Gratitude implies thankfulness or an appreciation
of benefits conferred. Together with a desire, when practicable, to return
those benefits. It should be distinguished from thanks, which is too often a
matter of words, and no accompanied by a feeling of thankfulness or by those
actions which indicate a grateful mind. The grateful man feels joy at the
kindness of his benefactor and cultivates a respect that is akin to love.
In almost all the relations of ordinary life the
feelings of gratitude should he aroused. The child owes thanks to his parents
for food, clothes, education and tender, care; the scholar to his teachers for
the training of his intelligence: personal friends to one another for mutual
services. The frequent use of the phrase. “Thank you” though often not more
than a polite convention, nevertheless shows the universal belief in the
necessity for cultivating a grateful attitude towards those who do something
for us. However small that service be. The man who stops another in the streets
of a town to ask his way, would be considered a mean and ill-conditioned fellow
if he passed without a word of thanks.
As citizens, there are few who have not cause to be
grateful. Great generals who have given devoted service gratuitously. Statesmen,
poets and philosophers, all those who have stood for right, justice and freedom
of thought. Have conferred inestimable benefits upon their countrymen. In
almost every town can be found public institutions, schools, hospitals and
charities established and supported by the munificence of private individuals
for the benefit of the public.
Gratitude expresses itself in looks, words and
deeds. The poor solider, to whom Sir Philip Sydney on the field of Zutphen gave
his cup of water, could only look his gratitude when deeds are impossible the
expression of thanks is the best that can be. Done the Inscriptions on the
tombs and monuments erected by a nation to its great men are an expression of
thanks in words. As for deeds. An old story will serve as an excellent illustration.
An old man was found planting fruit trees by a friend who came to him and said
why. ,, Why do you paint which can never producer fruit in your time The old
man replied Others planted trees the fruit of which I enjoy I now plant trees
that those who come after may enjoy the fruit.”
In conclusion, a word should be said about the
baseness. Of ingratitude. This causes a man to .e despised. by his, fellows and
often brings its own punishments, in. p, much as even the kind hear ted grow
tired of conferring favors’ upon those. Who show no, appreciation, of such favors’.
No good. Man wished; to give pain. Especially to those who have done him good.
The ungrateful man hurts the feelings of his benefactor and cannot. Therefore,
be a good man.