The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-10
One Secret of a Happy Home.


We were in company the other day with
gentleman, apparently fifty or sixty years
of age, who used, in substance, the following
language:
"Were 1 to live my life over again, l
should make it point to do kindness to
fellow being whenever 1 had the opportu-
nifty. Iregret very much that my habit has
been so different, and that have induced
feelings so unlike those which would lead to
such course of life.
at has been too much my way to let
others take care of themselves, while l took
care of myself. If some little trespass was
committed on my rights, or if J. suffered
some slight inconvenience from the thought
lessness or sclfshness of others, l was great
ly annoyed, and sometimes used harsh, re-
proachful language towards the offender.
81 am now satisfied that my own happi
ness was greatly impaired by this course,
and that my conduct and example contrib
uted to the irritation and unhappiness OF
others.
at was but the other day." continued
the gentleman, "that 1 was passing along
the street, and coachman was attempting
to draw light carriage into coach house.
lie tried once or twice without success, and
Just as 1 came up the carriage occupied the
whole side walk, and prevented my passing.
The fellow looked as though it ought not to
be exactly so and there was something like
faint apology in his smile. 1t was on my
tongue to say, In with your wagon, man
and don't let it stand here blocking up the
passage. But an influence prevailed.
went to the rear of the carriage, and said,
Now, try again, my good fellow! while,
with the end of my umbrella, gave it a
little push, and in the carriage went, and
out came the pleasant Thank ye, sir; much
obliged I would not have taken a twenty
dollar bank note for the streak of sunshine
this one little act of kindness threw over
the rest of my walk, to say nothing of the
lighting up of the coachman's countenance
"And when look back upon my inter
course with my fellow men all the way along
l can confidently say, that never did d
kindness to any human being without being
happier for it. So that, if | was governe1
by mere selfish motives, and wanted to live
the happiest life l could, l would just simply
obey the Bible precept, to do good to all
men as had opportunity"
All this was said with an air of sincerity
and deep conviction which we cannot give
in our report of it. And does the expe
rience of the youngest of our readers con
firm or contradict the statement? Is there
boy or girl among all of them who can
say, Il did kind act once to my brother,
or my sister, or playmate, and was afterwards
sorry for it. l should have been happier il
it had been an unkind one?" 1t is very
likely that kind act has been i'll requited,
perhaps misconstrued-bur if it was per-
formed with proper feelings it is as certain
to produce warmth. We counsel our friends,
then, to seize every opportunity of contrib
uting to the good of others. Sometimes a
smile will do it. Ortener kind word, a
look of sympathy, or an acknowledgment Of
obligation. Sometimes little help to bur
dened shoulder, or heavy wheel will be in
place. Sometimes word or two of good
good counsel, or a seasonable and gentle adj
monition will be received with lasting graft
,,do