The Washington herald., 1909-07-04

-, ~ ~ c eeteI- ROBERT r. STEINER.
The good monk Felix. at the evening bell.
Knelt long in prayer within his quiet cell:
And from his lips the words devouuy
fell
Dec Gratias."
His lot in life to him seemed right and
good:
And always for the poor and scanty
His heart cried out in love and gratitude
"Deo Gratias."
he stood within the monastery gate,
His arms stretched through the bars for
aims 70 wait;
And for each gift he cried with heart
! elate-
Dec GratIas."
The little children. passing to and fro.
Would Oftentimes their tiny gifts best0w,
And wonder. as they heard IN accents
low
-Deo Gratias."
The years passed by; the monk grew
worn and OLD.
He suffered of with hunger, of with
cold:
But stn he cried for rnercies manifold
Dec Gratias."
God took him. and above his grave they
placed
A rudeIy-sashiOned cross. on which they
traced
In letters. which the years have not et-
faced
Dec Gratlas."
The centuries have passed. but Felix stll
Speaks on IN hearts that know and love
Gods viii,
Content to say. through good report and
Ill
Dec Gratias.
So as I fare along my pilgrim way,
With humble. grateful heart, fain would
say;
For all my mercies. this and every
Dec Gratias" EDITH '. BRADT.
Black Moursain. y. c.
I am thankful for the glow and grace.
And the wlnsome beauty Of the near,
The greatness OF the common place.
The glory Of the here.
M thankful for mans nigh emprise,
His stslwart sturdiness Of soul,
The long look Of his sl<yward eyes
That sights a far-oI goal
And so I feel % thank and bless.
Both things unknown and understood,
And thank the stubborn thankfulness
That maketn all things good
SAN WALTER FOss.
sunshine Club. 2S0 C street northwest.
There IS not a more pleasing exercise
OF the mind than gratitude Il Is ac-
cOmpauied with such an inward satisfac-
tiCn that the duty is sufficiently reward
ed by the performance. It IS not like the
practice OF many other virtues. difficult
and painful. but attended with so much
pleasure that were there no positive
command which enjoined il nor any
recOmpense laid Up for IL hereafter a
generous mind would indulge in Il for
the natural qualification that accom-
panies IT, FRANK HURLEY
l2s North CapaaI stree,
AS flowers carry dewdrops. trembling
on the edges OF the petals. and ready 20
fan at the first Watt of wind or brush Of
bird. so the heart should carry IT'S bead
ed words OF thanksgiving. and al first
breath Of heavenly flavor let down The
shower, perfumed with the hearts graJi-
tUde-Beecher. NAE H SHAW.
Il North Carolina s7euue southeast
In dictionary language gratitude IS 'an
emotion OF the heart excited by a benefit
or favor received" Il IS more than that.
however. i is the concentrated effort OF
heart. mind and body 10 repay a kind
ness Words of thanks are empty moth
20 return. 81 fullest measure. the favors
shown rs by others. Gratitude is heaven
born and heaven-sent blessing those who
give and those who receive. IL keeps the
welI-spring Of our hearts fresh and nat
ural. and where real gratitude is alive,
envy. hatred. and malice, lie buried for
ever. How barren and wasted Is the
parched heart unable 10 feel the pulsst-
ing thrill Cf gratitude Tor even the small
est favor, II is the OpIimist's best friend.
firing him az an times % be on the alert
for every opportunity 20 return 90 others
the good they have done unto him.
MARION GREGORY BARKER.
i353 street northwest
People do not always understand the
motives Of sublime conduct. and when
they are astonished they are very apt TO
think they ought 20 be alarmed The
truth Is. none are fit Judges or greatness
but those who are capable Of it-Jane
Porter. II. Z. l.
Gratitude IS the natural response Of the
heart 20 kindnesses intended or received
II implies (as q moral sentiment the de-
sire TO show a proper appreciation Of the
favor. and 10 reQuite it. II pOssible-D. 5
Gregory. IN Christian Ethics
-Fr.r 81
is the most perfect prayer.-LeSsing.
Mrs. L. T. HARTSHORN.
&c Webster street