THE CHARITIES THAT SWEETEN LIFE. 241 
did ; and you might lay your head on the pillow 
of rest at night with feelings akin to those of 
spirits round the throne. 
O, learn this art yourselves, all ye who have 
felt its kindly influence from others. Speak pleas- 
ant words to all around you, and your path shall 
ever be lighted by the smiles of those who wel- 
come your coming, and mourn your parting foot- 
steps. 
Mother, speak pleasantly to the little ones who 
cluster around you ; speak ever pleasantly ; and 
be assured that answering tones of joy, and dispo- 
sitions formed to constant kindness, shall be your 
reward. 
Sister, brother, friend, would you render life 
all one sunny day ? would you gather around you 
those who ^ill cheer you in the darkest hour ? let 
the law of kindness rule your tongue, and your 
words be pleasant as the " dew of Hermon, and 
as the dew that descended on the mountains of 
Zion." 
Christian, follower of Him who is passed into 
the heavens, heir of immortal glory, would you 
honor the Lord who bought you? would you 
show yourself worthy the crown that awaits 
you, and the society in which you expect soon to 
mingle? strive to catch the tones which gladden 
that celestial city to which you haste. No discord 
mars those tones. No discontent nor fretfulness 
mingles with the sounds which by faith we hear. 
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