Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-09-12
CHRISTIAN

SlIGtlc AuldSludUlc, ucltAtI Is IL VIC ulOSG
common one. But it should be q far
more general habit among Christians
at large than it is, to extend little
courtesies and civilities towards each
other as opportunities occur.
1t was the custom of a dear old zen
tleman OF our acquaintance on entering
the church vestibule of aSabbath morn
ing to look keenly around, greeting
kindly any or all of his friends he
CHANGED to see. But that was not the
only object he had in giving that keen
look. If a stranger stood within that
hallowed Enclosure it seemed to be a
special privilege to step up to him, en-
tend a friendly hand and blandly offer a
scat in his pew.
On n or two occasions, when the
children of the family limited that the
pew was N too large for the accom-
mediation of the members of the house,
hold usually present, they were re-
minded that in their church home they
must always make room for the stran-
ger who might happen to be within the
gates, and there was mild surprise on
the others face thut they could enter
tain other feelings than those of well
come lot the
1t was amusing at q recent evening
meeting to hear a gentleman tell of at
tending an evening service at another
place, when the subject before the peo-
pie was that of cordially towards
strangers; it was urged in earnest terms
that any person seen in the conference
room whose face was unfamiliar should
not be allowed to depart without hay
ing been extended a friendly greeting,
and kind Christian welcome. "And,"
continued the gentleman, Il walked
slowly out of that vestry as comfortably
as you please, looking first at one, then
another, but no n spoke to me or
noticed me in the least. / was allowed
to depart as I had entered, an entire
stranger" So easy it is to preach, so
different q thing to practice.
Having occasion to worship in a
strange church recently, we were shown
into a vacant pew; soon the owner en-
tered bowling ~courteously, and we were
made to feel at home at once; but when
II umbrella suddenly fell along the
pew and we were not allowed to pick it
up. but had it hastily replaced by the
quick p%oliteness which made our fell
low-worshipper act as though in his
own house. and a host for the time be-
ing, then it was we recognized the spirit
of the true disciple of Him who came
to serve, not to be served. A very little
test one may say. True, it was a very
little test, but it is in the little acts Of
Il lives that character and disposition
reveal themselves. Life is short, and
opportunities once afforded for a kindly
word OF act, may not be given a second
time.
AS we grow older and the news of a
sudden death occasionally reaches us,
the mind involuntarily reverts to the
last time we saw or spake to the one
who 'will,, not pass this way againg." II
there was lacking anything Of kindness
or courtesy in that last greeting, with
what a useless pang of regret the fact
is recalled. The only safe rule of con-
duct through life regarding our feelings
and attitude towards others is that of a
uniformly kindly, consistent, cour.
teous bearing, the bearing of the true
Christian.
Little matters of personal discomft-
ure, dlsappointments which are the COM
nor lot OF all, need furnish no excuse
for an impatient n towards those
who, for aught we know, may be more
burdened than ourselves. The Bible
rulei is the safest and best to follow: .Be
ye kindly at1ectioned one towards an
other. loving II another.
Rule.