and unkindly, it would undoubtedly have given the mimic unbounded satisfaction to cover him with ridicule. But to imitate the man who had used him with such tender kindness, for the purpose of ministering to the laugh of an un-` thinking rabble, was beyond his power-his feelings would not permit him—he was completely overcome by the commiseration of the doctor.

The following incident, for which I am. indebted to Col. Stone's admirable work, the Life of Brant,* most clearly shows how irresistibly the law of kindness unnerves the arm of revenge. After the fall of General Burgoyne, the tories became highly exasperated with General Schuyler for the very important part which he had taken in defeating the British army, and they determined to murder him. "For this purpose the tories corrupted a white man, who had been patronised by the General, and who was even then in his employment, to do the foul deed; and also one of the friendly Indians, whose clan had for years been in the habit of halting upon his premises in Saratoga, during the fishing season, at Fish Creek, which ran through his farm, and in which immense quantities of fish were then taken. To effect their object, the two assassins took their station

* Vol. I., pp. 290, 291,

under a covert, in a valley about half a mile from the General's premises, and by which they had previously ascertained he was shortly to pass. They soon descried his approach on horseback. As he advanced, they took deliberate aim; when, with a sudden movement, the Indian struck up his associate's gun, with the exclamation-I cannot kill him; I have eaten his bread too often!""

An intelligent old lady, now residing in Auburn, and with whom the author is well acquainted, vividly remembers many of the events which transpired in the Mohawk valley during the revolution; especially those connected with the destruction of Cherry Valley. Previous to the war, her father resided on one of the banks of the Susquehannah, and was familiar with Brant, the celebrated Indian Chief, who frequently visited his house on the most kind and friendly terms. After the breaking out of the war, she relates, that the family fled to Cherry Valley for safety, and resided within two miles of the fort. At the time of the attack, Brant was repeatedly told that the whole family might easily be made prisoners-but his uniform reply was, "I do not want that family." Every member of it escaped. Was it not the kindness of that family to Brant, which saved them from captivity and death?

86

A merchant of London, having a dispute with a Quaker, concerning a business account, became so enraged that he was determined, notwithstanding the persuasions of the Quaker, to institute a law-suit. Still desirous of amicably settling the matter, the Quaker called at the house of the merchant, and inquired of the servant for his master. The merchant heard the inquiry, and cried out, “Tell that rascal I am not at home." The Quaker mildly said to him, 'Well, friend, may God put thee in a better mind." The merchant was subdued by the kindness of the reply; and, after careful consid. eration, became convinced that he was wrong. He sent for the Quaker, and after making a humble apology, he said, "How were you able to bear my abuse with so much patience?" "Friend," replied the Quaker, "I will tell thee. I was naturally as hot and violent as thou art. But I knew that to indulge my temper was sinful, and also very foolish. I observed that men in a passion always spoke very loud; and I thought if I could control my voice, I should keep down my passions. I therefore made it a rule never to let it rise above a certain key; and by a careful observance of this rule, I have, with the blessing of God, entirely mastered my natural temper."*

* See Alcott's Young Man's Guide, pp. 95, 96.

.

The following fact proves that kindness will disarm obstinate children of their stubbornness. It is selected from an article on the "Management of Disobedient Children," which appeared in the Common School Journal. "At a Common School Convention in Hampden county, we heard Rev. Dr. Cooley relate an anecdote strikingly illustrative of this principle. He said that, many years ago, a young man went into a district to keep school, and before he had been there a week, many persons came to see him, and kindly told him that there was one boy in the school whom it would be necessary to whip every day; leading him to infer that such was the custom of the school, and that the inference of injustice towards the boy would be drawn. whenever he should escape, not when he should suffer. The teacher saw the affair in a different light. He treated the boy with signal kindness and attention. At first this novel course seemed to bewilder him. He could not divine its meaning. But when the persevering kindness of the teacher begot a kindred sentiment of kindness in the pupil, his very nature seemed transformed. Old impulses died. A new creation of motives supplied their place. Never was there a more diligent, obedient and successful pupil. Now, said the reverend gentleman, in concluding his narrative-that boy is the Chief

Justice of a neighboring state. The relator of this story-though he modestly kept back the fact-was himself the actor. If the Romans justly bestowed a civic crown upon a soldier, who had saved the life of a fellow-soldier in battle, what honors are too great for a teacher who has thus rescued a child from ruin?"

66

In the light of these facts every person must perceive the efficacy and power of the divine principle, overcome evil with good"-and must admit, that as God has given it to us, and the Saviour made it the leading precept of his system, as well as the guide of his holy life, so, we should not only write it with indelible remembrance upon our hearts, but we should also act according to its dictates and direction. Towards all who come within the reach of our influence, it should be exercised. If used rightly, it will be a key which will open the hearts of all around us, giving us a place in their affections. It will disarm anger of its power, hatred of its sting, enmity of its opposition, and sarcasm of its malice. It will make the communion of husband and wife more tender-it will secure the obedience of children-it will make the ties of friendship strong-it will turn enmity into benevolent feeling-it will minister to the widow and orphan in the pitiless storms of winter-and it will look to the comfort of the