Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-10-27
How to be Happy.

We copy from the Boston Olive Branch
one Of Mrs .Deri>on'g beautiful lessons in life.
She says
A boon of inestimabIe worth is a calm,
thankful heart-a treasure that few, very
few possess. We once met an old man,
whose face was mixture of smiles and sum
shine. Wherever he went, he succeeded in
making everybody about him as pleasant as
himself.
Said we, one day-for he was one of that
delightful class whom everybody feels privi-
legged to lie related to-
Uncle, uncle, how is it that you contrive
to be so happy? Why is your face so cheer
full, when so many thousands are craped over
with most uncomfortable gloominess?
My dear young friend he answered,
with his placid smile, | am even as 9TH
ers. afflicted with in6rmities; have had my
share fsorrow-some would say more-but
| have found out the secret Of being happy,
and it is this
Forget SELF
Until you do that, you can lay but lit
tie claim to cheerful spirit. Forget what
manner Of man you are, and think more
with, rejoice more for your neighbors. I'll
am poor, let me look upon my richer friend,
and in estimating his blessings, forget my
prlyations.
If my neighbor is building a house, let
me watch with him his progress, and think,
Well, what comfortable place it will be,
to be sure; how much he may enjoy it with
his family Thus have double pleasure
that Of delight in noting the structure
as it expands into beauty, and making my
, neighbor's veal mine. If be has planted a
fine garden, [ feast my eyes on the flowers,
and smell their fragrance could do more
if it was my own?
Another has a family of fne children
they bless him and are blessed by him
Mine are all gone before mel have none
that bear my name shall |, therefore, envy
my neighbor his lovely children? No: let
me enjoy their innocent smiles With him
let me forget naysel1my tears when they
were put away in darkness or if l weep
may it be for JOY that God took them un-
tainted to dwell with His holy angels forey.
Believe an old man when he says there
is great pleasure in living for others. Tht
heart Of the selfish man is like a city full O
crooked lanes. If generous thoug int from
: some glorious temple strays in there, wo Il
t tit is lost. 1t wanders about and wan
! ders about, until enyeloped in darkness a
the mist Of selfshness gathers around, it lie
; down upon some cold thought to die, and i
: shrouded in oblivion.
So, if you would be happy, shun selfish
e ness do kindly deed for this one, speak
: kindly word for another. lie who is con
stantly giving pleasure, is constantly receiv
d ing it. The little river gives to the great
t ocean, and the more it gives, the faster
e runs. Stop its flowing, and the hot su
!. I would dry it up, it would be but filthy muC
sendidg forth bad odors, and corrupting tn
= fresh air Of Heaven. Keep your heart cor
# stantly travelling on errands Of mercy
: has feet that never tire, hands that cannC
Il be overburdened, eyes that never sleep
freight its hands with blessings direct i
. eyes-no matter how narrow your sphere
= to the nearest object of suffering, and relieH
% it.
i | say, my dear young friend, take tt
word of an old man for it. who has tried ev
r ry known panacea, and found all to fail, e,
is cept this golden rule:
n Forget self, and keep the heart busy i
Others