Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1903-03-20

here Is IA most men an inherent ohlrc-
tion to rule, but Independence may be
too dearly bought. Men owe such a
debt Of gratitude TO those whose whole
life is spent in the study to alleviate the
inevitable misery as to make impossible
hostility aud rebellion. These, our
rulers, need have no fear for the stability
of their dynasty, for they and their help
ers are, and ever will be, the essential
part Of the universe.
But "who can minister to a mind dis
eased?" Who shall comfort those who
are almost overwhelmed by grief aud
care? Fate lays burdens upon all, rich
and poor alike. II all the griefs now 50
silently and bravely endured could de-
mand prompt relief there would be more
to do than the clergy and the benevolent
in united effort could accomplish, even
if their whole time could be given to the
work. To have the power to alleviate
pain, sorrow, despair and remorse is the
greatest gift allowed to men. To be de-
barred through stress of circumstances
from the exercise of this great privilege
is the greatest deprivation. But too
many mistake inclination for this power,
and prompted also by a sense OF duty
embarrass those they earnestly desired
to console. True and helpful sympathy
must come straight from the heart. 1t
is obvious that this is impossible if the
visitors are not in perfect accord with
those they seek to comfort, for but few
can bear to discuss a grief with untried
friends however kindly these may be
known to be. The clergy are quick to
perceive opportunities, for well they
know that the endurance of the sorrows
of bereavement is the critical time when
the mind is most susceptible to a con-
siderate influence, for in such time the
right words tenderly spoken will do
more for one souls salvation than the
rhetorical effort OF lifetime. But his.
tory proves that, with few exceptions,
a continual exercise of great intellectual
force, on behalf of the many, will di min
ish the power to alleviate the SORROWS of
individuals. Thus it is that the "minis-
ter's WIFE (health and strength per-
mitting) has become valued auxiliary
in her husbands noble work. Only to
those and to intimate and dear friends
belong the glorious privilege of bright
ening the darkest hours. But there is
much of keen suffering that is almost as
trying as natural grief for which no
sympathy should be expected disap-
pointments in worldly affairs, family
troubles, jealousy, loneliness, remorse
aud all the many troubles incident to
lack of moral strength. TO expose such
ailments as these is to exact the kind of
sympathy that is usually extended under
such circumstances. 1t is needless to
say that "too bad" is too feeble TO get
there. The writings of those who have
gained strength by endurance is the best
panacea for such ills Carlyle prescribes
for such ailments, "Patience Silence
Hopel"
There are many in our midst who are
truly kind, quick to perceive the actual
needs of their fellows. These are often
moved by generous impulse to deeds of
unobtrusive kindness that linger in the
memory many years after they them
selves have forgotten the circumstances.
Oh, how much happier such people make
life in this old world The helping
hand, the tactful sympathy, material
help, kindly consideration, graceful
courtesy, all these little helps cost little
put mean mucH. III all COMMUNITIES
there is much of grief, sin and repent
auce. Remorse is perhaps the most bit
ter grief that sensitive men can know
and all must pity those who mourn the
loss of self respect, for it is a sorrow
with which society does not love to be
confronted, as many believe a show Of
sympathy to be doubtful good as il
appears like tact acquiescence in the
folly. All desire the rehabilitation Of
the erring. This is the more quickl,
brought about by feeling the compass
ion, that it is the more helpful not tc
make manifest. A strict silence in re
gard to the matter causes quick for
getfulness and all is we'll. But to affect
commiseration, the while adding to the
difficulty of reinstatement by making
the trouble extant is as cruel as it i
grotesque.
$50 shall that life the privilege yield
Which trees of healing only give,
And green leafed in the Eternal field
Of God, forever live"
ANGLE.