The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-09-19
HEARTSEASE.

iruit like the apple-tree, and no flowers adorn-
ID its branches like those upon the rose
Tree. The apple-tree was discontented, be-
cause it was SO crooked; was never admired !
as much as the stately oak, and because its
flowers were never sought for like those of
the rose-bush; and the rose-bush murmured,
that its sweet bloom was nothing, since it
did not give shade like the full-foiiaged oak,
nor rosy fruit like the apple-tree. And so
all the plants were dying it seemed, and the
king became very sad. But, walking with
his eyes cast down, he saw pretty little
heartsease, looking brightly and smilingly up
to him. He stopped and caressed the fioweret,
saying, "How is it that you only, of all the
flowers in my garden, seem alive and bright"
40" replied the pansy, 81 know can never
grow as large as the oak, that T can never af-
ford such refreshing shade to those who ap-
proach me; know that shall never bear
glowing fruit like the apple-tree; and know
that my bloom is scarcely noticed when the
gloriously beautiful rose opens its perfumed
leaves !; l know am only a little heartsease
but will try to he the sweetest little hearts
ease that | can be-" ftt~ lF
Whenever we meet murmuring spirit !;
one discontinued with its lot; or, one COM
planning of its uselessness in the world, its
limited sphere of action, &C., we always think
of the kings garden, and the contented, smil-
ing little heartsease, particularly when the
murmur comes from woman's lips.
Because, she perchance, can do nothing
great, should she be willing to do nothing at
alll Because she is not a strong oak, with
far-spreading, thick-leaved branches, majesti-
cally claiming the admiration of every one !;
because no golden fruit clusters upon her
boughs, giving pleasure to the eye aud taste
of all because she bears not the loveliest
blossoms, whose fragrance lures all to come
near and gaze upon their beauhfuly-tinted
petals because she is only lowly little pan
sy, shall she hide her head altogether be-
meath the leaves; or, perhaps, when she does
look forth, shall it be with half-averted
glance, showing only the dark leaves of the
blossom! 0 no, little pansy, be contented
with your sheltered nook in the garden; look
not obviously upon the nobler plants and
lovelier flowers raise your head from out
the leaves that surround you; give your
smiles, if that is all you have to give, to the
passing traveller; and be the very sweetest
little heartsease that you can be.
All cannot be Joans, buckling on steel ar
NOR, leading an army, raising city's siege,
and browning king All cannot be De
Staels welding powerful pen! But all can
be gentle, sympathizing, helpful women /;
doing, what their hands find to do, with earn.
est, willing, and contented spirits. And
there is work enough; ali! work waiting al
ways. AS long as there are tears to wipe
as long as there are homes to cheer; as long
as there are the poor to visit; and as long as
little children come with their clear eyes and
inquiring faces, looking up for instruction
there is work for woman to do.
Enter the humble home, where poverty
dwells, and press the hand of the care-won
sister, whose days are spent in toll. Assist
her in her struggles; cheer her with encour-
ing words; bring to her saddened face the
grateful smile, and to her heart the dear feel
ing, that there are some who sympathize with
her, and who are willing to aid her as she
walks the rugged path which it is her lot to
tread. All, the poor we have with us al
ways; and as often as we enter their humble
cottages, ministcring to their necessities, and
soothing their weary hearts, so often do we
gain the approving smile Of Him, whose la
bors, when on earth, were among the lowly.
And in the effort to do good 10 others, we
receive good for ourselves. How often do
VIC gain lessons in humility, patience, and
Christian faith, in the dwellings of the poor
1t is good to go out from our comfortable
homes where We are surrounded by Injuries,
and visit some little room, where'the sunlight
enters only through single, narrow window,
and falls upon the bare floor and rough wall.
See, sitting in this comfortless place, the
young girl working for the aged mother and
little sisters. No rest for her busy fingers.
Her hands ever fitting over the garment she
makes-hands, as delicately formed as the
noblest lady's. Hereyes seldom raised from
the work-eyes, as beautiful as any which
beam in stately mansions. But there is a sad
look in the eyes; they have shed very many
tears. And there is a chastened expression
upon the sweet face-she has suffered. Look
upon her and think why it is, that she is
there surrounded by poverty, and care, and
sorrow; and you, in your house, by riches,
and comfort, and pleasure. o, go near to
her take her hand in yours; your sympathy
will be dearer to her than gold. Speak cheer
fully to her, and try to drive away for awhile,
the shadow from her young face. Let her
tell you Of her cares, it will ease her heart.
And if the tears flow, weep with her. She is
your sister; and perhaps is more worthy
than You in your Heavenly Fathers eyes,