Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1915-01-08
WHAT IS KINDNESS
To Know Principles in the Abstract Is
Good-To Know Them in the Con-
crete Is Better-Kindness Is Not an
Impersonal Quality-Three Classes
of People-We Must Come Down
From the Back of The Animal we
Ride-A New Years Wish.
By W. t. Williams.

By w. T. Williams.
A little while since in these col
umns we defined greatness-useful-
ness. This is very much in keeping
with the spirit of the hour because,
unless we are badly mistaken, this age
aims at being useful. This is it's pro-
found purpose. In this manner we
have released the idea of greatness
from the bondage of the abstract to
the large and lively liberty of the con-
crete. We have brought it from the
dark regions of death to the bright
domains of life. We have put blood in
its veins, making it personal rather
than impersonal, and thereby giving
it an opportunity to live on in health
produced by activity. This is the
best kind of health, for it is absolute
ly in harmony with the appointments
Of our creation. We were made to act
in a free world, and in general our
equipment is not faulty.
To know principles in the abstract
is an advantage which should not be
neglected, but to know them in the
concrete is far better. To be able to
place them against one another and
play them as if they were so many
checkers is amusing, but it is very
much more profitable to all concerned
if we can help somebody to feel their
valuable worth. To arrange them
Systematically is a game of real mer-
riment, but it is exceedingly more
beneficial if we are able to harness
them strongly and induce them to
draw the heavy and calling loads of
life. To imbue them with love is
the work of every man, and who will
not concede that this is power? The
amusement and the merriment have
given their room to that joy that the
fiery experiences of life cannot melt
away. 1t clings to us owing to the
simple fact that we have learned it's
secret.
We are ready now to ask what is
kindness? This is what we want to
know, and since we are creatures, for
veal or woe, who depend so much up
on it, we are inclined to think that we
ought to know. We are told that
kindness is personal and extends to
all sentient beings, whether men or
animals, in prosperity or in Distress
This is its naturel 1t cannot live with
inanimate things. Vanish away it will
in dull inertness. 1t must have senti-
ent beings to act upon before it can
live. Showing itself it will not do,-
only to life, as it is known in men or
animals. 1t is not interested in any
other part of the creation. It's mantle
is not large enough to cover anything
else. Kindness then is active and per-
sonal, extending it's wings over all
men and animals in all conditions.
During our roamings up and down
the world we have come in contact
with three classes of people. There
might be more, but since we are hard
working folk, without spare time to
look about, we think that all the peo-
pie we have seen are only varied
enough to make the number of cas-
ses mentioned. The first, after seeing
us, passes us by on the other side. The
second, after making a few inquiries
does likewise. The third, without
showing the faintest trace of cold
heartedness, nor the slightest tend
ency to pry into our affairs, help US
according to our needs. These are the
classes that we have seen. The first
is brutally cold, and the second is only
interested in so far as we crafty its
curiosity, but the third knows what it
means to be a neighbor This one
possesses the one thing needful. 1t has
that feeling that always bears fruit
that feeling that uplifts. To know
how to be a neighbor is indeed a rare
attainment. Small wonder that it has
been called "divine" by so many. Per-
haps it is the highest mark in human
knowledge. This is taught from
above, and no man can learn it only
as he learns the Eternal Father.
Let us look again at the classes of
people that we have seen. The first
we have said is brutally cold. He
knows great deal, and he delights in
reasoning the principles of knowledge.
He is so fond of them that he writes
them with capital letters, and it is
not unusual for him to underscore
them, being afraid that the common
reader shall miss their meaning. They
are to him exceedingly dear. He
scorns ignorance and everybody ignor-
ant. But, in the midst of all, he has
not inquired at the shrine of friendli-
ness. With all his knowledge he is
ignorant himself of this-the most
essential Of all in world like ours.
The second is trifie different. This
one is somewhat interested in US. He
stops long enough to ask few ques-
tons. He wants to know our name;
how our misfortune came to pass;
where we live; and, as he resumes his
steps, he may snap his kodak on us.
He is curious, but not helpful. He pi-
ties US perchance, but he does not
sympathize with US. He is not one
of us, having no conception of brother
illness. One has recently said: "The
men who idly look on like to make a
fair show in the flesh. They express
themselves on occasion in such a way
as to indicate that they are men OF
excellent sentiments and of fine feel
ings. They meet and organize, adopt
ing constitutions and bylaws and ap-
pointing extensive committees. They
hear addresses and discuss papers ano
eat big dinners in the cause of human
betterment. They are eager to vote
for ringing resolutions on the subject
both hands up. And then after going
through all the motions and indulgine
in lot of fruitless talk, they pass by
having accomplished nothing"
The thir6 is entirely different to the
former two. He might not know 81
much as the first; he is not so inquisi
tive as the second; but he is NOR
valuable to human society than botl
combined. He may not be able to ex
press himself in high-sounding term
such as "philanthropic interest" O
"altruistic efforts" but he knows, il
the language Of DIR. Peabody, "tha
friendship is painstaking quality, I
wise adaptation, a continuity O.
friendly service"
Therefore, it is in order to ask
What must we do to inherit the bes
mode of life that has been manifest il
the world, even eternal life? Thi
question has been asked repeated,
in all generations, and the answer t.
it is not new one. 1t is the sam
as the one of old. We are to TAX
time to be useful. We must come dow
from the back of the animal we rid
and do according to our several abili
ty. This is the only rule of which W
are in need, especially at this time
the beginning of another year.