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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 68

Section XII. Of Kindness

Section XII. Of Kindness.

122. Q. What is kindness?

A. That disposition or temper which delights to make others happy.

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123. Q. How does it manifest itself?

A. Kindness manifests itself by supplying the wants of others, and promoting their happiness or welfare as far as we able, consistent with our duty to those dependent upon us.

124. Q. What are the special features of kindness?

A. Kindness always exhibits itself in benevolence, sympathy, humanity, and consideration for others.

125. Q. Should kindness be practised by all?

A. Kindness to others is alike a duty and a privilege.

126. Q. Why is kindness to others a duty?

A. Because by kindness we lessen the troubles and increase the happiness of others, and thus carry out the Golden Rule.

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127. Q. And why is kindness to others a privilege?

A. Because in being kind to others we promote our own truest happiness; for we thus secure the greatest of all pleasures,—that of doing good.

128. Q. Are there any who have a special claim on our kindness?

A. We should at all times be specially kind and considerate to the aged, the weak, the infirm, and all who are poor and distressed.

129. Q. Can these be more fully stated?

A. The wants and necessities of those who are blind, deformed, or maimed, most strongly appeal to our sympathy and kindness.

130. Q. For what reason?

A. Because of their being helpless owing to causes beyond their own control.

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131. Q. Is there any further reason?

A. We should help those who are afflicted as an expression of gratitude at being ourselves preserved from the troubles which afflict them.

132. Q. Why should the aged receive special kindness?

A. Because their long experience entitles them to respect, and their feebleness appeals to our sympathy; and because we should treat them as we ourselves hope to be treated in old age.

133. Q. What other classes besides the aged and the afflicted specially deserve kindness at our hands?

A. All infants and young children, and those who from ignorance of our language, weakness of intellect, or a lack of the blessings of education have not had the same opportunities as ourselves.

134. Q. But is not charity often bestowed on unworthy objects?

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A. It is unfortunately true that charity is often bestowed on those who are unworthy or ungrateful, but the fault of this lies with the receiver, and not with the giver.

135. Q. How then should we act?

A. Whilst making due enquiry as to the needs and deserts of those we assist, we should remember it is better that ten unworthy persons should receive our aid than that one who needs and deserves it should be refused.

136. Q. How should we treat dumb animals?

A. We should always treat dumb animals with kindness, thoughtfulness and consideration.

137. Q. For what reasons?

A. Because they cannot tell their wants, and because, being our inferiors in the scale of creation, given for our use and service, it page 40 is our duty to provide for their wants and comfort.