The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-12-17
BEING NEIGHBoELY.

1t seems like a very little thing to
slip on ones outdoor garments and
step down the street for a half hours
cE2t with = friend ut the close of the
day. 1t is q very little thing 10 itself,
50 little that we often put it off, when
the good impulse stirs within US, and
We think we really ought to do it.
But the day has been warm, or busy,
and We are tired; the easy chair is in
viting, and the cool breeze drits
PLEASANTLY in at the open window
Another time we will go and see the
burdened housewife, or the ailing
girl, or the crippled child; another
time will answer as well, and perhaps
better suit our convenience, and so
the kindly outing is deferred.
There are few Of us who have not
plenty Of occupations and sufficient
legitimate cares OF our own to make
Us selfish, and afford us plausible
excuse for the selishness. 1t is the
more important, therefore, that We
take pains to be neighborly. The
word is q very winning one. Bet
ter is neighbor that is near than a
brother that is far off, says the prov
erh in the isolation of town-life
which BY, a strange paradox often
makes the family whose house is d.
viCed from yours hy row or two of
bEiciss rs practically remote as though
they lived three miles OF on prairie,
We know little of our neighbors.
Yet when we see the doctors car
r,sge stopping once, twice. thrice
a"rOs- tie street. and when our little
ncws-reporter. with the golden hair
and blue eyes. tells US that .Iessie's
mother is very i'll, We are sorry
When there is carpet on the side
walk. and flowers and cream are
going in a few doors off, and the Min
lister arrives, and the bride goes away
and they scatter the rice, and fling
h" old shoes, we are svmpathet-
&c in our g0OI wishes, though we
have never exchanged greetings with
Tie bride and her people There is
the possibility Of neighborlincss in
lis I'll, however stiff, formal conven-
ticnal we may he That city life
makes the interchange of neighborlv
attentions and courtesics somewhat
is one Of It's drawbacks
y !llaSe and rural life presents many
excellent chances for the civilizations
for friendly relations, and for recipro-
cal kindness between neighbors; there
in village life has ore decided advan-
tagc
An opporture call is often like
cup Of cold water on a thirsty soul
The experienced matron, without be-
ing obtrusive or meddlesome, can
drop a word OF advice which her
Younger friend will prize The wo-
man who is lifts above the need of
about money may have it in
her power to cheer, by her simple
notice, somebody whose daily life is
Il struggle with misfortune. Grand
and splendid actions may DO possible
to few. Small ministrations fragrant
with the spirit of Him who pleased
not himself, are always coming in
our way The flower sent 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, helping hand extended to the
struggling young man, the home
doors opened to the clerk whose only
acme is boarding-house, the kind /.
notice taken of the timid child, all
hese are not in vain, because they are
Il the line of tue wor!. the Master
)iessos. Who is your Deighbor and
nine. dear friend? Who but the
1erson who needs encouragement,
md whom we can aid and uplift by
'ersonai service, and by some out
giving of ourselves.