SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 488, 16 September 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

CHEERFULNESS. "In answer to the question "How are we to overcome temptatiom," says D;an Goulburn, " cheerfulness is the first thing, cheerfulness the second thing and cheerfulness the third." He goes on with: " It is very true faiut heart never won anything that was worth winning, least of all a spiritual battle ; whefbas victories have been won against fearful odds by some news which has raised th e spirits of the troops." * We Christains, above all othei's, ought to be cheerful, for have we not every reason for being so? Our present life is under the direct management of a wise and lovinsr Father and our future also in His safe keeping, and yet ala&, how often do we give way to melanoholy excusing ourselves by saying that wo live in a " vale of tears " that " this life is not our rest," and we cannot expect to bo happy here. My friends I if we are not happy here, where God has placed us, I very much doubt our being happy anywhere els?. ' If we really believe what we profess we must be happy and wo must show that inward joy by a cheerful exterior. Are we not called " children of the light" then let us cultivate the habit of cheerfulness and live up to our name. But how are we to do this ? Look on thes bright side of things—there always is a bright side if only we look for it, ani the darkest cloud has a silver lining. " Things never are so bad but they might be worse." However bard this habit is to acquire (to some natures specially so) eaoli time we make the effort it becomes easier, and the influence of cheerfulness on our own character and those we live with is incalculable. Those in authority, parents, teachers, the heads of ofiices and shops must realise the influence their condition of mind exercises ovor those beneath them. It is not so much the actual words said as the tone in which they are spoken. Little children especially reflect back their elder's disposition'. Some days come, as wo all know, when everything seems to go wrong; then what a diffi.renc» it makes if the head can maintain his cheerfulness and not grumble or lose heart. We should endeavour in every way to train up our littlo ones to b 9 cheerful for it is a good habit and easier to acquire when young. How delightful it is when a child obeys oheerfully. Every work is better done, if performed brightly and gifts are more acceptable when offered iu this spirit. " God loveth a cheerful giver.'' St. Paul enjoins us to '.' sh»w meroy with cheerfulness." On an old sundial were inscribed these words: •' I mark only the hours that ■hine." This is an excellent recipe for cheeerfulness. Don't dwell on painful seasons—let them pass—only remembering them with thankfulness for God's mercy shown to us and for the lessons learnt therefrom, Count up our blessings, take ono of the chief of them and think how earnestly we should desire it did Ave not possess it. A cheerful spirit helpaus in our daily round of duty, gives us m ny a victory, makes many a friend and above all is well pleasiug to God David said " i delight to do Thy will, 0 God." Cheerfulness is the never failing characteristic of who are truly children of the light. For is not light at once the most joyous of all things and the onlivener and gladdener of all nature, the dispeller of sickly cares, the calmer of restless disquietude. Archdeacon Hare (F).