" This little story is capable
of a very wide application; for our happiness as human beings,
generally speaking, will be found to be very much in proportion to
the number of things we love, and the number of things that love
us. And the greatest worldly success, however honestly achieved,
will contribute comparatively little to happiness, unless it be
accompanied by a lively benevolence towards every human being.
Kindness is indeed a great power in the world. Leigh Hunt 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 that, "LES
HOMMES SE PRENNENT PAR LA DOUCEUR," and a coarser English one, to
the effect that "More wasps are caught by honey than by vinegar."
"Every act of kindness," says Bentham, "is in fact an exercise of
power, and a stock of friendship laid up; and why should not power
exercise itself in the production of pleasure as 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 displays 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 thoughtful help, is never without
beneficent results.
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