Georgetown weekly news., 1855-03-15
Influence Of Good Deeds, Immortal.
BY ". II. BRISTOL,

We little know at all times, how wonder
fully we act, or how sublimely the effect of
our lives reaches beyond our own day. For
moment, think-thnk of a kind reforma-
tory deed Think of its effect upon heart
that turns away from sin, and becomes pen
ltentiaHy resolved to be guided by its divine
intercession A good deed thus performed
circles forever, and touches the hearts OF
generations unborn, still swelling and spread
ing, like an inverted circle, broken in this
radiant surface Of a rippled sea, and upward
upward it swells its infinite ring, until it
breaks upon the golden shores Of the souls
elysium.
Nothing can be done that can lose its in
fuence, that is, ITS ultimate effect. A good
deed is immortal; and it goes all along the
course of ones life, attending its reel pient
like welcome lamp, and it beauties all
things, and in the end, renders the close Of
life sanctity and repose.
The truth that good deed never dies IN
ats effects, too obvious to need elaboration
here Every day life or human history
breaches it to us wherever we 90. The
Philanthropist realizes this, and it gives him
hope through the world, imparting radiance
religion and JOY to its dark places: and
where error has imprisoned its poor deluded
victims, he reaches down his sympathizing
hand, and in the name of humanity and God
bids them rise up, and lifts them again upon
the platform of respect, dignity and useful
ness; and they stand up in the gratitude OF
their redemption, clothed in the beautiful
robes of new manhood, and new religion;
and they look up to Heaven with eyes that
flow with rivers Of penitence, and their
hopeful prayers go mingling upward through
the skies, till they tremble sweetly around
the gates of Paradise.
1t is the spirit of Religious Philanthropy
that alone can make earth bright with love
happiness, and virtue. Kindness never Of
fends; charity is always welcome; and love
and respect are never received with dis
pleasure. Then whoever may receive these,
no matter how low his moral pulse may be,
yet it may be quickened, and the Pickering
spark that yet remains of the man, may be
famed up into mighty fame.
And now, there is not one Of the great
family of man but who is capable of doing
good deeds. Not one that breathes the
breath of life, but can be kind, charitable
loving. Every heart has power to be kind
and generous. There is no such thing as
the heart being sealed-being entirely shut
up by sin. There is always some place that
is vulnerable to the argument Of sympathy
To say otherwise is a gross libel on God
for his hand is on every heart, and it cannot
be sealed till it be taken away. Truth, that
living principle Of Heaven-that fire o
GOd-that sword more terrible than the
jarring thunderbolt-always, Qiacays speaks
to the inner man, it must be heard; for when
God speaks, behold all things answer. 1t
comes with startling eloquence and a
tongue of fame to him who is hardest tC
hear; but like a strengthening sweetness tC
one who loves its voice, and glories in its
inspiration. Then let US remember that
"The drying up single tear has more
Of honest fame, than shedding seas Of gore;"
and also may we not be mindful that,
"Who will not give
| Some portion of his ease, his blood, his wealth
| For others good, is a poor frozen churl."
And as we go abroad among mankind, may
we ever exercise that love
/ (Which seeks again those chords to bind
| Which human woe hath rent apart;
| To heal again the wounded mind,
And bind again the broken heart;'
for in so doing we shall not live alone t.
self, and all our deeds will echo up to heaven
and live in everlasting music there; anC
then we shall know how well God loves i
in his mansions, when he brings us untt
! him.