MAKING FUN.
"WHAT a fright of a dress Ruth Payne has on," said little Minnie, as she settled back in her low rocking chair, and laughed merrily as a poor child went by. "She has an old linen basque and the oddest shaped overskirt you ever saw. It must be a very new fashion. Hasn't got about much yet. Her underskirt is an old faded red and black one, and that hat must be the last rose of summer, with its faded ribbon and old tumbled flowers.
I would stay at home before I would go out in such a suit."
"Poor child," said her mother, with quick sympathy, "has she no shawl or coat about her?"
"Not a thing, mamma, but that old linen basque."
"Poor little girl," said mother, in a tone there was no mistaking. It quickly sobered Minnie's mirthfulness.
"Do you suppose any little girl goes out that way from choice?"
"I should think not, mamma."
"Do you think it would make it any easier to bear the pinching cold to know that warmly dressed little girls, in comfortable rooms, were looking out and laughing at her poor clothes?
For your own part, would you not think that harder to bear than the frost? 'A wounded spirit who can bear?' You would think it a very wicked thing if some rude girl should meet little Ruth and give her a hard blow on the cheek; but it would pain her less than a wound in the spirit, which ridicule always brings. So whenever you feel tempted to 'make fun' of any poor child, consider if it would not be kinder to strike her instead. It might be equally gratifying to you, and not so painful to her.
"Always remember, Minnie, to 'respect the burden,' wherever you meet it in this burdened earth. Lighten it whenever you can, and remember that loving sympathy is of all things the most dear to the burdened heart.
There is no rule so good as that very old one our Saviour gave us, 'All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' It is the very essence of true politeness and loving kindness. Of all heartless acts, it looks almost the worst to see a child with every comfort, making fun of the miseries of others. I am sure it was thoughtlessness in my little girl, and I hope while she lives, she will never find her pleasure in any such thing again. I will tell you what will be a real pleasure for you and me this morning, my dear.
It will be to look over your wardrobe, and cull out some clothes that yon can spare for poor Ruth, and you may take them over if you like. I will tell you what to say when you are ready to go," she added with a smile, and they set out quickly on their errand of love.
"Now" was always mother's time for doing good.
Selected.
NEVER make use of by-words; they will add nothing to the truth, and will disgust well bred people. "Let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."