The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-06-19
JOE'S SIGN.

"Grumbling and Growing Done Cheap
Plenty of Material Always on Hand"
"Shall we call for JoeP" asked a
boy, somewhat hesitatingly, as he and
his friend were starting on fishing
excursion.
mo, SIR answered the other, en-
phatically. eff the sun shines it will
be too hot for him, and if it rains it
will be too wet for him. If there are
any pebbles on the road they will be
sure to get into his shoes, and WHEREBY
er we stop to fish he will know that
it's a poor place, not half so good as
one little farther up or little down
the river. Nothing will suit him, and
he will spoil all the fun. I'd like to
paint sign to hang over his door:
"Grimbling and Growing done Cheap
Plenty of Material always on Hand"
1t is pity that Joe could not have
heard the conversation; and there are
many other Joes whose doors deserve
the same sign. Grumbling is the east
est business in the world to learn, but
it is one of the most improbable after
it is learned. 1t is useless to the one who
engages in it, for it never yet made a
rough road smoother, heavy burden
lighter or long day shorter 1t never
mends Ills; it always adds to them.
And it is a useless business to other
people, for it furnishes wares that no.
body wants.
Il always try to have an errand out
of my office when that man comes in. :"
said a lawyer, speaking of an acquaint-
ance one day. HE is not bad man,
but he is always complaining of the
miserable weather and all his rheu-
MATES, aches and pains-tells how the
crops are blighted, what banks have
failed, and how dull business is, until
he makes me feel blue in spite of my
self. He sees the worst side of every
thing, and grumbles over all he sees.
| make a point of running away from
him whenever | can"
But that man is only q Joe grown
up, and the habit of complaining and
fault-finding has grown with him until
he seems to take life as dog does
bone, and only enjoys it by growing
over it. "a merry heart doeth good
like medicine, :" wrote King Solomon,
and we can easily fancy that the poor
King had so many dissatisfied, discon-
tented people in his court-people who
did not like the new laws, did not be-
lieve in the new officers, disapproved
of the plans for the temple, and thought
the Queen of Sheba should have stayed
at home-that he really did find it bet
ter than a good many bottles of tonic
20 meet sunny-faced man who took
cheerful view of things and did not
think the whole kingdom was going
to destruction.
The grumbler and growler, whether
he knows it or not, is both COW ardly
and selfish; he harms himself and ev-
cry body near him. But the brave,
cheerful, hopeful spirit, ready to bear
its share of hardships, courageously,
and make the best of whatever happens,
is blessing to itself and all around it,
and is welcome everywhere.
Boys, do not be Joes. Whatever
must be done, do it cheerily; whatever
must be bore, bear it bravely. Never
cry over any thing until you have made
sure there is not good hearty laugh
in it somewhere; and by The time you
have Knocked it to pieces to find out,
you will find yourself whistling, and
not feel like crying any way. "God
loveth cheerful giver," the Bible
says; and that does not mean only
those who are giving money, but
those who are giving labor, time,
strength or care as well. Every lesson,
every bit of work every little trial,
every duty that falls to your share, is
call to you to give something. DO it
heartily, and make your life like sun
shine. 'God loveth a cheerful giver."
Kate ". Hamilton, IN S. S. Visitor.