Page:The Clergyman's Wife.djvu/368
cates to those whom we are permitted to benefit, a consciousness of the happiness we ourselves derive from the power of benefaction placed in our unworthy hands, makes them sensible of the blessedness which springs from that power's exercise, reveals to them the indebtedness we cherish towards those who are the recipients of its use.
Kant, in the spirit of veritable charity, declares that the way to love the neighbor is to do good to him first, and we shall love him after as the consequence of having done good to him. When kindness is genuine in the soul, when it strikes deep roots and is nourished by a holy source, there is always an increased sense of affection experienced towards those who have needed and received kindnesses at our hands.
Effectual, widely-extended kindness, does not alone consist in the performance of tangible and undeniable services to others. Kind looks, and words, and gentle, kindly ways may be of incalculable benefit. Natures grow hard and rough through the absence of a surrounding atmosphere of permanent kindness, and are softened and humanized by the influence of habitual, persistent gentleness and consideration. When the angel of kindness enters a heart where it can take up its abode, it looks through the eyes of the man, and speaks with his voice, and moves with his motions, and guides his hands and his feet, and stretches out his arms to clasp the whole world in charity's