The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-02-25
THE oPTIMIsT.


the subject Of hope, which. after all, IS
the very weIi-spring Of optimism. There
are so many pessimists IN the world. PEG
pie who insist on going about doubling
not only the goodness OF God. but dwell
ing on their own unwcrthiness. and greet
ing the morning not with a smlle-which
is the only way on earth to get a smile
back in return-but with a snari. that ii
seems to me that We cannot too often or
100 insistently voice the cry Of hope-oi
the good things that are certain 10 come
If We lcok for them; OF hope that is ever
little way ahead Of US. and which leads
US with light step and gladstone heart
onward always to better things.
1t is hope-Gcd-impIanted in every
mans breast and only 20 be smothered
by persistent and wicked pessimism-
that lifts US out Of ourselves into the
realm Of higher things:
True hope Is swift. and flies with swallows wings
hings II makes gods. and meaner creatures kings
! suppose most Of US remember where
that passage occurs: the final speech OK
Richmond as he leads his forlorn hope
to Bosworth Field to meet Richard III.
Every man Of that little company under
the banner of Richmond. .-meaner crea-
ture, though he might be. felt himself
king as he fought with hope IN his
heart for God and the right.
That is optimism at its highest. II
leads us TO the resolve 10 do the very
best that IN Us lies, and 70 leave the is
sue, hopefully. with the God who fathers
US all. Heavens viii be done" cries the
true optimist; I am marching forward
with hope. no matter what befaIls." As
Milton sang;
Yet / argue not
Against Heavens hand ct viii or hate a lot
" heart or hope. but stil bear Up and steer
Right onward.
That IS the only spirit In which any,
thing good for the world was ever ac-
compllshed. IL Is not well To omen the
heart to hope, TO invite Il IN as a con-
slant visitor. and then to sit down. fold
our hands, and wait-in hope. Real hone
implies that a man has faith enough in
the eternal purposes Of God TO strive
toward his hope; march toward Il; work
Tor II; devote brain and heart and soul
20 its cause
Hope il our hearts doth only stay
Like trareler at an inn.
Who riseth up al the break Of cay
DIS journey 20 begin
To begin the days journey with pes-
simism and gloom IS 10 carry a heavy
burden on the back. d lies handicap IN
a race that is always 70 the swift.
Equipped with hope. on the other hand. a
man begins his journey with the sun In
his smiling face. and as If he had Dor
rowed some Of Mercury's plumes 10 his
Feet In one mood mans voice is clear
fc r,,-Fer1
tuned 10 natures harmonies. his heart
clean. and his spirit brave. for the hope
ful man viii not let fear enter into his
spirit. lest II halt him by the way. In
the other mood the clouds are lowering
DARK; the way uncertain: the heart IS
heavy with doubt and the memory OF
ones past sins and mistakes hang on
him tai his pace becomes painful and
slow
Il IS not a question Of Gods gift.
abuncantly held by one man denied 10
another The glorious gift OF hope is
there for all 81 US TO take or leave. as We
VIII. II Is question whether YOU would
rather be miserable or happy. march
resoiCtely Forward, or hang meticuloUsly
back! The choice is left 10 ourselves.
Fix your hopes high then-as high as
you viii. nor fear 70 climb because The
fan may be hard. Much better 10 fall
than never 70 have striyen. One thing
certainly is demanded OF a man in this
world. that he should express something.
DO something. hope something. The
chronic pessimist with his weak and
mawkish cry Of What's the USE" is
the only man who for mis- hindering the
great scheme Of happiness and Joy
should be utterly and deservedIy damned!
And even for such poor wretches there
must be hope,
hoie h'lnoiy then; with trembling pinions sosr,
Wait the great teacher Death. and God adore
What future bliss he gives not thee 10 znow,
But saFes that hope to T. thy blessing nov.