The Washington herald., 1907-10-22
THE OPTIMIST.

It is easy. indeed, for a man to be op-
timistic over laughter and JOY and we'll
being. and il optimism could only teach
US and guide US in the happier moments
OF life, then. as a philosophy, il were
scarcely worth while. But once the spirit
Of optimism Is determined-and II IL a
free gift which any man may take sim
/ ply by determining to have tit win be
found that under every condition OF
wrong or I'll or sorrow that may happen
the spirit OF optimism is a very present
strength and help.
It is, however while things are well
with US. While the skies are blue and the
! heavens clear, while the eyes Of those
who love US look tenderly into our own
that We should accept optimism on pre-
cisely the same principle that makes us
accept the eommon-sense dictum: TN
times Of peace prepare for war" That
/ sorrow is TO be part of our portion in
the days 10 come is as certain as that
we are alive, and Mrs. Browning's THE
Cry Of the Human" with its refrain. BE
pitiful, o Godr is sure. sooner or later,
10 ind an echo in our hearts.
There is no God. the foolish saith,
But none There IS no sorow."
And nature oft the cry Of faith
In bitter need will borrow.
Ewes which the preacher could not school,
BY wayside graves are raised
and lips say God. Be- Htiful'
Who neer said God be praised" ."
BE pitiful. o God'
Nothing is more foolish than the ego
tism which induces a man TO believe that
under all and any conditions he Is suffi-
clent unto himself Most Of US, when
the world goes well with US, are inclined
10 pride ourselves on the accomplishment
Of happiness; few Of us there are who
are equally willing to blame ourselves for
our sorrows. Few of Us can say with
Won Humboldt: 7 look for neither help
nor consolation. for the grief which seeks
these is not the highest, and does not
come from the depths OF the heart" Most
| Of US do feel the need Of help and con-
ISOLATION; we look for 1t from our friends
/ our neighbOrs, from those who love US
these failing, it Is inevitable that, in spite
| all past neglects, the human soul should
1 turn to God
Sorrow after all has its distinct uses in
[ the scheme OF human life. AS DR.. John
! son said: There is no wisdom in use
less and hopeless sorrow; but there Is
/ something in il so like virtue that he who
/ Is wholly without it cannot be loved, mol
thought worthy Of esteem"
It is the function Of hopeful optimism
/ to teach US that it is only along the road
I Of sorrow that we may win to the field
beyond where sorrow is not.
The Path Of s0rrow. and that path alone.
Leads % the land where s0UDW Is unknown.
No traveller ever reached that best abode.
Who found not thorus and briers in his road.
It takes courage; the brave heart; tht
/ hopeful spirit; the clear outlook; the
armor Of faith, 10 enable Us to trave
along the brieT-laden road. The difficult
I ties are so many that with pessimism as
[ our companion. We shall hardly trave
/ far, for always the pleasant by-paths OF
Selfshness viii voice their appeal. and
doubt Will make US turn aside and in thC
/ present good lose the surety Of ultimate
I Joy. We can remember Il We will. witt
TennysOn. that
Never morning were
To evening. but some heart did break.
But it IS not well 10 dwell on such q
thought. II IS better far TO find Tenny-
( son in a more optimistic mood. crying.
This is truth the poet sings.
I That s0Tr0w's crown Of s0TrOw Is rememberin:
happier things.
! So optimism shall arm us against the
cowardly fear Of our sorrows. II shal
not teach US to glory in what strength
we possess, but will rather urge upon Us
[ the truth that what strength we have tc
/ use wisely or unwisely, comes from out
[ side ourselves. II shall teach US that sOT-
I row is the great idealizar; used rightly, q
wonderful benefaction; a trial from
/ heaven that sweetens life. that makes u'
! tender only 10 make US strong,
Since God the maker drew
I 4 mystic separation 'twiXt those twain
The life beyond u.s. and 0u souls in pain.-
We miss the prospect which We are called unto
/ By grief are fools 20 use. BE still and strong
/ o man. my brother Hold ,hy sobhing breath
and keep thy souls large window pure from wrong
/ That So as iife's appointment iSsgeth.
Thy vision may be clear q watch along
| The sunset consmmation-lights Of death.