportunity
All this was said with an air of sincerity and
deep conviction, which We cannot give to our
report of it, And does the experience of the
Youngest Of our readers confirm or contradict
the statement? Is there boy or Girl among
all of them, who can say | did Il kind action
once to my brother Or sister, or playmate and |
was afterwards sorry for it should be happier
if it had been an unkind one!' 1t is very likely
that kind act has been ilI-requitcd, perhaps
miscon>trucd; but if it was performed with pro-
per feelings, it is as certain to produce proper
feelings it is as certain to produce happiness rs
sunshine is to produce warmth. We counsel our
young friends then, to seize every opportunity Of
contributing to the good Of Others. Sometimes
smile will do it. Oilener kind word-a look
of sympathy or an acknowledgment OF obliga-
ton. Sometimes a little help to burdcncd
shoulder or heavy wheel will be in place
Sometimes word or two of good counsel, 4 sea-
sonablc and gentle admonition, and ut Others 4
suggestion Of advantage to be gained, and Il lit
tie interest to secure it, will BE- received with
lasting gratitude. And thus every instance of
kindness done, whether acknowledged or not,
opens up little well spring of happiness in the
docrs own breast, the flow of which may be
made permanent by habit.