The Hartford republican., 1913-12-19
Hope and Cheer.

nope anu Cnecr.
of us allow our minds to become SO
engrossed with worldly cares that We
forget the need of cheerful thoughts
sunny smiles and kindly words.
Who have the God-gi,en light
OF hope in our breast can, by careful
thought. cultivate cheerful spirit
1 scattering smiles and sunshine along
life's uneven pathway.
Never was the stream OF life so
dark but that the sunshine of a
happy face falling across its turbid
tide would awaken an answering
CLEAN.
1t has been truly said, there Is no
greater everyday virtue than cheer
fulness.
There IS nothing gained by wasted
fretfulness, thoush many OF us are
prone to murmur and pine and shed
bitter tears, when we should be
cheered by hopeful visions OF bettre
fortune and happier days of sweeter
jyos.
Religion makes the heart cheerful
and when it's large and benevolent
principles are exercised we will be
happy in spite of ourselves.
Truly, at times 1t is difficult task
for the tapiest tempered to keep che
countenaEce CT peace and content,
but the diffiulty would vanish if We
would truly consider that sullen
gloom and passionate despair do
nothing but. multiply thorns and
thicken SORROWS.
Happy are they who in the midst
CT cares and disappointments retain
a cheerful spirit, patiently vending
their way over the thorny and rugged
paths, until by earnest perseverance
they find their burdens dissolving in
to mist, and trailing behind in the
distance. while the way before them
will really become beautiful, because
they are cheerful and happy and the
cares Of life are forgotten.
II there be some of us who feel
despondent and feel that life is grow
ing less interesting let us so for a
day to a nearby brook or grove with
merry, happy children, hear their
ringing laugh and be joyous with
them and make them happy. Notice |
their fair brows unshadOwed by care,
their clear eyes undimmed by tears,
theri pure hearts untainted by las-
sion. every word. look and action be-
speaking guilelessness. Spend a day |
thus, and see If there is not sun
shine and cheer in their presence, a
charm in their association which re-
freshes the world-weary heart, trans
the briars and thorns of life
into roses OF paradise by their tender
love and innocent happiness.
Then should we not make an effort
to cultivate cheerfulness in our home
circle, trying to make all within and
around US happy by pleasant smiles,
gentle words and loving deeds OF
kindness, thereby making home what
L should be-the most attractive ;
spot this side OF heaven? To take
vents cheerfully and promote the
happiness of others is the way to in /
sure he enduring spr.ns CT existence.
4 cheerful and benign temper that.
buds forth pleasant blossoms and /
,ears sweet fruit for htose who Live /
within its influence is sure to pro T
luce an undying growth OF fond re- {
that shall live in the
minds of others long after such no Z
lie character has passed 70 her re-
ward.
How lovely to recall the record
which smiles Of cheer and acts OF
owing kindness make upon the soul!
We are surrounded by friends and
leighbors whose hearts are often fill
a TO the brlm with sorrow. who need
he sunlieht OF our smiles to cheer
hem, the influence OF our love TO ,
trengthen and encourage them.
A late experience OF profound sor-
ow-the passing away OF an only
aren't. our beloved and revered faith
to our mind some OF the
ruths we have just written. G
Long will we cherish the lovins q
words OF tender sympathy. the pleas d
mt countenances OF those who tried n
o make US happy. p
Why, then. will we withhold words II
Il comfort smilas of cheer and deeds Il