ECHOES FROM MOUNTAIN LAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 73

ECHOES FROM MOUNTAIN L AND.

By Edelweiss. Sympathy ! How great and manifold are the positions and occasions on which this term is placed and uttered. In its truest sense it is made use' of to give expression from the innermost depths of one's heart of the regard felt lor the sorrows and afflictions of another. Yet I fear it is" frequently made" use of in a very superficial way. - *' Actions speak louder than words ; practice than precept. This brings to my mind a clear illustration of the apparent and the genuine forms of sympathy. In a remote country place lived a delicate woman with some little children; her husband's work lay some miles away. The children attended gchooli inua ieavlnjj the invalid tma afld.

' mother alone, and very often in bed, for the greater part of the day. A neighbour frequently called — one bULsed with ample physical strength and some leisure, — but only to inquire, "How are you? I am sorry you are not well •" No thought or desire to make the bed or a room tidy, or see if any food was ready for the little ones when they came^home hungry iiT'the evening. The hollowness of it ! Another called, a mere acquaintance and one bhat had more household cares, yet saw there was need, and gave genuine practical sympathy in doing necessary things in .a very unobtrusive way. If the thoughtless ones with strength I and opportunities at their hand could j realise how valuable, convincing, and encouraging their sympathy would be if it at times were shown by deeds as well as words^ they would hardly be so tardy with their offerings. • I Yet sympathy shown for bodily needs 113 not all. Have" courage to show, and ", from, the heart express, that merciful active sympathy for' those *rring ~ohbs,\ sick at heart, with disgrace and scorn facing them on every aide j-^ympathy comes like a ray of sunlight, an angel of k hope, -a lifebuoy, to the shipwrecked on life's ocean," bidding them Hope, there _i» heaven's joy laid up for tliee, Lov-e; for true love, onilives its agony !- Fight, pray, and wrestle' on, loving God best, Then, when: thy work is done, lie down and I xest.'