Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-12-26

might never come, or coming, change to good
the day of its advent. .raa
Mr.. Carson entered tho room where his
wife sat bearing one child in her aims. while
two chung TO him, in laughing efforts to i'm
pede his progress. The old welcoming
smile was on her face, not so bright, not so
happy, but fuller Of tenderness. How like .
fash its reflected eye drank up the shadows
from his eyes and brow. He could not help
stopping over, and kissing her with uuwonted
fervor. She felt it in sweet thrill, down to
her heart. They were drawing closer
together.
"You have changed since morning." said
Mr.. Carson, as soon as the children resumed
their toys and picture books, laying his hand
on his wife's head as he spoke, and looking
into her calm eyes almost wonderingy.
"Have II"
Eyes. What has brought this changer"
fright thinking, perhaps"
"What have been your thoughts?'
"To.day is ours, and only to-day"
"Only to-day" said Mr.. Carson, echoing
the words of his wife.
as it wise to throw aside the good things
of to-day, because in doubt as to the future?
To shut our windows, and refuse to let to-
days sunshine enter our dwellings, because
there are signs of Q storm tomorrow"
mo, it is not wise" answered the husband.
$50 l have thought, and so thinking | arm
striving to keep myselfin the present, and amid
the duties and blessings that crowd the pas.
sing hour. All is well with us te.day-all
has been well with US 80 far in life; and If
changes and trials ara to come, will not
strength as we need be given?"
"Surely it will, dear wife," added Mr.. Car
son, 81 cannot express the feeling OF relief
your language gives. Yes, yes. Let us take
in our days, the good things that God has
provided. Hitherto they have been in full
measure. If diminished from this time, as to
what is external and material, may we not
have an increase of our internal pleasure? l
do not think we have been great deal hap
pier since u better income enabled US to rent
this larger house, and to posses costlier farni-
ture."
"Just the conclusion of my mind, answered
the wife. 81 know We were as happy-some
times have thought happier-in that cosy
little house where the first six years Of our
welded lives were spent. And now that you
have alluded to the humble condition, will
say what further has been my thoughts. Let
US 20 back to the same condition, and thus
reduce our expenses to the old rate. In a
smaller house can get along we'll enough
with single servant, and not work harder
than do now. This will be acting right in
the present doing to-day what seelneth best
and think We shall find the way before us
growing smooth to our feet, though it looks
50 rough and so thorny in prospective"
| "Comforter! consoler strengthened" SAID
l f. suSp IN q rrrch IF fnoijn1
His voice was half choked and his eyes glist-
ened. "One hour ago was: wretched. Now
am hopeful, resigned, peaceful. The high
mountain across my path, that seemed impass-
able, has sunk to little hill. When our
feet begin the ascent, we shall not find the
way so difficult, and strength will come in
the hour of need"
| And it came as he prophesied. The les
son and experience Of that day and evening
to Mr.. and Mrs. Carson was so full Of instruc.
ton, that they could not be forgotten. In
present right thinking and acting-in taking
each day as it came, and accepting the good
it had to offer they found tranquility Of
mind but, in all variations from this rule
in all weak yieldings to doubt and fear, in
all helpless broodlngs oyer coming ills-they
were led into darkness. self torrents. wretch
edness. One day at time-taking and
using the good it had to bear, and bearing
patiently its ills-this was the better life they
sought to live and though for some years
afterwards, their way in the world was
through some obscure places, where the hum
bier move. they found as sweet flowers to
give the air perfume, and as soft and green
turf for their seat, as had ever delighted
them IN more prosperous seasons
/ Enemies.
Go straight on and dom tmind them; if they
get in your way, walk round them, regardless
Of spite. A man who has no enemies is sell
dom good for any thing; he is so easily worked
that every one has a hand in it. A sterling
character il one who thinks for himself, and
speaks what he tn nks he is always sure tc
have enemies They are as necessary to him
as fresh air. They keep him alive and active
A celebrated character who was surrounded by
enemies used to remark: ''They are sparks
which, if you do not blow, will 60 out Of them
Selves" "Live down prejudiccs," was the
Iron Dukes motto. Let this be your feeling
while endeavoring to live down the scandal Of
those who are bitter against you. Ifyou STOP
to dispute, you do but as they desire, and
open the way for more abuse Let the poor
fellows talk. There will be q reaction if you
perform but your duty, a hundreds who
were once alienated from you will flock tc
you and acknowledge their error.