Litchfield enquirer., 1867-05-23
ENCOURAGEMENT.


 Flattery or fulsome praise We do not want, they are false, and nothing is valuable. that has not truth as its prime element. But q word of encouragement IS necessary to all. No need to enumerate instances where the word fifty spoken has aided in consum- mating the noble design. History gives these, and every day life substantiates then1
 No matter with what spirit anything is undertaken. human hands and brains grow weary, and human hearts discouraged; the ardor of beginning is damped; the end grows misty with doubts and fears. Then, what strength comes with firm hand grasp, hearty smile, or honest word of commend ation. This tells, if success has attended the effort thus far and strikes the key note in mans soul, making him stronger for what remains to be done. If 1t is grand to originate great things, and magnificent to execute them, it is noble and christian to lend the aid which all human natures need, under the pressure of deep or vexing thought, and the exhaustion of any kind of labor
 Some people act as refrigerators, unhealth fly cool, having ready for almost any un- dertaking mental shower bath; they chill all hope and hang millstones about the necks of those already struggling in a "slough of despond." This piercing of souls with icicles, is moral murder, some times actual murder. Sensitive spirits are crushed by it, that might have grown strong under genial kindness and sympathy. Some temperaments thrive in spite of opposition, but who knows that different treatment might not have developed in them higher excellence.
 Earth's verdure and perfume come with the Springs warmth Summers glow brings bloom and sickn ess. It is Autumn that crisps and chills, and Winter buries all. None are so utterly independent as to need nothing of the loving kindness that binds men as brothers, and stamps human ity with the semblance of 6 divine nature. There come to all ages and conditions, mo- ments of trial, of temptation when,to do, or to resist, tries the souls best energies. Then how life-g giving the ''well done' sounds, or if it may not be spoken, let the eye give it's glance of appreciation, or the fingers press firmly the hand that drops ill yours. Oh, those who can aid the many who are contin- ually striving against evil, or to promote good, have mighty power, and are culpable for it's neglect 1t is, perhaps, in trivial | things that proper encouragement is want ing. A civil " thank you." spoken to a child in return for some kindness, possibly clumsily done, but bearing the spirits will lingness, gives the young soul grateful sense of it's own dignity, animates to other efforts, developing generosity, and consid- eration for others. Then by accident or carelessness, these young busy fingers cause harm, and the child frankly comes and ac- knowledges it, don't forget in the severity of reproof, it has cost his moral courage Some strain, and then temper reprimand with kind look, and ''you did right to tell me" Honesty should be commended, tits the anchor of childhood.
 There is more of sympathy in this world than we think sometimes. Fear hides it., overweening reserve subdues 1t to supposed indifference Men clothe themselves with mail to meet their fellows, as if afraid some truth or tenderness might flash out, and stamp them with effeminacy, forgettin g that large hearts in noble men have been stirred by others woes, or sounded notes of praise when we'll deserved
 A man is his brothers keeper, but his helper surely, end the day should never pass, when a word of encouragement is not kindly, joyously spoken, tightening poor burdened heart, or confirming a doubting spirit. Dare to do right, dare to be true "