The kind act was observed, and now mark its influence. An old
gentleman in the next seat, without a word, held out a silver quarter
to the young lady, nodding toward the boy. After a moment's
hesitation, she took it, and as she did so, another man handed her a
dime, a woman across the aisle held out some pennies, and almost before
the young woman realized what she was doing, she was taking a
collection for the poor boy. Thus from the one little act there had
gone out a wave of influence touching the hearts of two score people,
and leading each of them to do something.
Common life is full of just such illustrations of the influence of
kindly deeds. Every good life leaves in the world a twofold ministry,
that of the things it does directly to bless others, and that of the
silent influence it exerts, through which others are made better, or
are inspired to do like good things.
Influence is something, too, which even death does not end. When
earthly life closes, a good man's active work ceases. He is missed in
the places where his familiar presence has brought benedictions. No
more are his words heard by those who ofttimes have been cheered or
comforted by them. No more do his benefactions find their way to homes
of need where so many times they have brought relief. No more does his
gentle friendship minister strength and hope and courage to hearts that
have learned to love him.
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