Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-03-04
Written for the MONITOR.
CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS
Joy is a fruit that will not grow
In natures barren soil;
All we can boast till Christ we know,
Is vanity and toll.
But where the Lord has planted grace,
And made His glories known,
There fruits of heavenly Joy and peace


But where the Lord has planted grace,
And made His glories known,
There fruits of heavenly Joy and peace
Are found, and there alonei'
Milton says that every Christian duty |
ought to be seasoned with cheerfulness.
What pillar of strength are these
hopeful reliant christians, to the waver-
ing, troubled souls, who see tempest
in every cloud, and certain defeat and
failure in every adverse circumstance.
Does the storm beat to-day, they bid US
hope with confidence, for the sunshine
will surely follow the rain. Does sick
ness invade our homes, the presence Of
one of these cheerful souls doeth us good
like medicine, for we catch little of
the brave spirit which animates them,
and inspired by their courage we learn
to suffer and be strong. 1t is not so
much what these Christians say, that in
fuences US, as 1t is the atmosphere that
surrounds them, which precludes all
doubt and fear. The cheerful spirit that
pervades their whole nature, sees good
wherever good is, and where unperceiv-
ed. it hopes for it. Verify such SUM-
shiny hearts mark only the hours that
shine.
The beauty of cheerful piety was we'll
exempliied in the life of the late Mrs.
w. j. Hastings of Craftsbury, who has
recently passed to her reward. The
memory of this excellent woman is dear
to all who were favored with her ac-
quaintance, and we believe that the
secret of her useful and influential life
was found in that cheerfulness which so
strongly characterized her. Abstract
theories in regard to Christian living
may influence US to certain extent,
but when they are wrought out in the
daily life before our eyes, they carry
convincing weight which is powerful.
We love to write of Mrs. H. In other
years we learned to appreciate her many
excellences. We know how the church
and sabbath school had in her constant
friend, who was always ready to sacri-
fee for their welfare.
Her pleasant home was always open
to Gods ministers. and many an em.
bassador of the heavenly King. will re
member the welcome he found there
where WEAKNESS and care were forgotten
in cheerful converse with herself, and hel
worthy husband, who have been for years
the pastors true friends.
Though she had almest reached the
ten, yet her warm heart, aud love TO
making others happy, kept her young
scripture limit of life, three-score ant
she never outlived her sympathy TO
childhood and youth, but was frient
to all, and her society was highly prizet
: by young people because of her cheerful
hopeful spirit. The Christian who be
r lieves God and holds communion witt
Him is cheerful one, and cheerful
Christianity makes religion attractive
This cheerful religion which has its roo
e in the Divine is not overcome in th
midst of earthly sorrow and trial. How
q well we remember the scenes of anxiet,
. through which Mrs. Hastings passe,
when her julia was taken away, a pre-
: cious daughter whose holy life, ant
J triumphant death are an inspiration to us
!, and will be while memory lives. VIVA
= weary months were those. while the all
! guished mother watched the progress Q
that wasting consumption, that neithe
: love nor skill could control, till at las
J the end came, and her dear child wa
e laid to rest in the old grave yard at {
n But the mothers hopeful spirit ros
e above even this trial, and her calm trus
in God and in the wisdom of his dea
. ings, sustained her.
o In health and vigor it is comparitiv,
ly easy to maintain cheerful spiri