Items of Interest.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 695, 29 September 1909, Page 7

Items of Interest.

We do many things because they are called pleasure, which we should hate if they went by any other name. The things we want most in this world are always those beyond our reach. If we had them we wouldn't be a bit happier. We only think we would. No matter how little we have, we always have plenty to be thankful for. The secret of a happy life does not lie in the means and opportunities of indulging ow weaknesses, but in knowing how to be content with what is reasonable, that time and strength may remain for the cultivation of our nobler nature."

There is not a fault in our life which is not first a fault of the soul —a dark spot in our understanding, a cold spot in our heart, a sacred spot in out conscience, a weak spot in the will. The exterior failing must be dealt with from within.

Let us sometimes live —be it only for an hour, and though we must lay all else aside—to make others smile. The sacrifice is only in appearance; no one finds more pleasure for himself than he who knows how, without ostentation, to give himself that he may procure for those around him a moment of forgetfulness and happiness.

The little I have seen of the world teaches me to look upon the errors of others in sorrow, not in anger. When I take the history of one poor soul that has sinned and suffered, and represent to myself the struggles and temptatatious it has passed through, the brief pulsations of joy, the feverish inquietude of hope and fear, the pressure of want, the desertion of friends, I would fain leave the erring soul of my fellow-men with Him from whose hand it came.

The highest, the best the most permanent pleasures are those which are not souight, but which come from the faithful fulfilment of life's duties and obligations. Indeed, eager search after pleasure in any direction is always fruitless, because it implies a condition of mind to which enduringhappiness is a stranger. Selfishness and enjoyment may dwell together for a brief season, but the latter will soon wither away under the absorbing influence of the former.

A song in one's heart, a smile upon one's lips, a cheery, wholesome message of good-will on one's tongue, are wonderful helps to all kinds of people. There are so many burdens of sorrow and care and poverty and sin; so many doubting, discouraged, tempted hearts. To comfort and to make strong, to lift up and bless —are these not missions worth while? Try it, friend, and prove how truly your own heart and mind are cheered and made brave by your very endeavour to carry sunshine into dark places.