REFLECTIONS. Sj5 



others, even when we have little to offer beyond 

 our sympathy, and this will often be more appre- 

 ciated by the unfortunate than any pecuniary as- 

 sistance. If we can shew kindness when it is 

 most needed if we visit some forlorn, distressed, 

 and, perhaps, forsaken being, and offer our little 

 mite of compassion and solace, we may be enabled 

 to afford comfort when the heart is feeling its 

 own bitterness. 



If this principle was more acted on, if we 

 treated all around us as our brethren, if the in- 

 junctions so solemnly and yet so sweetly imposed 

 upon us by our benevolent Saviour " to love each 

 other," were followed by us all, we might then 

 see a happy world, because we should all be en- 

 deavouring to make others so. The study of 

 Nature is well calculated to produce these kindly 

 feelings. It reveals the goodness of God, not 

 only to us, but to all the works of His hands. It 

 elevates as well as purifies our thoughts, and thus 

 renders us more inclined to acts of kindness and 

 charity. We learn to view with gratitude the 

 many delightful objects which surround us, some 

 intended for our use, and others for our gratifica- 

 tion, and while we contemplate the many blessings 

 thus bestowed on us, we are best disposed to 

 practice those precepts of benevolence, which have 

 been laid down for our guidance. 



