The Washington herald., 1911-01-08
By THE OPTIMIST.

By THE OPTIMIST.
Our subject for to-day THE Meaning
OF Optimism touching, as it does, the
very heart and spirit Of our organizations
has called forth, as had hoped it would,
some fine expressions from great ma
jority of our members. 1t was not, of
course, a difficult subject for the men,
bers of the club, for it is only meant a
frank expression Of what optismism has
meant to us individuals.
None Of US can say truthfully that THE
things that are, are the best" but at
least We can go far enough with Emerson
to believe that all things Are for the
best" and with him can believe that "all
things gravitate toward the good
don't mean that We should deliberate
ly shut our eyes to the evil that are about
US: not in blind hope or determined OPP
tmism deny that these exist For, first of
all, optismiSm must be truthfuEabove
all. with itself. But having abounding
faith and hope and charity, which are
the armor of the optimist, We may-nay,
We must-believe that the signs OF evil
and decay We meet are but temporary;
they are bound to be swept away in the
growth of the forces of good which spring
eternal in the human soul.
The trend is upward, brothers-afways
and steadily upward, There may be
times when even a good man may feel
despondent at what appears to be such
slow progress, but the opumist will look
backward as well as forward, and look
with the centuries before us will be able
to measure in grateful spirit how great
has been the advance.
And let US always remember that that
advance has been made by the hopeful.
by the optimistic, by those who con-
sistently passed the evil by with the
fine cry that however bad things might
seem they knew that
Gods in His heavens: alls right with the world.
And you, fellow-optimist, are doing
your part if you will only continue to
think hopefully, have faith, determine to
help others, to accept such help may
come to you Live your life simply and
honestly: be purposeful for the right;
claim happiness as your own. Thus II Is
that you shall come to realize to the
full joy. the delight. the hope that
is the true meaning of optimism.
Naturally, with this fine lot of con-
tributions, it has been more that ordi-
nariy difficult to select the prizewinninS
contributions. but after careful selection
have decided to award the two prizes
of S each to Mrs. Allie Sharpe Balch,
of 1895 Euclid street, and T. de Sales
Smith, Of 1411 Harvard street northwest
The prize-winning contribution follows:
PRIZE WINNERS.
Optimism makes one responsive to every
touch of nature; every whisper of love.
every appeal of humanity. 1t means to
make ones life helpful to ones fellow
man-working for love more than wages.
and thanking God for the strength and
knowledge to do that work. 1t teaches
US to stand every day in the year and
message of glad tidings.'' 1t stands for
of purpose and force of action.
and is around the edge, and in the mid
die; the circumference and diameter of
all the love and joy in this world, and is
with tact and unfailing kindness. 1t is
the mill that grinds the STiSt OF life: II
is hope leading out of the darkness of
regret, out of the shadows embittered
memory, with face uplifted to God.
] follow fast where thou has roved,
Fairest and purest and best beloved.
1 have felt thy kiss in the leafy aisle.
And thy breath astir in my floating hair
/ have met the light of thy shining
smile
In the deep still woods and pine-scent
air,
For thou lookest down from the bend
ing skies
(And the world is gladD with thy laugh
ing eyes. ALLIE SHARPE BALCH.
Optimism is the doctrine that everything
in nature is ordered for the best, and
the earnest follower of this teaching has
a companion that no misfortune can de-
press. no crime destroy, no enemy can
ALLEVIATE, and no despotism can enslave.
At home a friend, abroad an introduc-
ton, in solitude a solace,. and in society
an ornament. 1t chastens vice, it guides
virtue, and gives at once grace and gov
eminent to genius.
Optimism in the home means a world
where no storms intrude, a haven of
safety against the tempest of life. A lit
tie world of joy and love, of innocence
and tranquility. Suspicious are not there.
nor jealousy, nor falsehood with her
double tongue, nor the venom of slander.
Peace embraces it with outspread wings.
Plenty broodeth there. When a man en-
ne lOTSSlleIH MS SOIIo" anu cares
and disappointments.
Optimism is the creed and basic prin-
eiple Of Christianity. processing peace
to all mankind, teaching us those arts
which render US loved and respected,
to our present comfort, as
well as our future happiness. Its great
est ornament is charity-it inculcates
nothing but love and simplicity Of affec-
ton: it breathes nothing but the purest
spirit Of delight: in short it is a doctrine
improve the mind and enlighten the un-
TALLULAH DE SALES SMITH
SUBJECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY.
The subject for next Sunday, you will
remember. is In the Matter of Praise"
HONORABLE MENTION.
Optimism is the belief that in every |
thing the good predominates and all
things in nature are ordered for the best |
Optimism is the hooking ever upon the |
bright side, trusting for the best results, |
however discouraging the outlook. keep
ng up in the sunshine Of Gods promises
our blessings one by one,
Seeing what God for us has done;
Keeping ever a cheerful mood,
looking ahead for that which is good;
Helping that all the same may do;
True to ourselves. to others true.
UCIE BUSH kASSON.
At first thought this phrase. The |
meaning of optimism" might impress |
me az emanatinG from the Sarcasfi and