The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1870-12-15
children perched in the most startling
and seemingly impossible positions
imaginable.
Gentleness.


1t is rare to find person uniformly
gentle, to whom the world does not as
cribe all other good qualities. Gentle
ness is, in itself, such recommendation,
that it is marvel the virtue is not cul-
tivated from self-interest-if sense OF
duty, and the promptings of religion, be
not sufficient to make the practice of it
observed. The influence of a person
habitually gentle is felt by all around,
like the suns rays which clear the at
mosphere by dissipating noxious vapors,
and impart life and genial warmth to
objects that have languished and become
shriveled up under the influence of
clouds and chilling winds. The whole
face Of nature seems transformed when
the sun bursts forth and gloom departs.
Thus, u gentle disposition, appearing
among morose and gloomy natures, re-
fleets something of its own serenity and
brightness; others seem to partake of
that inward tranquility which it pro-
notes, and, for the time, to shake off the
mantle of surliness, opposition, or harsh
ness, in which too many allow them
selves to be wrapped.
A person Of unfailing gentleness of
manners, benignity, and cheerfulness,
will disarm the ill-disposed, and melt, in
many cases, those stubborn natures upon
which harshness has only the effect of
confirming in opposition. Gentleness
persuades when forcible arguments fail (;
hearts are won by the soft word and
pleasing manner, where severity and
Jarring tones would create only enemies.
rhe reverses of the gentle are sure to be
regretted; his prosperity is viewed
without envy, and his failings are easily
forgiven.
Habitual gentleness is a safeguard
against outward annoyances. A mind
that is calm and serene beholds every
thing in the most favorable light, and,
like u smooth stream, reflects every OBJ
ject in its just proportion and fairest
colors. A spirit always in agitation,
communicates something of its turbu-
lence to those with whom it comes in
contact, and is q disturbing element in
whatever society it may be thrown.
A nature always ready to pick flaws
sees everything in distorted form, fnd-
ing nothing pleasant or agreeable, and
considering it personal insult that
others, more amiably disposed, should be
happy and contented under the same
circumstances that render itself so mis-
erable. Misinterpreting-too often,
alas misrepreSenting-every act and
word of companions and acquaintance,
repeating remarks, trivial in themselves,
but receiving importancefrom significant
shrugs and dubious tones, and the sub
stitution of more iorcible words, thus
sowing the seeds of discord, even sever
ing long united friends, is but one of
the many miseries an ill-natured person,
perhaps almost insensibly to himself,
falls into. He feels ly-disposed toward
the whole world, and proportionately
dissatisfied with himself, state of mind
exhibited in every line of the counte-
nance; grum looks, impatient motions,
and snubbing words, are freely bestowed,
causing the recipients to shrink and re-
treat as from a porcupine, whose pene-
trating quilts are thrown in all direc-
tions But, even upon such nature, a
person of well-known, uniform gentle
ness will exert beneficial influence, and
though ;nwardly distressed at the black
looks and snubs direct, will, by quiet
and gentle tones, soothe the rufled
spirit, and call up blush of shame to
the cheek that is wont to color only in
anger. Since gentleness is so universally
loved, so much admired, why is it not
more generally cultivated? Since SO
much is to be gained by its. practice,
why do we not find more of it in a
world ever ready to assume even the
most austere virtues to obtain selfish
ends ?-LeiSur6 Hours.