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Scarlet ©emniurn. 
A species of Geranium. 
Kindness. 
“Little deeds of kindness , done in a quiet way, 
Reach both deep and wide, and always bring their pay.” 
— Anon. 
M IKDKESS is a great power in the world. 
A modern writer has truly said that “Power itself hath not one- 
half the might of Gentleness.” 
Men are always best governed through their affections. 
There is a French proverb which says, “Les hommes se prennent par 
la douceur and an English one, to the effect that “More flies are caught 
by one drop of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar.” 
Every act of kindness is, in fact, an exercise of power, and a stock of 
friendship laid up; and why should not power exercise itself in the pro¬ 
duction of pleasure rather than of pain ? 
Kindness does not consist in gifts, but in gentleness and generosity 
of spirit. Men may give their money which comes from the purse, and 
withhold their kindness which comes from the heart. The kindness that 
shows itself in giving money does not amount to much, and often does 
quite as much harm as good; but the kindness of true sympathy, of thought¬ 
ful helpfulness, is never without beneficent results. 
The good temper that manifests itself by kindness, must not be con¬ 
founded with softness or silliness. Meekness is not weakness. In its best 
form, kindness is not a merely passive, but an active, condition of being. 
It is not by any means indifferent, but largely sympathetic. It cherishes 
and actively promotes all reasonable instrumentalities for doing practical 
