Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-11-23
Lit,Ie Acts of Kindnesa.

For the Public Ledger.l
Little acts of kindness often bring
about strange results Feelings bitter
and perverse always change from cold,
uncompromising exigency to q softer and
more tender pulsation of warmer growth,
in the heart that would otherwise seem
callous in its impenetrable shield, by the
smallest act of kindly interest expressed
by a gentle deed or sweetly spoken
word. None are insensible to their
pleasant influence. No matter how per-
ishable the effect may seem, still il soft
ems where it falls; the stubborn will,
like the virgin soil, yields to the touch of
the pioneer fruitful recompense when
his work is complete. How few pause
and consider the need of this action; or,
when acknowledged, wait on the neces-
sity which would not only bring a reward
far superior TO the feeling which grows
out Of its abuse, but which is not also
only social bus religious duty, obligating
all to a purer purpose in the field OF &C
ton through life's varied scenes, adding
many link in the golden chain of beau
tiful thought, that Identifies our nature
with the life of truth as each little CLEAN
makes a shining mesh in the web Of many
hues. Many well-meaning people 90 on,
wanting to do something to repay we'll
merited kindness on the part Of some
worthy friend, looking far in the future
for suitable occasion or proper means,
aiming at something far beyond their
reach, perhaps forever, when, with eyes
blindly closed, they let golden opportu-
mites slip, leaving a wound in the spirit
they would wish to heal by not offering
the little acts which, after all, m AXE up
the whole 1t is the disposition which
makes the pleasure, and not the mighty
deeds of yaulting fame that reach
the heart, giving that sweet and
pleasant thought that lives in the mem
DRY when, perhaps, the giver has passed
forever beyond the knowledge Of its
worth. How many sweet and gentle
heart has tasted deeply Of the bitter
spring which leaves an acrid taste TO
poison some happier anticipation by the
thoughtless neglect Of some associate in
leaving undone some little act, which
would have been little to them, but
much, oh so much, TO the heart that
craved II. II may be an evening walk,
when the bright pure satellites Of nature
are keeping their calm vigil in the beau
tiful heavens, or the act of worship be
fore the throne Of mercy, when the deep
swell Of the organ carries the soul 10
higher thoughts, or the social obligations
of many kinds, timely offered and sweetly
appreciated, that leave marks on the
rugged pathway OF life long track, sweet
as the Joys of a greater effort happily ac-
comphshed in after days, bnt not sweeter
than the fond memory Of those little
deeds which linger softly, like the sound
OF silvery chimes, only blending more
tremendously 10 the souls deep trials as
the stern reality Of weightier deeds de-
volve upon the voyager on its broad sea.
How sacredly we cherish such pleasant
feeling and fond caress Of those who
made US happy in other days, or who may
now make up the number Of companion
ship, never to be obliteraied from The
heart in storm or sunshine. BIZ any
chance or condition, but bloom as
sweetly as when offered, as we tllru over
the pages Of old accounts. But, alasi
how many blot defaces some that swell
into chapters. Kind words, gentle deeds
offered as we journey, make blooming
roses Of imperishable color, covering up
the thorns with their natural brightness
and leave pleasant perfume instead Of
a ranking smart WIxrFREn.