Aunt Hepsey’s Recipe

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1911

Aunt Hepsey’s Recipe

“Mother,” said Emily Rand, as she placed an empty jelly tumbler and unsoiled napkin on the dining-room table, “you haven’t any idea how much I enjoy going up to Aunt Hepsey’s.”

“Did she seem as bright and well as usual, dear?” asked Mrs. Rand, as she hurriedly laid the cloth for the noonday meal.

“I think so, mother; and she was delighted with the bread and jelly.”

“I imagine Aunt Hepsey’s gratitude, which is always so genuine, is the secret of my little girl’s pleasant visits there, isn’t it, dear?”

“No, mother,” replied Emily, thoughtfully, as she took the knife-tray from her mother’s hands; “it isn’t that; for when I don’t have anything for her, it’s always the same. It’s her beautiful face that attracts me; and when I come away, I always feel—why, I can hardly express it—sort of purified. I wish I had such a sweet face; then every one would love me too.”

“You can have such a face, dear, if you follow Aunt Hepsey’s recipe.”

“Recipe, mama? Why, that seems very strange. She doesn’t do anything to make her have such an attractive face; of course she doesn’t.”

“She certainly does, Emily; and it’s a recipe my own little girl may follow with like results. It’s to think beautiful thoughts, and beautiful thoughts make a beautiful face. The face, dear, is the mirror of the soul, and what the soul thinks the face expresses. Never allow yourself to think sour and disagreeable thoughts, but only those which are pure, unselfish, and sweet; and in time my little girl’s face will be just as beautiful and attractive as dear Aunt Hepsey’s.”—Exchange.