Evening star., 1914-08-08
7lRp

truth in all the little ways of their daily
existence. One grows weary Of consti-
tutions and platforms and theories: why
not just try to live In simple and nat
ural goodness and happiness, as in the
presence of God? Much more will be ac-
complished SO than in the aoisier schemes
full of haste and rivalry!
OF course, the little things are the hard
est to do, and this for several reasons.
There is little glory or praise attached
to the regular. simple. consecrated life.
Human applause rings for the popular
hero, although he may be a selfish, COM
planning man in his own home; and hu-
man blame is for the man who fails in
some great scheme, although he may be
good and kind husband and father and
loyal Christian. Again. there is little
sympathy felt for him who is faithful in
little things. People take his upright
ness and loyalty as a natural thing. and
never realize how much of struggle he
may have In his personal life.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox has a sweet little
poem on pathetic strength" in which
she shows how often more thought Is
given to an invalid or to weak person
than to one who. bravely and with re-
serve concerning his own troubles. fights
on and unselfishly serves his fellows. and
it is very true to life.
Once more, the little things are apt to
grow monotonous and tame 1t is the
or poetry is associated with it save as
the faithful one finds the romance Of
happiness and the poetry Of Gods love
and care. Indeed. today one Is panied
by the easy way in which people neglect
the old fashioned virtues: they are even
scorned. as the home itself is scorned
in novel and play. while all sorts of at
fractions are eagerly sought
Take time to be holy" the old hymn
urges, but we modern folk are too busy
IN find
prayer or Bible or domestic pleasures.
We want excitement and scintlIlating as
sociatons and novelties. and so the love
for the simple and real is crushed. Even
Christians are often so active IN good
works that they neglect home and friends
and the quiet hour of devotion
After all it takes more determination
and force Of character just to be natural
ly faithful and good in our daily living
than to go out and fight public battles
Heroes OF little things are the finest
heroes. for they have to be very coura-
geous and continually watchful and SUD
nit to misunderstanding Of which no one
knows but God.
they have Joy all their own. No peace
EQUALS that Of the child who tries with
all his might to please Christ IN the Httie
words and deeds with which his life IS
crowded full. Life means SO much to MN
because all these little things mean so
much Opportunities crowd In upon him:
needs appeal to him: his brothers look to
him with pathetic confidence, knowing
that he can help them. and the dear Lord
of all speaks to the soul, as each days
work is done. a message of rare comfort
and praise. Here is a simple little poem
that tells the whole story:
Something each day--a smile,
1t it not much to give.
And the little gifts of life
Make sweet the days We live.
The world has weary hearts
That bless and cheer.
And a smile for every day
Makes sunshine all the year.
Something each day-a word.
We cannot know its power,
1t grows in fruitfuness
As grows the gentle flower.
What comfort II may bring
Where all IL dark and drear!
For kind word every day
Makes pleasant all the year.
Something each day-a thought.
Unselfsh. good and true,
That aids another's need
While We our way pursue.
That seeks to tighten hearts.
That leads to pathways clear.
For helpful thought each day
Makes happy all the year
Something each day-a deed
OF kindness and of good.
TO link in closer bonds
All human Brotherhood.
Oh thus the heavenly will
n