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IT IS BETTER

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 20, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 12.

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IT IS BETTER.

By Nixon Waterman

[Nixon Waterman, in Good Cheer.]
KEEP a smile on your lips; it is better To joyfully, hopefully try For the end you would gain than to fetter Your life with a moan and a sigh There are clouds in the firmament ever The beauty of heaven to mar, Yet night so profound there is never But somewhere is shining a star.
Keep a song in your heart; it will lighten The duty you hold in your hand; Its music will graciously brighten The work your high purpose has planned. Your notes to the lives that are saddened May make them to hopefully yearn, And earth shall be wondrously gladdened By songs they shall sing in return.
Keep a task in your hands; you must labor; By toil is true happiness won; For foe and for friend and for neighbor, Rejoice, there is much to be done. Endeavor, by crowning life's duty With joy-giving song and with smile, To make the world fuller of beauty Because you were in it awhile.