The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-09-18

ties of glorious living A feeling Of gem
uine resentment seizes one when he is
accused OF being pessimist, because
pessimism is a hateful thing.
! am an optimist because l love light
better than darkness; life better than
death, and the promised felicities OF
heaven better than the reputed fortunes
Of perdition. Optimism broadens our
lives, deepens our compassion. strength
ems our good wiz. ChristianiZes our
spirits and sweetens and ennobles each
impulse and act of charity. These are
some of the reasons why l choose TO go
onward and upward in my efforts to
reach the plane OF the true optimist.
JAMES r. WEATHERs.
am an optimist because in all the
noise. confusion. controversy. and strife,
in the church. the home, the Office, and
everywhere, ii is about the nearest ap-
proach TO harmony between God and
man. brings greatest JOY 10 the greatest
number, and is profitable unto all things.
Mrs. ALTA NIDKIFF.
Why l am an optimist there are many
reasons. Not that l have been so sue
cessful or that my many dreams have
come true: far from H. But though
have met many disappointments. and at
times the outlook is dark and drear, I
still look upward and hope for brighter
days. We optimists. especially those of
us who believe that Dust thou AFT 10
dust returneth" was not spoken OF the
soul. who try 20 live up to that belief
by doing what good we can. knowing
that here we have no continuing city.
but seek one 10 come" can afford 70
smile even in the face of death Itself.
have had people TO say. You must be
very happy; you are always smiling.
Many a time, though. I have been far
from feeling happy. but being an opti-
mist, I have learned 10 look on the
brighter side. And so, through grief
through pain. through sickness. through
trouble. through sorrow. and disappoint-
ment. can keep smiling.
For the sun is always shining. though the
clouds are thick and dark.
Though the mighty winds are bowling.
though the muttering thunders roar.
Though the angry storm-tossed pillows
overturn your bark:
Meath the clouds the sun is shining.
there's a bright light on the shore.
Though stars are ever shining on the
darkest, drearest night.
Though the clouds and mists may hide
them from the weary travellers view,
Though there be no sign to guide you.
though the moon withholds her light.
Look beyond the clouds. now parted
see, the stars are shining through.
The sun is ever shining. then why should
We frown and fret.
When misfortunes overtake US, or trou-
BILE comes our way;
Why grieve. why weep, why worry for
the things you cannot get?
Why not go on smiling. hoping for a
brighter day.
JAMES CONWAY JACKSON.
Ten reasons why ] am an optimist;
l. Because 10 be an optimlst IS mine
by divine law OF God
>. Because optimist IS the name Of ma
lures greatest tonic
g. Because 70 be an Optimist is paying
the largest debt We owe 10 mankind.
l. Because 70 use your native intelli-
! gence correctly is 10 be at all times. I'M
der all circumstances, and under all con-
ditions. an optimist.
s. Because il is a privilege 10 be an
optimist. He who is an optimist can
hold MS head high and smile on the
whole world. and each man IS his
brother.
6. Because an optimlst can bow his
head the humblest, and engraven across
his optimistic heart are the words, "The
touchstone OF our love not praise. but
prayer"
7. Because to be an optimist is TO be a
great Christian great neighbor-a great
soldier. and a great, good citizen.
s. Because an optimist has a smile
for every Joy: a tear for every sorrow;
a consolation for every grief; an excuse
for every fault; prayer Tor every mis-
fortune: an encouragement for every
hope
9. Because this IS an optlmist prayer:
let your light so shine that they may
see your good works and glorify your
Father which is in heaven"
10. Because he who is an optImIst the
world will rise up and call him blessed.
HELENA 7. DOGGY.
LII % ola
The days that were pleasant and bright.
And find they are better than sadness
To tighten the gloom Of the night.
I balance the burdens I'm bearing
With others from which I am free.
And feel that the yoke I am wearing
Is light as the foam of the sea.
I learn that the secret OF living
Is doing the best that I can
And offer a prayer of thanksgiving
To God for His goodness 10 man.
JLEE.
In the first place, I am an optimist
because I am a realist, and the deeper
drink OF the cup OF life, the sweeter IL
grows-the sugar is all at the bottom"
Because life's labors and burdens are
its blessings, and its joys and comforts
and pleasures so far outnumber its sor-
rows, and. again. because cheerfulness is
the debt the soul owes to its Maker.
CAROLINE DUDLEY.
I owe my optimism to the training OF
the dearest and most conscientious
mother a child ever had She felt the i'm
portance OF early training and never lost
an opportunity to teach US with utmost
kindness and patience all that goes
toward making OF character. She be-
longed 20 your optlmist club till the day
Of her death last November.
Mrs A. E. RANNEY.