Show LETTERS OF condolence they are much more difficult to write frit than letters of congratulation to write it a letter of congratulation on a happy event in the history of a friend ia is a comparatively easy task words of cheer and felicitation fall trippingly from the pen as from the tongue says harpers bazar the letter of condolence requires more care more delicacy a greater comprehension a fuller recognition of the friends character and anden environment viron ment many people hesitate to write their thought of sympathy to one ona who is suffering under tinder the first surprise and bewildering shock of a deep bereavement rea the impulse Is strong to put forth a hand in the dark and give the warm warin clasp which means 1 I am sorry 1 I 1 grieve in your grief 1 I would help y yon on if I 1 could but quick upon its heels tread the suggestions of caution 1 I do not know her well enough to intrude whispers an instinctive refinement of pity my rude thrusting enof in of myself would only tear open the bound wound afresh should I 1 attempt to speak ivo words ads of consolation they would sound like platitudes appear conventional or perfunctory the arguments are arc often so unreasonable in their appeal to common sense that the original tender impulse is resolutely crushed back one prays for ones friend but does not directly address her in most cases in 18 a mistake occasionally it is better than speece speech h we grant gant particularly when those of whom we think arc am mere acquaintances not even in t uter outer circle as yet of friendship or when whan the sufferers are arc specially shy of manner and reticent of nature usually however tive llie letter of condolence if short earnet earnest and sincere is is an olive branch of pron brne ar a L y a very messenger dove of pece over tin wild whirling waste of t snow now the simpler it is the surer its t arrand of mercy the sooner it is sent I 1 lie he more speedily its tender balm is laid on tho the aching heart on the whole it is always very nearly safe to to the early friendship impulse and to disregard the later detaining hand of caution |