The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-20

Optimism is the days fad. 1t is a good
fad. despite the evidence that some per
sons are trying 10 feed their spirits on
what Carlyle called "a diet Of broad
grlns." Mere needless good nature and
careless assurance are not the real optim-
ISM. Real optimism has its springs in a
thankful heart. It IS grateful for the
good, and looks ever on tho brighter
side because it is the better side, and, all
things considered. the truer side also. IN
shakabIe optimism IS that which is pill
Jared in a simple trust in God. Il be-
lieves that all things will come out right
in the end, because God is in control
and his other name IS love.
A thankful heart is greater riches than
a full purse.
For human love- and love divine
For Ioro Of ours. and love n Thine
For heaven on earth and heaven above,
j C. Holland.
1t takes uncommon grace to be thank
full for common mercies.
Among all tho blessings for which
mortals should give thanks the blessing
OF q thankful heart should have a high
place. This spirit Of gratitude which
recognizes Gods good guidance In all
OF life, and is not merely resigned to
his providences. but grateful for them. is
n trace of the divine in the human.
For It was Gods own Son who taught
men TO say. Father, thank thee"
A mans wife died The loss was sore,
for the love that knit them together was
strong. and the husband had been wont
70 lean heavily upon his wifes tender
care and counsel. After her death the
man showed no bitterness; and the secret
was explained when somebody heard him
praying alone. His prayer was not one
OF grief, but Of gratitude that for so
many years God had given him this rich
love and JOY. He confessed himself un-
worthy or such a great honor and bless
ing. but he thanked God for IL. and
prayed that he might be kept ready for
the eternal reunion with his beloved. Is
it any wonder that this mans bereave-
ment has been means OF grace 70
him. and 10 all his wide circle OF friends2
Ills gratitude has made him great.
"Thanksfulness for blessings" says
Amos r. Wells. rs almost always a
greater blessing than those for which We
are thankful"
Since every day IS Gods day, every day
should be a thanksgiving.
Happiness is the thanks we.say TO God,
Just to be glad is gratitude.
These are the gifts / ask
Of thee. Spirit serene:
Strength for the daily task
Courage 70 face tho road.
Good cheer 20 help me bear the travellers Load,
And for tho hours Ct rest that come between
An inward soy for all things heard and seen.
Anon.
A few years ago there was a jingling
cong popular with Christian Endeavor
Societies and Sunday schools-"Count
your blessings, name them one by one"
The idea was better than the poetry. Il
is good basic philosophy for life. To
exercise ones will in the resolute recog-
milton OF the joys Of existence is TO evoke
new sources Of peace and power from the
depths OF ones own nature. The modern
theory OF medicine is founded largely
upon this principle Dwell upon the
good. and that very act will do you
good. Think bright, grateful thoughts
and your life VIII have added reasons
for brightness and gratitude.
Earth is an apprenticeship TO heaven.
II We are TO spend eternity there I'm
praising God, would II not be sensible
10 begin row 20 practice?