GENTLENESS. THIS is a simple word, but full of meaning. Mildness of temper, softness of manners, kindness, tenderness, meekness, and benevolence are all blended to form true gentleness of character. But "There are those who never knew one generous thought Alas, what a weary world would this be if gentleness were banished from it! Discord, harshness, and contention would reign triumphantly, the pleasures of society be utterly destroyed, and mankind would seek the desert or the wilderness for quiet and contentment. The affections are rooted up by harsh tones, and the spirits of the sensitive crushed by unkind words from thoughtless and uncharitable lips. How many are the bitter fruits of such elements of character! Strange that no more is done, no more is said, to rid society of such baneful influences. On the contrary, where gentleness is the governing principle, society is lovely and attractive; or if it rule a single heart, that heart is like a fountain of living waters, sending forth healthful streams. A society thus governed is like an oasis in the desert of life, where the weary traveller may rest and refresh himself. Gentle words break the flinty heart in twain, and open the hidden founts of human sympathy, disarm anger, and overcome wrath. Who has not felt the power of gratitude expressed for a simple favor bestowed, and acknowledged that it is indeed "more blessed to give than to receive," when the hearty "God bless you" has come up from the overflowing bosom? Gentle tones have power to heal the broken heart, and soothe earth's sorrows. It is the gentle spirit, the contented disposition, the kind look, the cheerful answer, the unaffected interest in others' welfare, that render one a blessing to community. All these are signs of true and generous love to all mankind, and the spring of that mighty power that makes us "love our neighbor as ourself." "Gentleness of manner does not exclude strength of character." Those who govern by gentleness alone exert a far greater power than such as rule by other means. Impatience and fretfulness injure the affections and harden the heart; while gentleness subdues the most stubborn will. A look of gentle, firm reproof will penetrate the soul and make it weep for shame. O, say not, "There is no power in gentle words." There is gentleness in nature. Though the mountain stream is noble as it bursts in grandeur from its vantage ground, and strength is in its gleam of brightness, and thunder in its deafening roar, yet lovelier far is the streamlet as it gently murmurs by the lone churchyard, and by its dirge-like melody speaks its modest worth and living beauty-fit emblem of true gentleness. The proud ocean, heaving with convulsion when the furious tempest spends its strength upon its waters, fills our souls with awe and wonder, and we fear and dread its wrath. But when its waters gently rock proud vessels that sail on her bosom, we love to sing "Beautiful Sea," and never tire of gazing on its deep, blue waters. The roar of the angry lion and the screams of the hungry panther may fill the heart with fear; but we love the sweet, gentle strains of the feathered songsters, rejoicing in their being. We listen to the orator's bold figures, and feel emotions rising in our bosoms in obedience to his will; but we love the gentle strain of infant voices, and find our hearts subdued by the magic of their power. Woman needs the elements of gentleness instilled into her nature, else she falls far short of filling the place her God assigned for her. She may, without it, be admired for wit, beauty, and intelligence; but never can she hold the sway of the affections, if this most important element be wanting, or make her home the nursery of happiness and love. NEVER RAIL AT THE WORLD. NEVER rail at the world. it is just as we make it; We see not the flower if we see not the seed; And as for ill luck, why, its just as we take it; The heart that's in earnest no bars can impede. You question the justice which governs man's breast, And say that the search for true friendship is vain; But remember, this world, though it be not the best, Is next to the best we shall ever attain. 0, HASTEN ON, YE WINGED HOURS. O, HASTEN on, ye winged hours! The valley of my childhood's home, The mountains, and the lea; The feathery groves that crown the hills, The silvery brooks, the murmuring rills, And spread at eve their stainless sails, Like some sweet fairy boat. The dark-gray rocks that raise their heads Far up the mountain side, The gentle stream that winds below Like a clinging, timid bride. All, all my spirit pines to see Each spot within that vale, Each looming crag, each mossy stone, |