The Baltimore County union., 1881-12-10

II seems like very little thing 10 slip on ones
outdoor garments and step down the street for
half hours chat with friend at the close Of the
day. II 10 very little thing In ITSELF 90 little that
We often put II OF when the good impulse s,irs
within us, and We think We really ought 20 do Il.
But the day has been warm, or busy, and We are
tired the easy chair IL inviting, and tho cool
breefe drifts pleasantly In at the open window
Another time We will 70 and see the burdened
housewife, orthe aing girl, or the crippled child;
another time VIII answer ~ well, and perhaps bet
ter suit our convenience, and 50 the kindly outing
IL deferred.
There are few Of ~ Who have not plenty Of oc.
cupations and sufficient legitimate cares Of our own
90 make Us selfish, and afford ne plausible excuse
for the sehshness. Itis the more important there.
fore. that We take pains 10 be neighboriy. The
word 10 very winning enc. Better 10 . neighbor
that is near than brother that 10 far oh says the
proserb. In the isolation Of town-iife, which By
strange paradox often makes the family whose
house is divided from yours By ryw or two Of
bricks as practically remote % though they lived
thres miles OF on prairie. We know little Of our
neighbors. Yet when We see the doctors carrage
stopping once, twice, OF thrice q day across the
street. and when little news-reporter with the
golden hair and blue eyes, tells US that Jesss's
mother is very III, We are sorry. When there 10 .
carpet on the sidewalk, and flowers and cream are
going In few doors on. and the minister arrives,
and the bride goes away, and they scatter the rice
aud ding the old shoes, We are sympathetic In our
good wishes. though We have never exchanged
greetings with the bride and her people There 10
the possibility of neghborlincss IN all, however
stih, formal or conventional We may be. That city
life makes the of neighboriy attentions
and eourtesies somewhat dcult 10 one Of its draw
backs. Village and rural life presents many ex.
eeent chances for the civilizations for friendly re-
lations, and for reciprocal kindnesses between
neighbors and therein village life has decided
advantage.
An opportuns call 10 often like cup Of cold
water on a thirsty soul. The experienced matron,
without being obtrusive or meddesome, can drop
n word Of advice which her younger friend viii
prize. The woman who 10 lifted above the need
of anxiety about money may have IL In her power
20 cheer. by her simple notice, somebody whose
daily life Il . struggle with misfortune. Grand
and splendid actions may be possible tofew. Small
ministratons. fragrant with the spirit Of Him uho
pleased not himself, are always coming In our way.
The flower sen, TO the sick room or given to the
weary girl Who waits on you In the shop the gentle
and timely word spoken lovingly. the book lent to
the poor but eager-hearted boy, the helping hand
extended TO the struggling young man, the home
doors opened 70 the clerk whose only home IL .
boarding house. the Kind notice taken Of the timid
child. all these not in vain, because they are
in the line Of the work the Master blesses. Who
is your neighbor and mine. dear friend, Who but
the person who needs eneours cement. and whom
ne can aid and uplft by personal service, and BY
some outgivirg Of our selves.