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240 THE CHARITIES THAT SWEETEN LIFE. 
You can tell us how like an angel whisper was 
the kind inquiry of that companion, and how the 
tone of cheerful sympathy sent the dark clouds 
rolling from your sky, and revealed the bright 
light of day showed you that earth is not all a 
wilderness, nor man a being utterly deserted to 
wretchedness. 
But they are few. Among the multitudes of 
earth, how small the number who habitually, and 
from principle, speak pleasantly I You have met 
them. Now and then they have crossed your 
path, and I doubt not your whole soul has blessed 
them, as it ought, for the words which were balm 
to your wounded spirit. And did you not wish 
all were like them ? Did you not feel that earth 
would be a paradise indeed, if all the tones of that 
matchless instrument, the human voice, were in 
harmony with the kind thoughts of a thorough- 
ly kind heart? 
But, friend, while you thus wished, did you 
resolve to add one, to their number? Did you de- 
termine to imitate their example ? Would I could 
persuade that it is your duty so to do that 
henceforth you should make it a study. You 
think it a small matter, requiring little effort. But 
I assure you it might cost you many a struggle 
ere you should learn to speak in pleasantness to 
all whom you might chance to meet, even in one 
short day ; and if you accomplished it, perhaps it 
would be a better day's work than ever yet you 
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