NOT long since, it was announced that a large fortune had been left to a citizen of the United States by a foreigner, who, some years before, had “become ill” while travelling in this country, and whose sick-bed was watched with the utmost care and kindness by the citizen referred to.  The stranger recovered, continued his journey, and finally returned to his own country.  The conduct of the American at a moment so critical, and when, without relatives or friends, the invalid was languishing in a strange land, was not forgotten.  He remembered it in his thoughtful and meditative moments, and when about to prepare for another world, his gratitude was manifested in a truly signal manner.  A year or two ago, an individual in this city was labouring under great pecuniary difficulty.  He was unexpectedly called upon for a considerable sum of money; and, although his means were abundant, they were not at that time immediately available.  Puzzled and perplexed, he hesitated as to his best course, when, by the merest chance, he met an old acquaintance, and incidentally mentioned the facts of the case.  The other referred to an act of kindness that he had experienced years before, said that he bad never forgotten it, and that nothing would afford him more pleasure than to extend the relief that was required, and thus show, his grateful appreciation of the courtesy of former years!  The kindness alluded to was a mere trifle, comparatively speaking, and its recollection had passed entirely from the memory of the individual who had performed it.  Not so, however, with the obliged.  He had never forgotten it, and the result proved, in the most conclusive manner, that he was deeply grateful.

We have mentioned the two incidents with the object of inculcating the general policy of courtesy and kindness, of sympathy and assistance, in our daily intercourse with our fellow-creatures.  It is the true course under all circumstances.  “Little kindnesses” sometimes make an impression that “lingers and lasts” for years.  This is especially the case with the sensitive, the generous, and the high-minded.  And how much may be accomplished by this duty of courtesy and humanity!  How the paths of life may be smoothed and softened!  How the present may be cheered, and the future rendered bright and beautiful!

There are, it is true, some selfish spirits, who can neither appreciate nor reciprocate a courteous or a generous act.  They are for themselves—­“now and for ever”—­if we may employ such a phrase—­and appear never to be satisfied.  You can never do enough for them.  Nay, the deeper the obligation, the colder the heart.  They grow jealous, distrustful, and finally begin to hate their benefactors.  But these, we trust, are “the exceptions,” not “the rule.”  Many a heart has been won, many a friendship has been secured, many a position has been acquired, through the exercise of such little kindnesses and courtesies as are natural to the generous in spirit and the noble